There are people who work daily to make sure the American heroes that have defended our countries get the honor and recognition they deserve.
Often, a personal connection is a driving force behind their motivation to help.
At the heart of Diane Hight’s mission with Forever Young Veterans is the legacy of her father, Leland Oliger. A veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict, Oliger returned home with the scars of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a battle against alcohol abuse.
Diane, witnessing her father’s suffering until his death, embarked on a journey to ensure that other veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Leland Oliger. Photo courtesy of Diane Hight
“In October, Diane celebrated the completion of the 56th trip with her non-profit organization, Forever Young Veterans. This remarkable initiative revolves around granting wishes and organizing ‘Trips of Honor’ for veterans over 65, providing them with opportunities to visit war memorials, museums, and other significant locations,” shares Greg Hight, Diane’s husband and co-founder of Forever Young Veterans.
“The poignant reception at the airport holds special significance for the veterans, many of whom, especially Vietnam veterans, never experienced such warmth upon their return,” Greg said.
Diane is determined to change this narrative and ensure that every veteran feels the appreciation they rightfully deserve.”
“We have a welcome for us at the airport—sometimes it’ll be 100 or 200 people—and they clap,” Diane said. “[The vets] are not expecting that, and many of them are in tears, because a lot of them—especially the Vietnam veterans—were not welcomed home. They weren’t honored the way they should have been.”
It’s that joy that helps push the couple to granting more wishes.
“In the beginning, our focus was solely on wish granting,” she said. “We’ve reunited a World War II vet with the French woman he fell in love with 75 years ago in eastern France. We’ve also set up a veteran, who had to cut his minor league pitching career short for his tour of duty, to throw out the first pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals.”
Not every wish is an easy one, she said.
“The wishes vary in complexity, from fulfilling a desire to sit in a modern-day cockpit and discuss aviation technology to arranging a tandem skydive for a former prisoner of war at the age of 95,” Diane explains. “These experiences aim to bring joy and closure to veterans, creating positive and memorable moments in their lives.”
But each wish is so important to help honor the veteran who made the request.
“The Trips of Honor, initiated in 2009, go beyond wish fulfillment. They are designed for connection and processing, with a focus on helping veterans cope with mental health challenges that may have been neglected after their service,” Greg added. “The itinerary includes roundtable discussions with army psychologists, providing a safe space for veterans to share and work through their combat stress.”
Luke McLaurine skydiving with Forever Young Veterans.
“The impact of these trips is profound,” says Larry Dobesh, a Vietnam War veteran. “Meeting the present-day 25th infantry in Hawaii provided a sense of hope and a renewed faith in humanity.”
“For me, it’s a chance to deal with survivors’ guilt,” reflects Doug Chaney, a Vietnam Combat vet.
When we’re around [other veterans], we can see that it was not our fault.”
“Diane’s dedication to the cause is evident in her commitment to ensuring the organization’s longevity and expanding its reach,” Greg added. “She envisions doubling the number of trips and honoring even more veterans.”
“I do this for my dad. This is my gift to him,” Diane said.
As we salute Diane Hight and Forever Young Veterans for their honorable and patriotic efforts, it’s a reminder of the enduring impact one person’s dedication can have on the lives of those who served our country.
Watch below to see a wish come true for one heroic veteran.
Sources: People | Points of Light
