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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-A veterans service organization that exists to support combat-wounded veterans has elected James Randles, 61, of Atlanta is the new National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Some 38,000 strong, the group consists exclusively of those wounded in combat who received a Purple Heart for wounds inflicted by the enemy.
In addition to helping members receive the Veterans Administration benefits they are entitled to, the organization also sponsors a scholarship program and a national prescription drug program online.
Randles grew up in Medford, Ore. and graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1961. He received an ROTC commission in February 1967 upon his graduation from the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada. He retired from the military in February 1987.
Randles spent his Army career as a tanker, serving in various positions in armored and cavalry units. He was the troop commander of G Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. It was during this command that he was wounded and eventually evacuated to Madigan Army Hospital in Fort Lewis, Wa.
Serving in various posts around the world, he eventually ended up assigned to the Readiness Group Atlanta, where he decided to retire.
His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star for Valor earned in Vietnam, along with the Purple Heart and two more Bronze Stars. Randles was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
His upward movement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart included stints as a Chapter Commander, Department Commander, Region IV Commander, National Junior Vice Commander and finally National Senior Vice Commander.
Randles and his wife of 32 years, Jerolyn, live in Atlanta, Ga. They have one daughter, Jerolyn Nicole Redstrom, who also resides in Atlanta.
He is currently employed as the Veterans Affairs Operations Officer for the State of Georgia.
To learn more, visit the Web site at www.purpleheart.org.
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