Veterans from across the country will have a chance to visit the war memorials created in their honor in Washington, DC, this month, thanks to AARP and its charitable affiliate, Wish of a Lifetime.
The first trip will bring 15 veterans from California, Oregon and Washington to DC from April 28 to May 1. Known as Journey of Heroes, it is sponsored by VitaLife Foundation.
The second trip runs from May 5 to May 9 and will honor 16 Vietnam War-era veterans who come from Wyoming. Called Voyage of Valor, it is sponsored by the Collette Foundation.
“Our veterans will be celebrated for their service and dedication to our country,” said Caitlin Shepherd, senior field manager at Wish of a Lifetime. “We have two incredible trips coming up with very deserving and amazing veterans that we are so happy we are able to be a part of.”
Wish of a Lifetime has been doing the all-expense-paid trips since 2010 and has brought hundreds of veterans to the District of Columbia.
“We believe every veteran deserves the opportunity to visit the monuments, the memorials and to honor them for their service and sacrifice,” Shepherd said.
The cost for a companion selected by a veteran to accompany them on the trip were also covered.
She added that the trips are transformative experiences for veterans who have never been to see the memorials that honor them.
“Also, it’s bringing together veterans and the camaraderie that comes with that, especially for our Vietnam-era veterans, feeling that appreciation for the first time,” Shepherd said.
Retired Air Force Lt. Colonel and Vietnam War veteran Bob Baldwin said he is excited to visit and to honor his fallen comrades.
“As a veteran who served 24 years in the United States Air Force, this trip to Washington, DC will allow me to reflect and honor the sacrifices made by fellow service members,” he said.
Baldwin, who served from 1969 to 1994, is making the trip with his son, Lester.
While in the nation’s capital, the veterans will also visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at the Smithsonian.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.