SALISBURY, N.C. — A soldier from Stanly County who was hurt in the mass shooting at Fort Hood received a Purple Heart on Saturday.
IMAGES: Stanly County soldier awarded Purple Heart
Sgt. Matthew Cooke was shot five times while trying to save another soldier when Maj. Nidal Hasan opened fire.
Thirteen people were killed and 30 others hurt in the 2009 attack.
Other victims were honored and given Purple Hearts two weeks ago in Texas.
At first, the incident was deemed workplace violence and not terrorism, which disqualified Cooke from receiving the Purple Heart and the increased benefits that come along with it, but the law defining terrorism changed last year.
"The United States is finally realizing there are home grown terrorists here in the United States," Cooke said.
Sergeant Cooke says he's still recovering today, because one of the shots did so much damage.
Cooke's mother, Diane Frappier, said the Purple Heart ceremony held at the Salisbury VA hospital was emotional.
"In our mind, Matt is a hero. He saved another person's life without knowing who that person was and I'm so, so proud of my son," Frappier said.
Sgt. Cooke needed 12 pints of blood after he was wounded.
He credits the Red Cross with helping to save his life and now spends time volunteering with that organization.
Congressman Robert Pittenger released this statement before Saturday’s ceremony:
"Sgt. Cooke, you are a hero to me and so many Americans. No one would have blamed you had you run for cover when Nidal Hasan opened fire. Instead, you flung yourself on top of a fellow soldier, saving his life even as you got shot five times. Today's recognition is long overdue, but you didn't display tremendous bravery in combat in hopes of future recognition or reward. You displayed tremendous bravery because you are a true American hero. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your courage."
Pittenger attended Cooke's 2013 welcome home ceremony and hosted him at the 2014 State of the Union address.