A Purple Heart and a 2nd chance: UK student veteran’s journey of service and survival

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2024) — Joey Bates never imagined he’d walk across a stage to receive a Purple Heart. But the University of Kentucky doctoral student and U.S. Marine Corps veteran was awarded the distinguished medal on May 7, 2024, honoring the sacrifices he made when his deployment to Somalia took a life-altering turn.

For Bates, the journey began at just 17, when he graduated high school early in Montgomery County, Kentucky, and enlisted in the Marines. In 17 years of service (2004-2022), he completed five deployments, facing the frontline dangers of combat in Iraq and Somalia and, later, high-stakes missions in psychological operations around the globe.

But it was on Sept. 30, 2019 that his world shifted. An attack on his base by Al Shabaab militants in Somalia left Bates with severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and hydrocephalus — a condition causing fluid buildup on the brain. The militants detonated three vehicle-borne explosives containing more than 6,000 pounds of explosives, wreaking havoc on the compound. Bates barely survived the attack.

A grueling recovery followed, with three brain surgeries at Walter Reed and Johns Hopkins hospitals. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt device now regulates fluid in his brain, a constant reminder of his brush with death.

But the experience has given him a new perspective, one he carries forward every day.

“A Purple Heart recipient represents someone who has a second chance at life and now sees the world in a different way, never taking anything for granted,” Bates said. “Every day is a blessing, and I owe it to those who can no longer pursue their dreams to strive toward excellence.”

The Purple Heart is one of the most revered military honors, awarded to those who are wounded or killed in action. Created by George Washington in 1782, it is the oldest military award still presented to service members and symbolizes immense courage and sacrifice. For Bates, it represents not only a moment of survival, but a future with purpose.

Since his injury, Bates has embarked on a new journey through education, pursuing a master’s degree in information communication technology and now a Ph.D. in communication — both in the UK College of Communication and Information. His dream to pursue education stems from a childhood admiration of “Rudy,” the 1993 movie about an unlikely hero who, despite overwhelming odds, made it to the field at Notre Dame.

“Being a Big Blue Nation student has always been my ‘Rudy dream,’” Bates said.

Now, embracing the second chance he has been given with determination and gratitude, Bates plans to use his Ph.D. in communication to better infuse the discipline of communication into the corporate world. 

“Communication is synonymous with operations,” Bates said. “Areas such as process improvement and manufacturing systems can always become more synergistic when the communication is clear.” 

Bates also currently serves several boards and civic organizations related to helping veterans reenter the workforce. He encourages any veteran who is looking to enter the realm of business to reach out so they can work to translate the skills they learned in the military to the corporate world.

“We are usually talking about the same things, but using different languages,” Bates said, reiterating how important clear communication is in any industry.

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Today is Veterans Day, and UK student veterans are invited to a lunch hosted by the Republic Bank Foundation Veterans Resource Center at noon on the ground floor of Erickson Hall. Additionally, any veteran is invited to a VA Disability Claims Clinic 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 also on the ground floor of Erickson. Register for the clinic through the QR code found here.

The Republic Bank Foundation Veterans Resource Center at UK (VRC) supports a wide-ranging community, encompassing not only veterans but also their family members. The VRC is a vital hub for these individuals to come together, share their unique life experiences and access a comprehensive array of resources and support. The VRC’s primary mission is to empower military-connected students to pursue and achieve their desired career, by providing the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to successfully transition to civilian life and excel in their chosen fields. For more information, visit https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/veterans-resource-center.