(Mitchell, SD) — A Dakota Wesleyan grad is the newest recipient of the Purple Heart medal. Jerry Stravia was honored yesterday for injuries he received in Iraq nearly 20 years ago while serving with the U.S. Army. Stravia says he has been through a lot of ups and downs since that moment in 2007. He credited his wife and growth in faith for getting him through challenges of PTSD and identity. Stravia, who’s a native of Colorado, wrestled for Dakota Wesleyan when he attended school there. He now serves as a senior leader at Prairie Winds Church in Dickinson, North Dakota, and coaches girls wrestling.
