Canby Veteran Honored with Journey of Heroes Trip
By Peter Zinn, for The Canby Chronicle
Journey of Heroes is a four-day, three-night, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for veterans, made possible through the Vital Life Foundation from Marquis and Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. Over the four days, participants receive flights to and from D.C., meals, and tours of the nation's capital, including its monuments and museums. The program has been active since 2013 and continues to honor veterans today.
In the summer of 2025, Dennis Miller, a Canby local and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, was approached by a friend with an application for a “Journey of Heroes” from the Canby Adult Center. This friend had been accepted in a previous year for the trip and had repeatedly mentioned to friends about how incredible the experience was. Miller brought the application home to his wife, where they decided to apply together. Within a few months of applying he was contacted for more information as another part of the selection process. He recounted some of his experiences in the Coast Guard in the 1960s as an Electrician’s Mate. After multiple conversations, the whole opportunity was forgotten until he was contacted in January with the news that he and his wife, Gloria, had been selected. They would join with a group of other veterans from various branches of the military the following April. Miller described his response to the news, saying he “didn’t sound very excited on the phone,” not because he lacked enthusiasm, but because he was moved to the verge of tears by the opportunity.
The journey began in the early hours of the morning with a trip to Portland International Airport. Veterans were met with an honor guard before boarding a red, white, and blue patterned Alaska Airlines jet amidst applause from volunteers. They were flown to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C. where they would begin their tours. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was of particular interest to Miller, who had the opportunity to find the name of Dennis Gauthier, a POW whose bracelet he wore during the 1970s in his honor. Some members of the group were able to identify names of service members they had personally served with. Two members of Miller’s group were even honored specifically with a ceremony at the Military Women’s Memorial.
Also on the itinerary was Arlington National Cemetery, where participants were privy to a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Udvar-Hazy Center at the Smithsonian was also special to Miller, as it housed retired F-15 Strike Eagles from the Oregon Air Guard. It even housed an HH-52 Coast Guard helicopter, something that he had spent much time around during his time on active duty. The whirlwind expedition additionally included the World War II Memorial, the White House, and a multitude of other historical destinations.
The return home was no less energetic than the departure from Portland. Miller recalled being pushed “at top speeds through groups of people” to get to the airline gate, describing it as “like the Monte Carlo Grand Prix!” Arriving in Portland the group was once again met with a gauntlet of onlookers as Portland Firefighters waved flags and applauded them in gratitude for their service. The D.C. journey ended that day, but the Journey of Heroes continues as Miller and other veterans will meet this upcoming August for a reunion with past participants. The program also continues with applications opening in September for the 2027 program.
