Published: September 05, 2008 02:03 pm      

Iraq veteran to speak at United Way luncheon

Ada — Retired U.S. Army Maj. Edward Pulido is the speaker at Ada Regional United Way’s luncheon Thursday at Pre Paid Legal. Major Pulido has overcome much adversity in the past couple of years. He has learned that any “everyday person” can suddenly be in need of assistance – which he never dreamed he would need.

Edward Pulido is vice president of research and convening for United Way of Central Oklahoma.

Before his tenure at United Way, Pulido was the community counseling center marketing and public relations director, in his 10 years with that organization. Additionally, he was involved in providing counseling and case management services for individuals affected by the Alfred P. Murrah Building bombing. He served as the United Way Staff Chair on the May 3, 1999, tornadoes Coordinating Resource Committee (CRT) and recently facilitated town hall meetings for the Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Oklahoma.

Pulido, while serving in the U.S. Army Reserves and ROTC Program, received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Cameron University and later another bachelor’s degree in marketing and public relations from the University of Oklahoma.

He has an associate’s military science degree from Cameron University and a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. He has attained the rank of major in his 18-year military career and May 16, 2005, he was medically retired from the United States Army with full benefits.

On Aug. 17, 2004, while mobilized with the 75th Division 2nd Simulation Exercise Group, Coalition Military Assistance Training Team, training the new Iraqi Army. Major Pulido, while driving his Commander Colonel Kenneth Stone to Kirkush Military training base, hit an improvised explosive device (IED) or road side bomb near the town of Baqouba, Iraq.

Due to the extensive injuries from that I.E.D attack, the doctors at Brooke Army Medical Center amputated his left leg Oct. 1, 2004. For his heroism and courage on that mission the President of the United States awarded him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Joint Service Achievement Medal.

Pulido’s story of courage has been featured on Time Magazine, Fox News, CNN and the local Oklahoma City television stations and newspapers.

Since his amputation, Pulido has been a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities.

He is spearheading an effort in Oklahoma to provide benefits counseling for other soldiers who have experienced life changing injuries and amputations, through a new program he helped develop called Heroes Helping Heroes or Heroes Support Network.

This program is a part of It’s For America Inc., a non-profit veterans organization who has been serving military service members since 1990 and who’s mission is to provide assistance to soldiers in Oklahoma and Texas.

Pulido has been a peer counselor at Brooke Army Medical Center on behalf of the Amputee Coalition of America. Pulido and his peers attended Disabled Sports USA’s ski clinic in Sun Valley, Idaho. Furthermore, he has participated in mountain climbing, water skiing and was sponsored in last year’s clinics at UCO’s Endeavor Games as part of the Hanger Corporation, Disabled Sports USA’s Wounded Warrior Project. His hard work and dedication in these areas have provided him countless awards including the prestigious Disabled American Veteran of the Year Award, the hero’s award from the American Red Cross and the prestigious Tuskahoma Brown Miller Award for outstanding Leadership and Community Service in the State of Oklahoma.

Pulido has been married to Karen Pulido for 14 years. He has a 5 year-old daughter Kaitlin Pulido and a 2-month-old daughter Kinsley Eden Pulido. He and his family live in Edmond.

This year’s campaign goal is the highest ever at $300,000. By reaching this goal, 18-member agencies and local programs will continue to assist local community members in need.

The 2007 Campaign Chair is Teresa Burrows.

If interested in attending the kick off luncheon, phone Latricia Bryant, executive director of Ada Regional United Way Campaign at (580) 332-2313.