Ray was drafted in 1968, was with 101st Airborne, 2nd of 17 Cavalry. He was a door gunner on a UH-1Huey in Vietnam. Ray also fought in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. While on a rescue mission, Ray and his crew received enemy fire. The chopper went down in the jungle. Ray was afterward taken to the 5th medivac for a broken nose, loss of teeth, and many lacerations on body & legs. Ray was awarded the Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars with clusters and many other accommodations.
After returning home, Ray wrestled with depression for several years due to his experiences and he currently takes medication to manage his PTSD. His back is permanently damaged due to hitting numerous trees on the way down from the crash. This causes him constant pain and he is on a regiment of medication to manage this.
Purple Heart Homes will be providing electrical and plumbing work to Ray’s home.
