Richard Pfahler is a well-decorated military man. Lieutenant Pfahler served for twenty six years in the Navy, including three tours in Korea–earning three battle stars for his bravery. Even after his long career in the Navy, Richard stayed involved in the military community in any way that he was able to until he started to experience the effects of memory loss a few years ago.
Richard’s wife reflects that although her husband’s memory is not what it used to be, he does not miss a beat when it comes to talking about his military service. Richard’s Wish of a Lifetime is to be formally honored for his service to his country. Richard has always been a very selfless and well-loved man. Richard stayed busy through his successful military career by raising three children and having constant involvement in his Church. Although Richard’s involvement has slowed substantially as his health declines, his nominator says that he never complains, and still tries to make others smile in any way he can.
Wish of A Lifetime and Brookdale Senior Living were proud to partner in order to make Richard’s Wish come true. On Friday, August 7th of 2015, Wish of A Lifetime coordinated a celebratory lunch for Richard and his friends and family to attend at the Venetian Gardens- a community room five minutes away from Richard’s Brookdale residence.
Richard’s grandson sang three of his grandfather’s favorite military songs while everybody ate lunch. The meal was prepared by the Leesburg community center and featured Richard’s favorite foods: Chicken Salad Sandwiches and Chocolate cake. After lunch, Richard was presented with a baseball cap, American flag and an honorary diploma by the VFW. The Korean Veterans’ Association brought more than a dozen veterans to his lunch and presented Richard with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, Richard’s long time friend Tom Thiel spoke on behalf the Korean War Veteran, and honored Richard by giving a brief speech and preparing a slide show presentation in his honor. More than 70 people attended this ceremony to honor Richard’s life!
Richard’s wife, Vi reiterated that military service was how Richard defined himself for his entire life, and therefore concluded that this ceremony was a perfect way to pay a proper tribute to her loving husband.
