Honoring Heroes: How Forever Young Veterans Brings Healing to Aging Warriors
The sacrifices made by veterans, especially those from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, are woven into the fabric of American history. Yet, while their heroic actions are remembered in textbooks and documentaries, many of these veterans live quietly, battling the scars of war with little recognition. That’s where Forever Young Veterans steps in—a nonprofit organization devoted to honoring and healing veterans aged 65 and older by helping fulfill their unspoken dreams and revisiting the places where history shaped their lives.
In a heartfelt episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we sat down with Diane Hight, the inspiring founder of Forever Young Veterans. What began as a simple desire to bring joy to local veterans has evolved into a powerful national movement of healing, remembrance, and purpose.
A Daughter’s Love Becomes a Lifelong Mission
Diane HightThe story of Forever Young Veterans begins with Diane’s personal connection to the military through her father. A veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, her father returned home struggling with the weight of his experiences. Like so many veterans of his time, he never spoke of his trauma. Instead, he turned to alcohol, and Diane watched the man she adored silently suffer through a battle no one could see.
“My dad became an alcoholic after World War II, and our family suffered,” Diane shared. “Even with all his struggles, I was a daddy’s girl. He loved America so much, and he passed that love on to me.”
Motivated by her father’s legacy and pain, Diane wanted to do something meaningful—not just in memory of her father but for others like him who never asked for anything in return for their service. In 2006, she founded Forever Young Veterans, with the mission to end the silent suffering of aging veterans and bring them honor, healing, and hope.
The First Wish: A Cockpit and a Conversation
Diane didn’t set out to organize massive trips to foreign battlefields. Her original goal for Forever Young Veterans was simple: to fulfill unspoken wishes for older veterans in her community.
One of the earliest wishes granted was for a World War II pilot who wanted to sit in the cockpit of a modern aircraft and talk about how aviation had changed. With the help of her husband, a FedEx pilot, and a few generous friends, Diane made that dream come true. The experience lasted hours and left a lifelong impact on the veteran.
It was then that Diane realized the power of even the smallest act of honor.
From One Trip to a Global Mission
Everything changed when a World War II veteran requested a trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Diane assumed she’d coordinate it quietly. But when word spread, more and more veterans came forward, asking if they could go too.
“I got 30 phone calls overnight,” she said. “I realized then that these men were hungry for recognition, for healing, and for connection.”
What was intended as a single wish blossomed into the first Honor Trip organized by Forever Young Veterans. That trip became the foundation for what is now a transformative healing experience for veterans across the country.
A Tap on the Shoulder: Normandy Calling
One of the most moving moments in the organization’s history came during a trip to Washington, D.C., when a veteran gently tapped Diane on the shoulder and said, “Can you take me back to Normandy?”
That simple question sparked something much bigger.
Diane initially hesitated—international travel with aging veterans wasn’t something she had planned. But then the calls started coming in: veterans from all over were asking to go back to the places where they served. Normandy. Belgium. Italy. Pearl Harbor.
After much prayer and consideration, Diane received an undeniable sign. A donor—completely unrelated to her Sunday school request for guidance—handed her a check for $100,000 and said, “Take our boys back to Normandy.”
That marked the beginning of Forever Young Veterans’ international impact. Their first trip to Normandy happened in 2011, and since then, they’ve taken veterans back to the sites of their most defining moments—bringing peace and closure decades after the war ended.
Healing Beyond Words
Veterans returning from Forever Young Veterans’ trips often experience something profound—true emotional healing. Many of them have carried guilt, trauma, or regret for over 70 years. These journeys, often to places like Omaha Beach or the Ardennes forest, allow them to see the full impact of their service.
“It’s not just a trip—it’s a transformation,” Diane explained. “When they return, they walk taller, smile more, and reconnect with their families in ways they never imagined.”
One veteran’s daughter told Diane, “My dad has laughed more in the last two weeks than he has in the last 20 years.”
Where Forever Young Veterans Has Gone
The organization has now completed 59 trips of honor, traveling to:
Normandy, France (including D-Day beaches)
Belgium (Battle of the Bulge sites)
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Washington, D.C. (WWII, Korean, and Vietnam memorials)
Italy and England
And it doesn’t stop there. In June, Forever Young Veterans will return to Belgium with more Battle of the Bulge veterans, offering one last chance for many to return to where history was made.
Expanding the Mission: Korea and Vietnam
While World War II veterans were the initial focus, Forever Young Veterans has always honored those from the Korean and Vietnam wars as well. In fact, their Washington, D.C. trips now largely include Vietnam veterans who have also carried the burden of unacknowledged trauma.
Plans were in place to take veterans to Korea in 2020 and Vietnam in 2021, but COVID-19 delayed those efforts. With travel options opening again, the team remains hopeful that those dreams will soon become reality.
“We honor all veterans over the age of 65,” Diane explained. “Whether they were in combat or not, we want them to know they are appreciated.”
How to Get Involved with Forever Young Veterans
The beauty of Forever Young Veterans lies in the fact that it’s driven by passion, volunteers, and community support. Diane herself takes no salary. Her only reward is seeing the joy, closure, and honor returned to veterans who have long gone unrecognized.
Here’s how you can help:
✅ Volunteer: Help plan trips, assist veterans during travel, or spread awareness in your local area.
✅ Donate: Every dollar goes toward covering travel, lodging, and special accommodations for veterans.
✅ Refer a Veteran: Know a veteran over 65 who never got their moment of honor? Let them know they’re not forgotten.
✅ Raise Awareness: Share their stories. Talk about the mission. Bring Forever Young Veterans into the spotlight they deserve.
Visit ForeverYoungVets.org to learn more, sign up, or give.
A Legacy of Love and Gratitude
The work of Forever Young Veterans isn’t just about fulfilling bucket-list wishes—it’s about righting a quiet wrong. For decades, these veterans went unrecognized, their trauma unspoken. Through the dedication of Diane Hight and her volunteers, they are finally being told, “Your life mattered. Your sacrifice counted.”
The mission is simple but profound: honor, heal, and remember.
Let us all follow that example. Whether through a donation, a handshake, or simply telling someone about Forever Young Veterans, we can ensure that no veteran spends their final years wondering if anyone remembers.
Remember: Don’t Drown in the Sea of Transition, grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline.
