Deborah Finds Renewed Meaning in Washington D.C.

Deborah has felt the spirit of patriotism around her for as long as she can remember. It began in her childhood home, where she grew up under the strong influence of her father, a distinguished soldier with a 31-year service record. Later, she cultivated it during her adult life as a Private First Class in the U.S. Army.

She deeply admired her father for his brave service and the altruism he practiced in their everyday life. He would warmly open their home’s doors on every major holiday, offering GIs without families a welcome seat at their dinner table.

When her parents passed away, Deborah was proud to lay them to rest at Arlington National Cemetery among our nation’s heroes.

Those early seeds of patriotism and generosity became infused in Deborah’s life. Motivated to serve, she enlisted in the Army, blazing a trail for countless women. Deborah is a Vietnam War-era veteran who transcended her official duties to make a meaningful impact.

Deborah was proud to serve and did not let any stereotypes or misconceptions about women’s abilities of the time hold her back. She took every opportunity to learn and grow in her role as a voice radio operator and stepped up for field duty every chance she could. By the end of her service, she felt she had earned the respect of all her peers and even the Colonel.

What stands out even more than Deborah’s determination is her dedication to supporting those around her. While serving abroad in Germany, Deborah found a unique way to channel the generosity that her father taught her.

Deborah saw that her fellow GIs needed a place to decompress and connect outside the local bars. With the help of the post Chaplain, she found a room above the church where she created a social space.

Nicknamed “The Upper Room,” Deborah’s space was a much-needed outlet for the troops. She secured donated sofas and chairs and even found the money to get decks of cards and board games. The Upper Room quickly became a well-loved spot where GIs enjoyed each other’s company—much like her father’s dinner table.

After the Army, Deborah’s focus shifted to supporting her own family as a single mother. Even as time passed, Deborah’s patriotism did not fade. “My pride in our country was born in me,” she explained. Deborah continually dreamed of visiting Washington, D.C., and experiencing the monuments and memorials of our nation’s capital firsthand. But her dream seemed too far out of reach.

“Of all places, this would be especially personal, emotional, and spiritual to me,” she shared.

When we heard Deborah’s story of service, patriotism, and generosity of spirit, we were honored to have the chance to help her fulfill her deepest wish.

At age 69, Deborah’s wish finally came true. Accompanied by her close friend Anne-Marie, she traveled to Washington, D.C., for the trip of a lifetime.

But first, they crossed the Potomac River to the Arlington National Cemetery, where she could pay her respects. Although she had not visited her parents’ burial place in over 40 years, she knew the location by heart.

After a lifetime of patriotism, it was time to help Deborah commemorate her own service. At the Military Women’s Memorial, she and Anne-Marie were warmly greeted by museum staff and special guests, who guided them on a VIP tour of the beautiful space full of history.

Walking amongst the exhibits and artifacts of brave military women was a much-needed reminder that Deborah should be proud of her service and contributions to others. After many years of feeling insignificant, she felt seen and valued.

“This is the first time she’s felt like she’s mattered,” Anne-Marie shared. “I can’t even express how amazing this has been for her.”

To complete Deborah’s wish experience, the museum team performed a traditional flag unfurling ceremony in her honor—a moment she will never forget. As Wish of a Lifetime volunteers cheered and clapped, she was gifted a deluxe military profile documenting her story.

“To be recognized in such an honorable place by a group of wonderful, nice, caring, and loving women… It was one of the best days of my life,” Deborah said.

After returning home from her wish, Deborah felt valued and appreciated, something she had not experienced for some time.

“I feel different. I no longer feel like a dying dinosaur that no one is interested in,” she shared. “For a while, I have thought that the younger generation didn’t care about our history—only the here and now. Thank you for reminding me that many generations are interested in the past, present, and future. Thank you for making my wish come true.”

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