DECEMBER 2, 2025 – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth presented a soldier with the esteemed Purple Heart during a brief ceremony attended by just under two dozen service members and civilians in an aircraft hangar at the Dominican Republic’s San Ysidro Air Base, Nov. 27.
Army Master Sgt. Amy Vreeland qualified for the award as a result of a mild traumatic brain injury she suffered while deployed to Afghanistan in 2019. However, an administrative backlog resulted in her not receiving the award until January 2023 — roughly three and a half years after she sustained her injury.
To make matters worse, the award was mailed to her instead of being presented.
Prior to pinning the Purple Heart on Vreeland, Hegseth made clear that such stories are very relatable to him.
He then spoke about an Army infantry leader of his in Iraq years earlier who, despite having shown great bravery and valor in combat, received his award — a Silver Star — in the mail, much like Vreeland.
“And I remember how much that kind of stung him. … And it stuck with me,” Hegseth said.
He then explained that, since assuming the top leadership role at the Pentagon in January, his philosophy is that all awards based on valor should be presented in person, regardless of the unit the awardee is attached to or where in the world they are stationed.
“Wherever you are, someone [should take] the time. It doesn’t have to be a big ceremony; it could be something intimate like this,” Hegseth said, noting that what’s most important is that commands take the time to “recognize heroism [and] recognize excellence” in person.
“Thank you, sir, for being here today; it’s truly an honor that you have … taken your Thanksgiving to be here,” Vreeland told Hegseth after he presented her with the Purple Heart. “I am truly humbled that you would take time out of your day to come here and recognize me. Thank you very much.”
Hegseth noted that the origin of the decoration — the oldest military device still given to military members — dates back to George Washington and the Revolutionary War.
“So, it’s as old as our country,” Hegseth said of the Purple Heart, before reemphasizing the importance of presenting the decoration to Vreeland in person.
“And I hope you’ll do the same in your units,” he told those in attendance.
Vreeland continues to serve on active duty after 20 years of service despite ongoing complications from her injury.
By Matthew Olay
Pentagon News