Elinor S., 83, of Pittsburgh, PA is a kind-hearted older adult who has dedicated many years of her life to caring for others. Elinor’s Wish of a Lifetime was to go back to New York City, where she was raised, to relive her life’s best memories. Elinor has maintained a...
Mary Helen is a sharp 86 year old from Charlotte, FL. Her Wish of a Lifetime is to meet her sister Betty's two daughters. She has always had a good relationship with her sister, and they talk on the phone almost every day. Her sister resides in Omaha, NE and has eight...
Naomi, 96, from Georgia was one of the first female dentists in the United States. She went to school at the University of Maryland where she met her husband. After graduating at the top of her class, Naomi and her husband practiced pediatric dentistry together....
Phyllis, 88, of Kokomo, Indiana is a family woman who has been through so much in her life. Her son, Rex, and grandchildren, Allie and Reed, live in Arizona, and she had not seen them in over 12 years. Phyllis’s Wish of a Lifetime was for them to visit her in Indiana....
Joann, 82, and Carl, 83, from Centennial, CO, both have lived quite an admirable life. They raised 9 children in Texas and lived in a racially segregated neighborhood. Being the only white family in their neighborhood made it tough on their family, but while...
Estel is a charming 81 year old older adult from Denver, CO. His Wish of a Lifetime was to travel to Charleston, WV, to visit his brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends. Estel was raised on a farm in West Virginia, and after his father had a life-threatening...
Fred H. is an 84 year old from Olympia Fields, IL, with an extensive family. Fred has 9 sons, 3 daughters, 35 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Fred served in the Army from 1948 - 1952 as a supply clerk. He married his wife while...
Sadie and Lorraine, two wonderful, 91 year-old pen pals, have been writing each other since 1932. Thanks to Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale, the two of them met for the very first time on June 14th, 2013. Sadie is an incredibly positive individual. She's one of the...
Marieda is a sweet 85-year-old woman from Augusta, Kansas. Living on a farm in rural Kansas during the depression, Marieda’s mother passed away when Marieda was only seven, leaving her the responsibility of caring for her three younger siblings. Now, at 85, Marieda...
Rachel, 90, of Newport Place in Boynton Beach, FL moved away from her family in Louisiana just over two years ago. Since this big move, Rachel was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and has lost a lot of her independence. Her husband, Jim, now cares her for full-time. Back in...
Malcolm F. is an 81 year-old gentleman from Greenville, PA. His Wish of a Lifetime was to go to Devon, England to reunite with his daughter Wendy, whom he hasn’t seen in over 46 years. Malcolm has lived quite the amazing life. As a boy growing up in London, England he...
When 87-year-old Dorothy “Dot” L. met her first grandchild as she came into the world 32 years ago, she fell in love and has felt that way ever since. Renee has been a great source of pride for Dot for all of her years, becoming a regional manager of 7 banks in Texas...
Eleanor is a 100 year old woman devoted to her family. Her older adult living community, Wynwood of Madison West, gave her news of her greatest birthday wish: to meet her triplet great grandchildren. Eleanor was married to her husband Colbie for 66 years. During that...
Edward, 93, is a resident of Chicago, IL. Edward's Wish of a Lifetime was to visit the Upper Peninsula in Michigan where he could relive some of his fondest childhood memories and honor his late grandparents. Edward's sight isn't what it once was, but he remains sharp...
Angelina is an amazing and caring woman. Before moving to Burlington, VT, about 16 years ago, Angelina lived in Brooklyn, NY where she raised her two sons and her nephew Anthony. Angelina's Wish is to reunite with her nephew Anthony, whom she hasn't seen in over a...
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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