A local military hero is awarded the Purple Heart for his service to his country, and now he is giving back closer to home.

Miki Padgett grew up in a family of missionaries, and spending time with the marines at the different American embassies around the world inspired him to join the marines himself.

Padgett spent eight years as a marine, during which time he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a "sweeper" who traveled ahead of convoys finding and disarming improvised explosive devices (I.E.D.'s).

On four different occasions, these I.E.D.'s exploded near Padgett, cause him to suffer painful concussions and brain injuries.

It has only been in the past few years that the military has recognized the after-effects of these concussions as injuries sustained during combat, making soldiers who suffer them eligible for the Purple Heart.

Earlier in January, Padgett was awarded his purple heart in Glasgow, Kentucky.

He wants to use his recognition as a way to encourage other soldiers who are suffering to ask for help, "I'm using this platform as a pedestal... maybe if there is one guy out there who's watching this interview or catches a glimpse of it or who knew me before will reach out and say 'hey I know that guy maybe I can ask him about it.'"

He also wants to use his influence to start a scholarship fund at Western Kentucky University for soldiers returning to school who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Now that he has returned to his job as the Senior Atmospherics Manager for the Department of Defense in Afghanistan, Miki's parents Mike and Rosana have these special messages for him:

"I thank God for all of the men and women who have been willing to give their lives like you have, son," says Mike.

"I think that you're just the greatest and I love you for it," says Rosana.

For serving both his country and his community, we honor Miki Padgett as a Hometown Hero.