BROOKLAND, Ark. (KAIT) – A retired Arkansas National Guard NCO received the Purple Heart nearly 20 years after sustaining multiple injuries from roadside bombs during the Iraq War.
Surrounded by friends, family and military members, retired Arkansas National Guard NCO Joe Shelby received the Purple Heart at a ceremony in Brookland on Wednesday.
Retired Sgt. 1st Class Shelby first deployed to Iraq on July 19, 2006.
While overseas in Balad, Iraq, he served as platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, 875th Engineer Battalion…