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

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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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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Veteran Stories

Paul Carpenter

Having a father, four brothers, and a brother-in-law who all served in the military was inspiration enough for Paul Carpenter to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Paul told us. “If you didn’t go to college, you went into the military. Serving in the military was one of the best opportunities I gave myself.” In 1979, […]

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Veteran Stories

Vincent Valles

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Vincent Valles joined the Arizona Air National Guard in 1965. In his own words, he told us, “It was my duty to serve.” Vincent completed Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and then proceeded to do his technical training in Amarillo, Texas. He served […]

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Veteran Stories

Antonio Rangel

Antonio Rangel was just ten years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked. His three brothers all served in the military, one of whom was wounded during the Normandy landings. By the time he was 20 years old, Antonio was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. The California native completed Basic Training at Fort […]

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Veteran Stories

Thomas Pressley

In 1951, Thomas Pressley was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. The South Carolina native completed Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before making his way over to Korea. Thomas served in the 75th Field Artillery Battery C and earned the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars during Active Duty. He […]

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