Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chief of Staff to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno Denise Jordan, Police Commissioner John Barbieri, Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, and Councilor Tom Ashe participated in a ceremony to officially pin Specialist Joseph Gucciardi of Springfield with his Purple Heart. Specialist Gucciardi was awarded the medal for wounds received in combat during his tour in Afghanistan in December of 2009.
Mr. Gucciardi is currently a senior at Western New England University, where he is studying Engineering. Additionally, he has worked in the Springfield Veteran’s Services Department as a work-study student since June of 2014, and focuses his efforts on the Veteran’s Activities Committee. Actively involved in veteran’s affairs, he has also created the WNEU Student-Veteran Organization, and is pursuing its official affiliation with the Student-Veterans of America.
Mayor Sarno stated, “Like a true hero- humble and brave and just doing his job. Godspeed to Mr. Gucciardi and all our veterans.”
“The Purple Heart is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s history can be traced back to General George Washington and the end of the American Revolution. A combat decoration, it represents extraordinary service, bravery and sacrifice. And those are the qualities Joseph Gucciardi displayed during his tour of duty in Afghanistan. I strongly believe we must recognize the important work our men and women in uniform do to keep our country safe. And that is why it is an honor to present the Purple Heart to Specialist Gucciardi today,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
