91-year-old Bernie has always been close with her family. She grew up on a farm in Nebraska with her nine siblings, who doubled as her best friends. She was especially close with her twin and younger sisters, and vividly remembers their giggling fits at the dinner...
Stanley K., 80, from Loveland, Colorado is a loving man with a past marred by adversity and abundant loss. In the face of life’s challenges, Stanley maintains a passion for “helping all people, no matter the situation.” Now, it is time Stanley gets help in return....
Judy, 67, of Colton, NY, is a passionate and strong-willed woman who is dedicated to her family and her community. Judy’s Wish of a Lifetime was to visit her cousin Renee, in California who she has not seen in over 15 years. Judy was born and raised in Colton, a small...
Virginia B., 93, is a North Carolina girl through and through. Virginia lived in North Carolina for over 65 years, but moved to Texas to be closer to her only grandson and his family just over 3 years ago. Virginia grew up in a military household. Her father was a...
Sharon G., 72, of Brookdale Rosehill in Shawnee, KS, is a kind and upbeat lady who keeps a positive attitude despite daily challenges. Sharon has a very special bond with her niece, Trudi, who lives in Ohio. Sharon’s Wish of a Lifetime was to see Trudi again and meet...
Johnnie Potts, 97, of Oklahoma City holds family near and dear. She was raised with three siblings, and although she had a special relationship with all of them, two of them have already passed away. Johnnie has not seen her older sister, Ivory in more than a decade....
When June’s daughter, Jenny, asked June what her Wish of a Lifetime would be, she immediately responded “to visit Montana.” Felicia “June” Y., 90, resides in Poland, Ohio, and dreams of visiting close family and friends in Bozeman. With the help of Wish of a Lifetime,...
Marilyn Crusan, 80, of Des Moines, Iowa, has devoted her entire life to helping others. Marilyn was a nurse by profession, describing her career as a blessing as it revealed to her that her true calling was in helping others. Marilyn took care of her parents, her...
The bond between Ernie and his cousin Sara surpasses friendship and has helped them both survive their darkest moments during the Holocaust. We were thrilled to help them reunite in Israel after many years apart.
Coming from a large family, Amelia ‘Amy’ D., age 68 of Great Neck, NY, takes the meaning of family to heart. When Amy was 10, she and her three younger siblings were adopted and were separated from their older sister, Lina. Amy hasn't seen Lina since 1964 and her Wish...
Ida G. is a 92-year-old woman with a lot to say. She particularly enjoys corresponding with her pen pal, Peg. The two ladies met through the magazine, “Good Times” over a decade ago and have been writing to each other ever since. Though they have been sending each...
Jackie G., 74, of Brookdale Englewood in Florida has always been a family woman. Growing up, Jackie always looked up to her cousin Carol, who is six years older than her. Jackie and Carol’s families lived together during World War II, and after Jackie’s father...
Martin B., 93, is a family man who resides in Westminster, Colorado. Originally from Germany, Martin moved to the U.S. at the age of 7 along with his mother and two siblings. He and his family moved to Denver soon after their arrival and at the age of 20, he received...
Mike P., 94, of Niles, IL, is a selfless veteran, father, husband, and neighbor. He has a great sense of humor and he genuinely cares for everyone around him. In May 2015, Mike turned 95. To celebrate his 95th birthday, Mike wished to return to California where he...
Wish of a Lifetime marked a milestone on January 25th, 2015 when it granted its 1000th Wish since the organization’s founding in 2008. In partnership with Brookdale older adult living, Wish of a Lifetime was able to reconnect two high school football rivals who hadn’t...
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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