Savannah Technical College earned the designation of Purple Heart Technical College by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 596 this week.

“Savannah Technical College appreciates the sacrifices that our students who are Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedom,” said STC President Dr. Kathy S. Love. “We believe it’s important to acknowledge their courage and show them honor and support that they have earned. We pledge to support those who serve and have served through which together, we build strong communities and provide a great atmosphere for learning and awareness.”

The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces, who die or become wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It is also awarded posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action. The Purple Heart was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782. It is the first American service award or decoration made available to the common soldier, and is the oldest military decoration in present use.

The “Military Order of the Purple Heart” was formed in 1932; for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients. The Order is the only veterans’ service organization comprised strictly of “combat” veterans. Its mission is to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat-wounded veteran members and their families, promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives, and most importantly make sure that Americans never forget to recognize the price that servicemen and women have paid for our nation’s freedom.

In 2016, Savannah Tech was ranked first in the U.S. by Military Times as Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges 2017 rankings and has been named a Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School for the past few years. One in four STC students is a veteran, active duty service member or a military dependent/spouse. The College waives all general mandatory fees for active duty service members using military tuition assistance. In 2015, Savannah Tech opened a Veteran’s Service Center at the Savannah campus. Savannah Tech has the largest enrollment of military-affiliated students in the Technical College System of Georgia.