U.S. Rep. Nick Lalota, District 1 | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Nick Lalota, District 1 | Official U.S. House headshot
HAUPPAUGE, NY - Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), a Navy Veteran and member of the Armed Services Committee, hosted a press conference where he presented Army Veteran and Selden resident Robert Terrell with his Purple Heart.
“As a Navy Veteran and lifelong Long Islander, I was humbled to present a true hero, retired U.S. Army Specialist Robert Terrell of Selden, with his Purple Heart. Vietnam Veterans like Robert have been ignored for too long and this recognition is long overdue,” said LaLota. “I want every Long Islander to know they can always contact me with any issues you might be having with the federal government. My team and I will do everything we can to make sure you receive the benefits and honors you have earned.”
Robert Terrell is a Selden resident and Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. He is an active member of AMVETS Post 18 and Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 and a retired 30-year union electrician.
On May 31, 1967, during Operation Pershing, Terrell was preparing to move out after heavy fighting the day before when he and seven soldiers were injured by an enemy grenade and M-79 rounds. He sustained shrapnel wounds to his left shoulder and jaw, which are present to this day, and was airlifted for medical attention. He returned to the field later the same day without any recording of his injuries.
In February 2023, Terrell came to LaLota’s office with a request to help recover his father’s World War II medals. After LaLota was successful in securing these, Terrell came to the office in December 2023 seeking assistance to finally receive his Purple Heart. Terrell had tried to secure his Purple Heart through previous Congressmen with no success.
Also in attendance were members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 11, Commander Joe Cognitore and members of the Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6249, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 25, and dozens of Terrell’s family, friends, and neighbors.
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