SALT LAKE CITY — Eighteen members of the Utah National Guard, including one from Plain City, have been awarded Purple Hearts for injuries suffered during a recent deployment to Afghanistan.
Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet said during a Saturday ceremony in Salt Lake City the soldiers are a “band of brothers” in danger every day of their deployment.
The soldiers are part of the 118th Engineer Company. Their unit was responsible for locating improvised explosive devices in and around the Khost and Paktia provinces.
Spc. Jeremiah Barnett, 22, of Plain City, said he felt fortunate to serve in such a critical position.
He received two Purple Hearts for concussions he suffered in action.
The company has earned 10 Bronze Stars, 25 Purple Hearts and more than 200 Army medals for their work in Afghanistan.
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