🇺🇸 Meet the Heroes: U.S. Air Force Veteran Jerry, 81, enlisted in August 1963 and served until August 1967, primarily at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara, California. Despite his aspirations to become an engineer, Jerry served with the Air Police and earned a marksman medal for his sharpshooting skills. A defining moment in his service came at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where he participated in the presidential honor guard during President Kennedy's visit just before the tragic assassination on November 22, 1963. His time in the service forged Jerry into a man who deeply values character and who wears his pride for this country on his sleeve. He volunteers to help other residents get to activities and comes alongside them to ensure they know how to play the game or participate in the activity – especially when the poker table is running! For Jerry, a trip to Washington, DC, would be a profound and unforgettable experience, “To be with the people who have served and the people who have been in combat – it would be an honor, just a complete honor,” he shared. 🏛️🎖️ #JourneyOfHeroes #MeetTheHeroes (fb)

🇺🇸 Meet the Heroes: U.S. Army Veteran Johnny, 85, grew up knowing he wanted to serve to his country. In high school, Johnny enlisted alongside twelve of his classmates. From 1957-1960, Johnny proudly served his country, completing two tours of Vietnam and ultimately achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5. Although Johnny experienced tumultuous periods during his time in the service –especially while in Vietnam- he never lost his pride for the United States. Johnny went on to make a career in the military, serving in the Army Reserves and Army National Guard on and off for 42 years. Over the course of his career, Johnny received many honors and accolades including the Army Commendation Medal with a 4 bronze oak leaf cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Unit Palm Citation, and Bronze Star Medal. Upon his final discharge in 1999, Johnny was featured on the Wall of Honor at Camp Rilea. Now, Johnny wishes more than anything to return to Washington DC to pay his respects to his fallen comrades – several friends are named on the Vietnam Wall and his friend Dale, who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Although Johnny visited the nation’s capital once before, he is excited to visit the memorials and see the places where our founding fathers helped shape the United States government. “The military has been my whole life,” Johnny shared, and getting a chance to return to Washington DC after almost 40 years will be a very special honor. 🏛️ 🎖️ #JourneyOfHeroes #MeetTheHeroes (fb)