BOISE -- The Purple Heart is considered one of most respected awards in the military.
Retired Sergeant Jerry Weir with the Army National Guard finally received his award Monday with some help from Idaho Sen. Jim Risch.
"On behalf of the people of the United States, I want to present to you the Purple Heart. Jerry, thank you so much," said Risch during a ceremony as his Boise office Monday.
The Fruitland man was injured while fighting in Iraq back in 2005.
While serving with the 116th Combat Cavalry Brigade, four people, including Weir, were injured when their vehicle hit an IED.
After years of dealing with federal paperwork, Weir turned to Sen. Risch to help secure his award.
"When I first deployed, no one wants to get hurt but you certainly want to do something for your country and to be a part of history. After the incident and the injury then it was very important to me to get the Purple Heart," said Weir.
Weir is now retired from the military and works for the Canyon County Sheriff's Office.
