Facts about Purple Heart
About Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)
The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is a Congressionally-chartered veteran’s organization made up of combat-wounded veterans that provides support and assistance for all veterans and their families. MOPH provides programs and services to any veteran who has served in the United States Armed Forces, whether or not they have received the Purple Heart medal.
About Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (MOPHSF)
Chartered in 1957, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (MOPHSF) is the fundraising engine of Military Order of the Purple Heart membership organization. MOPHSF also advises and confers with U.S. bureaus and departments on any matters of interest and importance to disabled ex-servicemen and women. MOPHSF relies on financial, household and car donations to fund programs and services for military veterans and their families.
About the Purple Heart Medal
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy – specifically, a combat decoration. The Purple Heart medal originated from first U.S. President George Washington’s respect and acknowledgement for veterans’ combat valor, then awarding the Merit Badge, which today is widely known as the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart medal represents courage, sacrifice, commitment and “heart.”
How MOPH is Helping Veterans
MOPH’s programs and services focus on emotional, physical, educational and financial support for wounded and disabled veterans, to help improve their lives. Programs include suicide prevention, support for veterans with brain injuries, counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and assistance for women’s health issues – all common challenges for combat-wounded veterans. MOPH provides scholarships, family assistance, claims assistance and employment training. Family members also get support, learning how to help disabled veterans to cope with their physical, emotional and behavioral challenges.
Priority Support Areas for Veterans
While MOPH provides programs and services in many meaningful areas, four common challenges for combat-wounded veterans — suicide prevention, Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), brain injury and women’s health concerns – have become priorities for support. These timely issues are a battle for veterans, even when off the battle field. Recently, MOPHSF donated $500,000 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, to jumpstart the construction of centers to help veterans with brain injuries and PTS. Additional programs are helping veterans and their families with these top-four challenges.
MOPH continues to identify areas of concern for veterans and their families, while finding solutions through programs, services and support. Since 2008, the organization has invested more than $42 million in its efforts; helped more than 105,760 veterans get their claims approved; and connected veterans with more than $1,479,550,766.00 in claims from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. On an annual basis, MOPH’s 1,444 volunteers give more than 160,666 dedicated volunteer hours, which translates as more than $3,556,083 in savings to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — impacting the lives of veterans, while “honoring their sacrifice with our service.”