Kansas soldier awarded purple heart

Spc. Merlin Hollis was hit by an IED in 2007.

A member of the Kansas National Guard was awarded the purple heart during a ceremony Wednesday morning in Topeka.

Specialist Merlin Hollis was injured by an improvised explosive device in Iraq on the night before Thanksgiving 2007.

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting awarded the medal to Hollis in front of family and friends.

"It's a great honor, and a privilege," he said. "I'm glad the general is here, that's a big honor for me to have the adjutant general show up and present this award to me all my friends and family were here."

Hollis received what he described as a "mild traumatic brain injury" in the attack. He received treatment and returned to duty a few weeks later.

"I wanted to get back out there to do my job that I went over there to do," Hollis said. "I love this job. This is what I trained, what I signed up to do. I'd go back (to active duty) in a heartbeat."

Specialist Hollis now works in the medical office for the Kansas Army National Guard. He helps wounded warriors throughout the country, ensuring they have the resources they need to recover.

Currently in Topeka, KS

KTKA