Honoring Our Veterans
At Visiting Angels Spokane, we take immense pride in our community's heroes—those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation. This Veterans Day, we want to pay tribute to the brave men and women of Spokane who have valiantly served in the military, protecting our freedom and ensuring our safety.
Our Spokane Veterans
Meet some of our cherished clients who have served in the military, embodying the spirit of service, resilience, and honor that defines Spokane. These remarkable individuals have contributed not only to our country but also to our community. Here are their inspiring stories:
Spokane's True Hero - Kenneth - Lieutenant Colonel - Army
Kenneth served in the United States Army for 20 years and 29 days. Kenneth was a Fuel Supply Officer on fix-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. He flew over 8 countries across Western Europe, flying supplies and personnel to various locations. It was his responsibility to complete his missions in a safe and timely manner, which he always succeeded in doing. At 10 years and 3 months of active duty, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. In November of 1957, Kenneth was sent out on an unforgettable flight. He and his crew were to fly out at night from France to Italy. He was cleared to fly at 15,000 feet, but the cold weather caused the plane to ice up. The anti-icing system was failing. His co-pilot, who had only begun 8 weeks before the flight, was scared to death as the plane started to fall out of the sky. However, being the experienced pilot he was, Kenneth performed what is known as the Fallen Leaf maneuver, dropping the plane down to 3,000 feet over the ocean and eventually landing the plane safely back in France. Kenneth has many more memorable stories about his days serving his country. His co-pilot from that night in France would tell everyone what an "ace pilot" Kenneth was. Kenneth went on to serve 2 tours in Vietnam, flying supplies and personnel to battle zones, but never returned to Europe again.
Spokane's True Hero - John M. - IFF Operations Technician - Navy
John M. is a veteran of the Navy, an electronics technician of the 3rd class, and served from 1960-1964, during which he spent one year, from ’63-’64, on the USS Douglas H Fox. While stationed on the USS Douglas, John was an IFF operations technician. He would read airway frequencies, interpret them, and respond to or jam enemy signals. During his year, his ship followed the USS Enterprise around the world, aiding the world’s first nuclear-powered task force.
The Enterprise encountered enemy fire near Cuba, with bullets coming onto the Franklin as well. When John went to sit back down in his seat, there was a bullet hole right where he had been. No matter how hard he looked, he never did find the bullet. After leaving the Navy, John returned to school to get a nursing degree and began driving a donation truck for UGM. During his driving days, guys would trade cigarettes to sit with John and chat with him, someone who could offer genuine empathy toward their problems; nowadays, John has his 30-year chip in recognition of over 35 years of sobriety.
Some of his best memories are of the UGM camps he and his wife ran at Camp Tshmakain, near Long Lake. For five days, they would work with at-risk youth from less-than-ideal family conditions, teaching them about loving God, canoeing, and fishing. He and his wife remember how the first day was horrendous with the swearing and angry comments. By day 5, it was magical to see the transformation in these young teens. John mentored with UGM from 2001-2011. As it used to be posted on his toolbox from the sawmill, “If I can’t fix it, it ain’t broke!”.
Visiting Angels has been honored to be able to assist John in staying independent in his house. We asked him to share what he feels Visiting Angels has been able to do for him, and he said, “To feel safe. To be able to do housework, cleaning, or whatever needs to be done in the house. I’m still able to do those things myself while still staying in my own home.”
Spokane's True Hero - Gordon - Chaplain/Colonel - Air Force
Gordon is a retired Chaplain and Colonel from the Air Force, where he served for 26 years. Gordon was on active duty in Germany for six years before leaving (due to too many Chaplains) and joining the Chaplain Reserve, where he was promoted to Colonel. Gordon was in Vietnam from ’69-’70 and said it was one of his most significant ministries. While there, he would record the sounds of mortar falling around him and send it home. Gordon ultimately says he feels blessed to have proclaiming the Gospel be his profession; “he got to do what he was” (and still is). When he was 12, he remembers that his pastor told his father that he would be a good pastor-it turns out he was correct! In 1986, while in the reserves, he accepted the call to Beautiful Savior in Spokane, and his wife and he have been here ever since. Gordon’s wife is a retired nurse from St. Lukes who has traveled the world with her husband. When asked how Visiting Angels has been able to help him, his wife expressed that it has been great for Gordon to have companionship and to be able to tell his stories to new people. We are happy that we can provide her with respite, and she mentions he always inquires about who is coming on the days we send an angel to their house.
Spokane's True Hero - Richard - Flight Discrepancy Analyzer - Navy
Richard was a Naval Aviator in the reserves for 4 years. Before hearing his story, he insisted on a moment of silence for all the incredible men he served with who didn’t make it home, “the bravest men whose stories we would never hear.” Richard was a flight discrepancy analyzer and oversaw the maintenance of the planes, primarily the F9f-cougar jets, which were considered unsafe until checked after every flight. Richard was pleased after four years to do something new. He joked that he was “the before example” in life. Still, he is a believer in the power of self-improvement and is proud to have made it thus far in his life, not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Richard volunteered at Union Gospel Mission and mentored students trying to get their GED. Richard shared that his best experience with Visiting Angels has been the constant companionship and opportunity for human conversation.
Why We Celebrate Veterans in Spokane
Veterans have always played an integral role in the rich tapestry of Spokane's history. Their dedication, sacrifice, and resilience have left an indelible mark on our community, and we are honored to serve these extraordinary individuals.
Join Us in Celebrating Spokane's Veterans
This Veterans Day, Visiting Angels Spokane invites you to join us in celebrating the remarkable veterans who have contributed so much to our beloved city. Let us come together to express our gratitude, share their stories, and honor their unwavering commitment to Spokane and our great nation. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and heartfelt tributes as we pay homage to Spokane's heroes this Veterans Day.