AVS

World War II Veteran Isabelle Cook witnessed the comings and goings of thousands of soldiers as a nurse, inspiring her to write her book “In Times of War.”

Franklin Chang was a Chinese American Marine who served in the Korean War. He faced tense encounters and exclusion but fearlessly completed his mission. His example continues to inspire today.

Joe Vandever was drafted into the Marine Corps to serve as a Navajo Code Talker during World War II.

Edith White was World War II’s “Code Girl,” working with the WAVES unit to crack Japanese codes in the Pacific.

Charles “Chuck” Adkins had retired from active duty Army in 2001 but was recalled when his skills as an army logistician were needed. After serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and suffering a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), Adkins became an advocate for Veterans who did not receive Purple Hearts. He later joined the organization, Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Felix Garcia joined the Marine Corps and deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shrapnel wounds from an attack in November 2005 led to his medical discharge. After service, Garcia became active in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes.

Charlie Linville overcame stepping on a legacy Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and recovered to become the first combat-wounded Veteran to summit Mount Everest.

During his service in the Army throughout World War II, Lt. Col. David Lieuwen Baker kept up a correspondence with his wife and parents detailing his work in the 25th Infantry Division. Baker served numerous roles while stationed in Guadalcanal and the Philippines.

On Nov. 11, 1986, Lt. Mark Feldman and his comrades conducted a rescue mission on Lake St. Clair to recover two plane crash survivors. Feldman received an Air Medal, which was later upgraded to the Distinguished Flying Cross, for his quick-thinking and attempts to resuscitate one of the passengers.

Donny Daughenbaugh was conducting vehicle searches in Mahmoudiya, Iraq, when a physical altercation with a driver led to severe injuries to his jaw. After recovering and leaving the Marine Corps, Daughenbaugh became involved in the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. He now serves in the organization as a spokesperson and vice president of field operations.

Army Veteran Mary J. Herrera was nearly killed during an ambush in Iraq. Despite the loss of much of her right arm, Herrera is proud of her service and grateful to those who helped her.

Vernon Baker was the first living African American World War II Veteran to receive a Medal of Honor when he was awarded 50 years after the war.