Why I Serve

Personal stories from veterans.

Alan Richards
Alan Richards was a Sergeant E-5 in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from 1966-1970. Alan is from Wisconsin and received two Purple Hearts.

J.D. Larson
J.D. Larson is a retired Chief Warrant Officer, United States Coast Guard. He served from 1969-1991. JD Larson comes from a military family. His father served in World War II.

Jill Chambers
Col. Jill Chambers is the Special Assistant to the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army, 1982-Present. Col. Chambers father was a career Air Force officer. And her daughter, Gwynn was the 1st female Battalion Commander at the University of South Florida.

Lance Vanderhoof
Lance Vanderhoof is from Utah. He went to Advanced Individualized Training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. And served as a Medic in the United States Army from 1983-1986.

Marty Rhyne
Marty Rhyne was raised in California in a military family. She served in Vietnam from 1972-1978. Marty Rhyne retired from the United States Army Reserve as a Master Sergeant.

Michael Gerold
Michael Gerold is a combat veteran. He served in the United States Army with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan. Michael Gerold is the founder of American Legion Post 911.