Stories of Service
They protect and save us.
We admire them and aspire to be like them. In uniform, in Our Communities, in every branch of the military, Our Heroes give their all —and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.
These are their stories. On the eleventh of every month, we celebrate these selfless men and women with profiles of their service. Reflecting on their accomplishments and respecting each challenge overcome. Take note. Take pride. Please join us in honoring them here.
Celebrating 100 Years of Bethesda FD
During its 100 years of service, the Bethesda Fire Department has been an organization the residents of Bethesda and Montgomery County Maryland could count on through growth and change. “We carry on the traditions and experience and the service that had been provided by everyone who is in those portraits and pictures behind us. They laid the foundation for the organization and we’re continuing to carry that torch on 100 years later. We’re hoping that the legacy that we’re setting today in 2026 contributes to the well being and history of the organization. We’d love to see this organization continue another 100 years,” said Fire Chief Dan Blanfeld.
A Tradition and a Celebration
For 111-years, the Scottsville Volunteer Fire Department has planned and executed the town’s Independence Day Parade. “We continue this tradition for the community,” said organizer, Tim Karr. “It’s about the fire department and service to...
The Strength of Our Nation
World War II Veteran John Noto is surrounded by a loving family that honors the time he spent serving this country. “Family is the strength of our nation and don’t forget that. Family. Love your...
Always There
Beth Mulloy learned early on in her time as a military spouse about the importance of supporting the whole family. “I learned this a long time ago when our first child was born with a...
Brotherhood on the Football Field and the Battlefield
“The night I was wounded, Will willed himself to the CSH, Combat Support Hospital, where I was being operated on. He flew with me all the way from Baghdad to Germany, just talking to me,...
Letters from Vietnam
“One of the best things I’ve heard about war is that there’s nothing normal about war. So, you put people into a situation and they’re expected to normalize it when there’s nothing normal,” said Executive...
Return with Honor
“Our story is that we made it through that experience together. You use our story as an example. So, when you face life’s challenges, don’t make it difficult by thinking you can handle it yourself....
Support in the Challenge of Post-Military Life
“We focus on the transition of military service members with hopes that we can stop the suicide epidemic,” said Niki Falzone. She is the Director of Operations and Veteran Services for Platoon 22, an organization...
Putting Down The Weight They Carry
“What we’re really all about are the things we carry home from war, the shame or the injury, the moral injury, the abandonment,” said Kevin Stacy who founded The Station to care for Active Duty...
“I do not want to live a selfish life.”
SGT Breanna Jessop knew from a young age that she wanted to live a life in service to others. “The reason I joined the Army is because, probably from the time I was younger, I...
Service to the Community that Changes Lives
“I always felt the need to serve or be a part of something bigger,” said Al Siebert. He learned at a young age the value of helping the people in his community. “I found that...
Serving His Country While Focused on Family
“I wasn’t any big hero. I just did my job. I’m just proud of being part of what I did,” said Herb Souder who proudly served his country during WWII and the Korean War. Even...
A Front Row Seat to History
“I think what I was most proud of at the time was being part of the president’s life,” said WWII Navy Veteran Simon Zayon of his time on the USS Savannah supporting President Roosevelt’s overseas...
Supporting a Mom to Honor Her Son and Hero
“We don’t want to forget Sal and the sacrifice that he gave to his country and make sure we always take care of the mom, Ms. Corma, to make sure that she’s not forgotten and...
A New Place of Honor
Just after Christmas 2021, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act was signed into law paving the way for a new memorial to be built within the Reserve in Washington, DC. This memorial will...
A Life Changing Experience
“It was one of the most positive things I’ve ever done in my life and the reason is I found an orphanage down the road from where I was stationed,” said Chester Smialowicz of his...