Beech Tree News Network

Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Gary L. Wolfinbarger was honored on the courthouse lawn this afternoon when he received a Purple Heart for his service to his country in Afghanistan. Sgt. Wolfinbarger suffered multiple injuries after the vehicle he was in was struck by an improvised explosive device, or IED, on December 14, 2008.

Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson was on hand to present Wolfinbarger with his Purple Heart as well as inducting Wolfinbarger into the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Army as a Kentucky Colonel.  Accompanying Wolfinbarger was wife Lisa.  

Prior to presenting Wolfinbarger with his Purple Heart and his KY Colonel citation, Abramson spoke of Wolfinbarger.

"Sergeant Gary Wolfinbarger served the United States Army for 24 years after he joined in 1983. In March of 2008 he was sent to eastern Afghanistan to conduct route reconnaissance and area clearance operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom," said Abramson, "The battalion was responsible for clearing minefields in Afghanistan setting new records by clearing over 1 million square meters of terrain and safely disposing of 216,000 landmines that presented a threat to our American soldiers."

Abramson continued, "In December of 2008, Sgt. Wolfinbarger was performing grounds clearing duties when his vehicle was hit by an IED. Sgt. Wolfinbarger sustained multiple physical and neurological injuries and was medically retired in July of 2009. He has received numerous awards throughout his career including two Army Commendation Medals, two Bronze Stars for service in southeast Asia, and a Combat Action Badge."

After receiving his Purple Heart, Wolfinbarger addressed the crowd gathered on the courthouse lawn.

"I would like to thank everybody for coming out today." Wolfinbarger also thanked his family, Joyce Hamilton of the Wounded Warriors project, and his brothers and sisters.

Notable guests included Lt. Governor Abramson, Irvin Lyons Jr. Post Commander of the Department of the Kentucky Order of the Putple Heart, Mrs. Gayle Lyons President of the Department of the Ladies Military Auxillary Order of the Purple Heart, Lt. Colonel Richard Palmer, State Senator Mike Wilson, members of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club, Judge-Executive David Fields, and Mayor Linda Keown.