Jefferson Barracks Soldier Earns Purple Heart

The 1138th Transportation Company serving in Afghanistan spent New Year’s Day visiting with the Missouri National Guard adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner.

The soldiers in the company, formerly headquartered at Jefferson Barracks, are stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. for a yearlong deployment in May.

The unit is a medium truck company that performs convoy operations for armed forces throughout the country.

“General Danner’s visit was a wonderful morale booster for my soldiers,” Maj. Jamie Melchert said in a Guard release. Melchert is the 1138th company commander. "Not only did General Danner get the opportunity to present a Purple Heart to an outstanding soldier, but he spent several hours visiting with soldiers one-on-one. He truly cares about his fellow Missouri Guard Soldiers and their well-being."

St. Louis soldier Sgt. Christopher Osborne won the Purple Heart for sustaining wounds during an explosion.

Danner and Command Sgt. Maj. James Schulte stayed in Afghanistan for a week and shared a meal with the soldiers, recognizing their service with traditional military coins.

“The 1138th is performing a vital mission under some very challenging conditions,” Schulte said. “Like most Missouri Guard units they have risen to that challenge and done an outstanding job. They’ve left their families and civilian jobs to fill this role, and most of the active duty leadership I’ve spoken to say the mission could not be done without the National Guard. It gives me a feeling of pride and gratification that we have people willing to serve.”