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.
“Molly was my Northern Star.”
Her sister, LCDR Jennette Greene, proudly followed in Commander Molly Water’s footsteps serving in U.S. Coast Guard. She was there to say good-bye during Molly’s final moments after a tragic accident. She was on the...
“I Don’t Regret It For One Bit”
As a Korean War POW, Tom Caroland went 13 months without a bath or change of clothes. He ate “stuff you feed your cattle… sorghum tops, millet, anything like that, cracked corn, you were hungry.”...
Still serving. In their Nineties
Russell Scott is 99, a WWII Army Air Corps Veteran and former POW. Earl Tatum is 94, and “still a Marine.” Together they’re truly inspiring, and we are honored to “tell all who enjoy freedom...
Angels Serving All
“Don’t tell me what I think you’re going to tell me,” Deanie Dempsey said to her deployed husband. Gone for a year already, his war zone tour was about to be extended. And it was...
Service is Sharing Your Gifts
Gina Hawkins is the first female Chief of Police in Fayetteville, NC — but the last to admit she takes any of it for granted. “I’ve had individuals pushing for me and probably didn’t know...
A Tribute To Their Dedication
After 4 long years as a Vietnam POW, Gail Kerns got off the aircraft on American soil “and kissed the ground,” says Army Major Don Androsky. “He was the only one who did it.” Like...
“They Push Through And They Persevere.”
Military spouses and families serve Our Country while their husbands, wives, dads and moms are serving too. Separated by a year-long tour of duty and thousands of miles, Veteran Danielle Rodriguez held the fort down...
The Deed Is All. Not The Glory.
Serving his country for over 30 years, retired Navy SEAL Jimmy Hintzke now runs his own business dedicated to assisting our nation’s active military and their families. His team’s handcrafted plaque at our Virginia Beach...
A Man of Principle.
Fight for what you believe in. Never forget those that were killed. Give something back to society.” You’ll find these and more admirable principles of Major Doug Zembiec at our MISSION BBQ location near the...
In Valor There Is Hope
Which is exactly what Kim Weigand tries to give other families of fallen Heroes like her son, Sgt Mike Weigand of the Latimore PA Police Department. “These were not just Police Officers we lost,” she...
From the Battlefield to the Playing Field
He led platoons during three tours of Afghanistan, earning numerous commendations and a Bronze Star. Now he’s an offensive Lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, representing his team in last year’s Pro Bowl. Yet Alejandro Villanueva...
“Become a Firefighter or Die Trying.”
“Turned down because he was injured, Trey Small never quit on his goal to become a firefighter making a difference in his community. For 11 years, he’s been a vital part of America’s oldest all-volunteer...
Enlisted at 17. Still a Hero at 91.
When his brother was wounded in WWII, Earl Daff was just a young teen eager to go help. At 17, he had his parents sign waivers to finally let him serve. Which he did proudly...
From Army Vet to Police Artist
Motivated by his will to serve after the September 11 attacks, Jonny Castro left art school to join the Army, serving a year in Iraq. Back home, he joined the Philadelphia Police Department and now...
“A Knock on the Door”
The American Gold Star Mothers in Southwest Florida connect on a level few others can know or share. Their bond was born from the tragic deaths of military sons who served Our Country proudly. Today,...