UNCW alum donates Purple Heart to raise awareness of veteran suicide

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An Army Veteran and UNCW alum donated his Purple Heart to the university to help highlight Veteran suicide awareness.

David Buzzard presented his Purple Heart to the university during the Cape Fear Purple Heart dinner on Aug. 2.

Buzzard, who earned his degree in political science from UNCW in 2018, was wounded by an improvised explosive device during two combat tours in Afghanistan in 2011. He donated one of his two Purple Hearts to UNCW, aiming to honor “the fallen who made it back and ended up taking their own lives.” He urged those in attendance to “always do better for our nation’s bravest” and continue advocating for veterans and active service members.

“Due to my experience in combat and dealing with these continuous mental health struggles, addressing veteran suicide and healing those who have been exposed to our nation’s battles have become my passion,” Buzzard said.

Buzzard currently works for HBOT4HEROES, an organization providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans at no cost.

The Purple Heart Medal, the nation’s oldest military decoration, was initially known as the Badge of Military Merit and was awarded to troops for heroic acts during the Revolutionary War. Today, the medal is given to those wounded or killed in action.

UNCW, which was founded as a G.I. Bill school in 1947, has a long history of supporting veterans, including many who have been wounded in combat. In 2023, the university was designated as an official Purple Heart Designated University, reflecting its commitment to honoring those who have sacrificed in service to the country.

“I am deeply grateful to David for his generous donation of his Purple Heart,” said Chancellor Aswani K. Volety. “It serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice it represents.”

The event was attended by several other Purple Heart recipients from UNCW, including Robert Allen Patrick, a faculty member at the Cameron School of Business and co-director of the Cameron Executive Network; David Echevarria, a faculty member at the Cameron School of Business; Julius Collins, retired from UNCW Facilities; and Michael Stubbings, a current UNCW student.