On 23 April 2016 at 1230, a Purple Heart was presented to Sergeant Ronald L. Hinkle.  The ceremony took place at American Legion Post 229 located at 200 West Woodlawn, Louisville, KY.

On 15 April of 2006, SGT Hinkle’s vehicle was hit by an IED while serving with the 1-8 Combined Arms Battalion, 3^rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4^th Infantry Division.  As a result, he suffered Cardiac, Pulmonary, and Renal Failure.  He spent 49 days in a coma and remembers little details about that day.

On July 14, 2014, thieves broke into SGT Hinkle’s home, stealing electronics and jewelry, including his Purple Heart.  This was the same Purple Heart that was presented to him on 03 November 2006 by Vice President Richard Cheney during a special ceremony at Fort Carson, Colorado.

When Purple Hearts Reunited heard about this particular theft, they felt moved to secure a replacement Purple Heart medal and a personal letter from the former Vice President which was presented to SGT Hinkle.

Presenting the medal on behalf of Purple Hearts Reunited, was Valor Guard Director, LtCol (R) Mitchell Bell.