June 10th proved to be an eventful and productive day as the “Husky Battalion” hosted the “Purple Heart Project” on the campus of Juarez Lincoln High School.
The day started with a parking space dedication to honor MSG Gonzalo Melendez (Army Instructor for JLHS JROTC) who is a recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries he suffered during his combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2013. The purple heart dates back to 1782 following the Revolutionary War, General George Washington presented this medal to his soldiers. The Purple Heart medal was reinstated during World War I, with the first medal presented to General Douglas MacArthur.
The parking space is located in the teacher parking lot, directly in front of the JROTC building is designated only for MSG Melendez and other Purple Hear recipients.
The Husky Battalion was also presented a check for $3,000 to pay for custom built trophy cabinets.
The founder of the “Purple Heart Project” in Boerne, Texas, Mark “Chef” Sierra presented the sign for the parking space and also the check for the trophy cabinets. To close the festivities, Cadets received a Zoom phone call from legendary Professional Wrestler “Goldberg”.
