At The Cottages Assisted Living & Memory Care, we are continually humbled by the stories of the men and women who call our communities home. Through our Never Too Old to Dream program, we cherish every opportunity to help residents fulfill their lifelong dreams. Recently, in partnership with Dream Flights, we had the honor of giving eight veterans the flight of a lifetime in a historic Boeing Stearman open-cockpit bi-plane. Dream Flights brings unforgettable experiences to our nation’s military heroes as a heartfelt thank-you for their service, traveling across the country each year to share the magic of flight with senior living communities. These 15-minute journeys in a WWII-era Stearman biplane are nothing short of extraordinary, offering both adventure and joy. We are proud to have partnered with Dream Flights for several years, but what moves us most are the smiles, stories, and memories these flights create for our heroes. Today, we’re honored to share the life stories of eight veterans who recently took to the skies.
Bruce’s Story
Lieutenant Commander Bruce’s 24-year career in the U.S. Navy is a testament to dedication, service, and leadership. From his early days as an enlisted sailor to rising through the ranks as an officer, Bruce served in Vietnam, at Camp Pendleton, and beyond, always using his talents to support his fellow servicemen and women through military dentistry and administration. His outstanding service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. Yet Bruce’s impact extends far beyond his uniform. He devoted himself to education, family, and community leadership with the same steadfast commitment he showed his country. Today, his story of perseverance and honor continues to inspire everyone at The Cottages.
Victor Lee’s Story
Victor Lee, affectionately known as “Pops,” answered the call to serve when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1952 during the Korean War. Serving with the 24th Infantry Division on the support line, he spent a year in combat before transitioning to other duties. One of the most vivid memories from his service was enduring combat without hearing protection, an experience that led to three hospitalizations for severe ear damage. Yet, even in the face of these hardships, Victor’s determination never wavered. After recovering, he attended NCO School and took on the responsibility of overseeing Korean soldiers, working side by side with Republic of Korea troops to secure areas and ensure the safety of U.S. soldiers establishing bases. By the time he completed his service in 1954, Victor had risen to the rank of E-4, then known as Staff Sergeant. His time in uniform reflected both sacrifice and steadfast leadership, and he carried the pride of his service with him throughout his life.
LaDell’s Story
LaDell proudly served his country as an enlisted sailor in the United States Navy, where he held the role of coxswain, responsible for operating open boats carried aboard larger vessels. He often shared that he had “the best job in the Navy,” serving as the boat operator for the Admiral, a leader he deeply respected and admired. Service was a family tradition for LaDell, as his older brother had served under General George Patton during World War II. Following his naval career, LaDell built a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Margaret, with whom he shared 72 years of marriage. The two made their home at The Cottages of Weiser, where they spent their later years together until Margaret’s passing in 2021. On May 25, 2025, LaDell reached an extraordinary milestone, celebrating his 100th birthday surrounded by the love of family, friends, and community, a century marked by devotion, service, and joy.
James’ Story
James proudly served in the United States Army for three years, achieving the rank of E3. After graduating high school, he began his military journey with basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, followed by nine months of specialized training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was then stationed in Germany for 27 months, where he supported his fellow soldiers as a cook, an essential role that kept his unit strong and ready. Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, James carried the same dedication and resilience into his civilian life. Following his service, he built a successful career as a roofer, working faithfully for more than 40 years until his retirement. A proud father to his son, Rex, James is remembered for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to both his family and community.
Frank’s Story
Frank proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965. Enlisting right after high school, he was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, where he worked in the flight kitchen preparing meals for pilots serving during the Vietnam War. Though he was never deployed overseas, his dedication ensured that countless airmen were supported during a critical time in U.S. history. After his military service, Frank continued his commitment to public service as a sheriff’s deputy in Nebraska before moving to Idaho, where he later served Owyhee County until his retirement. Service was a family tradition, his father had been a Navy cook, and his son now serves as a deputy in Owyhee County. From his roots in Iowa to his many years in Boise, Frank built a life centered on duty, family, and community. His story reflects a legacy of loyalty, hard work, and honor.
Ed’s Story
Ed and Linda have shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. While they never had children of their own, they’ve been proud parents to twelve four-legged, barking, and furry companions over the years. Their love story began at a gas station, and just seven months after meeting, and fresh out of high school, they married. With the Vietnam War underway, Ed chose to enlist in the United States Air Force to avoid being drafted into the Army. The Air Force placed him in Security Forces, where he served as a Security Police member during a critical time in history. After retiring from the Air Force, Ed continued his service-oriented career by working as a correctional officer for 11 years. Together, Ed and Linda built a life centered on loyalty, love, and resilience, walking side by side through more than five decades of adventures.
Gary’s Story
Gary proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972. At just 20 years old, he enlisted and was stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, where he worked in medical supply at the base hospital. In this vital role, Gary ensured that medical teams had the equipment and resources they needed to care for fellow airmen, making his contribution essential to the mission of the Air Force. Service was a proud family tradition—his mother had served as a nurse in the U.S. Army, and his brother served in the U.S. Navy—carrying forward a legacy of dedication and sacrifice. Over four honorable years, Gary gave his skills and support during a pivotal time in American history, leaving a lasting mark of quiet strength and service.
Charlie’s Story
Charlie’s journey is a remarkable story of courage, resilience, and hope. As one of the 200,000 Hungarian “’56-ers” who fled political persecution during the 1956 revolution, Charlie endured the uncertainty of displacement, living in hotels in Yugoslavia before being detained and placed in a refugee camp that had once served as a Nazi POW facility. In June 1957, his life changed forever when the U.S. Army arrived, offering refugees a chance at citizenship in exchange for military service. Charlie seized the opportunity, joining the U.S. Army Band where he shared his musical talents on the saxophone and clarinet. His journey from refugee to proud serviceman embodies the strength of the human spirit and the promise of opportunity. As Charlie often reflected, “Whatever you want to do, you can do with the American Dream.”
Grateful for Our Veterans
Each of the stories shared above reminds us that service takes many forms, on the battlefield, in careers, in families, and in communities. The veterans we’ve celebrated not only gave of themselves in uniform but also carried forward lives of resilience, leadership, and love. We are humbled to walk alongside them and to provide moments that bring joy, recognition, and gratitude for all they have given. As the skies opened for these heroes in the historic Boeing Stearman, so too did hearts, ours and theirs, filled with the reminder that it is never too late, and we are never too old to dream.
Let Us Help You Today!
We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about the care that our residents receive at our Idaho locations. We are experts in assisted living, memory care, respite, adult day care, and have been serving seniors for over 20 years. Our small home-like senior living homes and specially-trained team members offer an atmosphere that promotes the well-being of your loved one.
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