Veteran of the Month

Veteran of the Month, Arpil 2025

Corporal (CPL) Damien Luten, U.S. Army

Corporal Damien Luten proudly served four years in the United States Army. His military career began in Baumholder, Germany, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment as an automotive logistics clerk. During this time, he deployed to Kosovo in support of NATO-led peacekeeping operations.

Following his service in Germany, CPL Luten was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where he served as a Warehouse Supervisor with the 507th Maintenance Company. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq during both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. On March 23, 2003, while operating in An-Nasiriyah, CPL Luten’s unit was ambushed. The attack resulted in several soldiers being wounded, some taken as prisoners of war, and others made the ultimate sacrifice. CPL Luten was wounded in action, sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.

For his bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart — an honor he carries not only for himself, but in memory of the brave service members who stood beside him and never returned home.

His time in uniform instilled in him the enduring values of resilience, unity, and sacrifice — principles that continue to guide and inspire him in all aspects of life.