Army Archives - The Heritage Of Heroes

Brent Casey

Brent Casey’s life was forged in legacy and tested in war. Guided by the quiet strength of his Medal of Honor grandfather, Hershel “Woody” Williams, Brent stepped into uniform at nineteen and straight into the fire of the Gulf War. As a combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division, he moved through deserts marked by destruction and moments where survival hung by a thread. The battle followed him home, but instead of breaking, Brent turned pain into purpose. Today, he stands as a fierce advocate for America’s Veterans and Gold Star Families—a voice shaped by sacrifice, driven by truth, and committed to honoring those who serve.

Ronald Lee “Frenchy” Fry

He went into Vietnam knowing the jungle could take a man in seconds and he led his Recon and MIKE Force fighters through it anyway. From booby trapped trails to dawn attacks that blew him out of his foxhole and drove shrapnel into his body, he fought with the steadiness of a soldier who refused to leave anyone behind. The men he commanded trusted him with their lives because they saw him do the unthinkable. He dragged wounded fighters out under fire, stood his ground when ammunition ran out, and kept moving even as helicopters burned and the jungle exploded around him.

William Bryan “Bill” Tanner

I carried the grief of losing my grandfather, the man who raised me and held my world steady, into NASA’s mission rooms where I preserved the voices of astronauts reaching for the moon, and then into Vietnam where the nights burned red and the ground shook beneath our feet and every breath felt borrowed. That loss hollowed my faith long before war ever touched me, yet through years of wandering and silence and fire, grace found me, turned my story into a testimony, and I was redeemed.

Ernesto Roman Chapa

Ernesto Roman Chapa was born on March 26, 1919, in Anna Rose, Texas, and was later a resident of George West, Texas. Before commencing his military tenure, Ernesto Roman Chapa dedicated three years, from 1936 to 1940, to support his father and the family’s 150-acre farm in Live Oak County, Texas. His primary responsibilities encompassed the systematic cultivation and harvesting of cotton. Furthermore, he applied technical proficiency toward the maintenance of the farm’s equipment and provided essential oversight for the family’s dairy cattle.

David Salinas

David Salinas served as a U.S. Army aircraft electrician in Vietnam, ensuring the lifeline of Army aviation under fire. Driven by deep patriotism, he carried his experiences home, where he became a pillar of support for his community and fellow veterans. His story is one of resilience, quiet strength, and enduring commitment to service and healing

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Dan Dawkins

Raised on a Louisiana farm, Dan Dawkins served as a missile repairman in Korea’s rugged Cold War outposts, where his precision and discipline protected thousands. After returning home, he built a life rooted in family, faith, and service—leaving a legacy of resilience, quiet leadership, and enduring values that continue to inspire those around him

Dale Currie

Vietnam War veteran Ronald Dale Currie served as a US Army helicopter crew chief and mechanic, earning multiple commendations for his bravery and dedication. Today, he is committed to preserving the memories of his fellow service members by sharing their stories, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten

Charles Atchley

Charles Atchley, a decorated WWII veteran of the 75th Infantry Division, fought bravely in the Battle of the Bulge and the Colmar Pocket, enduring extreme hardship and earning multiple honors. His resilience and dedication continue to inspire as he remains an active voice in veterans’ circles and a cherished figure in his Texas community

Milan O. Georgia Jr.

Decorated Vietnam War gunship pilot Captain Milan O. Georgia, Jr. led the elite Stinger Platoon of the 116th Assault Helicopter Company, earning multiple medals for valor and leadership. After his service, he became a dedicated veterans’ advocate and community leader, honored for his lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and the well-being of others

Chester P. “Buck” Sloan

Chester P. “Buck” Sloan, a decorated WWII infantryman wounded at the Battle of the Bulge, turned his wartime courage into a lifelong legacy of music and community. Founder of Houston’s Buckshot Jamboree, Buck used his talents to bring veterans and families together, proving that the spirit of service endures long after the battlefield

Service Branch: Army