March 27, 2019 As purple as it gets: Army colonel, veterinary pathologist fills unique position for Navy, Air Force WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO - United States Army Col. Cary Honnold is about as purple as it gets. "Purple," in military jargon, means joint. It's a term used to describe a situation, or event, that includes people and units from different military branches who come together to accomplish