Modernize Military Recognition for Warfare Toxic Exposure Injuries, Diseases, and Death: The Medal Gap for Hidden Wounds

The Purple Heart is considered the award “no one wants,” awarded for those injured or killed in combat. Yet in modern warfare, countless service members face a different battlefield injury, one that is not recognized at the time or one that is unseen. Combat-related hazardous exposure to biological agents and toxic chemicals may be invisible for years, only to result in devastating diseases, disabilities, and death.

These are the Hidden Wounds of Modern Warfare. And while the obvious combat injuries are rightfully awarded the Purple Heart, the damage from toxic exposures often goes unrecognized. 

It's time to Modernize the Military Awards System-For All!

Military members injured in combat by chemical, biological, and toxic exposures deserve the same honor as those wounded or killed on the battlefield. Not just for honor, but for justice!

We call on the President of the United States, the U.S. Government, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to:

• Acknowledge combat-related toxic exposure injuries as wounds of war
• Update military awards and services
• Close the Medal Gap for Hidden Wounds

Please stand with our veterans and their families. Sign this petition and help ensure no sacrifice goes unseen, and no wound remains unrecognized. Our goal is to reach 10,000 signatures to demonstrate to the President and Congress that no sacrifice should go unrecognized.