After getting off active duty with the Navy in 2008, I got a job as a video producer for an advertising agency in San Diego, Calif. While I loved my job, and the advertising professionals that I got to work with, I missed that sense of purpose the military gave me. In 2013, I was given the opportunity to use my skills as a video producer to help other Veterans – getting a job as the visual information specialist with the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia, Mo.
When I was approached by the Central Missouri Honor Flight about creating a documentary, I was thrilled at the opportunity, but I had never done such a large project on my own without a full crew to shoot and edit. The hundreds of hours put in after work and on the weekends finally paid off, and I am proud to honor the Veterans of WWII, Korea and the Vietnam wars in the best way that I can – with this video.
I poured my heart and soul into making it to honor the Veterans as they went on The Ride of a Lifetime. I hope you enjoy it.
Topics in this story
More Stories
VA recently developed a pilot program providing direct and specialized assistance for the 65 living Medal of Honor recipients nationwide.
This year, Veterans Day ceremonies recognized by VA will be held in 66 communities throughout 34 states and the District of Columbia to honor the nation's veterans.
A personal reflection on generational service from VA Deputy Assistant Secretary Aaron Scheinberg.
The truth is that if any VET wants the VA or any other governmental assistance, Don’t Hold Your Breath!
This machine was not built to do anything good for the Veterans, this is a “For Image Only” crusade. They spend all of our funding to make themselves look legit, and Ready to Serve, but they really ain’t in the business of helping Veterans!
I have been trying to get some help, ANY Help from the VA, and for a little time, I was provided with a Home Health Nurse. Then, without notice, they pulled the rug out from under me.
I have been struggling with a terminal disease, and I am in excruciating pain 24/7, but I am not being helped. They say, it’s my problem, and then I need to find a way to take care of it myself. Oh, well they gave me some of these Oxymoron, I mean Oxycodone pills, but they don’t work. Every now and then, I get dizzy, but I can deal with that, it’s the pain that I can’t deal with.
They made some changes to this and other controlled drugs, 1, I had to sign an agreement that I won’t abuse them, and the second is that they can just allow the bag of pills to set beside the door until the neighborhood kids see it first, or somebody brings them to me. No signature is required anymore.
On the scale of 1 to 10, I am trying to survive with a constant 8, and at times when I move my back the wrong way; a 10.
But, they don’t care! I was told today that I have been referred to the “Pain Clinic”, and should get a call soon to schedule an appointment in “May” sometime. But it doesn’t matter, they will just continue trying to indoctrinate me with their core beliefs; It’s All In My Head, and I really don’t feel any pain at all…BULL PUCKY!
Now, my older brother was killed by cancer, but there is no support for this grieving process, so I’m still crying myself to sleep every night, wishing that I could have done more for him.
So, take this with a bottle of salt, not much here is true, the VA has no conscience and will promise you anything it takes to make you believe that they will help, but in the end, all you really get are Co-Pays.
Thank you, Travis, to you and all who assisted.