OKLAHOMA CITY – Canton resident Glen Blood was recognized as Veteran of the Week before the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday by Rep. Mike Dobrinski, ROkeene.
“What an honor and a blessing to be able to recognize Mr. Blood for his service to our nation,” Dobrinski said. 'During his tour of duty in Vietnam, Glen was tested and pushed. He was wounded twice, but he came through the other side and helped many of his men through as well. I am so grateful to be able to thank him personally for his service and sacrifice and to count him as a very valuable member of House District 59.'
Army Specialist 4 Blood was honored before the House of Representatives alongside his wife Linda, of 57 years.
Their daughter Dora Fuqua and husband Mark also attended the ceremony. Dobrinski issued a citation to Blood on the House floor and presented him with a flag flown over the State Capitol in his honor.
Blood was selected for U.S. Army Basic Training at Fort Hood where he used the skills he learned in northwest Oklahoma to help him earn several sharpshooting badges and a spot in Company C as a squad leader.
He served in Vietnam where he was wounded by grenade shrapnel while leading his squad in sweeping villages.
After six months, he returned to service where he was again wounded by mortar shrapnel during a firefight.
Despite shrapnel in both legs that required him to crawl to a bunker to treat his wounds, he soon turned back to help gather his fellow soldiers.
He even provided tracer rounds to help air support locate and hold the enemy despite receiving additional wounds from all the enemy assault.
Dobrinski's citation noted that because of Blood's bravery and gallantry in action numerous soldiers' lives were saved. He subsequently earned the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, one with an Oak Leaf Cluster, an Army Commendation Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and many others.
After his discharge from the Army, Blood became a lifelong pastor in Canton, where he was born and raised.
Mike Dobrinski serves District 59 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Dewey and parts of Blaine, Garfield, Kingfisher and Woodward counties.