U.S. Army Specialist Heath Lorah, of Walnutport, is a decorated Operation Desert Shield/Storm combat veteran. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of E-4 before the end of his active duty of three years.

The rank of an E-4 is a junior enlisted rank that involves basic management and leadership responsibilities.

Lorah graduated from Northampton High School in 1989 and enlisted in the Army before graduation. In September 1989, he went to an eight-week basic combat training program that prepares new soldiers at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, a large U.S. Army base situated on the border with Mexico. He was there for another eight weeks of schooling. The base boasts a vast training area with mountainous desert terrain ideal for deployment training to the Middle East.

He was then assigned to Bravo 5/3 ADA, attached to 3rd Armored Division specifically to Delta 4/8 CAV, that was originally deployed to Germany and later to Iraq.

He served in the Battle of 7 Easting vs. Iraqi Elite Republican Guard, a tank battle that took place Feb. 26, 1991, between the U.S. VII Corps and the Iraqi Republican Guard in the desert near the Iraq-Kuwait border. The tank battle was a key victory in the war.

“I was part of the largest tank-to-tank battle in history,” Lorah said, according to Commander Lt. Colonel Higgins.

Lorah was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Valorous Unit Award recognizing units for extraordinary heroism in battle.

Lorah has post-traumatic stress disorder, which is an anxiety disorder that many combat veterans experience daily. It is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.

Many veterans have flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety. Some holidays can trigger issues with fireworks, loud noises and much more. Other symptoms of PTSD include agitation, disturbed sleep and mood swings. There is a Veterans Crisis Line available for confidential support, 24 hours a day, at 800-273-8255. Press 1.

His war experience has also affected his physical well-being. A prominent condition affecting Gulf War veterans is medically unexplained chronic symptoms that include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders and memory problems. Lorah said he enjoyed playing sports, walking and riding bikes, but now his body just can’t handle it anymore. He does enjoy watching a lot of sports like the Phillies, Flyers and 76ers.

Presently Lorah is on a list waiting for a kidney transplant with hopes this will soon be fulfilled.

When you meet veterans, show your support for their service by shaking their hand and thanking them for their service. This means a lot to our veterans. Lorah said he gets a lot of gratification, especially from kids, 5 to 12 years old, who thank him for his service. He added it shows the parents taught their children to respect veterans.

Shortly after he returned home from the war, he went to Lehigh Elementary School, which he attended as a child, and talked to a class about his war experience.

The Hometown Heroes banner program is a great healing tool for veterans.

“I think it is cool — every town should honor their veterans,” Lorah said.

His banner is located on Timberline Road, near Route 946.

Help honor our Hometown Heroes. Forms can be picked up at American Legion Post 899, 1140 Municipal Road, Walnutport.

For additional information, contact Hometown Heroes banner program coordinator Jeff Weidner at 484-426-8639 or Post 899 at 610-767-2393.