Local Heroes: El Paso's Military Veterans Awarded Purple Hearts

El Paso, Texas has a STRONG love for the brave men & women in the U.S. military; some of even earned the coveted Purple Heart. If you don't know what the Purple Heart is, it's the award the military gives to soldiers who have been wounded or killed in combat. Today there are MILLIONS of purple heart recipients and while it's impossible to list them all, here are some that have been from El Paso.

Darnell Applewhite got a Purple Heart 20 years ago in 2004

While on deployment to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom, 1st Sgt. Darnell Applewhite & 6 of his fellow soldiers all received a Purple Heart after being wounded overseas.

The World War II vet, Harry Perez Cerezo, received his Purple Heart in early 2024

Harry not only celebrated his 101st birthday in January at a local Hooters, but he celebrated getting his Purple Heart after his service in World War II & the Korean War. Not a bad way to celebrate...

William Wooldridge

First Sgt. Major William Wooldridge passed away in El Paso, Texas on March 5, 2012 at the age of 89; he came to the El Paso area by working at the White Sands Missile Range in 1969. William received the Purple Heart for gallantry during the Battle of Aachen in World War II.

John E Lee received the Purple Heart posthumously in mid-2024

John E Le was a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class in the U.S. Navy for his actions on the MS Sunoil in World War II. John received his Purple Heart after his passing, however it was lost for decades. Thankfully it was recovered by John's granddaughter in May of 2024.

An honorable mention has to go to the El Paso Rhinos hockey team

And let me explain. The EP Rhinos became the very first hockey team in Texas ever to be named a purple hearts sports team because of their endless support for remembering brave military veterans. This is confirmed on the official Purple Heart website too.

The team posted about this on their Instagram page & they expressed their huge thanks for this achievement.

There are many more brave soldiers to remember so take this time to thank the soldier in YOUR life. We thank you for your bravery & your service.

Get our free mobile app

A Walk Around El Paso's Old Glory Memorial

The El Paso Old Glory Memorial has been a sight of remembering the veterans who have fought for this country since 2003. Here is a look around the Memorial including some of the plaques & donations you can find there.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

El Paso Strong: The Texas Bucket List Loves these Local Spots

Since 2013, The Texas Bucket List has visited many incredible destination spots throughout the Lone Star State. And over a dozen of them have been right here in the El Paso. Here are some of the El Paso locations they've visited throughout the show.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

10 National Historic Landmarks You Can Visit in Texas

If you want to take a road trip to see some of the greatest & historic national landmarks in Texas, there are many to choose from. Here's some to plan on seeing in the future.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

Source: Brave El Paso Soldiers That Deserve Your Respect