GRIC Honors Purple Heart Recipients
August 22, 2025
Jeston Morris
Community Newsperson
BAPCHULE, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2025) — The Veteran and Family Services Office honored Gila River Indian Community Purple Heart recipients during a ceremony at the District 5 Service Center.
The office reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all veterans, surviving spouses and veteran families.
Eric White, a retired Marine Corps veteran and VFSO coordinator, served as master of ceremonies. Lt. Gov. Regina Antone delivered the welcome remarks, followed by opening remarks from Jose Maldonado, a retired Air Force veteran and facility maintenance professional. Gary Anderson, a retired Special Forces veteran, gave a presentation on the history of the Purple Heart.
Recognition awards were presented by Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Lt. Gov. Antone. Lewis also gave the closing remarks. Former Community Council Representative Jewel Whitman, of District 2, offered the opening blessing and luncheon prayer.
The Gila River Indian Community was officially recognized as a Purple Heart Community on Aug. 26, 2022. The designation honors veterans who were wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart is the oldest U.S. military decoration awarded to service members wounded or killed in action.
Deceased Purple Heart recipients from past campaigns include:
• One from World War I
• 36 from World War II
• Eight from the Korean War
• 17 from the Vietnam War
• One from Operation Iraqi Freedom
• One from Operation Enduring Freedom
One World War II recipient was a prisoner of war. Of the 64 total recipients, 22 were killed in action. The community currently has nine living Purple Heart recipients, six of whom attended the event.
2025 Purple Heart Recognition Award recipients:
• Detective Jason Greeley
• Bruce Hutchinson
• Franklin Pete Jackson Sr.
• Van Johnson
• Frank H. Lewis
• Fernando Mendez
• David Molina
• Gary Rodriguez
• Everette Stone
“I want to welcome you to Purple Heart Day. This event is very touching and heartwarming. Let’s honor our military service members who were wounded or gave the ultimate sacrifice in combat. Let’s never forget our veterans,” Antone said.
“The Purple Heart is more than just a medal. It’s a symbol of unimaginable sacrifice. When we see this medal, we see the bravery of those who served. It tells a story of commitment, resilience and the willingness to put everything on the line for our country and for one another,” Maldonado said. “Today we honor your bravery and ultimate sacrifice. Your stories, service and legacy will never be forgotten.”
Anderson’s historical presentation highlighted several Purple Heart recipients:
• Matthew B. Juan: After high school, Juan joined the Ringling Brothers circus. He was arrested in Texas for not having a draft card — Native Americans were not yet U.S. citizens. He enlisted under the name Matthew B. Rivers and was assigned to the First Infantry Division. He served in France and was killed by machine gun fire during the Battle of Cantigny, becoming the first Arizonan casualty of World War I.
• Pfc. Joshua Morris: A graduate of Tucson Indian Boarding School, Morris enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943. In a letter from his records, he wrote, “I wanted to be a Marine because they’re tough. They killed a Pima boy. I am here to take his place.” The “Pima boy” referred to Cpl. Richard Lewis, the first GRIC member killed in action and posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. Morris was wounded five times during the Battle of Guam and was from District 6.
• Sgt. Harold Marrietta: An Airborne Infantry soldier who participated in Operation Van Buren in Vietnam. He was killed by small arms fire while on patrol and is one of three GRIC members not buried at home. He is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
• Cpl. Billy B. Farris: Killed by an improvised explosive device during a support operation in Iraq on Dec. 3, 2006. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington. Farris attended St. Peter Indian Mission Catholic School and graduated from Chemawa Indian School before enlisting in 2004. He was from Bapchule.
“I’d like to express my appreciation to the Office of Veterans and Family Services for hosting this event. This is such important history — American history and Community history,” Lewis said. “I want to thank Gary Anderson for presenting the Purple Heart history. He is our military historian. Personal military history is vital for closure, especially for Purple Heart families who are grieving.”
“The Alamo Scouts and Bushmasters were precursors to modern special forces, and they are part of our history. Gila River’s military history is American history,” Lewis added. “In 2025, it’s so important to keep this history alive. Gila River continues to honor and recognize all of its veterans, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I am humbled and honored to be part of this annual event.”
“Purple Heart designation signs have been posted to recognize and honor Purple Heart veterans. Parking spots have been designated at Service Center buildings in each district for Purple Heart recipients,” White said.
The luncheon was catered by Dewski’s Frybread and Catering. The Purple Heart award plaque was designed by Lisa Hendricks.
Anyone with knowledge of Purple Heart recipients not currently on file with the Veteran and Family Services Office is encouraged to contact the office.