Tyndall Airmen receive Purple Heart

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dustin Mullen
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The uniform worn by military service members represents the willingness to give the ultimate sacrifice for one's country. To wear the uniform is to understand that being thrown into harm's way is a regular possibility. For two Tyndall Airmen, that possibility became a reality.

Technical Sgt. Benjamin Wilhelm, Det. 1, 823rd RED HORSE explosive ordnance disposal contingency instructor, and Staff Sgt. Anthony Cerrone, Det. 1, 823rd RHS explosive ordnance disposal contingency instructor, have lived that possibility multiple times  and were presented the Purple Heart July 18 for injuries they sustained during combat operations while deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Wilhelm was deployed to Iraq as an EOD team leader in 2008, and Cerrone deployed as an EOD technician to Afghanistan in 2009.

On multiple occasions during their deployments, enemy rockets and improvised explosive devices exploded in very close proximity to Wilhelm and Cerrone, resulting in Traumatic Brain Injury.

"There are so many more deserving military members out there that have sacrificed more than me," said Wilhelm. "I am blessed and honored to even be considered in the same category."

The Purple Heart is awarded for wounds or death as result of an act of any opposing armed force, as a result of an international terrorist attack or as a result of military operations while serving as part of a peacekeeping force, according to the Air Force Personnel Center's website.

Both men are still on the road of recovery.

"In 2013, both Wilhelm and Cerrone were referred to, and evaluated by, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence located in Bethesda, Md.," said Major Steven Thomas, 823rd RHS commander. "NICoE specializes in 'providing cutting edge treatment planning, diagnosis, research, and education of service members and families dealing with the signature wounds from Afghanistan and Iraq wars' to include traumatic brain injury."

While severe TBI can leave a person almost incapacitated, even mild TBI can lead to symptoms, including headaches, balance problems, hearing problems, lack of self-control, mood changes, ringing in the ears, problems sleeping and memory loss. Recovery can take years.

It is hard to judge how many troops have been affected with TBI. The Defense Department's numbers have ranged from 50,000 to 115,000. The Brain Injury Association of America's website estimates the number at 360,000 and Research and Development Corporation's website has suggested it could be as high as 400,000.

"To any Airman, EOD or other career field--if you need help, go get it," said Cerrone. "If you're unsure, then ask. There are great treatment facilities out there, one of which is the NICoE where if you have TBI, you can be afforded the opportunity to go."