Tucson, Ariz. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva will present two families with military awards at an August 10 ceremony at his district office in Tucson. Recipients include Richard Wamsley, who was wrongly denied a Meritorious Unit Award Ribbon due to record-keeping errors, and the family of Jesus Ramirez, a World War II veteran who earned a Purple Heart and other decorations that will be reissued.
The Meritorious Unit Award is given to Air Force units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in direct support of combat operations for at least 90 continuous days since September 11, 2001. The Meritorious Unit Award Ribbon was supposed to be awarded to Mr. Wamsley for his service between January 6th and August 15, 2006. On September 14, 2010, Rep. Grijalva’s office was informed, after several inquiries, that Mr. Wamsley’s record had been incorrectly annulled. On August 2 Rep. Grijalva’s office finally received the Meritorious Unit Award Ribbon, and Rep. Grijalva formally will award it to Mr. Wamsley at this event.
Mr. Ramirez served in the 505th Parachute Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in World War II. He was severely wounded at Nijmegen, Holland, and settled in Tucson after retiring from the Air Force. He passed away in 1987. His family has since lost his Purple Heart and Air Force Longevity Service Award with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, all of which will be reissued at the family’s request.
“This is exactly the kind of constituent service Southern Arizona families should get, and I’m happy my office could help these deserving veterans get the recognition they’ve earned,” Grijalva said.
When: Wednesday, August 10, 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where:Grijalva District Office, 738 N. 5th Ave. Suite 110 in Tucson
Contact: Jose Miranda, (520) 622-6788