Wish of a Lifetime and AARP Wyoming Prepare to Send 15 Vietnam Era Veterans to Washington, DC, for Voyage of Valor

Jerry Granquist, age 80 - Army: Inspired by his three brothers’ service during the Vietnam War, Jerry volunteered for the draft after high school and served two years in the Army abroad in Eastern Germany. While he did not fight in Vietnam, the war’s impact on his family shaped his life and his commitment to service. For 20 years, Jerry volunteered at every election until health challenges limited his stamina. Through Voyage of Valor, Jerry hopes to honor those lost, reflect on his own service, and listen to the experiences of fellow veterans whose lives were shaped by the Vietnam War.

Joseph Petty, age 78 - Navy: At age 20, Joseph enlisted in the Navy and completed five tours in Vietnam in just four years. He worked in the boiler room to keep ships operational and supplies moving. Though not directly involved in combat, he was exposed to Agent Orange and suffered a life‑altering injury that nearly left him paralyzed after lifting a 250-pound rail. After returning home from the war to mistreatment, Joseph found healing through martial arts, where he also mentored struggling youth. Voyage of Valor represents a powerful step toward closure—and the respect and honor he never received after his service.

John Rodriguez, age 76 - Army: Drafted into the Army at 23, John served two years in Vietnam’s combat zones, enduring harsh jungle conditions that left lasting health challenges and trauma he continues to manage today. When he returned home, John faced rejection and mistreatment as a Vietnam veteran, struggling for years to regain stability. Today, he is seeking healing through PTSD treatment and connection with fellow veterans. Voyage of Valor will bring John to Washington, D.C., for the first time—an opportunity to honor fallen friends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and continue a long‑awaited healing journey.

Karl Pivik, age 81 - Army: Serving in Vietnam as a communications specialist with the U.S. Army’s 8th RRFS, Karl’s life was forever changed when eight close friends died in a helicopter crash—one he was originally assigned to board. For nearly six decades, this loss has shaped his unwavering commitment to honoring those who never made it home. Despite health challenges, Karl continues to volunteer with the American Legion and care for graves at the National Cemetery. Voyage of Valor offers him the chance to say a final goodbye at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and seek long‑awaited peace.

Michael “Mike” Rogers, age 76 - Army: Mike enlisted in the Army and served three years, including two working in a secure facility in Vietnam transmitting messages to Washington, D.C. Though he downplays his experiences, Mike continues to live with the effects of Agent Orange exposure. Alongside his wife, Laurel, he now dedicates his time to volunteering with the AARP Action Team in Wyoming. Voyage of Valor offers Mike a meaningful opportunity to reflect on his service, honor its impact, and take an important step toward acknowledging the war's legacy.

Norman “John” Ferrero, age 80 - Army: Drafted into the Army at 19, John served two years in Vietnam, managing guns and supplies for his unit. During his service, John lost his best friend and three other close friends in combat, losses that still weigh heavily on him today. Since returning home, he has honored veterans through decades of volunteer service with the American Legion and VFW Color Guard, often serving at ceremonies and funerals. Voyage of Valor will allow John to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find his friends' names on the wall to say final goodbyes, and to reflect on the complex emotions of being one of the few who returned.

Paul Perez, age 79 - Army: Drafted into the Army in 1967, Paul served with the 4th Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of Dak To, where he was wounded and witnessed the devastating loss of his close friend, James. Awarded the Purple Heart, Paul returned home carrying both physical and emotional scars. He went on to build a 42‑year career as co‑owner of a trucking service and gas station, earning a loyal client base through honest work. Through Voyage of Valor, Paul hopes to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor James and pay tribute to all who never returned home.

Pat Fletcher, age 86 - Navy: After graduating from architecture school, Pat joined the Navy and served as a navigator in the US Navy Submarine Service. His experience included volunteering as a diver, navigating high-stakes encounters with the Soviets, and coping with the loss of 99 crew when the USS Scorpion sank in 1968. Returning home to hostility toward veterans, Pat built a life rooted in architectural design, family, and service through the Rotary Club. A two‑time cancer survivor, he remains deeply proud of his service and the bonds he shares with fellow submariners. Pat hopes to honor fallen friends by visiting Washington, D.C.’s memorials through Voyage of Valor.

Raymond Morton, age 77 - Army: Drafted into the Army in 1968, Raymond was wounded when his convoy was ambushed in Vietnam. He was discharged with a Purple Heart and has lived with lasting health conditions ever since. Despite these challenges, Raymond worked for 30 years as a heavy equipment operator, supporting his family and community. In retirement, he continues to serve others through volunteer work. Though he has never visited Washington, D.C., Raymond wants to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor the comrades he lost and the friends he made during boot camp. For him, Voyage of Valor will be his chance to confront his past and connect with fellow veterans who share his story.

Richard Howe, age 79 - Army: Determined to serve his country, Richard made three attempts to enlist before ultimately being drafted after corrective eye surgery. As a combat medic in Vietnam, he cared for wounded soldiers while carrying the heavy memories of war. Back home, Richard dedicated decades to service, spending 22 years in the Wyoming National Guard, leading his local VFW, serving with the Honor Guard, and raising scholarship funds for Wyoming youth. Despite declining eyesight, Richard continues to give back and hopes Voyage of Valor will allow him to honor fallen friends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Ronald Titterington, age 80 - Marines: After realizing college was not the right path for him, Ronald enlisted in the Marines at 19 and served two years in Vietnam building supply roads, digging foxholes, recovering damaged vehicles, and delivering supplies under helicopter protection. Though physically unharmed, the emotional toll followed him home for decades. Today, Ronald is proud of the progress he has made through therapy. Voyage of Valor offers a chance to continue his healing, reconnect with his love of country, and honor a part of his identity that has long been set aside.

Thomas “Tom” Lovato, age 72 - Army: Growing up in a family where military service wasn’t just a choice, it was a tradition, Tom joined the Army after high school and served six years as a wheel mechanic in Germany and at Fort Bliss, Texas. Known for his versatility and problem‑solving skills, he supported a wide range of military equipment. After service, Thomas built a successful retail career in Wyoming while continuing to give back through the Wyoming National Guard and American Legion. Like many Vietnam‑era veterans, he feels his service has gone unrecognized. Voyage of Valor will allow him to celebrate this chapter of his life and experience the history of Washington, D.C.

Valinda Jewell, age 70 - Women’s Army Corps: Enlisting in the Women’s Army Corps in 1973, Valinda served as a military journalist and later re‑enlisted in the reserves. Her service included enduring isolation and sexual trauma that went unaddressed for decades. Through a women’s support group and VA care, Valinda found understanding and community. Outside the military, she spent 20 years teaching and recently completed a master’s program focused on mental health consulting. Voyage of Valor offers Valinda the opportunity to honor those lost, connect with fellow veterans, and renew her sense of patriotism.

Welcome Home Rally

The Voyage of Valor comes to an end in spectacular fashion with a welcome home rally scheduled from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the Lincoln Theater, located at 1615 Central Avenue in Cheyenne.

This is the public’s opportunity to welcome home the group of 15 Wyoming Vietnam-era Veterans from their five-day trip to Washington, DC. The event will begin with a brief 30-minute ceremony to honor and thank our veterans, followed by time to meet with them.

For more information on the welcome home event, visit events.aarp.org/welcomehome or contact Jennifer Baier at jbaier@aarp.org.

How you can support the voyage

The generosity of donors and supporters of The Voyage of Valor has changed lives. There are still several ways to support the effort. They include:

• Give in tribute to a veteran’s service. Whether it’s $17 for lunch or $100 for a wheelchair, every gift is a gesture of gratitude.
• Sign the Wall of Valor: Add your name to a growing tribute of Americans who stand in honor of those who served.
• Offer corporate support: Contact Scott Miller, Director of Business Development for Wish of a Lifetime, at scott@wishofalifetime.org or 303-264-0172.