The organization now known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart, or MOPH, was formed in 1932 to protect the mutual interests of those who received the Purple Heart Medal. MOPH is made up exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, making it one of the few veterans service organizations composed strictly of combat wounded veterans.

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Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 598, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, was founded in 1992. Our chapter is proudly named the Alaniz-Valentine Chapter in honor of Andy Alaniz and Roger Valentine, who were killed during the Gulf War in 1991.

 

Although the Military Order of the Purple Heart is nationally recognized and congressionally chartered, each local chapter is responsible for sustaining its own programs, outreach, and community support efforts.

 

Chapter 598 remains committed to serving Purple Heart recipients, supporting veterans and their families, and building stronger connections throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.

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How Chapter 598 Serves the Coastal Bend

 

Youth Leadership Programs:

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Youth Programs are designed to promote patriotism, leadership, service, and good citizenship among America’s youth.

Chapter 598 currently supports 9 high schools, as well as Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and Kingsville. Through the JROTC/SROTC leadership award program, we honor cadets who demonstrate outstanding leadership, character, and service.

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Veteran Stand Downs:

Chapter 598 has hosted and supported numerous veteran events throughout the Corpus Christi area, including veteran stand downs. These events help connect veterans, including homeless and at-risk veterans, with critical services and support.

 

Veteran stand downs may include social services, meals, haircuts, hygiene supplies, clothing, veteran resources, and direct community assistance.

 

Our mission is simple: take care of those who served.

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Forging Resilience Program:

The Forging Resilience Program uses blacksmithing as a hands-on form of therapeutic connection for veterans and wounded first responders. Using steel heated to more than 2,000 degrees, participants forge their own knives while building camaraderie with others who understand the weight of service and sacrifice. The purpose of Forging Resilience is to create a place where warriors can connect through shared experience, strengthen one another, and continue the healing process together. 

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Purple Heart Entity Program:

Honoring Purple Heart Recipients Across Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend

The Purple Heart Medal is one of the most respected military decorations in the United States. It is awarded to service members who were wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the United States Armed Forces.The medal represents sacrifice, courage, and the cost of defending our nation.

Becoming a Purple Heart Entity is more than receiving a title. It is a public commitment to honor the men and women who carry the physical and emotional scars of combat.

 

A Purple Heart Entity can be any organization, location, neighborhood, community, or group that chooses to stand with Purple Heart recipients and make their sacrifice visible.

It sends a clear message:

Purple Heart recipients are honored here. Veterans are respected here. Sacrifice is not forgotten here.

 

What Is a Purple Heart Entity?

 

A Purple Heart Entity is a recognized place, group, or community that publicly supports and honors Purple Heart recipients.

Through the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 598 Purple Heart Entity Program, members of the Corpus Christi and Coastal Bend community can take part in a visible effort to recognize combat wounded veterans.

 

This program gives our community a way to move beyond words and create lasting reminders of service, sacrifice, and gratitude.