4 months ago
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MITCHELL, S.D. (KELO) -- A graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University was honored Thursday for his sacrifice while serving with the U.S. Army overseas nearly 20 years ago.
Jerry Stravia received the Purple Heart for injuries he received in Iraq.
The retired soldier who heeded a call to military duty now answers to an even higher calling.
It's rare for a church pastor to admit to being at a loss for words.
"I get paid to speak for a living, so don't judge me right now," Purple Heart recipient Jerry Stravia said.
The lighthearted laughter brought a pause to an otherwise emotional moment for Jerry Stravia as he received a Purple Heart for the brain injury he received during combat in Iraq back in 2007.
"I had really bad PTSD, my wife's been through the ringer. A lot of ups and downs with identity," Stravia said.
Stravia credits divine intervention for his healing. His faith journey brought him into the clergy where he now serves as a senior leader at Prairie Winds Church in Dickinson, North Dakota.
"He came out the other side a different man. He decided to live and that he got busy living and he got ...
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