Four Airmen awarded Purple Heart

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England — Senior Airman Edgar Veguilla received a Purple Heart Monday for injuries he received when a gunman boarded his bus March 2 at Frankfurt International Airport and opened fire on his security forces team and the bus driver.

Airman Veguilla was the last of four Airmen who were killed or wounded that day to receive the prestigious medal.

Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden, 48th Security Forces Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Zachary R. Cuddeback, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, were posthumously awarded the medal March 19 and March 12, respectively. Staff Sgt. Kristoffer Schneider, 48th SFS, received his March 20.

Airman Veguilla was shot four times that day. The first shot hit his jaw, the second struck his right elbow, the third ricocheted off of one of his ribs, causing the bullet to miss his vital organs, and the final shot grazed his right arm.

Air Force Security Forces Director Brig. Gen. Jimmy E. McMillian presented Airman Veguilla with the medal.

“I am deeply humbled and honored,” General McMillain said. “There is no greater thing in the world I could be doing right now. I thank all of you for being here and recognizing one of our heroes.”

Although he did not expect so many people to be in attendance, and he never set out to receive the award, the wounded Airman appreciated their support and was honored to receive it, he said.

“Being awarded the Purple Heart is probably one of the greatest honors anybody would ever feel,” Airman Veguilla said.

The Purple Heart is a medal awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded in action. If the service member is killed in action, the next of kin is awarded the medal.