Veteran Stories
Meet the Veterans and surviving spouses behind the VetAssist Program. Their stories of service are filled with inspiration and humor, and a shared gratitude for the home care and benefits they have earned through their service.
Veteran Stories
We are grateful to our VetAssist clients who are sharing their personal stories including Veterans’ stories from female WWII Veterans, who at that time, didn’t serve alongside men. Instead, they served in the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) and the Naval Reserve’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES).
Our Veterans’ stories describe what it was like to serve your country, return to civilian life and start new careers and families.
Our stories about Veterans include inspiration, poignancy and humor. For example, a WWII Veteran inspires us as an active volunteer in his 90s. Some suffered the loss of a spouse or child. A WWII medical technician describes her role as a “bedpan commando.”
A common thread among every Veteran’s story is a happy ending. Each of these Veterans is now entitled to a little-known VA benefit called “Aid and Attendance.” This is a monetary benefit which covers the cost of a personal care aide and more. Veterans Home Care’s VetAssist Program helps these Veterans live as independently as possible with dignity in their own home using the benefits they earned from military service.
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Veteran Spouse Profile and SmartCompanion Testimonial: Elrean Jones
At 85, Mrs. Jones went from flip phone to SmartCompanion and hasn’t looked back. With help from the VetAssist team, she now uses Alexa daily to stay connected, independent, and in touch with loved ones.
May 7, 2025
3 mins read
Veteran Profile: Robert Trentmann, Strength in Service to Others
Air Force Veteran Robert Trentmann shares his journey from military service to helping others in recovery, showing strength through service and compassion.
March 27, 2025
4 mins read
Veteran Profile: Eva Merritt, Two Sides to Military Service
Eva Merritt served in the Air Force during the Korean War before becoming a military spouse, supporting her husband through multiple deployments. Now 90, she lives independently with help from VetAssist.
November 8, 2024
3 mins read
Veteran Profile: Harry Teare, WWII Hero and Retired ER Nurse
WWII Veteran Harry Teare, from tank driver to ER nurse, dedicated his life to service. Now at 98, he receives compassionate care through VetAssist, ensuring comfort for him and peace of mind for his family.
October 9, 2024
3 mins read
Veteran Spouse Profile: Marie Carter, Independent Living at 99
99-year-old Marie Carter reflects on her husband’s WWII service and their life together. With help from VetAssist, she now receives VA benefits and caregiving support.
September 6, 2024
3 mins read
Veteran Profile: Antoine Wright, A Life of Faith and Service
Army Veteran Antoine Wright, drafted in 1953, served proudly in military law enforcement and later as a security guard. Now 92, he receives VA care services.
January 23, 2024
7 mins read
VetAssist Welcomes WWII Veteran Ruth Shust
New Jersey resident Ruth Shust is 100 years old, but she remembers waiting until she was 21 to enlist in the Navy’s WAVES program …
