Arkansas National Guard NCO awarded Purple Heart nearly 20 years after Iraq deployment

BROOKLAND, Ark. (KAIT) – A retired Arkansas National Guard NCO received the Purple Heart nearly 20 years after sustaining multiple injuries from roadside bombs during the Iraq War.

Surrounded by friends, family and military members, retired Arkansas National Guard NCO Joe Shelby received the Purple Heart at a ceremony in Brookland on Wednesday.

Retired Sgt. 1st Class Shelby first deployed to Iraq on July 19, 2006.

While overseas in Balad, Iraq, he served as platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, 875th Engineer Battalion.

Shelby sustained seven separate improvised explosive device blasts over the course of his tour, resulting in concussions and traumatic brain injury, according to the Arkansas National Guard.

On Jan. 9, 2007, Shelby’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device that resulted in significant concussive injuries.

The impact of his combat wounds caused him to suffer a severe medical event on May 23, 2025.

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