BROOKINGS Motorists entering Brookings via the citys main thoroughfares will now see a special tribute to a special group who are especially cited among our nations military veterans: those men and women who have been wounded while serving in uniform.
Making it official on Friday evening in a ribbon cutting ceremony at Rays Corner in downtown Brookings, Police Chief Michael Drake read a proclamation dated Nov. 14, 2023, and signed by Mayor Oepke Niemeyer: Brookings is now a Purple Heart City.
The mayor noted that the City and our community have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all individuals who have and are selflessly serving their country and this community in the United States Armed Forces. He added that veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities and placing themselves in harms way for the good of all.
In concluding his proclamation, Niemeyer singled out those citizens of our community who were wounded in combat and were awarded the Purple Heart Medal in recognition of their meritorious acts of bravery and service to our nation.
One Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient for whom the ceremony had a special and emotional meaning was Connie Johnson, who is presently coordinator for Veterans Affairs at South Dakota State University.
In January 2004, Johnson was a 19-year-old soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in the last month of her tour of combat duty. She was a turent gunner on an armored gun truck that was hit by an IED (improvised explosive device). She suffered a concussion, was disoriented and bleeding from shrapnel wounds to her head and neck.
She was treated and evacuated to a hospital for further treatment. She was awarded her Purple Heart while hospitalized. She would leave the Army, get on with her life and education, graduating from SDSU with a degree in education and human sciences. But along the way, like many combat veterans, Johnson would again do battle with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
When I came back, I didnt say anything to anybody for a really long time, she told The Brookings Register on Friday, following the ribbon cutting ceremony. I had a lot thoughts, memories about the incident. I eventually reached out for help.
Its ongoing. When I talk about my injuries, instead of being overwhelmed by my emotions, Im able to express it and work through it and then relate to other people.
In talking with other veterans who have had or are still battling PTSD, she works to help those who are overwhelmed by their emotions. She assures them that eventually they will overcome PTSD: but as for when that happens, it can be difficult to know.
Contact John Kubal at [email protected].
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