Verna, a 100-year-old Brookdale resident, grew up in Long Beach, California, and has spent most of her life riding motorcycles. She and her husband used to spend every summer taking road trips on their motorcycles throughout the United States, specifically in...
Laura, 100, is very proud of her Mexican American heritage. Her father was a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) that advocates for Hispanic civil rights in the United States. At the age of 10, Laura learned how to play the piano and was...
Cleo, 95, has always been an avid Cubs fan. Her love for the team began when she and her sister would go to a neighbor’s house to listen to the games on the radio, and has persisted throughout the years as she brought her family to games and made sure never to miss...
Eugene, 87, has had a life-long passion for Royals baseball. Being a long time Kansas City resident, he attended games in his youth while always exuberating pride for his city. Though attending a Royals game is currently not feasible for him, he still smiles ear to...
Born and raised in Chicago, 84-year-old Joe is the epitome of a lifelong Cubs fan. As a kid, Joe and his friends would spend their summer days scouring the city collecting discarded bottles—with 25 pounds of glass they could earn the fifty cents needed to purchase a...
“Sailing was a family affair when I was growing up,” explains Steve (87) when asked about where his passion for sailing derived from. Steve used to go sailing with his five uncles as a young boy—spending their days sailing, digging up mussels and canoeing. Steve...
Adaline and Jessie, 98, are identical twins that spend most of their time together. Growing up the twins remember taking trips with their family every summer to the beach. The twins' favorite place in the world is a place where they can hear the ocean waves. Many...
Bess, 91, of Brookdale Kerrville, is a older adult who’s got soul. The daughter of a religious singer and wife of a pastor, Bess has been surrounded by gospel music for nearly all of her life. Her Wish is to “relearn” the piano by taking lessons at her home. Bess’...
Roy attended Clemson University for two years and left college to join the Marine Corps, serving our country for three years. During basic training, he received a medal and was given a special commendation by the Colonel as the number one cadet in training. He worked...
Ever since Victor was 24 years old, he has never missed a WWE wrestling match on the television. He began gaining interest in wrestling due to his son’s interest in the sport. The two of them would watch the matches together on TV or drive to watch a live match— it...
Barbara, 67, has always shared a love for Disney. When Disney World first opened its doors in 1971, she always had the desire to visit the iconic castle and take pictures alongside Mickey Mouse. Sadly, Barbara suffers from Alzheimer’s, which can make it difficult at...
Randy, 75, was born in the south side of Chicago, IL. Ever since he can remember, he has been a Chicago Cubs fan, where he once even had the opportunity to see the Cubs play live at Wrigley Field when he was 15 years old. Randy and his brother, Paul, have an ongoing...
Many people have fond memories of going on a Hawaiian vacation at some point in their life, but to Melpa, the island truly serves as a home away from home. Though she now lives at Brookdale Valparaiso Memory Care, the 92-year-old previously spent every winter living...
Francis, 84, grew up on the water in Sarasota, FL. Her eyes light up as she shares her memories of the ocean, for it has always been a huge part of her life. Francis spent her college years competing in synchronized swimming before marrying her husband and becoming a...
Billy Bob, 89, grew up with a strong passion for baseball. He would often times skip school and walk all the way to Cairo to watch the St. Louis Cardinals practice. During his older adult year, Billy Bob worked as their bat boy and ran errands for the team for three...
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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