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Wish Stories

Commemorating Service

Lorette Reunites with Rosie the Riveters

Lorette Reunites with Rosie the Riveters

“They are in the shipyards, lumber mills, steel mills, foundries.  They are electricians, mechanics, and even boilermakers. They operate streetcars, buses, cranes, and tractors.  Women engineers are working in the drafting rooms and women...

Jack Visits National WWII Museum With Family

Jack Visits National WWII Museum With Family

Jack, 96, served in the United States Army during WWII as a forward observer and radio operator in his artillery, serving in the 308th Field Artillery Battalion, 78th Infantry Division. He fought bravely in the following campaigns and battles: Battle of the Bulge,...

John Reengages With WWII Planes

John Reengages With WWII Planes

John, 96, of Brookdale Cape Cod is a gracious and kind gentleman who shows early signs of memory loss and dementia. One thing is for sure though - John can recall all of his experiences in WWII. He enjoys spending part of his day reminiscing about his time as a WWII...

Ed Visits Naval Base and Battleship Cove

Ed Visits Naval Base and Battleship Cove

Edmund “Ed,” 96, was enlisted in the United States Navy when he was about 20 years old. Ed spent over 20 years serving his country and was able to attain the rank of Chief Boatswain Mate by the time he was discharged around 1961. He spent 6 months of every year on a...

Alvin Rides a Boat in Norfolk, VA

Alvin Rides a Boat in Norfolk, VA

Alvin D., 93, from Brookdale Bath in Akron, Ohio, is a proud US veteran. Alvin served in the Navy during WWII and escorted vessels to the British Isles. Although Alvin and his crew were often an easy target for submarine attacks, they were never hit. Alvin said “I...

DC Vets Trip Summer 2017

DC Vets Trip Summer 2017

On June 22nd, Wish of a Lifetime sent 8 veterans to Washington, D.C. on a group trip to see the memorials erected in their honor. Most of the group traveled out of Denver, CO and were given a special send-off from the Wish of a Lifetime team and Davita volunteers. The...

At 95, Roger Flies Again!

At 95, Roger Flies Again!

Roger D., 95, immediately joined the Navy after he heard that the Japanese had hit Pearl Harbor. Roger was in the middle of pursuing his college degree when the call to duty came, and he dropped everything to defend his country. Roger soon became a pilot in the Navy,...

Charlie Flies in a P-51

Charlie Flies in a P-51

91 year-old Charlie G. of Brookdale Freedom Village is one of those guys that knows everyone and is loved by everyone. Charlie isn’t just a part of his community, he is the heart & soul of Brookdale Freedom Village. Charlie’s Wish of a Lifetime was to finally get...

Barbara’s Trip to The Biltmore Estate

Barbara’s Trip to The Biltmore Estate

Barbara T., age 75, a veteran and mother, is a true staple of resilience and spirit. Barbara spent 13 years serving in the Army in Germany as one of the first African-American women to serve. As a gas pumper, Barbara was on the front line of duty as potential threats...

Les Tours an F-16

Les Tours an F-16

Les P., 94, from Brookdale Freedom Plaza in Peoria, Arizona, voluntarily joined the Marine Corps to become a fighter pilot after building B-25s in a factory during the start of WWII. After joining in 1942, Les worked on an aircraft carrier at Cherry Point, North...