Wish Stories

At the age of 90, Jo is still haunted from her past after her husband returned from serving the United States Army on the “Manhattan Project” at the Trinity Atomic Bomb Site in New Mexico. As her husband departed from his mission, he was unaware of the assigned duty...

Rosie the Riveter serves as a traditional icon of the United States, representing working women during WWII. Lina Mae, 92, has achieved many accomplishments after becoming a Rosie at 18 years old. Her hard-working efforts were acknowledged, which allowed her the...

On May 12, 2016, Wish of a Lifetime sent 8 veterans and a gold-star wife to Washington, D.C. to see the nation's war memorials for the first time. Veterans from the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II were all represented. The trip was absolutely incredible and,...

Jo's world was turned upside down when her husband returned from serving in the United States Army on, “The Manhattan Project,” at the Trinity Atomic Bomb Site in New Mexico. When her husband departed for this mission, he was unaware as to the assignment that he would...

  70- year-old Art is a Viet Nam Veteran, who completed two and a half tours with the US Army. His Wish of a Lifetime was to participate in a parade where he could proudly represent America by waving an American Flag. Art was raised by his foster mother,...

Over four years ago, Wish of a Lifetime partnered with The Vital Life Foundation to create the Journey of Heroes, a trip to honor veterans for their incredible sacrifices. The forth annual Journey of Heroes took place from October 21st – 24th, 2015, and was a complete...

“Soul mates are the people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect, but are always perfect for you.” That was how it was for Nancy Patterson, 68, and her late husband James. The two were soul mates and spent their lives supporting one another. When James...

Richard Pfahler is a well-decorated military man. Lieutenant Pfahler served for twenty six years in the Navy, including three tours in Korea--earning three battle stars for his bravery. Even after his long career in the Navy, Richard stayed involved in the military...

Edward “Ed” Stewart is an 89-year-old veteran residing at the Horizon Bay of Rome in Georgia. Ed served in the United States Army as a Medic during the WWII era. He served several months at the 157th General Hospital in Liverpool, England. During the infamous D-Day,...

Lou W., 90, of Denver, CO is a strong-willed, patriotic older adult who joined the Army Air Corps at age 17. Memories from his 28 year-long service in the Army are a source of excitement and happiness for Lou, who continues to tell stories to his grandchildren about...

On October 20th, 2014, ten veterans representing the Vietnam War, Korean War, and WWII traveled to our nation’s capital to see the memorials built in their honor. This was Wish of a Lifetime and The Vital Life Foundation’s third Journey of Heroes trip, an experience...

Annette Z., 91, of The Pointe at Newport Place in Boynton Beach, FL, is a courageous and selfless woman who is devoted to her country. During World War II, her two older brothers and twin brother all served in the Navy. She said she could not just sit around while her...

Annette Z., 91, of The Pointe at Newport Place in Boynton Beach, FL, is a courageous and selfless woman who is devoted to her country. During World War II, her two older brothers and twin brother all served in the Navy. She said she could not just sit around while her...

Robert, “Bob,” is a resilient 85-year-old Korean War Veteran who has strong emotional ties to his Navy days. From Fall 1952 to Fall 1954, Bob served as a Hospital Corpsman on the USS Midway, which at the time was the largest aircraft carrier in the world. Sixty years...