Lieutenant Colonel Marion “Rodge” Rodgers is an incredible 92-year-old gentleman that resides at the Brookdale Place of Colorado Springs in Colorado. Rodge is one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and served his country for 22 years on active duty, 17 years in the Civil...
Alta W., 92, of Sterling House of Kerrville in Kerrville, Texas, was part of the first group of women who were allowed to work at the Pentagon. It has been almost 70 years since she’s been back, so her Wish of a Lifetime was to once again visit the Pentagon, a place...
Clarence, 94, of Brookdale’s Horizon Bay of San Marcos witnessed the “date which will live in infamy” on December 7th, 1941. Clarence, a Marine, arrived on Pearl Harbor on December 1st 1941. On December 6th, Clarence and two friends were given leave for a night on the...
Roy, 90, of Springfield, Ohio, is an inspiring example of the Greatest Generation. Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime commemorated Roy’s service by sending him and his son, Bill, to Washington D.C. to visit the War Memorials for the first time. Drafted into the Army in...
Ernie C., 88, is a remarkable Navy Veteran and a true American hero. At 17 years old, he joined the U.S. Navy, and was sent to Europe just weeks later during the height of hostilities and shortly before the invasion of Normandy. His Wish of a Lifetime was to return to...
On May 29th, 2014, 10 WWII veterans packed their bags and boarded planes to Washington, D.C. This would be the first and possibly the only time any of these amazing veterans would see the memorial created in their honor. Without their sacrifices and courageous service...
This year's spring Washington, D.C. trip was quite the experience. On April 28th, 2014, veterans from all over the country, representative of the Vietnam War, Korean War and WWII, traveled to our nation's capital. Tough weather conditions awaited our veterans in DC,...
The story of veteran Abe S., 94, from Delray Beach, FL is an awe-inspiring tale of triumph, passion, and positivity. Abe was a navigator and 2nd Lieutenant for the Air Force in WWII. He flew 10 successful missions, but on the 11th his plane was shot down. Forced to...
Robert, 90, is a current resident at Brookdale Place at Fall Creek in Indiana. Robert has always been proud of the Army Division that he served in during WWII and the Battle of the Bulge- the 11th Armored Division. The 11th Armored Division was disbanded on August 15,...
Don C. is an 89-year-old WWII Veteran who lives in Denver, CO. Don served in the Mighty Eighth Air Force stationed in Attlebridge, England where, as a Second Lieutenant Aircraft Commander, he was the first pilot in command of an 11 man B-24 bomber crew. His crew flew...
Morris, 89, is a World War II Veteran who resides at Wilora Lake Lodge in Charlotte, NC. Morris’ Wish of a Lifetime is to travel to Omaha, NE to see one of the only remaining ships like the one he served on-The USS Minesweeper. Morris served in the Navy from 1943-1945...
Lucile, 89, from Holland, Michigan, is a sweet and caring woman. She graduated from school in 1942, right in the midst of the Great Depression. Her dream was to become a nurse. However, there wasn’t much money available and her mother believed another path would be...
Kenneth, “Ken,” is an 87 year old veteran that resides in Twin Lake, MI with his lovely wife, Connie. Ken’s Wish of a Lifetime was to be able to return to the place where he was captured as a prisoner of war during WWII: Anzio Beach, Italy. Ken joined the US Army when...
On October 14th, 2013, Wish of a Lifetime sent 20 Wish recipients from all over the country to Washington, D.C., some to see the memorials built in their honor for the very first time. We proudly took veterans who served in Vietnam, Korea, and WWII. Also included in...
Kathleen, 87, graduated from the Cadet’s Nurse Corps in 1947 shortly after WWII was over. The Cadet’s Nurse Corps was created in response to the need for more nurses after the United States entered the war. These women were trained to be professional nurses and would...
Growing up in a family where military service wasn’t just a choice, it was a tradition, Tom joined the Army after high school and served six years as a wheel mechanic in Germany and at Fort Bliss, Texas. Known for his versatility and problem‑solving skills, he supported a wide range of military equipment. After service, Thomas built a successful retail career in Wyoming while continuing to give back through the Wyoming National Guard and American Legion. Like many Vietnam‑era veterans, he feels his service has gone unrecognized. Voyage of Valor will allow him to celebrate this chapter of his life and experience the history of Washington, D.C.
After realizing college was not the right path for him, Ronald enlisted in the Marines at 19 and served two years in Vietnam building supply roads, digging foxholes, recovering damaged vehicles, and delivering supplies under helicopter protection. Though physically unharmed, the emotional toll followed him home for decades. Today, Ronald is proud of the progress he has made through therapy. Voyage of Valor offers a chance to continue his healing, reconnect with his love of country, and honor a part of his identity that has long been set aside.
Enlisting in the Army in 1973, Valinda served as a military journalist and later re enlisted in the reserves. Her service included enduring isolation and sexual trauma that went unaddressed for decades. Through a women’s support group and VA care, Valinda found understanding and community. Outside the military, she spent 20 years teaching and recently completed a Life Mastery Certification training program focused on mental health consulting. Voyage of Valor offers Valinda the opportunity to honor those lost, connect with fellow veterans, and renew her sense of patriotism.
Determined to serve his country, Richard made three attempts to enlist before ultimately being drafted after corrective eye surgery. As a combat medic in Vietnam, he cared for wounded soldiers while carrying the heavy memories of war. Back home, Richard dedicated decades to service, spending 22 years in the Wyoming National Guard, leading his local VFW, serving with the Honor Guard, and raising scholarship funds for Wyoming youth. Despite declining eyesight, Richard continues to give back and hopes Voyage of Valor will allow him to honor fallen friends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Drafted into the Army in 1968, Raymond was wounded when his convoy was ambushed in Vietnam. He was discharged with a Purple Heart and has lived with lasting health conditions ever since. Despite these challenges, Raymond worked for 30 years as a heavy equipment operator, supporting his family and community. In retirement, he continues to serve others through volunteer work. Though he has never visited Washington, D.C., Raymond wants to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor the comrades he lost and the friends he made during boot camp. For him, Voyage of Valor will be his chance to confront his past and connect with fellow veterans who share his story.
Drafted into the Army in 1967, Paul served with the 4th Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of Dak To, where he was wounded and witnessed the devastating loss of his close friend, James. Awarded the Purple Heart, Paul returned home carrying both physical and emotional scars. He went on to build a 42‑year career as co‑owner of a trucking service and gas station, earning a loyal client base through honest work. Through Voyage of Valor, Paul hopes to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor James and pay tribute to all who never returned home.
After graduating from architecture school, Pat joined the Navy and served as a navigator in the US Navy Submarine Service. His experience included volunteering as a diver, navigating high-stakes encounters with the Soviets, and coping with the loss of 99 crew when the USS Scorpion sank in 1968. Returning home to hostility toward veterans, Pat built a life rooted in architectural design, family, and service through the Rotary Club. A two‑time cancer survivor, he remains deeply proud of his service and the bonds he shares with fellow submariners. Pat hopes to honor fallen friends by visiting Washington, D.C.’s memorials through Voyage of Valor.
Drafted into the Army at 19, John served two years in Vietnam, managing guns and supplies for his unit. During his service, John lost his best friend and three other close friends in combat, losses that still weigh heavily on him today. Since returning home, he has honored veterans through decades of volunteer service with the American Legion and VFW Color Guard, often serving at ceremonies and funerals. Voyage of Valor will allow John to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find his friends’ names on the wall to say final goodbyes, and to reflect on the complex emotions of being one of the few who returned.
Mike enlisted in the Army and served three years, including two working in a secure facility in Vietnam transmitting messages to Washington, D.C. Though he downplays his experiences, Mike continues to live with the effects of Agent Orange exposure. Alongside his wife, Laurel, he now dedicates his time to volunteering with the AARP Action Team in Wyoming. Voyage of Valor offers Mike a meaningful opportunity to reflect on his service, honor its impact, and take an important step toward acknowledging the war’s legacy.
Drafted into the Army at 23, John served two years in Vietnam’s combat zones, enduring harsh jungle conditions that left lasting health challenges and trauma he continues to manage today. When he returned home, John faced rejection and mistreatment as a Vietnam veteran, struggling for years to regain stability. Today, he is seeking healing through PTSD treatment and connection with fellow veterans. Voyage of Valor will bring John to Washington, D.C., for the first time—an opportunity to honor fallen friends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and continue a long‑awaited healing journey.
Serving in Vietnam as a communications specialist with the U.S. Army’s 8th RRFS, Karl’s life was forever changed when eight close friends died in a helicopter crash—one he was originally assigned to board. For nearly six decades, this loss has shaped his unwavering commitment to honoring those who never made it home. Despite health challenges, Karl continues to volunteer with the American Legion and care for graves at the National Cemetery. Voyage of Valor offers him the chance to say a final goodbye at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and seek long‑awaited peace.
At age 20, Joseph enlisted in the Navy and completed five tours in Vietnam in just four years. He worked in the boiler room to keep ships operational and supplies moving. Though not directly involved in combat, he was exposed to Agent Orange and suffered a life‑altering injury that nearly left him paralyzed after lifting a 250-pound rail. After returning home from the war to mistreatment, Joseph found healing through martial arts, where he also mentored struggling youth. Voyage of Valor represents a powerful step toward closure—and the respect and honor he never received after his service.
Inspired by his three brothers’ service during the Vietnam War, Jerry volunteered for the draft after high school and served two years in the Army abroad in Eastern Germany. While he did not fight in Vietnam, the war’s impact on his family shaped his life and his commitment to service. For 20 years, Jerry volunteered at every election until health challenges limited his stamina. Through Voyage of Valor, Jerry hopes to honor those lost, reflect on his own service, and listen to the experiences of fellow veterans whose lives were shaped by the Vietnam War.
Motivated by his brothers’ service in Vietnam, Jeff enlisted in the Navy in 1974. Though he was not deployed to Vietnam, his service included classified courier work while stationed in Barbados. The Vietnam War deeply affected Jeff and his family, shaping his outlook and values. Today, Jeff lives by a motto of kindness, helping neighbors and community members whenever he can. Through Voyage of Valor, he hopes to honor those who sacrificed, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and reflect on the war’s lasting impact.
Drafted into the Army at 20, Don served as a helicopter crew chief in Vietnam, surviving two shoot‑downs and the loss of close comrades. After returning home to stigma and misunderstanding, Don transformed pain into purpose. For nearly five decades, he has served the American Legion, leading his post and creating supportive spaces for veterans to connect and heal. His proudest project, an accessible community pond at the Buffalo Soldiers Home, brings together veterans, families, and youth. Voyage of Valor offers Don the chance to honor fallen friends and deepen bonds with fellow veterans.
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