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 Man Of Integrity.
“I had no idea that when I kissed him at the Watertown little airport, it would be the last time,” says Katherine Turner, wife of Sergeant Major Wardell Turner. Serving Our Country in Afghanistan, SGM...
I Don’t Know How To Walk Away.
The work that Patti Brady does to improve the lives of Our Veterans is “just enormous and incalculable.” From housing the homeless to helping connect Our Heroes with vital services, “I was trying to be...
“You realize the size & scope of it”
“There’s a lot more to the picture on the wall that you should know about,” says Greg Lange, Captain of the Fairfax County Fire Department during 9/11. As part of the team asked to share...
“Let’s Do Our Best”
“The most defining event in my life was when I was ordered to lead Marines into combat,” says retired WWII Veteran Lou Schott. His wise advice at age 100: “Let’s do our best to keep...
Forever In Their Debt
Honor Flight Network has taken 244,000 Veterans to visit their memorials in Washington, DC. “Our whole purpose in an Honor Flight Day is to thank the Veterans for their service, to give them a thank...
“There Was One Hell of an Explosion.”
50 kamikaze aircraft “came winging in under the darkening skies.” Veteran Russ Miller was there, along with his brother during WWII. His family continues to serve Our Country, which makes him genuinely proud. So are...
From the Bottom of Our Hearts
From Florida, Michigan, Maryland, and beyond, the stories of selfless people helping others during this pandemic are inspiring to us all. Watch this collection of personal Thank You’s for those who went above and beyond...
Thank You, Now More Than Ever
From Philadelphia to North Myrtle Beach, Delaware to Maryland and all across America, the stories of selfless people helping others during this pandemic are inspiring to us all. Watch this collection of personal Thank You’s...
“The More You Help, The Better You’ll Be”
“When the battle starts and somebody gets wounded it’s my job to fix ‘em and hopefully bring ‘em back alive.” That’s Corpsman Jerry Pedrin describing his mission in Vietnam. Even after earning 5 Purple Hearts,...
“We Don’t Know If You’re Going To Survive.”
That was the warning Nurse Mary Damon received after volunteering to land on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasions. Her bravery is what inspired granddaughter Brett Johnson, now a Captain at the largest volunteer rescue...
“I AM SO PROUD”
Marine Sgt. Donald “Woody” Woodworth was awarded the Navy Marine Corps Medal, our nation’s highest military honor bestowed in peacetime. Yet he’s just as proud to be honored alongside his grandson, Marine Captain Justin Peterson,...
It Transforms You
Staff Sergeant Shilo Harris went through hell and back after his humvee hit an IED. 48 days in a coma, he woke to a whole new way of life and an indomitable spirit. “No matter...
“This is About Service and Sacrifice”
The Shield 23 Foundation is based on Russell Constantino’s badge. In her husband’s honor, Shenan Constantino raises funds and awareness about the increased risk of cancer for firefighters. “Everything that I think we’re doing now...
Still Serving Others
When war broke out in the Middle East, Stephen Deguire transferred immediately from the Navy Reserve to Air Force Reserve so he could serve as a Navigator. Yet on one mission as his jet spiraled...
The Final Carry, With Honor
Colonel Dawn Lancaster, Commander of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, believes every fallen Hero deserves dignity, honor and respect. And so do their families who’ve given us the greatest sacrifice. “Part of my honoring them...