Stories of Service

In June 1943, Ben Berry had just completed high school when he was drafted into the US Army. He travelled to Europe to join the 863rd Quartermaster Fumigation & Bath Company, providing the important support services the Army needed. That all changed quickly during the Battle of the Bulge. “We had rifles, we had to […]

Joe McElhenny served in the US Army and in the FBI, leading him to teach his six kids about the importance of service. “I think that prompted the three of us to go into the service. Being in law enforcement, three of us chose that path as a direct result of the upbringing that we

“I’m not married. I don’t have any children. But, I’ve raised over 150,” said Judy Buddensick. Since 1998, Judy has volunteered as a Sponsor Mom for the Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. She offers support and a home away from home during their time at the Academy. Judy has formed life long bonds

When Jones “Jonesy” Stanley went to Vietnam as a US Navy pilot, he decided to take along a Super 8 movie camera because he thought there was a good chance he wouldn’t return home. “I was hoping I might film what I did and how everything happened and everything that occurred and what I was

“He always wanted to be a Green Beret, that was the ultimate goal. He wanted to protect others,” said Chris Flatley about her husband, Pat. He is very proud that while serving in the military he was to get himself and his team home safely and, for Pat, that mission continues. “Before it was always

Aaron “AJ” Johnson was a United State Naval Academy graduate, a US Navy veteran and a beloved member of the American Legion Post 226 in Edgewater, Maryland. He was dedicated to his fellow veterans and his local community. AJ played baseball at the Naval Academy and continued his passion for baseball to mentor young players.

Marion Sligh spent his life serving his country and his community. In the Army, he logged 800 combat hours in a gunship in Vietnam protecting troops and earning 14 decorations. After leaving the military, he is credited with multiple rescues and stopping a dozen forest fires with his helicopter water bucket. “My father has been

Luke Fickell received a unique and highly sentimental item from his father, a scapular that Pat Fickell had carried with him throughout his time serving in Vietnam with the Marine Corps. Luke was crushed when he realized the scapular was lost when his bag was left behind during a weekend family trip and all that

Robert Langston spent 35-years serving the Washington DC community with the Park Police rising to the rank of Chief. He had a front row seat to the history of this country during the frequent demonstrations and celebrations that happen in our nation’s capital. He helped to protect citizens and presidents. But Robert actually began his

“You always worry about your children leaving, not knowing what the future is going to bring, wanting her to be safe, not wanting to clip her wings and let her make her decision to fly,” said Blue Star Mother, Diane Schwaiger. Her daughter, Holli, is proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps and Diane