Wilhelmina E., 81, from Brookdale Columbia in South Carolina, grew up the youngest of 5 kids. Wilhelmina’s father was a traveling salesperson, so her brother, Brinson, not only served as a good friend but also father figure. Wilhelmina recalls Brinson as a “prankster”...
Pauline, 92, has been giving back to her community since the young age of 19 after marrying and enlisted soldier. Her husband was stationed in Europe during World War II, leaving newly wed Pauline alone in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. “This was the hardest...
Patsy Henderson, 80, from Brookdale Carmel, and her husband of 46 years raised their three daughters in Frankfort, Indiana. When the girls were growing up, the family frequently visited Daytona Beach. Patsy and her daughters have fond memories of being together as a...
Pat M., 86, from Brookdale’s Palma Sola in Bradenton, FL, is described by those who care for her as “an amazing woman who always has everyone’s interest at hand.” Pat grew up as an only child with strong connections with her parents. She is very proud of her Chippewa...
Jim A., 76, from Brookdale East Broad of Statesville, North Carolina, was able to travel around the Southeast corner of the United States through his work. He has fond memories of visiting various cities, strolling through the towns and seeing all of the sights. Jim...
On any given Saturday night for the past 10 years, you will find one very special older adult, Lynn V., volunteering in her community in Cleveland, OH. Lynn, 79, is a woman whose optimistic outlook and generous spirit, is only matched by her love of movies, musicals...
Therman S. from Brookdale Sparks, has always wished he could climb aboard the hot air balloons he sees floating around Nevada. When he was a young boy, a hot air balloon landed on his driveway. Ever since that day, Therman has been fascinated with hot air balloons and...
Mr. Earl P. is an 89 year old man whose commitment to his family and airplanes is absolutely unrivaled. Earl' fascination with airplanes began when he was 14 years old and began working at AVO, an airplane equipment plant in Detroit, Michigan. Since that moment, Earl...
Barbara L., 78, from Brookdale Westlake Hills in Austin, TX, was a teenager of the ‘50s. When Elvis came to fame in 1955, Barbara was in high school. She remembers having slumber parties with her friends and playing Elvis on the record player. In October 1956, Barbara...
Hazel T. (76) is a devout Christian. She loves the Bible and knows every story by heart. It has been a lifelong dream of hers to go to Israel and experience the stories for herself. As she has gotten older, she has lost hope of being able to because it is no longer...
Eloise E. (90) has seen many of her loved ones pass away. Her strong faith in her religion has gotten her though these difficult losses. Eloise has always wanted to go to Israel, but has never had the finances to do so. Eloise has wanted to go visit the Holy Land...
Mr. Herman R., of Morrisville, North Carolina, is a 90 year old man who has lived in a small town in North Carolina for his entire life. Herman has led a very busy and full life, raising five children alongside his wife and opening his own carpeting business. Herman...
Patty, 68, of Stockton, CA, is a longtime fan of the San Francisco Giants and a lifelong fan of baseball. Growing up, Patty was the only girl in the neighborhood. To make friends with the boys, she had to learn how to play sports, such as baseball, hockey, and...
Fred was born in Germany in December 1932 to Jewish parents. Six months later, Fred’s parents decided to flee to Belgium to escape the Nazis. Fred’s parents believed Hitler would only be in power for a couple of years, so they could return to Germany after Hitler’s...
Leta H., 78, from Brookdale Westlake Hills in Austin, Texas, has been a fan of Rachael Ray for several years. Leta owned her own cookware store, Bon Appetit, for about 10 years. Bon Appetit offered cooking classes, sold cookware and organized trips that involved food....
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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