From a Simple Dinner to a Mission of Honor: Meet Boerne’s Purple Heart Project
Boerne Love Nonprofit Spotlight | Veterans Day 2026
What started as a simple act of gratitude in a Boerne restaurant has grown into a nonprofit dedicated to honoring some of our nation's bravest heroes.
Right here in Boerne, The Purple Heart Project of Texas is making sure the sacrifices of combat-wounded veterans are never forgotten.
Founded by local veteran and chef Mark Sierra and his wife, Dalia, the organization has grown from a heartfelt gathering into a community-driven mission supporting Purple Heart recipients, Gold Star families, and veterans throughout Texas.
It All Started With a Dinner
In 2020, Mark and Dalia Sierra wanted to do something meaningful for the men and women who had sacrificed so much for our country.
At their restaurant, Compadres Hill Country Cocina, they organized a special steak dinner to honor Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families.
What began around the dinner table soon became something much bigger.
That gathering inspired the creation of The Purple Heart Project, a nonprofit built on the belief that honoring veterans should extend far beyond a single holiday or ceremony.
Today, the organization brings veterans, military families, and community members together through meaningful events, recognition programs, and ongoing support.
What Is the Purple Heart?
The Purple Heart is one of America's most recognized military decorations. It is awarded to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action.
Behind every medal is a person, a family, and a story of sacrifice.
The Purple Heart Project works to ensure those stories are remembered and those families continue to feel the gratitude of the communities they served.
How the Purple Heart Project Makes a Difference
The organization's work extends beyond ceremonies and public recognition.
💜 Honoring Purple Heart Recipients
Through special gatherings, recognition events, and an annual gala, the organization celebrates the courage and sacrifices of combat-wounded veterans.
🇺🇸 Supporting Gold Star Families
The nonprofit recognizes families who have lost loved ones in military service, creating opportunities for remembrance, connection, and community support.
🎓 Investing in Military Families
The organization supports scholarship opportunities for children and dependents of Purple Heart recipients.
🤝 Building Community
Through veterans' gatherings, visits, special events, and community partnerships, the Purple Heart Project helps foster fellowship and connection.
🕊️ Preserving Their Legacy
The nonprofit also helps create lasting tributes to military service, ensuring future generations understand the cost of freedom.
A Lasting Tribute in the Heart of Boerne
One of the organization's most visible contributions can be found at Boerne's Veterans Plaza.
In June 2025, a Purple Heart monument was installed through a community effort led by the Purple Heart Project and the Veterans Owned Small Business Organization, funded through private donations.
In September 2026, the organization also held a dedication ceremony for a Gold Star Families Monument at Veterans Plaza.
These memorials provide places for families, veterans, and visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made in service to our country.
They also remind us that honoring veterans is something we can do all year long.
From Boerne to National Recognition
The Purple Heart Project's mission has reached beyond the Hill Country.
In 2026, Mark Sierra and the organization received national attention through NBC's TODAY show, sharing the story behind their work honoring veterans and Gold Star families.
Dalia Sierra and the nonprofit were also featured by Telemundo Dallas, bringing additional attention to their advocacy for military families.
What began in a local restaurant has become a story of gratitude with an impact far beyond Boerne.
How Our Community Can Help
You don't have to be a veteran to make a difference.
Community members can support The Purple Heart Project by:
Donating to support its mission and programs.
Volunteering at events and community gatherings.
Participating in fundraisers and recognition ceremonies.
Supporting local businesses and organizations that partner with the nonprofit.
Sharing its mission and helping ensure veterans and their families know they are appreciated.
A Mission Worth Supporting
At Boerne Love, we believe loving where you live means caring for the people who make our community special.
The Purple Heart Project is a beautiful example of what can happen when gratitude becomes action.
Through the dedication of Mark and Dalia Sierra, the generosity of supporters, and the willingness of our community to come together, veterans and their families are being reminded that their sacrifices matter.
This Veterans Day, we encourage our neighbors to learn more about this local nonprofit and consider how they can help carry its mission forward.
Because honoring those who served shouldn't happen only one day a year.
Connect With The Purple Heart Project
📍 209 Lohmann Street, Boerne, TX 78006
🌐 Website: https://purpleheartpro.org/
💜 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purpleheartproject2020/
🤝 Learn how to support: https://purpleheartpro.org/
Love Where You Live. 💗
Boerne Love | Celebrating the people, places, and organizations making a difference in our community.
