Staff Sgt. Jason Rzepa, of the Idaho National Guard unit from Post Falls, will receive the Purple Heart for severe injuries suffered in Iraq July 7 that killed two other soldiers in his unit. Rzepa (pronounced "Zeppa") of Bravo Company, 145th Brigade Battalion, 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team, will be awarded the honor at a ceremony that begins at 6 p.m. Friday at Red Lion Templins Hotel. Rzepa lost both legs below the knees after his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad. Killed in the attack were Spc. Nicholas Newby and Sgt. Nathan Beyers, both of Coeur d'Alene. Rzepa has been undergoing physical therapy and rehabilitation at a military hospital in Texas. He and his family will be present at the ceremony. Staff Sgt. Ryan Rogers and Sgt. Gregory Wilson will receive the Army Commendation Medal at the ceremonies for pulling Rzepa from the wreckage and performing life-saving first aid.

DFO: We throw around the word hero too much in our society. But the word epitomizes the five soldiers mentioned above.