U.S. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS TO PRESENT PURPLE HEART TO TUCSON ARMY VETERAN
Ariel Hernandez Frayre was injured while serving his nation in Iraq
October 29, 2008
TUCSON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on Thursday will present the Purple Heart to Ariel Hernandez Frayre, a Tucson Army veteran who was injured while serving his country in Iraq.
A computer failure that resulted in the loss of Frayre’s medical records prevented the soldier from receiving the combat medal after he was injured on Feb. 14, 2008. Giffords’ office assisted Frayre in getting the medal.
Frayre, a 28-year old naturalized American from Hermosillo, Mexico, now works as an agent for the U.S. Border Patrol. He came to the United States with his mother at 14 and enlisted in the Army four years later. While serving in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Frayre was traveling from Forward Operating Base Liberty in eastern Baghdad to Forward Operating Base Justice in northern Baghdad when his convoy hit an IED. Frayre, his driver and his gunner all sustained injuries.
The Purple Heart is given to service members who have been “wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.” Frayre will receive the medal in the company of his wife Megan and his children, 4-year old Elizabeth and 2-year old twins, Angel and Daniel.
WHAT: U.S. Reps. Gabrielle Giffords presents Purple Heart to Tucson Army veteran Ariel Hernandez Frayre
WHEN: 11 a.m., Thursday, October 30
WHERE: The courtyard at Giffords’ District Office, 1661 N. Swan, Tucson
