Van of Valor

NORTH PORT, Florida — Following the recent, tragic death of a local Japanese woman in Naha and the subsequent arrest of a U.S. Marine Lance Corporal on suspicion of murder, questions surrounding the behavior and cultural integration of U.S. service members stationed in Japan have once again thrust into the international spotlight. Against the backdrop… Read more: Beyond the Neon—Combat Veteran’s New Book Calls for Shift in Military Culture Following Okinawa Tragedy

A two-way English–Japanese “flip book” follows a young Marine past the neon of Okinawa’s best-known liberty street and into the history, nature and people of the island NORTH PORT, Fla. — Oct. 1, 2026 — Dr. Kevin P. Wallace, founder of the Van of Valor mission, will release The Marine’s Guide to Gate 2 Street,… Read more: Van of Valor Founder to Release Bilingual “Marine’s Guide ” on Corps’ Birthday

The Marine’s Guide to Gate 2 Street opens in English from one cover and in Japanese from the other A retired Air Force senior master sergeant who spent six years stationed in Okinawa will release a book about the island’s most famous liberty street on Nov. 10, the 251st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.… Read more: Veteran and Van of Valor founder releases bilingual Okinawa book on Marine Corps birthday

Every neighborhood has a story worth preserving. 📜✨ On Sunday, August 9th at 4 PM, Van of Valor coauthors Kevin P. Wallace and L. Wright Wallace are stopping by The Bluestocking Bookshop in Holland, MI! Come hear inspiring stories of courage and get a sneak peek into their upcoming biography honoring local West Michigan hero… Read more: Every neighborhood has a story worth preserving

https://shorturl.at/CDUKk FLORIDA, USA – June 11, 2026 – Dr. Kevin P. Wallace, retired Senior Master Sergeant, Purple Heart recipient, and combat veteran, today announced the release of his debut fiction novel, The Lioness of Cologne, in eBook format. The digital edition is now distributed globally through Ingram Content Group, and will be available for purchase on major retail… Read more: “The Lioness of Cologne” Now Available in eBook Format – International Distribution Expansion Underway

Dr. Kevin P. Wallace Van of Valor ST. LOUIS, Mo. —  The firebase was raw, like a dripping claret wound sliced into the jungle’s green flesh. Perched on a low hill, it was a precarious circle of order in a land of chaos. Defined by its earthen berms, tangled concertina wire, and sandbagged bunkers, it… Read more: THE WALK:  40 days to POW – The untold story

By Dr. Kevin P. WallaceVan of Valor BARTELSO, Ill. – The late summer sun was beginning its slow descent over the cornfields of Southern Illinois, casting long shadows across the grounds of the Standin’ Proud Veteran’s Tribute.  It was day one-hundred-and-something of our 280-day journey. We had rolled into Bartelso with the Van of Valor… Read more: The Fight After the Fight

Distinguished Service Cross recipient recounts deadly 2013 ambush Van of Valor NORTH PORT, Fla. – In a gripping interview with Dr. Kevin P. Wallace of Van of Valor, decorated U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician and Special Forces Ranger Sergeant First Class Jeff Dawson detailed the traumatic 2013 night that earned him the Distinguished… Read more: EOD Tech’s Harrowing Journey of Service and Sacrifice

The Long Road Home “For Shania Stapp, her grandfather was a ghost in the family history…” [Verse 1]Granddaddy’s picture on the mantlepieceA uniform, a ribbon, a shadow underneathMama said he fought in two different warsCame home with demons knockin’ at his doorTwenty-seven months in a prison campNever really talked about the things he saw, manTook… Read more: For Shania – The PFC Stapp Story Written in Flame w/ Van of Valor

Greetings from the road! The Van of Valor mission is in full swing, and the stories we’re collecting are nothing short of inspiring. Here’s the latest from this incredible journey to preserve the legacies of our heroes. We’re On the Move! Our trusty rental-car-stand-in has successfully crisscrossed the Pacific Northwest, and we’re now pushing forward… Read more: The Journey Continues! An Inside Look at the Van of Valor’s Next Chapter

SGT David Allwine Before he endured 40 days of hell on a death march, and 755 days as a Prisoner of War… before his will was tested in ways we can barely imagine… SGT David Allwine stood his ground with supreme courage. In the chaos of his Firebase being overrun, with comrades falling and the… Read more: HONORING A LEGEND OF VALOR

An Introduction to Our Van of Valor Music Series 🚐 Out of Cody, Wyoming, on a September day, the Van of Valor pointed west to find a better way. With a Purple Heart for courage, a Harvard mind to guide, and a little dachshund sitting right inside. 🏔️ The mountain stood before us like a… Read more: 🎵 The Ballad of the Van of Valor

A Four-Time Purple Heart Recipient’s Definition of True Patriotism CHARLESTON, S.C. —  In an era where patriotism is often distilled to bumper stickers and political slogans, the words of a 71-year-old Army veteran who shed blood for his nation four times over carry a weight forged in sacrifice and shrapnel. The veteran, a Green Beret… Read more: Beyond the Rhetoric: 

The Unbroken Patriot: The Life and Final Charge of Colonel Vicente León León By Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor NORTH PORT, Fla. – In the warm Florida sun of a January morning, amidst the cheerful chaos of a charity dog walk, a story of immense courage and forgotten sacrifice was quietly shared with me. This… Read more: Final Charge of Colonel León León (bloopers included)

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Wingman-Miss-Universe-Explore-Homefront-ebook/dp/B0GTK14XSR BARTELSO, IL — The silence inside the Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute museum is a stark contrast to the roar of the jet engines that once defined the life of Marine 1st Lt. Dennis Peek.  Amid the artifacts and echoes of service, a different kind of mission was underway — one of remembrance.… Read more: A Brother’s Promise and a Community’s Enduring Tribute

Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor NEW ORLEANS – This Thanksgiving, our table is a rental, and the view from our window is of a busy, unfamiliar street.  The chairs are hotel perfect.  This year, Lauren and I are spending this holiday far from the bustling gatherings of families or friends. The silence in this apartment… Read more: A Thanksgiving of Empty Chairs and Full Hearts

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – The moment that defined Ocie Gay’s 23-year Army career lasted less than a second.  It was February 29, 2004, at a security gate leading into Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone. As a Platoon Sergeant with Alpha Company, 2/6 Infantry, Gay was leading “The Wild Bunch,” a platoon implementing new, slower procedures for… Read more: From the Ashes: Summerville Chaplain Finds Calling After Surviving Baghdad Bombing

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Wingman-Miss-Universe-Explore-Homefront-ebook/dp/B0GTK14XSR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dr. Kevin P. Wallace Van of Valor (208) 590-5766 Manteo.Creative.SPOT@gmail.com http://www.HelpVoV.com New Book Reveals Untold Story of Marine Aviator and Miss Universe, Offering a Fresh Perspective on the Vietnam War Era NORTH PORT, Fla. (March 16, 2026) – A remarkable true story that has remained untold for over… Read more: New Book Reveals Untold Story of Marine Aviator and Miss Universe, Offering a Fresh Perspective on the Vietnam War Era

Help Tell Doc’s Story. Disobey at Your Risk. 🇺🇸🎖️🦅 We’re honoring a true American hero, SSgt. Barry McAlpine—a 2-time Silver Star, 3-time Purple Heart recipient who served as a scout in Vietnam and spent his life healing others as a chiropractor. His story of courage and service is one that must be preserved. We need your… Read more: Disobey at Your Risk

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/van-of-valor-kevin-p-wallace/1150288571?ean=9781971678252 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “HOW ARE YOU GOING TO SAVE MY LIFE IF YOU CAN’T GET MY GLOVE OFF?” Double Amputee Colonel Gregory Gadson’s Heart Stopped Six Times on a Baghdad Street—And He Still Fought to Stay on Active Duty WEST POINT, NY – He was commanding the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery… Read more: Colonel Gregory D. Gadson – Six Times His Heart Stopped

CHESTER, MA — In a historic pilgrimage that merges the inception of American military recognition with modern combat sacrifice, the Van of Valor mobile mission recently made a profound stop at the final resting place of Sergeant Elijah Churchill. SGT Churchill, a humble carpenter and Continental Dragoon, holds a sacred position in United States history… Read more: Bridging Revolutionary Valors: The Van of Valor Visits the Cradle of American Military Honor

By Dr. Kevin P. WallaceVan of Valor Project BARTELSO, Ill.  – The October sun over Bartelso had that particular Midwest gold to it—the kind that softens barn roofs and makes cornfields look like they’re lit from within. Terry Conner stood near the Van of Valor, one hand resting on the hood as if steadying himself… Read more: The Second Birthday

🇺🇸 THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS. The Most Patriotic Book of the Year releases in exactly 1 WEEK. “Van of Valor” chronicles a 27,000-mile journey, 317 interviews, and 443 names painted on a van to honor American sacrifice. Be ready to read their story on release day.🔗 https://a.co/d/02456JWS #VanOfValor #MilitaryHistory #PurpleHeart #BookLaunch

Every neighborhood has a story worth preserving. 📜✨ On Sunday, August 9th at 4 PM, Van of Valor coauthors Kevin P. Wallace and L. Wright Wallace are stopping by The Bluestocking Bookshop in Holland, MI! Come hear inspiring stories of courage and get a sneak peek into their upcoming biography honoring local West Michigan hero… Read more: Every neighborhood has a 📜 worth preserving ✨

Dr. Kevin P. WallaceVan of Valor  Van of Valor Blog | Part 2 of 3 TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCE, N.M. – In our first installment, “The Weight of the Heart,” we explored the profound meaning behind the Purple Heart—a meaning that extends far beyond the official description of the medal.  We spoke of its true weight,… Read more: The Names Behind the Valor: Stories from the Roll of Honor

The only thing an RPG propagates is shrapnel. Need I say more? The Weapon That Made Everyone Equal

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The journey for Lauren and Dr. Kevin Wallace is not measured in miles, but in moments of memory and profound loss. This week, their “Van of Valor” project—a mission to honor fallen U.S. service members—wound its way through the heart of coastal Georgia, tracing a path from personal nostalgia to national tragedy.… Read more: Van of Valor Carries the Weight of Memory and Loss on a Journey Through Georgia

Van of Valor unveils the harrowing story of a shot-up Huey, a rear-seated pilot who returned fire with an M-16 and gave immediate trauma care to two shot pilots while shot himself, an impossible radiator-seat landing, and the Air Force “High Bird” that guided them home. This impossibly valorous single-incident chapter of a legendary Tet… Read more: Impossible pilot’s radiator-seat landing

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/van-of-valor-kevin-p-wallace/1150288571?ean=9781971678252 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “YOU NEVER RISE TO THE OCCASION. YOU ALWAYS FALL BACK ON TRAINING.” Staff Sergeant Thomas Waterman Survived Bala Murghab—The “Valley of Death” That Claimed So Many BALA MURGHAB, AFGHANISTAN – The geography itself was an adversary. Coalition outposts carved into indefensible slopes. Soldiers digging trenches by hand under cover… Read more: Staff Sergeant Thomas Waterman – The Valley of Death

Marine Recounts Extreme Combat in Vietnam We will host an interview with any Purple Heart recipient or Gold Star family any time and anywhere. Sometimes, that leaves for less-than-optimal recording conditions. In this particular case, we recorded Mr. Silvers’ interview in a loud and busy VFW Post. Please bear with the background noise and listen/watch… Read more: Marine Recounts Extreme Combat in Vietnam

Dr. Kevin P. WallaceVan of Valor  Note: You are reading a reposting of the original story, posted in 2025. Van of Valor Blog | Part 1 of 3 TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCE, N.M. – A recent article from the official sources laid out the facts: the Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military award, established by… Read more: The Weight of the Heart: Beyond the Badge of Sacrifice

Co-Founder Lauren Makes Proclamation View the full video above. VIEW MORE HERE: http://www.HelpVoV.com

By L. Wright WallaceVan of Valor NORTH PORT, Fla. – The progression of conversation is constant on nearly every interview: Operation Enduring Freedom veterans, particularly those who shed blood and had friends die in combat, nearly entirely disagree with the events during the withdrawal of NATO and U.S. forces. The Van of Valor team heard… Read more: The Razor’s Edge: Peaky Blinders, Taliban Morality, Fight for Afghan Identity 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tomorrow, Thurs 7/2 at 6 PM. Hudson, MA. America’s 250th weekend starts here. 🎂 “Van of Valor” Comes to the American Heritage Museum Tomorrow Night — A Cool Refuge of Patriotism During Record Heat and America’s 250th Weekend With Massachusetts facing a dangerous heatwave, the air-conditioned museum offers a perfect escape to… Read more: America’s 250th weekend starts here. 🎂

Van of Valor The “Van of Valor” doesn’t just traverse highways; it navigates the intricate geography of American memory, where every mile is a promise and every interview a sacred trust.  After the emotionally weighty task of honoring Sgt. Kennedy Sanders in Waycross, Georgia, co-founders Lauren and Dr. Kevin Wallace steered their mission into Florida,… Read more: Van of Valor Carries the Sacred Trust of Memory Through Florida

Join Us This Saturday — We’re Raising Funds to Get a Veteran a Service Dog! 🇺🇸🐕 The Van of Valor is proud to be a guest of the Venice Lions Club at this special fundraising event. Together, we’re rallying the community to help provide a life-changing service dog to a deserving local Veteran! 🐾❤️ 🚐 About the Van of Valor:We travel… Read more: A service dog for a Veteran

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HUDSON, Mass. – On July 2, 2026 at 6:00 P.M., just 48 hours before the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the American Heritage Museum will host a singular event bridging the battlefields of the past and the veterans of today.  Dr. Kevin P. Wallace and Harvard Extension… Read more: Boston’s Marc Fucarile Hosts ‘Van of Valor’ Town Hall, Book Signing at American Heritage Museum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Epoch Times Highlights Inspiring Veteran Tribute Book ‘Van of Valor’ TRENTON, IL — August 15, 2026 — The Epoch Times has published a feature review of “Van of Valor: A 27,000-Mile Journey Through American Sacrifice,” a new book by retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Kevin P. Wallace and L. Wright… Read more: Epoch Times Highlights Inspiring Veteran Tribute Book ‘Van of Valor’

Special Commentary By Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor NORTH PORT, Fla. – I used to be on a pretty strong speaking circuit, talking about suicide and resiliency.  You walk into a room to talk about survival, carrying the weight of your own story.  You speak about the invisible shrapnel, the dark trenches of the mind,… Read more: WHEN ONE SURVIVOR MEETS ANOTHER

The Second Birthday Terry Connor was asked to leave college after posting a 0.004 GPS. Five days before his draft date, he walked into an Army recruiter’s office and walked out with a guaranteed spot in flight school. What followed was a year of reconnaissance missions, the loss of his friends, and a wound that… Read more: The Second Birthday

“Corpsman up!” rang out like a shotgun in his ears. The 7-ton truck he was riding in just crashed back down after being thrown 5 feet into the air after hitting an improvised explosive device while on convoy in eastern Afghanistan. The smoke and dirt hadn’t yet settled, and former Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Shawn… Read more: Corpsman up! So Marines may live

Check out this short teaser of three amazing heroes from @3rdgroup, @usarmy Special Forces, out of Fort Bragg in Fayetteville. Kraken-SkullsKraken CustomsRnger RickThrough Tragedy Comes LightMilitary Order of the Purple Heart, USAAirborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation3rd Special Forces Group-Airborne1st Battalion – 75th Ranger Regiment82nd Airborne Division@82ndairbornediv@obxvoiceDare County GovernmentWreaths Across AmericaAmerican Warrior RadioWreaths Across America… Read more: 3rd Gp SF in pkg lot

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The journey for Lauren and Dr. Kevin Wallace is not measured in miles, but in moments of memory and profound loss. This week, their “Van of Valor” project—a mission to honor fallen U.S. service members—wound its way through the heart of coastal Georgia, tracing a path from personal nostalgia to national tragedy.… Read more: Van of Valor Carries the Weight of Memory and Loss on a Journey Through Georgia

Some bonds aren’t made in peace. They’re forged in fire. 🔥 This is the story of two warriors, a friendship that saved a life, and a mission that continues long after the battlefield. Tune in at http://www.HelpVoV.com or any of our @VanOfValor socials on Dec. 1, for a one-in-a-kind story! You will meet a special… Read more: Mind-blown this Dec. 1

He was declared dead on the battlefield. But his war was just beginning. In the heart of the Vietnam jungle, a single bullet restarts a heart- a cruel miracle for Army Sgt. David Allwine. Now a prisoner of the NVA, he is condemned to a 40-day march through hell. With a shattered body and a… Read more: 40 Days Walking Hell

Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Bruce D. Haskin is a veteran and Purple Heart recipient with a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, primarily in medical logistics and biomedical equipment maintenance. He retired in 2022 after more than two decades of service. On December 11, 2019, while deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, Haskin… Read more: CMSgt shares Wisdom of Healing, Family, Priorities

Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor MOAB, Utah – Get ready for a powerful and raw journey into the life of a modern American hero.  In an upcoming three-part video series, we sit down with Retired Sergeant Thomas Waterman, a man whose story is as intense and finely crafted as the knives he now forges. This… Read more: The Thomas Waterman Series: From the Battlefield to the Bladesmith

By Dr. Kevin P. Wallace I’ve met a lot of people in this life. Outside of the ones who raised me, the children I’ve helped bring into this world, and the woman I chose to spend my life with, I can say with absolute certainty that the single most impactful person I have ever known… Read more: From the Van of Valor – A Letter to My Brother

When my 3-year-old asked me why I was going to the desert in the earl 200s, my reply was simple. I said, “Daddy has to go feed the camels,” and that was enough to sustain his curiosity. My 7 and 8-year-olds didn’t buy it. Despite their doubt and his bewilderment, I went forth and tried… Read more: Feeding camels is tiresome, yet important task

⚠️ RSVPs are REQUIRED as space is very limited for this in-person event! Secure your spot now: https://www.bluestockingbookshop.com/events-1/van-of-valor-stories-of-courage-community-service HOLLAND, Mich. — The Bluestocking Bookshop will host authors Kevin P. Wallace and L. Wright Wallace for a special book reading and signing event on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The coauthors… Read more: From Vietnam to West Michigan: Authors to Preview Biography of Local Hero ‘Doc’ McAlpine

A Van of Valor Photo Series. Van of Valor cofounder Dr. Kevin P. Wallace served as a Combat Photographer for the Department of Defense. (Photo by Kevin P. Wallace)

“It reframes his struggle from vague ‘demons’ to the specific, severe trauma of prolonged captivity,” said the Harvard graduate student. “He wasn’t just troubled; he was carrying the immense weight of a brutal, state-sponsored effort to break him.” Wallace continued, “By uncovering this, we’re helping his family see his strength in a new light. Surviving… Read more: A sneak pre-read of a story that will be released very soon about a Korean War POW

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/van-of-valor-kevin-p-wallace/1150288571?ean=9781971678252 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BARTENDER IN BILLINGS ASKED TWO STRANGERS TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HER GRANDFATHER—THE ANSWER TOOK THEM TO DECLASSIFIED CIA FILES Private First Class Floyd Stapp Survived 27 Months as a Korean War POW—Then Came Home to a War No One Could See BILLINGS, MT – She slid two… Read more: Floyd Stapp – The Grandmother’s Question That Unlocked a POW’s Secret

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Van of Valor” Comes to American Heritage Museum for a Historic Night of Patriotism and Sacrifice Event features 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Marc Fucarile and authors Dr. Kevin P. Wallace and L. Wright Wallace just 48 hours before America’s 250th birthday. HUDSON, MA (June 28, 2026) – Just two days before the… Read more: “Van of Valor” Comes to American Heritage Museum for a Historic Night of Patriotism and Sacrifice

🚜🇺🇸 This Father’s Day, get your dad something truly legendary: The Van of Valor. 🇺🇸🚜 Look, you could buy him an excavator. 🚜 Nothing says “I love you, Dad” like a 20-ton hydraulic arm and the ability to dig a pond by lunchtime. But unless your wallet is built like a D11 dozer, that’s probably not happening. So here’s… Read more: Dad doesn’t need another tie. He needs 27,106 miles of heroes’ stories. 🚜🇺🇸

The Van of Valor, a rolling tribute to service and sacrifice, embarked on an ambitious pilgrimage across the diverse and dramatic landscape of southern New Mexico, connecting the dots between America’s frontier of innovation, its borders of security, and the guardians who stand watch over both.

Lauren WallaceVan of Valor LAS VEGAS – In the terrifying, relentless crackle of gunfire, the training doesn’t fade, it takes over.  This was tested Oct. 1, 2017, when a gunman open-fired on crowds at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. While thousands of civilians at the festival froze in panic, a different instinct awakened in a… Read more: When Chaos Rained Down, Panic Set In; Yet, Not These Veterans

The Tree That Saved Him Chuck Deeters was a full-time college student working double shifts when his draft board decided night school “didn’t count.” He was drafted in 1969 and sent to Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. What followed was 14 months of jungle patrols, ambushes, and moments of pure luck that defy… Read more: The Tree That Saved Him

Easter in Chattanooga From the Gulf of Mexico, where the sugar sands lie white To the Alabama pines beneath the April light We carried names of heroes on our weathered steel side In a van of stories, with the miles open wide Through Fort Benning dust and Atlanta’s sprawling glow To a Tennessee river where… Read more: 🎵 Easter in Chattanooga 

That’s right, folks—Books-A-Million is now officially home to the most epic road trip memoir ever written! 🚐💨 Forget your average honeymoon in paradise 🌴—Kevin and Lauren Wallace said “nah” to piña coladas and swapped their condo for a beat-up FedEx van with 300,000 miles. Because nothing says “just married” like a cross-country adventure with 317 interviews, 443 names… Read more: 🚨 BREAKING: THE VAN OF VALOR HAS PARKED AT BAM! 🚨

on Amazon now! https://a.co/d/06D5BRk2 ⚒️ I started writing this book May 15, 2011, and put it aside. Then, on May 24, 2026, I picked it up from the near ashes and resurrected it — because it’s what we do. The plastic, fake supporters will run away. The greedy, selfish players will scatter. This shapes us… Read more: RELEGATED

The Unbroken Patriot: The Life and Final Charge of Colonel Vicente León León By Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor NORTH PORT, Fla. – In the warm Florida sun of a January morning, amidst the cheerful chaos of a charity dog walk, a story of immense courage and forgotten sacrifice was quietly shared with me. This… Read more: Unbroken Patriot

Commentary by Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor MINOT, N.D. – The dashboard of the Van of Valor looked like a tactical operations center as we crossed the 20,000-mile mark of our 27,116-mile journey.  Actual miles … more like 310,000 of FedEx graft, and then happy miles. As a retired senior master sergeant and Purple Heart… Read more: Van of Valor crosses Northern Front, North Dakota

Valor Press (an imprint of Ballast Books) is honored to announce the release of: Van of Valor by Kevin Wallace and L. Wright WallaceRelease Date: June 30, 2026 About the Book Van of Valor is a powerful and unforgettable tribute to the veterans and military families whose courage, service, and sacrifice have shaped the story of America. Part… Read more: World-wide Release Confirmed!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Epoch Times Highlights Inspiring Veteran Tribute Book ‘Van of Valor’ TRENTON, IL — August 15, 2026 — The Epoch Times has published a feature review of “Van of Valor: A 27,000-Mile Journey Through American Sacrifice,” a new book by retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Kevin P. Wallace and L. Wright… Read more: Epoch Times Highlights Inspiring Veteran Tribute Book ‘Van of Valor’

By Dr. Kevin P. WallaceVan of Valor cofounder Van of Valor Blog | Part 1 of 3 TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCE, N.M. – A recent article from the official sources laid out the facts: the Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military award, established by General George Washington himself. It’s a badge of honor, a medal… Read more: The Weight of the Heart: Beyond the Badge of Sacrifice

Three-time Purple heart recipient and Force Recon Marine Jerry Ferris shares some memories of the Vietnam war after experiencing a Huey helicopter ride. The Huey is also a Vietnam veteran, and was shot-up three times while in service to the 1st Cavalry Division; yet, it was never shot-down. Still in use by a Vietnam Veteran… Read more: Purple Heart Recon Vietnam Marine Gets Back in Huey Again with Van of Valor

If you’ve ever stood in the rain at Upton Park, or watched a stream at 3 a.m. in a library parking lot in Maine. If you’ve ever belted out “Bubbles” in a fan zone in Prague, or held a pint at the KGV while a mate told you a story you’ll never forget. If you’ve… Read more: ⚒️ THE WHOLE WEST HAM FAMILY. THIS ONE’S FOR YOU. ⚒️

By Dr. Kevin P. WallaceVan of Valor Out of Cody, Wyoming, on a September day The Van of Valor pointed west to find a better way With a Purple Heart for courage and a Harvard mind to guide And a little dachshund sitting right inside Oh, the mountain stood before us like a cathedral in… Read more: The Ballad of the Van of Valor

Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – In every veteran’s story, there is a moment when character is forged, often long before the uniform is ever worn.  For Army Capt. Ross Pixler, that moment came not in the deserts of Iraq, but on the icy slopes of Pico de Orizaba, the third-tallest mountain in… Read more: From Mountain Rescue to Combat Leadership, the Unbroken Spirit

Marine’s purpose finds new altitude By Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor MIAMISBURG, Ohio – The buzz of a hundred conversations filled the hotel ballroom in Austin Landing, a planned community about 14 miles from Dayton, Ohio.  It was the opening dinner of the 2016 Team Fastrax Warrior Weekend to Remember, and the air was thick… Read more: Retired from duty, Never from service

Purple Heart recipient Dr. Kevin Wallace shares a moving letter from the Gold Star family of Vietnam pilot Lt. Dennis Peek, affirming the mission of Van of Valor to preserve the true, human stories of our heroes.

An Introduction to Our Van of Valor Music Series From the Albemarle’s cathedral sky to the Piedmont’s red clay roll, we journeyed across the Carolinas with a purpose in our soul. A wheel flew free on I-40 west—but Providence put us to the test. In Charlotte’s hail, with a bruise-skied fight, Hendrick’s hands made things… Read more: 🎵 Until The Wheels Fall Off

Fire is Not Just Heat, but a Transforming Light – Joel Tavera Meet Joel Tavera, former Army Sgt. and born in Queens, New York, but calls North Carolina home. Tavera suffered serious injuries in March 2008 when rocket-propelled grenades struck his Army Humvee. Three men were killed in the blast, while Tavera barely made it… Read more: Fire is Not Just Heat, but a Transforming Light – Joel Tavera

HOLLAND, MI – It is with a heavy heart, but a spirit deeply moved, that I share a few words about a woman I never had the privilege of meeting in person, yet who has left an indelible mark on my soul. My name is Dr. Kevin P. Wallace. Together with my wife, Lauren, we… Read more: A Heartfelt Tribute to Susan Bright

An Introduction to Our Next Van of Valor Track Rotor blades thunder. Dust devils rise. He was drafted to Germany—baseball and beer—while his brothers were dying in Vietnam. So he volunteered. Three times. Until they let him go. Huey skims low through the morning sky. M16 pressed tight. Green hell below. An Loa Valley, 1967—rocky… Read more: 🎵 Hunter-Killer Sky

STANLEY, N.C. – High in the tranquil mountains outside Charlotte, a quiet man sits reflecting on a life of service, shaped by an unshakable sense of duty and faith. Ed Nixon, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, recently opened his life to the “Van of Valor,” an organization dedicated to honoring and sharing… Read more: A Debt Repaid: A Vietnam Veteran’s Story of Faith, Fortitude; a Battle He Fought Twice

🚜 Forget the excavator, you can’t afford it Get Dad Van of Valor instead: 280 days, 27,106 miles, 443 heroes’ names, all the guts and glory. Pre-order now, give the confirmation on Father’s Day, book arrives June 30. 🇺🇸📖 Only logical move: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/van-of-valor-kevin-p-wallace/1150288571?ean=9781971678252 On Sale Now!

Their toughest battle began after the war. 😔➡️💪 Two Airmen. A shared mission. An unbreakable bond. Discover the story of resilience and recovery. #ForgedInFire http://www.HelpVoV.com

A Bridge Between Wars: A Chance Meeting on the Grand Canyon Railway

Disclaimer: The upcoming anecdote contains uncensored language that is authentically and hilariously unfiltered. Viewer discretion is advised. Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — In the dust and isolation of a forward operating base in Kandahar, an unexpected friendship formed between a team of U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and a British royal.  Harold,… Read more: A Royal in Kandahar: Special Forces Medic Recalls Unlikely Camaraderie with Prince Harry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Van of Valor” Comes to American Heritage Museum for a Historic Night of Patriotism and Sacrifice Event features 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Marc Fucarile and authors Dr. Kevin P. Wallace and L. Wright Wallace just 48 hours before America’s 250th birthday. HUDSON, MA (June 28, 2026) – Just two days before the… Read more: Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Marc Fucarile showcased Van of Valor in Boston

City of North Port, Fla., City Council members honor Lauren and Dr. Kevin Wallace with Certificates of Recognition and officially make the Van of Valor a permanent city landmark.

https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1434558 Link to book for purchase: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1434558 Lauren Wallace undergoes a graduate analysis of Don’t Look / Can’t Look by SMSgt (ret.) Dr. Kevin P. Wallace.

The battlefield is a dangerous place, and Soldiers fighting there know that each engagement could be their last. When flames of combat swell into an inferno, Soldiers often rely on close-air support to overwhelm the enemy, or sometimes, to merely survive. Tactical Air Control Party Airmen control CAS, advise battle commanders, and are often that… Read more: TAC-Ps help rain hell in Bala Murghab

Van of Valor’s FIRST SONG is HERE — “Until the Wheels Fall Off” 🎶🔥 Witness the powerful journey through the heart of the South — from the hills of NC, to the spirit of SC, and the pride of GA. 🚐💨 This is just the beginning. We’re turning up the hype for something HUGE — the 1st Edition Van of… Read more: Buckle up, America! 🇺🇸

Tribute to Waycross Hero – SGT Kennedy Sanders Let us all honor the life of Sgt. Kennedy Sanders. This hero paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Barry Lyn McAlpine, age 80, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 20, 1945, in Cass City, Michigan, to Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, Barry answered his call to serve his country at the age of twenty by enlisting in the United States Army. He served with extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War and was highly decorated for his bravery and heroism, receiving two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. His military service reflected a lifelong commitment to duty, sacrifice, and patriotism. Immediately following his service, Barry pursued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1971. He went on to build a long, successful, and respected career as a chiropractor, serving the Holland community with dedication and care for nearly fifty years. His patients knew him not only as a skilled practitioner but as a trusted and compassionate presence in their lives. Barry was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Kim McAlpine, and a loving father to his six children: Matt McAlpine (Julie Rowan), Brad (Abby) McAlpine, Hillery McAlpine, Elizabeth (Andrew) Lesperance, Ann McAlpine (Phillip Maletta), and Sarah (Ashton) Pienaar. He was a proud and deeply involved grandfather to eleven grandchildren: Callum, Carson, Annalise, Genevieve, Lake, Palmer, Micah, Lucas, Emery, Phillip, and Maximus. His family was a central focus of his life, and he consistently invested his time and energy in their well-being and success. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy McAlpine, and sister Gloria McAlpine. He is survived by his siblings Fred (Linda) McAlpine, Ed (Lil) McAlpine, Karen (Joe) Kata, and Jack McAlpine. Barry’s commitment to service extended far beyond his military and professional life. He served as a Trustee of the Board at Palmer College of Chiropractic for over fifteen years, was Chairman of the Ottawa County Red Cross, an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and a dedicated member of Rotary. Through these roles, he made a lasting impact on both his profession and his community. Outside of his work and service, Barry enjoyed cheering on University of Michigan sports, traveling, making wine, and spending time with his family, often with a sense of humor and a “strong guiding presence.” A visitation will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel, 188 W 32nd St. in Holland. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Christ Memorial Church in Holland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the McAlpine Scholarship Endowment Fund at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Barry will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, patriotism, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His legacy of leadership and service will live on in all who knew him. For a little bit more about Barry and a song that was recently written about his life please click on the link below: https://helpvov.com/2026/05/09/where-angels-fear-to-tread/

Commentary by Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor SLATER, Wyo. – If you’ve followed our journey for long, you know the Van of Valor has seen its share of roadside naps. But this time, it’s not a mechanical gremlin or a flat tire that has us pulled over on the lonely stretch of I-25 between Casper… Read more: Hunkered Down on I-25: The Saga Continues

SAVANNAH, GA – In a quiet Savannah neighborhood, the home of Francine and Percell Moffett stands as a testament to both profound loss and unwavering patriotism. It is a place where the memory of their daughter, U.S. Army Sgt. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, is kept alive not just in photographs and medals, but in the very… Read more: A Savannah Family’s Sacrifice: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Sgt. Breonna Moffett

NORTH PORT, Fla. – In an unprecedented pilgrimage, the Van of Valor is scheduled to connect the entire CONUS Purple Heart Trail in North Florida, December 2, 2025, before being retired to North Port later in the month. To date, that will be the first time the trail was ever attempted to be driven seamlessly.… Read more: Van of Valor connects Nation’s ‘Purple Heart Trail,’ records valor stories across CONUS

By Dr. Kevin WallaceVan of Valor  WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt. — In a solemn ceremony merely a few months before the Van of Valor arrived in Vermont, three National Guardsmen were honored with Purple Heart Medals. The Van of Valor team, having broken down in Boston, had to arrange a rental car and missed the… Read more: CARRYING THE WEIGHT OF VALOR ON VERMONT’S TRAILS

“This isn’t just a war story. This is a story of a promise made in Puerto Rico and kept in the face of unimaginable sacrifice. 💜 Meet Sgt. Ingrid English, U.S. Marine, Purple Heart recipient, and a self-described “badass with a beautiful soul.” Her journey will give you chills: ▶️ Inspired by her grandfather’s Army photo. ⚓ Talked OUT of the Army by her aunt and into the Marines… because of the uniform. (“If I’m going to look badass, I’m going to look badass in a uniform.”) ✈️ Was in Okinawa on 9/11, a day that changed everything. 💔 Endured multiple combat deployments, separated from her young daughter. 💪 Was wounded in Afghanistan, earning the Purple Heart. 👩‍👧 Now, her daughter is a Marine, building on her legacy. Her story, and so many others, are being saved from fading memory by the incredible Van of Valor project. This is why their mission matters. Read the full, incredible story of promise, sacrifice, and resilience. You won’t forget it. Link in Bio or Read More: http://www.HelpVoV.com

Dr. Kevin P. Wallace Van of Valor WAYCROSS, Ga. – March 28, 2025 – The journey of the Van of Valor is not about miles, but about memory. This week, the inspirational Van of Valor, dedicated to fallen U.S. service members, arrived in Waycross, Georgia, on a solemn mission: to walk in the footsteps of… Read more: Van of Valor Pilgrimage Honors Fallen Hero SGT Kennedy Sanders in Her Hometown of Waycross

https://a.co/d/06ejDO7f Authors Seek UK and European Partnerships for Powerful Memoir of Football, Service, and Belonging FLORIDA, USA – June 11, 2026 – Dr. Kevin P. Wallace and L. Wright Wallace, the husband-and-wife team behind the acclaimed Van of Valor mission, today announced the release of their deeply personal memoir, RELEGATED: A Journey in Claret & Blue, in… Read more: RELEGATED: A Journey in Claret & Blue Now Available in eBook Format – Distribution Expanded Across Major Retailers

This is one of the most powerful stories of sacrifice and survival you will ever read. 🫡 In 2008, Soldier Joel Tavera was days from coming home when a rocket attack in Iraq changed everything. He was burned over 65% of his body, lost his sight, suffered a TBI, and became an amputee. Yet, his… Read more: Beyond the Scars: A Soldier’s Sacrifice and a Quest to Preserve Legacy

The number is stark: 101 CODY, WY – September 28, 2025 –  It’s a figure that, for most, appeared as a headline after October 2006—a statistic marking a tragic month in Iraq.  For 101 families, the month was life altering. “For the world, it was a tally. For us, it was a tombstone laid over… Read more: BEYOND THE NUMBER:  Honoring the 101

Get Up Soldier! NCO hero, now Chaplain saving Souls “Get up, Soldier!”“Get up, Soldier!”“Soldier… Get up!” The raw words of Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Ocie Gay.

This Veterans Day, we honor every veteran. Discover a powerful message about why every service member’s contribution matters and how a simple “thank you” represents our nation’s collective gratitude.

An Introduction to the Van of Valor Exclusive Music Series Some stories refuse to stay buried. For Shania Stapp, her grandfather was a ghost in the family history—a uniformed figure in a faded photograph, a flag that was torn, a name spoken in hushed tones around kitchen tables in Billings, Montana. He was the man… Read more: 🎵 The Long Road Home: A Journey of Valor