A Muldrow couple decided to honor former President Donald J. Trump by presenting him with a Purple Heart for his courage and bravery during this election season.
Nola E. Howard Yasinosky, and her husband, Joseph R. Yasinosky, were married on June 7, 2021, after Nola, formerly of Australia, came to the United States for a holiday in August 2019, where the couple met.
Nola, who possesses her green card, will not become an official United States citizen until 2026, so she will not be allowed to vote in the November election. However, she said she hopes other American citizens will use their God-given privilege to do so.
“The main thing I want people to know is that President Trump is for the people, and he’s not too busy to respond to us,” Nola said.
“I am a big fan of Trump’s and I have a lot of Trump memorabilia, including T-shirts and hats,” she said.
Joseph is a U.S. Army veteran and a retired federal police officer for the Department of Defense, but he said his real love is horses.
“I’m an equestrian dentist and I’ve worked on horses from George Bush’s to George Strait’s,” he said.
After some discussion on what to do with her father’s Purple Heart, Nola decided it would be a great honor to present the Purple Heart to Trump.
“My father, Raymond Francis Hamilton, who was an Australian, fought with the American Army Air Corp in Burma during World War II. He was wounded and received the American Purple Heart,” she said. “My father truly loved the United States and meant the world to me; I loved him very much.”
On August 7, Nola decided to pen a letter to the former president, hoping that she would be able to present it to him in person, for his honor and courage during the election. She also wrote a letter to Sean Hannity at Fox News on how she could present the medal to Trump, since Hannity knows Trump personally.
“I told him it would mean so much to me and my father if he’d accept the medal because he (Trump) so bravely earned it in the line of duty during that terrible day in Butler, Penn.”
Nola said she wanted to present something to Trump on behalf of herself and her family.
“He can keep it in his office or do whatever he wants to with it,” she said. “He has been attacked twice through terrorism but hasn’t been awarded anything for it. I hope my letter lifted both his and Melania’s spirits. I want them to feel safe.”
On September 4, Nola said she was flabbergasted to learn she had received a personal response back from Trump.
“My husband told me you got something back from Trump, and I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
In the letter, Trump thanked Nola for her thoughtful letter and incredibly touching offer.
“Melania and I extend our deepest regards for the sacrifices you and your family have made during your unique American journey. Your father’s honorable military service is worthy of every American’s admiration, and his indelible legacy will never be forgotten. Our Nation proudly recognizes the sacrifices of Purple Heart recipients like your father’s, who exemplified courage, valor and devotion to protect and defend the United States of America.
“Forever, July 13, 2024, will be remembered as the day our democracy was defended by great Patriots who love our country and stand united to fight our shared values of freedom, liberty and justice. Like your father, I will never stop fighting for this great land that I love, and I am strengthened by your support and encouragement.
“May God bless you and your family, our Purple Heart recipients, and our precious Gold Star survivors.”
The couple said they also received personal birthday wishes from the Trumps.
