Archives by Month

December 2017

Dennis Kinch

Dennis Kinch lives by the motto, “Do what you can, when you can.” These seven words have carried him through hardships and triumphs. In 2005-2006, they even spearheaded his crusade…

  • Michele Rice
  • Michele Rice

Michele Rice

Michele Rice had always wanted to be a teacher. She graduated with a BA in liberal studies from California State Hayward and was employed as a pharmacy technician and a…

Ellen Smith

Ellen Smith is living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a progressive degenerative connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility, skin extensibility, and tissue fragility. Ellen’s case is severe, and has worsened…

  • April Nesmith
  • April Nesmith
  • April Nesmith

April Nesmith

Sidelined by a mysterious event, she still gives it her all In her twenties, April Nesmith was a pre-med biology, Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) student who initially wanted…

Kathryn E. Benson

“I know that what I am enduring makes me brave” For the past 12 years, Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) Kathryn E. Benson has been serving in the United States…

  • Sean Major
  • Sean Major
  • Sean Major

Sean Major

Advocating for medical cannabis for veterans in need From a young age, the male influences in Sergeant Sean Major’s life were military men. They taught him discipline and respect. While…

  • Pamela Smejkal
  • Pamela Smejkal
  • Pamela Smejkal

Pamela Smejkal

Pamela Smejkal joined the United States Army at the age of 22 in 1996, honoring her desire to travel and join generations of family members who served. After Basic Training…

  • Mel Hempstead
  • Mel Hempstead
  • Mel Hempstead

Mel Hempstead

Embracing complementary medicine for pain relief “I always wanted to be someone who served in defense of this country,” says retired Major (O4) Mel Hempstead. “There’s definitely a warrior spirit…

  • Heriberto Vidro
  • Heriberto Vidro
  • Heriberto Vidro

Heriberto Vidro

Heriberto Vidro is a father, husband and United States hero. Enlisting in the Army Reserves in 1980, Vidro, as his friends and family call him, served our country for twenty-four…