A colonel with the Illinois Army National Guard, Dr. Peter Blendonohy is also the chief surgeon for the state of Illinois. He now serves on the staff of a number of Chicagoland hospitals, where he provides his expertise in physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Dr. Peter Blendonohy is a recipient of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-E) who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Created in March 2003 after receiving approval from former President George W. Bush, the GWOT-E is awarded to armed service members, including Reserve and Guard personnel. To receive the medal, an individual must have been deployed overseas on or following September 11, 2001, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. Beyond this, the individual must meet at least one of the following criteria:
1. Service in a unit participating in either of the operations for a minimum of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days.
2. Engagement in enemy combat that involves grave danger, serious bodily injury, or death.
3. Death during the operation or sustaining injury requiring medical evacuation.