U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, U.S. Representative John Carter (R-TX31), U.S. Representative Roger Williams (R-TX25) and Texas Governor Greg Abbott are proud to honor the victims of the Fort Hood shooting with the Purple Heart Award for the sacrifices made during and after the 2009 terrorist attack on Fort Hood, Texas.

Sen. Cornyn, Sen. Cruz, Rep. Carter and Rep. Williams secured language in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that adjusted the Purple Heart criteria so that service members and civilians who experienced an attack inspired by terrorism can receive the appropriate awards and recognition.

“Today’s ceremony is the culmination of a long fight that has brought us all together, and I am truly honored to see these heroes receive the recognition and military honors they deserve. While we can never repay what was lost that day, today’s ceremony brings long awaited justice to the victims,”said Sen. Cornyn.

“On November 5, 2009, a brutal terror attack was carried out at Fort Hood. The lives of 14 people were taken, one of them an unborn child, and 31 were injured. Today, we are grateful that the U.S. Army has chosen to bestow the Purple Heart, and its civilian counterpart, the Medal for the Defense of Freedom, on these heroes,” said Sen. Cruz.

“This attack was a clear act of radical Islamic terrorism, conducted on American soil – the original decision to designate it ‘workplace violence’ and deny these honors was a betrayal of the sacrifice of each of the victims. It is well past time for them to receive these awards and I thank the Secretary of the Army for reaching this determination. We can never undo the events of that day, but we can properly honor the courageous patriots who protect our nation and remain forever grateful for them.”

“I will call this day a day of victory. For more than five years, we have fought this Administration and delusional political correctness in our efforts to get the victims of this tragic terrorist attack the honor, respect, awards and recognition they deserve. I am honored and privileged to have fought on their behalf. I am thankful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their diligent work to get to this point. I am thankful to this community for their support and encouragement for their neighbors. I am thankful to the victims for never giving up, for their commitment to this great country and for their sacrifices,” said Rep. John Carter.

“This ceremony will appropriately honor the brave men and women whose lives were forever changed after the terrorist attack on Fort Hood,” said Williams. “It will be a solemn reminder that members of our armed services make the ultimate sacrifice at home just as they do abroad. It will memorialize the civilians who gave more than was asked of them. Make no mistake, the Purple Heart and Defense of Freedom medals will not bring back innocent American lives or heal these victims’ wounds, but it will recognize their heroism and our loss at Fort Hood almost six years ago,” said Rep. Roger Williams.

"This well-deserved honor is a reminder of the sacrifice these men and women made to bravely serve our country.  I am humbled and proud to honor their service to the United States of America," said Gov. Abbott.  “I am deeply grateful for the Texas Congressional delegation’s work in making sure that sacrifice was recognized with Purple Heart’s for the victims of this act of terror."

On November 5, 2009, Army Major Nidal Hasan opened fire on Fort Hood, killing 14 people, including an unborn child.  More than 30 people were injured. Hasan was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to death in August of 2013.

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