They served in Vietnam, Desert Shield, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They searched for roadside bombs, flew combat missions, and stood watch in places most Americans will never see. They came home carrying invisible wounds alongside visible ones.

For many veterans, the journey home doesn't end when they step off the plane. It continues through VA appointments, specialty care, PTSD treatment, and healing retreats. And too often, that journey stalls when veterans can't afford to get where they need to go.

Angel Wings for Veterans, a program of Mercy Medical Angels, provides free transportation to help veterans access medical care and healing programs. These are their stories.

Part One: Getting to Medical Care

Darrell: From Long Island to Cleveland Clinic

"I'm Darrell, a Disabled Navy Veteran, served in Active Duty and Reserves. I am a husband, and a father of 3 sons."

In 2010, Darrell was diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, a condition for which there is no cure. He's also had open heart surgery and has a cardiac defibrillator. The best doctors to treat his complex conditions are at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, but Darrell lives on Long Island, New York.

"I was in need of travel assistance due to financial reasons. I'm on a fixed income," Darrell explained.

A social worker at Cleveland Clinic recommended Mercy Medical Angels. The organization arranged and helped pay for charitable flights on Southwest Airlines.

"My wife and I were impressed with the staff, the professionalism, and how quickly the process went. What a wonderful experience. Everything was great."

Manuel: A Decade of Health Battles

Manuel is 61 years old and lives in a small town in Western Texas. His health struggles read like a medical timeline: kidney cancer and surgery in 2016, thyroid cancer and removal in 2017, more kidney surgery in 2019, knee operations in 2022. Every six months, he needs scans and checkups to make sure the cancers haven't returned.

"I'm disabled and can't work, plus I'm on Medicare," Manuel said. "I can't afford frequent travel, even if it's medically necessary. My insurance won't cover it."

Since 2023, Mercy Medical Angels, through a partnership with the Hogan Family Foundation, has paid for and arranged Manuel's medically necessary flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth.

"Thank you for the invaluable role you have played by ensuring I can get the care I need. It is deeply appreciated."

Part Two: The Journey to Healing

For veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, and the invisible wounds of war, specialized retreats offer evidence-based treatment in supportive environments. But these programs are often located far from where veterans live. Angel Wings for Veterans bridges that gap.

Kenneth: A Service Dog Named Paisley

Kenneth served in the Army during Operation Desert Shield. He was honorably discharged in 1991. He made it home safely, but his experiences in war caused him to develop depression and PTSD.

"I became a hermit," Kenneth said. "I was unable to work and socialize."

Angel Wings for Veterans flew Kenneth from his home state of Washington to Texas so he could receive a service dog. His service dog, Paisley, now helps him cope with the symptoms of depression and PTSD.

"It changed my life completely. With Paisley, I'm able to go to work and be around other people. They're changing the lives of those who serve."

Calvin: From Combat Engineer to Road to Healing

Calvin served in Iraq after 9/11. He was a combat engineer; his job was to look for roadside bombs. When he returned from combat, he developed PTSD.

"It's been a long, hard road for me and my wife," Calvin said.

During a rough period, Calvin learned about veterans' retreats. "Veterans are changing their lives by going to retreats," he realized. The retreat that would help him most was in Maine, but Calvin lives in Pennsylvania. The distance was almost 500 miles. Traveling would have been too expensive.

Angel Wings for Veterans made it possible. Calvin rated his experience a 5 out of 5, the highest rating.

"You all are the best. When I need you, you are always ready to help me. And I'm so grateful for that."

Marcia: Rediscovering Her Fighting Spirit

Marcia served in the U.S. Army. A few months ago, she started feeling off. "My mind wasn't as sharp and my mood was headed downhill. I also started having other mental and emotional struggles." Doctors diagnosed her with PTSD and recommended a healing retreat.

After research, Marcia found a week-long women's retreat offered by the American Warrior Association. It's faith-based and evidence-backed. It's free to apply and attend. But she couldn't find a way to get from her home in North Carolina to Colorado and back.

Mercy Medical Angels booked her charitable flights on American Airlines.

"Thanks to Mercy Medical Angels and American Airlines, I re-discovered my fighting spirit and also found peace. I can't thank you enough."

Kathi: A New Perspective Through Warrior PATHH

Kathi was given an opportunity to participate in Warrior PATHH, a program that helps veterans reintegrate from their military service experiences. It's a week-long intensive program. But she didn't know how she would get there.

Mercy Medical Angels' program for Veterans arranged and paid for her travel.

"Warrior PATHH was a great opportunity that presented experience-based treatment," Kathi shared. "This really allowed me to lean into it. I experienced a new perspective that gave me personal insight to my life."

"I would like to take time to appreciate all the individuals and contributors that make this possible for all Veterans."

Shawn: Healing in the Montana Wilderness

Shawn grew up on a ranch, surrounded by horses. He joined the Army at 35 and served two tours in Iraq. In 2013, he left the military.

"I struggled with PTSD, TBI, and depression," Shawn said. "I couldn't find a place to fit in."

Then he was accepted into Heroes and Horses, a program based in Montana that takes veterans into the wilderness on horseback. It was a natural fit for someone who grew up around horses. But getting there would have been a hardship. Angel Wings for Veterans transported Shawn at no cost.

"They say the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man... Heroes and Horses is good for healing a veteran's soul."

Jeremy: The Lone Survivor Foundation Retreat

Jeremy is an OEF/OIF veteran with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When he was selected to attend a Lone Survivor Foundation retreat, he had no way to get there.

Angel Wings for Veterans helped him travel from San Antonio to Houston for the retreat. Lone Survivor Foundation retreats take place in natural settings and use specialized therapies such as equine-assisted learning. Participants create a plan to take ownership of their healing process when they return home.

"The retreat was absolutely amazing. Every part of the process was great."

Layne: From Guilt to the Will to Keep Fighting

Layne served in Iraq. When he came back home, guilt almost overpowered him. He worried about his family and what he had experienced in the war zone.

Then he was selected to attend Battle Dawgs, a program in Alaska. In summer, veterans explore land, water, and air. In winter, they help with the Iditarod dogsledding race. Being in the wilderness heals invisible wounds. Meeting other veterans shows them they're not alone.

The problem: Alaska is far away. Angel Wings for Veterans partners with Battle Dawgs to give veterans this life-changing experience.

"I came to camp to look for peace. Instead, I found the will and desire to keep fighting."

Patrick: A Purple Heart Veteran Never Forgotten

Patrick is a Vietnam War veteran. He earned many accolades, including three Purple Hearts. He came home with, in his own words, "a lot of issues." In time, he was diagnosed with severe PTSD. Because of his conditions, it's difficult for him to do things on his own, including arranging air travel.

Angel Wings for Veterans arranged for Patrick to travel from his home in California to Alaska.

"I traveled with a minimum of stress." Patrick thanked Angel Wings for Veterans "for a memorable trip."

Purple Heart veterans like Patrick have served our country. Angel Wings for Veterans ensures they are never forgotten.

Part Three: Supporting Gold Star Families

The tradition of the Gold Star began in World War I. Military families would display banners with blue stars representing loved ones in service. If a family member was killed in action, the blue star was covered with a gold star. Angel Wings for Veterans also serves Gold Star Families, helping them access workshops and support programs.

Debbie: Carrying On the Mission

Debbie is a Gold Star Mother. Her son, Army Spc. Christopher David Allen Kube, was killed in battle. She fell into deep grief.

Debbie found support from the Michael Strange Foundation, founded in memory of a Navy SEAL Team Two member who died in Iraq. The foundation helps families cope with loss through workshops. But the headquarters is in Philadelphia, and not everyone has resources to travel that far.

Angel Wings for Veterans provides transportation for Gold Star Families to attend these workshops, where they receive the love and support they desperately need.

"I'm hoping I can carry on that mission of service leadership that our sons and daughters have done. There's a mission and a purpose for me, and it starts with the Michael Strange Foundation."

Patti: Operation Enduring Honor

Patti is a Gold Star Mother. Her son, David, was an Army Staff Sergeant killed in Afghanistan in 2012.

When the holidays came around, Patti wanted to make sure other Gold Star Families had consolation during a time that often brings grief. She adorned a Christmas tree with red, white, and blue decorations, including small American flags. But the decorations that really stood out were Gold Star ornaments, each featuring a photo of a fallen service member along with their name and hometown.

She calls it Operation Enduring Honor, and encourages other Gold Star Families to help with the ornaments.

"We love to look on as other people take photos, stand and salute, say a prayer, dry a few tears and look to find their own loved one pictured on an ornament."

Continuing to Serve Those Who Served

From Vietnam to Desert Shield to Iraq and Afghanistan, across every branch of service, veterans have answered their country's call. Angel Wings for Veterans answers theirs.

Whether it's a flight to Cleveland Clinic for ongoing cardiac care, transportation to receive a service dog, or a trip to a wilderness retreat that heals invisible wounds, every journey matters. Every veteran deserves access to the care and support they've earned.

Are You a Veteran Who Needs Transportation Assistance?

Angel Wings for Veterans provides free transportation for:

• Medical appointments at VA facilities and specialty care centers
• PTSD treatment programs and healing retreats
• Service dog training and placement
• Adaptive sports events and rehabilitation programs
• Gold Star Family support programs and workshops

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