Vital Life Foundation

Vital Life Foundation We support organizations and programs that create opportunities for helping people live the best, rest of their lives. We need people that care.

At five years old, we crave security, familiarity and nurturance. We’re at our best when we feel the safest; well loved and cared for. We explore and we learn, but within the boundaries we know are there for us and we like that. We need parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers and communities that love us and do everything in their power to help us succeed.

Happy 100th Birthday to an American Hero, Thomas "Tom" Sr.! 🇺🇸💙This April, Tom fulfilled a dream of returning to Washing...
06/18/2026

Happy 100th Birthday to an American Hero, Thomas "Tom" Sr.! 🇺🇸💙

This April, Tom fulfilled a dream of returning to Washington, D.C. to walk among the national monuments with Journey of Heroes.

Growing up as the oldest of 13 during the Great Depression, Tom dreamed of becoming a cellist. Drafted in 1944, he served a remarkable 30 years in the U.S. Army across WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

After retiring in 1974, he transitioned into civilian services, spending 23 years as a US Postal Service letter carrier while mentoring youth, supporting the Elks National Foundation, and serving his church.

We are honored to celebrate Tom and grateful for his lifetime of service. 🎂✨ Please join us in congratulating Tom on 100 years of courage, resilience, and kindness.

One “yes” is all it takes to make miracles happen… 💙🇺🇸For U.S. Navy Veteran Steve, joining last year was meant to be a...
05/21/2026

One “yes” is all it takes to make miracles happen… 💙🇺🇸

For U.S. Navy Veteran Steve, joining last year was meant to be a final farewell to those lost during the Vietnam war. What he didn’t expect was returning with a whole new world of connections, friendship, and joy.

Yesterday, his community celebrated his 80th birthday with friends from the Vital Life Foundation, including Executive Director, Johannah Senn, among the well-wishers.

🎂 HAPPY 80TH, STEVE! 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and for inspiring other veterans to embrace new opportunities, community and connection. 💙

Behind every trip is a dedicated team of volunteers who make it their mission to ensure our veterans feel seen, honore...
05/18/2026

Behind every trip is a dedicated team of volunteers who make it their mission to ensure our veterans feel seen, honored, and safe. ✈

Last month, our volunteers went above and beyond to share their appreciation for the senior veterans traveling with Journey of Heroes.

From 4 a.m. airport send-offs to the emotional "Mail Call" surprises, our volunteers ensure our veterans feel seen, honored, and safe. Organizing a trip of this magnitude requires deep empathy and a true heart for service. 🇺🇸💙

To our volunteers: Thank you for making this life-changing experience possible. We couldn't do it without you! 👏 Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

This year, had the honor of escorting two WWII veterans to the World War II Memorial, and a friendship as strong as th...
05/11/2026

This year, had the honor of escorting two WWII veterans to the World War II Memorial, and a friendship as strong as the spirit of the was formed. 🇺🇸💙

Thomas Sr. (99) said to Bert (102) at the end of their trip: “Oh, I wish you lived closer to me. I want to see you everyday!”

No one understands what these brave veterans experienced quite like a brother-in-arms. They faced the unimaginable decades ago, and today, they face the world together.

As they carry the torch for the legacy of the Greatest Generation, Thomas and Bert spent their journey comforting, supporting, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

05/04/2026

At 102 years old, WWII veteran and U.S. Navy doctor Bert returns to a place built in honor of his generation. 🏛✨

Guided through the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., he takes it in alongside fellow veterans, saying, “Everything is just beautiful in here.”

Before enlisting, Bert was studying for his medical degree. He went on to serve as a doctor on a destroyer minesweeper and later at a Naval hospital in Bremerton, Washington. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG), carrying home a lasting connection to the Pacific Northwest and a deep commitment to the veteran community.

Now, we’re honored to help Bert return to this memorial, surrounded by fellow veterans who continue to reflect bravery, service, and dedication. 🇺🇸💙 Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

05/01/2026

"Once a Marine, always a Marine." 🇺🇸✨

Thomas, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and his best friend Jerry, also a veteran, stood beneath the Oregon granite columns at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

They smiled as they held Thomas’ father’s hat: a decorated veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam who passed away in November 2025.

This visit is a powerful tribute to his father, to Thomas’ 20 years of service in the Marine Corps, and to the generations of veterans who walked the same path. 💙 Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

05/01/2026

Journey of Heroes 2026 has arrived at their final destination: coming home to a community that cares. 🇺🇸💙

Every military service member's path is different. They answered the call to serve. They have stood the watch, defended our freedoms, and carried the weight of the nation on their shoulders.

Now is our time to return the support. We joined together, as volunteers, family, and friends to stand united and celebrate the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of the returning veterans.

Thank you veterans, and WELCOME HOME! 🎉👏

📲 Make sure you're following Journey of Heroes to see more stories from our Washington DC travels!

05/01/2026

Our honored Carolee, a U.S. Army Nurse veteran at the Military Women's Memorial! 👏❤

In 1969, Carolee volunteered for service in Vietnam, where she worked in the high-pressure environment of the emergency room at the 95th Evacuation Hospital.

For over a year in Vietnam, Carolee worked long hours caring for wounded service members with skill and compassion. after earning her commission as a Second Lieutenant in Oregon, she dedicated 20 years to the Army, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal for her leadership.

Today, Carolee finds joy in creating keepsakes for fellow veterans by repurposing stars from retired American flags, a project that honors the sacrifice of others. 🇺🇸

We are so incredibly honored to hear her journey as she reflects on the hardships of war, returning home, and the ways she supports the friends she served alongside. ✨ Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

05/01/2026

Heroes + Horses = A pretty good day in DC! 🐴☀

We couldn’t visit the National Mall and Memorial Parks without stopping by the United States Park Police's Horse Mounted Patrol.

The Education Center gave our group the chance to meet, learn about, and pet the horses, and it did not disappoint. ❤ Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

05/01/2026

At the Military Women's Memorial, our Heroes watched Darlene take her rightful place in history. 👏✨

A U.S. Army Nurse and Korean War veteran, Darlene officially registered her service today, ensuring her legacy as a healer and trailblazer is permanently documented.

A proud Native American woman born between an Army base and the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, she followed the path of her mother, a WWII veteran.

Darlene served 23 years in the Army, rising to Captain and flying in helicopters to care for the wounded in Korea. She carries with her the memory and legacy of her twin sister, a U.S. Marine Corps. She broke barriers and faced every challenge with courage.

After 38 years of dedicated nursing, Darlene’s journey offers the recognition she deserves: Her Service. Her Story. Her Legacy. 🇺🇸💙 Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

Address

4560 SE International Way Suite 100
Milwaukie, OR
97222

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+19712062345

Website

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