FORT CARSON — The Purple Heart is awarded to those who have been injured in combat. It's a symbol of service and sacrifice.
Thursday, family and fellow soldiers at Fort Carson were on hand as Chief Warrant Officer Jared Grindstaff received his Purple Heart. Grindstaff was deployed on a mission in Afghanistan when he was injured.
Grindstaff says while the memories are hard to speak about in public, he is grateful to his wife and their family who keep him grounded and help him stay strong.
"My kids are my why, they are my reason, so, I start talking about my kids and... this award... and them being able to be here for this award... that's the emotions that... I get, just... an overwhelming sense of... honor and gratitude," said Grindstaff.
Grindstaff's older brothers also served in the military. He was motivated to join because he looked up to them and fell in love with being a part of the Army.
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