Paul C Jacobs, State House of Representatives 118th District | https://www.ilga.gov/house/rep.asp?MemberID=3191#:~:text=Paul%20Jacobs%3B%20Southern%20Illinois%20optometrist,November%202020%3B%20sworn%2Din%20on
Paul C Jacobs, State House of Representatives 118th District | https://www.ilga.gov/house/rep.asp?MemberID=3191#:~:text=Paul%20Jacobs%3B%20Southern%20Illinois%20optometrist,November%202020%3B%20sworn%2Din%20on
State Representative Paul Jacobs highlighted Purple Heart Day, stating, "Their bravery serves as a beacon of resilience and unity for us all." He made the statement in an Aug. 7 Facebook post.
"On Purple Heart Day, we recognize the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of all Purple Heart recipients," said Paul C Jacobs, State Representative for 118th District (R), according to Facebook. "Their bravery serves as a beacon of resilience and unity for us all."
National Purple Heart Day is an opportunity to honor those who received a Purple Heart Award for their service. It takes place on Aug. 7, and the National Purple Heart Honor Mission holds a tribute service annually to bring recipients together to tell their stories, according to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, recipients of the Purple Heart Award, and educating others on the significance of the Purple Heart Award.
Screenshot of Paul Jacobs' Aug. 7 Facebook post
| State Representative Paul Jacobs' Facebook page
The Veterans Administration (VA) estimates that there are 1.8 million recipients of the Purple Heart award. Veterans who have received the Purple Heart award are eligible for benefits through the VA, including higher priority for healthcare, education benefits like the post-9/11 G.I. Bill Chapter 33 benefits, and the Yellow Ribbon program to help pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate tuition. Special consideration is also given for compensation for combat veterans; additionally, recipients who are on active duty may be exempt from the VA funding fee for a VA-guaranteed home loan. There may be other benefits from the VA as well.
One of the first military medals given to all ranks, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award actively presented to American service members. The first military award was the Fidelity Medallion, created by the Continental Congress in 1780 and awarded to three soldiers that year. In 1782, according to USO (United Service Organizations), the Badge of Military Merit was created and is considered the predecessor of the Purple Heart.
Jacobs was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2020. Before joining the Illinois legislature, he was an optometrist and owner of Von Jakob Vineyard in Alto Pass. He served in the US Navy from 1965 to 1971. He and his wife have four grown children and ten grandchildren, according to his official biography.
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