Digital Museum for United States Veterans

Veteran Stories

The Stories

The Veterans Museum is here to share the stories of our Veterans and their families.

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.

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Helicopter Heroes

James Harrell

Captain

Government Car at the House

Pam Cain

Daughter of Colonel Oscar Materer, USAF, MIA

A Doctor At War

James Harrell

Captain

Life Under the Sea

Will Lahnen

Lieutenant

Rattle, Rock and Roll

Steve Davis

Gunners Mate

Living the High Line

Robert LeClair

Machinist Mate 2nd Class

I Thought I Was Dead

Ronald E. Birchall

Lieutenant Colonel Retired

From Russia with Love

Serge Alexander Chernay

Colonel Retired

Fence-Line Diplomacy

Bob Buehn

Captain Retired

The Presidential Dirt

Terry Tingley

Lieutenant Commander Retired

Communicating Can Be a Bear

Mary Jackson

Vice Admiral Retired

Air Assault Computer Operator

Larry Kent

Sergeant

More stories coming soon...

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.

Why Veteran Stories Matter

  • 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.