veteran stories

meet our veterans

Our Veterans and their families represent every age, and many of the specific injuries that come with service.

Chances are, you may know someone just like one of them. Here are a few stories we would like to share with you.

Veteran Stories

Jesse Gladney

Since Jesse was a Boy Scout, he realized how much he loved peace and protecting people, which is why in April 1987 he joined the U. S. Army National Guard. He did his Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Jesse deployed to Iraq in 2003 with the 178th Combat Engineers, where he was based […]

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Jay Lytsell Headshot
Veteran Stories

Jay Lytsell

Jay is proud that he comes from a long line of military veterans. His grandfather was in WWII, his father in Vietnam, his brother in the Army, and two uncles served in the Navy. Jay tried college after high school but found it difficult trying to work to support himself and pay for school at […]

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Veteran Stories

Roy Little

Roy Little was drafted when he was 21 years old, and he knew then that he would be going to Vietnam. “You have to accept what’s going on,” states Roy. “Do what you got to do to defend our country.” Roy packed his bag and headed for Fort Bragg, NC, for Basic Training and then […]

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Veteran Stories

Donald Gray

Donald Gray is a very positive and patriotic man. When he wakes up in the morning, he believes in telling the day how he is going to feel. When Donald was in high school, he played football and participated in JROTC as well, which became more important to him. He dropped football to devote more […]

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Veteran Stories

Leon Clem, Sr.

Leon Clem enlisted in the military through the “buddy system.” That is, Leon and his cousin, who was also a good friend, decided to enlist together. Leon had his heart set on the Navy, but his cousin decided to join the Army. So, the buddies stuck together, and Leon enlisted in the U.S. Army in […]

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Veteran Stories

Wayne Orpin

Wayne Orpin wasn’t sure what to do when he got out of high school. He didn’t see a future in his life, so he decided to join the military. He enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in 1954. Wayne completed Basic Training at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, NY. From there, he was […]

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daniella maciel de souza veteran image
Veteran Stories

Daniella Maciel de Souza

Daniella Maciel de Souza has a compelling story. Ever since she was 11 years old, she wanted to join the U.S. Army, be a fireman, or become a police officer. When it was time to choose in 2002, she chose to enlist in the Army. She was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC, for her Basic […]

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Veteran Stories

Milton Beamon

Milton Beamon is a very compassionate man. He is well known in his hometown of Statesville, NC, and still carries the childhood nickname, Screamin’ Demon, because he likes to have fun. Milton believes when you smile, the whole world smiles with you! Milton wasn’t always as happy as he is now. He didn’t really have […]

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Veteran Stories

Al Paquette

Al Paquette enlisted in the U. S. Army back in 1958. He wanted to serve his country and be a Paratrooper. Al completed his Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ, and attended jump school at Fort Bragg, NC, where he was stationed until 1963. He was sent to Germany from 1963 – 1966, and his […]

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Veteran Stories

Kenneth Hampton

If you ask Kenneth Hampton what his reason for serving our country was, he might tell you that he was influenced by his older brother who served in the Navy. He might also tell you that his high school friend joined the Army and told Kenneth that the military takes good care of their Servicemembers. […]

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Veteran Stories

Aqueelah As-salaam

Aqueelah As-salaam wanted to make a difference. She wanted to make something out of her life. So, Aqueelah decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. 1974 was the year that Aqueelah completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She started out as a Private and earned the rank of E5 Sergeant by 1979. Shortly […]

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Veteran Stories

Jasper Perry

Having a grandfather who served during World War I and a father who served during World War II, it was only natural that Jasper Perry joined the military to serve during the Vietnam War. Jasper enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after attending college in 1963. He wanted to make sure that he received his […]

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