Geneva HS grad receives Purple Heart (video)

It was an emotional night in the Board of Supervisors Room at 1 DiPronio Drive, as a marine, and Geneva native was recognized receiving the Purple Heart Award. The session was kicked off with a presentation awarding a Purple Heart to Corporal Tyler Simmons. The Geneva High School graduate was injured while serving a tour in May 5th, 2006.Simmons said that he was honored and thankful for the opportunity that the military gave him. “What do you even say?” he asked those in attendance before speaking briefly. He thanked God, his family, his military family, those who have helped him transition from active duty to a civilian life, as well as the circumstances that gave him the opportunity to serve along the men and women he remains indebted to, to this day. The ceremony was wrapped up by Waterloo Supervisor Robert Shipley asking the entire board for the opportunity to shake Simmons’ hand, which was granted.Watch the entire Purple Heart ceremony in the video window above.