Sun staff
Goshen High School junior Connor Thomas presented Clermont County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Ruck with a Meritorious Certificate for his work with the Purple Heart Parking Project.
Thomas recognized Ruck, of Amelia, during a ceremony on July 7 at the County Sheriff’s Office.
“I enjoy getting involved with projects that benefit our servicemen and women,” said Thomas. “I have enjoyed learning about the military ever since I was born.”
The Purple Heart Parking Project is an initiative that gives preferential parking to veterans who have earned a Purple Heart.
Earlier this year, officials installed Purple Heart parking signs in parking lots at the county administration building, Municipal Court, Clermont County Family Support Center and at the Heritage Building, which houses the Board of Elections and the Veterans’ Service Commission.
“It is a simple way to help,” Ruck said in January.
Through his website and fundraising events, Thomas supports veterans-based organizations.
“I have been supporting Mr. Danny Ruck with a page on my website, and I got a [Purple Heart parking sign] installed at my flagship charity, The Joseph House of Cincinnati, a veterans shelter,” Thomas said in an email.
Ruck, a retired Marine, was wounded in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device in 2009. He suffered shrapnel wounds to both legs, his right arm and above his right eye. Ruck’s left leg and wrist were also burned. He broke his tailbone and lower back, and he suffered brain scarring from the blast, according to Thomas.
“After several months of treatment in Afghanistan, [Ruck] had additional treatment in the United States, followed by years of physical therapy and rehab,” said Thomas on his website. “I was very proud to present him with an award for his dedication to the Purple Heart Initiative and for his service to America and the people of Clermont County.”
Ruck is the only Purple Heart recipient to currently serve in in the sheriff’s department, according to Sheriff A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg Jr.
“He does good work,” Rodenberg said. “We’re really proud of Dan.”
Thomas, who plans to attend United States Military Academy West Point, is currently organizing a car show to benefit the Veterans Affairs Hospital of Cincinnati. The event will be held July 25 at the Milford Quaker State & Lube.
To learn more about Thomas and the organizations and projects he supports, visit his web page at www.myclermontmilitaryheroes.com.