EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - GECU was honored by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Lone Star Chapter 393 of El Paso as a Purple Heart Business for its "outstanding support of the military and veteran community," the company announced in a news release. Photo courtesy of GECUPhoto courtesy of GECU The recognition, which was announced on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at GECU’s Operations Center, 1225 Airway Blvd., is given to organizations who “demonstrate unwavering commitment to honoring and supporting our nation’s Veterans, particularly for those who have been wounded or killed in combat.” “We are deeply honored to be recognized as a Purple Heart Business by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Lone Star Chapter 393,” GECU president and CEO Crystal Long said. “Supporting our military and Veteran communities is an important part of GECU’s people helping people philosophy, and we remain committed to honoring those who bravely serve our country.” "The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use and was initially created as a Badge of Military Merit by George Washington in 1782," read the news release. "The Purple Heart was the first American service award or decoration given to common soldiers and is specifically awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat."