Meet these St. Louis area veterans and service members: Our 2022 Stories of Honor
We all have stories to tell, but some of the most riveting and powerful are those of the servicemen and women of the armed forces. For its seventh year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Stories of Honor series sought nominations from the public and featured them throughout the year in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and on STLtoday.
This year’s stories contained accounts of military service, ranging from service during WWII to present day duty. The six unique individuals featured were inspired to serve by an innate desire to help their country and others. No two stories are alike, but they all shared courage, dedication, sacrifice and service to the country.
Once again this year, each recipient’s family and friends gathered at the honoree’s residence to celebrate their service with a special Front Door Salute. The salutes ranged from small gatherings to larger groups, but all had one thing in common – giving these heroes recognition for their service.Â
Stories of Honor awardee Terry Alesandrini, presented by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, photographed outside his Alton home on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
Jon Gitchoff
Stories of Honor awardee Terry Alesandrini, presented by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, photographed outside his Alton home on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
Jon Gitchoff
Stories of Honor awardee Bill Allen, presented by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, photographed outside his Kirkwood residence on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Jon Gitchoff
Stories of Honor awardee Bill Allen (center) photographed with his wife Diana Thomas (right) and daughter Peggy Allen on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Jon Gitchoff
Photo provided by Ainara Farina
Stories of Honor awardee Ralph Forys, presented by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, photographed outside his O'Fallon, Ill. residence on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
Jon Gitchoff
Stories of Honor awardee Ralph Forys (center) with members of the Colonnade Senior Living staff on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
Jon Gitchoff
Photo provided by Shelby Green
Stories of Honor awardee Joe McCarthy, presented by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, photographed outside his Wildwood home on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Jon Gitchoff
Stories of Honor awardee Joe McCarthy, presented by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, photographed outside his Wildwood home on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Jon Gitchoff
Soldiers Memorial Military Museum shares American military history through the lens of St. Louis inside a beautiful art-deco building. Outside, the Court of Honor includes monuments to those who lost their lives in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
