Military

Mike’s Life Chest Story

“With the development of The Life Chest I now realize that these moments and stories can be shared by family and friends because the silent voice of each item is a piece of me… the essence of who I am. Thank you for giving the vehicle to share the path I have walked and the path I will explore.”

– Mike Elliott, Golden Knight and founder of The All Veteran Group

Paul’s Life Chest Story

“I’ve been using my Freedom Life Chest to chronicle not only my Army service in Vietnam, but my current activities on behalf of other veterans. In my Life Chest I have my Silver Star and my Purple Heart, other awards and honors, photos from my time in Vietnam, and a newspaper article from 1986 where I’m named as then-mayor Coleman Young’s first member of a gaming commission. I also have pictures of past Veterans Day Parades in Detroit, articles talking about the Veterans Memorial Park dedication next to the Chapter 9 VVA,  and a clipping of a newspaper piece discussing a memorial dinner for Spec. Holly McGeogh, the only female soldier from Michigan killed in Iraq. I keep a picture of her because I’m her voice, and the voice for so many others who didn’t come home. That’s what drives me in all I do for the Chapter 9 VVA, for the city of Detroit, and for all veterans. My Freedom Life Chest represents not only me, but everything dear to me.”

– Paul Pallazzolo

Kelly’s Life Chest Story

“I would like to thank The Life Chest company for their beautiful Life Chests. I purchased two: one for my husband who is a retired Metro Transit Police Officer in Washington, DC. And one for my son SSG Christopher W. Swanson who was killed in Iraq on July 22, 2006. We have have another son, Kenny, who is married and has two children. Everyone leaves a legacy. What better way for our grandchildren to know their Uncle Chris and their PaPaw and the lives they led. The chests are beautifully made inside and out, and we could not be happier with them.”

– Kelly Swanson

Raymond’s Life Chest Story

“I am loving [my Freedom Life Chest], and I am putting some very special items in it, [including] the pen with which Governor Engler signed the paperwork for the Michigan Vietnam Monument, a U.S. flag that flew in the mayor’s office at the City-County Building over four mayors since Coleman A. Young, a U.S. Air Force handbook from the 1960’s, signed books from the Vietnam Era, “Special” challenge coins, my mother’s cross from her funeral, and more. Photos from “the day”, things from my father’s WWII military days, and much more to come. Thank you folks SOOOOOO much!!”

– Raymond Michael Sand

Calvin’s Life Chest Story

“I am so honored and touched to be a recipient of this Life Chest. Having the Life Chest now means that I have a special holder of my precious photos and military badges and memorabilia that will serve not only as a time capsule but to preserve and protect those items I hold dear long after I am gone. It’s something very personal and dear to my heart that I can leave for my children and grandchildren.”

– Calvin Harris

The Life Chest in the Macomb Daily

Remember our new Life Chest Lifer Claude Wood? Well, The Life Chest and Claude’s story had the privilege of being featured in local newspaper The Macomb Daily by Linda May!

Read the full article here!

“Freedom Military Life Chests –- repositories for treasured memorabilia –- were recently presented to 55 veterans from the Tri-County area. They received them the day before Veterans Day at the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 9 building in Detroit.

The Life Chest company of Troy put on the program and donated the chests.

“Veterans were selected based upon their service both during and after their military time,” Mike Sand, of Fraser, said.

Macomb County vets who received chests included Al Opra, Laura Rios, Jerry Van de Vyver, Dave Trevino, Phil Gannia, Paul Palazzolo, Steven Mrozek, Tara Perez, Keith Edwards, Joe Rheker, Steven Gerebics, Robert Slavko and Therese Wrobel.

Sand received one, as did George Sheppard III.

On Veterans Day, Sheppard gave his chest to Claude Wood who is the Fraser-Reid Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6691 charter commander. Wood celebrated his 97th birthday on that day. Sheppard’s father was also a charter member of the post in 1946.

“George gifted his chest to a special friend and fellow veteran, Claude Wood. Claude is a 97-year-old World War II veteran and a 1946 charter member of the Fraser VFW Post 6691. George’s father, George Sheppard Jr., was also a charter member. Claude and George III have both dedicated their lives to supporting our military and veterans. At a surprise birthday recognition and celebration, George presented his special gift to Claude. A very emotional moment indeed,” Sand said.

The chests have pewter emblems representing each branch of the armed forces and the Great Seal of the United States.



“This is definitely a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation, one of the finest holiday presents anyone could ask for. We cannot thank The Life Chest company enough for such a gift,” Sand said. “It was a very nice gesture on their part and I kind of look at the chest as a cross between a footlocker and a hope chest. I have put some very special things in mine such as the pen Governor Engler used to lend the State of Michigan’s support to the Michigan Vietnam Memorial Monument.

Sand’s chest contains a U.S. flag displayed by four Detroit mayors, an autographed book depicting Vietnam memorials in all 50 states, keepsakes from his parents, challenge coins, military patches, audio tapes, DVDs, and books related to Sand’s Vietnam War experiences.

“It’s sort of my personal time capsule,” he said.”

Thank you to Linda May for the great article!

A Life Chest, the Gift That Keeps on Giving

One of the integral missions of The Life Chest is to positively impact the lives of all it touches. An important group that we serve is our nation’s military veterans. A Life Chest serves as a tangible representation of a lifetimes’ worth of memories, but holds special meaning for a veteran. Beyond preserving keepsakes and photos, it also helps to display awards and honors and to secure important paperwork like a DD-214. It allows you to look fondly on past accomplishments, remember to live consciously in the present moment, and to leave a lasting legacy for the future.

We were recently able to donate 55 Life Chests to members of the Chapter 9 VVA in downtown Detroit for Veteran’s Day, and have been receiving amazing photos and stories from the event ever since, such as this one. Thank you to all of our friends at the Chapter 9 VVA, and welcome to our new Life Chest Lifer Claude Wood!

“Vietnam veteran, George Sheppard III received a Freedom Life Chest as a gift for his service both then and now at the recognition event held by them at the Chapter 9 VVA Detroit on November 10, 2015.

George in turn gifted his Life Chest to a special friend and fellow veteran, Mr. Claude Wood. Claude is a 97 year old WWII veteran and a 1946 charter member of the Fraser VFW Post 6691. George’s father George Sheppard Jr. was also a charter member at that time. Claude and George III have both dedicated their lives to ​supporting our military and veterans.

At a surprise birthday recognition and celebration, George presented his special gift to Claude.”

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR SEPERATION/DISCHARGE PAPER, DD-214

Here at The Life Chest, we are truly grateful and humbled by the incredible people that we are able to meet. From all ages and all walks of life, so many people identify with the mission of The Life Chest and its meaning, including our country’s veterans. From the Chapter 9 VVA in Detroit, the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, and the Veteran-Owned Business Roundtable and beyond, we have been so fortunate to meet truly amazing individuals who have served in our nation’s military. In honor of Veteran’s Day coming up, we wanted to take a moment to help our many veteran friends and their family members unravel something- the DD-214, and how to get it.

So what is a DD-214? It is an official form given to you by the United States Department of Defense upon retiring, separating, or discharge from the military. In short, a DD-214 is proof and verification of your military service. Think of it as your ‘one-stop shop’ of a document: it’s the most comprehensive paperwork any military service member has, even above medical records. Whether you’re applying for a home loan or other benefits through the VA, getting ready to retire, or even trying to replace your father’s long-lost medals, obtaining your DD-214 is essential, and will help you in a multitude of ways.

A guide to obtaining your DD-214 can be found below- special thanks to our friends at Veteran’s Radio for putting it together! You can find even more great resources at http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/awards-and-decorations.html .

Veterans may request replacements for their military honors and decorations following the below link: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/awards-and-decorations.html

If you’re requesting a family member’s medals be replaced, use the following link: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/awards-and-decorations.html#nok

We want to honor the sacrifice and bravery of our country’s veterans as well as protect and secure their legacy, whether it’s through a Life Chest itself, or extending a helping hand. This Veteran’s Day, we want to say to all of our military members past and present have done to protect our own legacies: from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

wo methods.

First Method:
* Write a request for your personal DD-214.  Give reason for replacement of DD-214, lost, stolen, etc..  Mail to: National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63138-1002.  Do not include your Service  or social security numbers with this first letter.

* If you are requesting a relatives, eg. Dad, Mom, Brother’s DD-214, state your relationship and reason you are personally requesting.  Do not send proof of death or your information.  Wait for their response back to you.

Second Method:
*Go to,  www.archives.gov and follow prompts.

Just a note.  Make copies of everything.  It may take a while for their response.  When I did it it was three months total from letter to receiving DD-214 in the mail.

While you are looking to obtain your DD-214 also ask for replicas of your earned service awards, eg. weapon Marksmenship, Good Conduct, etc.  All will be provided, to you, complimentary, from your Government.

Thank you for your service.

Bob Gould, Dale Throneberry, Producers
Veterans Radio