Wounded warriors receive Purple Hearts

Soldiers honored at Brooke Army Medical Center

SAN ANTONIO – Two wounded soldiers received one of the highest military honors during a special ceremony at Brooke Army Military Medical Center Tuesday morning.

Sgt. Stephen Jackel and Private 1st Class Cicely Holmes were awarded Purple Heart medals at the Warrior and Family Support Center's Purple Heart Garden.

On July 23, 2013, Holmes was serving as a combat medic in Afghanistan when the vehicle she was in was hit by an improvised explosive device.

"I remember hearing the blast and seeing orange, basically," said Holmes.

The mother of three has been in a wheelchair since, but is expected to fully recover.

Jackel was also serving in Afghanistan in August 2011, when his vehicle was struck by an IED.

"I ended up using my right leg to put out a fire and two days later, they had to amputate it, but all of us survived."

Jackel eventually had  his other leg amputated, as well.

He's learning to adjust to his new prosthetic legs.

Jackel, a father of six, said keeping a sense of humor has been important. He added there's a bright side to his prosthetic legs, which have made him three inches taller.

"It was a challenge at first, but it's kind of cool. I was the same height as my wife so she kind of likes it," said Jackel.

Despite all the hardships the soldiers endured to earn a Purple Heart, they both said they have no regrets.

"Looking back, I would've done it again," said Jackel.

"I would do it again," said Holmes. "I plan to return to duty as soon as possible and ... make my way through the ranks."

While Holmes will keep pursuing a military career, Jackel plans to go to college for wildlife management and hopes to become a motivational speaker.

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