Hazel, 88, from Brookdale Midland in Midland, Texas, spent the majority of her life in Big Springs, Texas. Back in Big Springs, Hazel enjoyed hearing about the local rodeos. In the 1970s, Hazel discovered that a man named George Strait was a strong competitor in...
Lynda, 76, is a older adult who has always put the needs of others before her own. She was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and has lived in Texas her whole life. She has always served others and has gone on several mission trips with her husband throughout her life. This...
With such a lively spirit, one would never guess that Audrey is 92 years old. Though she now resides in Brookdale Destin in Florida, Audrey spent the majority of her life in New York. She worked as a typist in New York City for many years in a large company downtown,...
Leslie, 71, has always kept a positive outlook on life. As an avid resident of Brookdale, he enjoys many activities in the community, though his favorite pastime is watching the Price is Right. Leslie remembers watching the very first episode of the Price is Right...
Ever since Mary saw the dolphin Flipper on TV as a child, she has been intrigued by dolphins. Mary said dolphins' "perpetual smiles and complex aquatic maneuvers" remind her of her time in high school when she participated in synchronized swimming. Mary spent part of...
Donald, 95, has an everlasting passion for aviation. Though he has taken flight in an abundance of different aircrafts, he has never flown on a glider plane. When asked of his Wish, Donald knew immediately that he would love to feel the air from a different...
Bob, 93, and Phyllis, 89, share a deep love for their home city of Chicago. The two grew up in the Windy City in the 1920’s and 1930’s and never wanted to leave. Bob and Phyllis have become great friends as residents of Brookdale and want nothing more than a chance to...
Lois has an adventurous soul with big dreams, but at the age of 93, she is limited to the amount of activity her body is able to endure. Growing up with a troubling childhood, she has reinvented herself for her family and remains a strong, courageous woman. During...
Betty Wilson, 83, loves to dance. At Brookdale Champions, her infectious dance moves inspire other older adult residents and community associates to dance with her. Betty is often seen dancing right alongside her favorite talk show host and fellow dance fanatic, Ellen...
Ellen, 86, is a remarkable woman with a lifelong commitment to helping others. She was an advocate for desegregation of schools in Montgomery in the 1960’s, eventually being appointed by a judge to serve on a biracial committee that monitored schools for integration....
Richard, “Robbie,” served in the United States Navy for 25 years. Robbie joined the Navy in September 1937 at the cusp of WWII. He graduated with almost 40 others in his class at Pensacola; however, he was the only member of his graduating class to survive WWII....
Sue, 77, of Brookdale Blankenbaker in Louisville, Kentucky is an outgoing, happy lady with a love for new adventures. Her dream was to view the Thunder Over Louisville event from the Galt House Hotel. This event consists of an air show followed by a fireworks show. To...
A casual conversation between two Brookdale Tuskawilla residents sparked an unexpected Wish of a Lifetime. Shortly after moving to Brookdale, Josephine, 95, befriended a man named Charlie. Charlie is an avid baseball fan who collects baseball cards. One day, Charlie...
After 30 years of Marine + Army Air Corps service and thousands of hours in the air, Master Pilot Jack’s dream was to fly in a Fighter Jet!
Sometimes it’s the simplest wishes that have the greatest impact. Thomas, 71, has lived in Oklahoma for his entire life. A proud and devoted fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thomas loves how hard the team plays and feels they represent his city well. He never misses...
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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