The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office honored Deputy Michael Ratai during a Purple Heart ceremony Friday at Centennial Hall, recognizing his courage, sacrifice, and service to the United States Army.
Ratai recently learned he would receive the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Now an El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputy, Ratai requested the Sheriff’s Office to host the ceremony, bringing together his family, colleagues, fellow veterans, and community members to honor his service and sacrifice.
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal joined Ratai’s family, fellow law enforcement officers, military veterans, community members, and guests in honoring Ratai and recognizing the wounds he sustained in combat.
Ratai served as a Cavalry Scout with the U.S. Army’s 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. He deployed to Afghanistan from February 25, 2011, through January 9, 2012, serving in the Zhari District of Kandahar Province.
During the deployment, Ratai’s squadron faced daily exposure to enemy fire, improvised explosive devices, small-arms fire, explosions, and concussive blasts. On September 11, 2011, Ratai was seriously wounded during combat after his unit came under enemy fire and he sustained injuries from multiple concussive blasts. He was rendered unconscious for several minutes and was evaluated for traumatic brain injury.
Despite his injuries, Ratai remained with his squadron in Afghanistan through the scheduled conclusion of the deployment. During the same deployment, he sustained an additional injury to his right shoulder and foot during a separate foot patrol.
Ratai was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service and actions during the deployment and received the Combat Action Badge in recognition of his combat engagement.
On September 26, 2016, Ratai was medically retired from the U.S. Army while stationed at Fort Carson.
While his military service ended, Ratai’s commitment to service did not.
On November 26, 2018, Ratai began his career with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, continuing his commitment to serving others as a law enforcement officer.
“Michael’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and a commitment to something greater than himself,” El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal said during the ceremony at Centennial Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “He raised his hand in 2009 and answered the call to serve his country. After being wounded in combat, he continued serving alongside his fellow Soldiers until his deployment was complete. Years later, he chose to serve his community as a member of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. We are incredibly honored he chose to have his Purple Heart ceremony with his Sheriff’s Office family.”
The significance of the ceremony was heightened by its date. September 11 marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States in 2001 and also marks 15 years since Ratai was wounded in combat in Afghanistan.
For Ratai, the day carries both a national and deeply personal significance.
During the ceremony, Sheriff Roybal recognized Ratai’s wife, Kelly, for the sacrifices she made while her husband was deployed. Michael and Kelly are lifelong sweethearts who grew up as neighbors and attended their first day of school together.
While Ratai was deployed, Kelly remained home raising their seven children and carrying the responsibilities of their family while waiting for her husband to return safely.
During the ceremony, Roybal noted the often unseen sacrifice made by military families.
“When a Soldier deploys, the entire family serves,” Roybal said. “Kelly served alongside Michael every step of the way. Her sacrifice, strength, and commitment are part of this story, too.”
Ratai’s family was also central to his decision to serve. When asked why he joined the military knowing he could be sent to war, Ratai explained his motivation in simple terms: “My children need someone to believe in. I’m not fighting for what is in front of me. I am fighting for what is behind me—my kids.”
Those words reflected the values which guided Ratai throughout his military and law enforcement careers.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action.
“Michael earned this honor 15 years ago,” Roybal said. “Today, we had the privilege of bearing witness to it. We will never forget the sacrifice it represents, the Soldiers who stood beside him, or the families who waited for them to come home.”
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office congratulates Deputy Michael Ratai on this long-overdue recognition and extends its gratitude to him, his family, and all who served alongside him.
