AVS

The song is about the longing for home in every Veteran’s experience while serving in foreign countries. Through each singer’s story of how each branch of the military contributes to America’s freedom, we learn how much America means to the five Veterans who helped write the lyrics to this song.

Agustín Ramos Calero is the most decorated Hispanic Veteran of World War II and was a member of the Borinqueneers.

This #OperationSong spotlight is on “Pech River Valley” by Afghanistan Veteran Cristoval Lemus, who served in the Army's 101st Airborne.

This #OperationSong spotlight is on Veteran Angel Hurlong, who sings about her PTSD and night-time anxiety on “Inside Fight.”

Despite joining the military when women had few opportunities, Jeanne Holm defied many odds and became a leader who promoted gender equality in the Air Force.

Clyde East served in the Air Force for 25 years, once holding the record for the highest number of repeat combat medals earned during service.

Maj. Gen. Rexford Dettre served in the Army Air Force during World War II and became a prisoner of war (POW) after being captured by the Germans. He later served in the Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and worked with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Army Specialist Hugo Gonzalez lost much of his sight while serving in Iraq. His family helped him through a rough transition.

The successful rescue mission of the F-4E Phantom II took place over the Atlantic Ocean in 1983.

WWII Veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Louis Conter, who was aboard USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941, is one of the last two living Veterans of the ship.

Army Veteran Carolyn Dusty Pruitt served in the Women’s Army Corps and later in the Army Reserve. While in the Reserve, she attended seminary school after feeling called to become a pastor. In 1983, Pruitt gave an interview to the Los Angeles Times about the “Gay, God conflict,” and her commander in the Reserve began an investigation that resulted in Pruitt being discharged.

Nancy Love made a name for herself by doing what she loved best: flying. After earning a pilot's license, she sold airplanes on commission. Love later became a test pilot, participated in air races and secured her place in history as the first female pilot to serve in the United States military.