At the heart of the Veterans Museum are the veteran stories that define our mission. These are the real voices of service — unfiltered, powerful, and deeply human. Every story told helps us preserve the personal side of military history, ensuring that no veteran’s experience is forgotten.
Captain
Daughter of Colonel Oscar Materer, USAF, MIA
Captain
Lieutenant
Gunners Mate
Machinist Mate 2nd Class
Lieutenant Colonel Retired
Colonel Retired
Captain Retired
Lieutenant Commander Retired
Vice Admiral Retired
Sergeant
The Veterans Museum is here to share the stories of our veterans and their families in their own words. We believe these voices matter. From combat experiences and moments of courage to reflections on service, transition, and healing — each story adds meaning and depth to our understanding of military life.
Our goal for these exhibits is to capture meaningful excerpts of veteran stories and make them accessible to the public. These narratives provide insight, education, and inspiration for civilians and fellow service members alike. Whether you’re a student, a fellow veteran, or a curious visitor, these stories offer a connection to the people behind the uniform.
They preserve personal history that might otherwise be lost
They honor service and sacrifice in a deeply human way
They bridge the civilian-military divide through storytelling
They educate future generations about the realities of military life
They empower veterans to share their truth, in their voice
If you’re interested in exploring even more stories beyond our collection, we encourage you to visit the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, where thousands of personal accounts are preserved for public access. You may also find meaningful perspectives at the National Veterans Foundation, which offers veteran-led support and shares lived experiences to promote healing and advocacy.
As you explore these veteran stories, we encourage you to listen with an open heart and mind. Each story is a thread in the fabric of our national identity — brave, complex, and real.
If you or someone you know would like to share a personal story for this collection, please visit our Share Your Story page or contactus so we can include you.
Let’s make sure these stories are never forgotten.
A 501(c)3 Virtual Museum
6015 E. Morrow Street, Suite 105
Jacksonville, FL 32217
Email: [email protected]
Share your story: 904.430.VETS (8387)
Business phone: 904.430.8076
The Veterans Museum is a subsidiary of the parent organization, the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association. The Jacksonville Naval Museum’s USS Orleck (DD-886) is also a subsidiary.
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