Means family accepts Purple Heart

More than 100 people attended a Tuesday, Dec. 18, ceremony at the New Prague High School auditorium recognizing Marine Lance Corporal Dale Means.

Staff Sergeant Ryan Kohth of the United States Marine Corps was master of ceremonies for the ceremony, in which the Purple Heart was awarded posthumously to L. Cpl. Means. The 2007 New Prague High School graduate was killed November 18 in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was riding in hit a roadside bomb.

Marines presented medals to Means’ widow, Andrea (Scheffler) Means, and mother, DaleLyn Means.

Kohth explained the Purple Heart award was started by George Washington. It was given to troops for unusual gallantry and serve as a badge of military merit. The Purple Heart is presented to service personnel who are wounded or die while serving the country.

Also on hand were members of the Minnesota Patriot Guard acting as an honor guard.