College Students Forge Unlikely Friendships with WWII Veterans
Two college students form deep bonds with WWII veterans after a canceled history class, learning firsthand about war experiences and bridging a 75-year age gap. Their unexpected friendship offers mutual support and understanding.
In an unexpected turn of events, a canceled World War II history class led to a remarkable friendship between two college students and two veterans of the conflict. Kayla Smith, a recent graduate of Randolph-Macon College, and her friend Hannah Winton have formed close bonds with Andy Valero, 99, and Leo Dormon, 100, both survivors of one of history's most devastating wars.
Smith's disappointment over the canceled class in 2022 sparked a quest to connect with living WWII veterans. Despite the dwindling number of survivors—only about 119,000 of the 16 million Americans who served remain—Smith and Winton persevered in their search.
Their efforts paid off when they met Valero and Dormon through a veterans support group in Norfolk, Virginia. Valero, a U.S. Army veteran who survived the Battle of the Bulge, and Dormon, a former U.S. Navy aviator, welcomed the students into their homes.
: "It was the worst winter in 25 years, and we had frozen fingers and trench foot."
The Battle of the Bulge, a major German offensive campaign launched in December 1944, took place in the Ardennes Forest region of Belgium during one of the coldest winters on record. Trench foot, a painful condition resulting from prolonged exposure to cold and wet environments, was common among soldiers.
Dormon's military career spanned multiple conflicts. As a Navy flight instructor during WWII, he trained over 300 pilots and flew more than 35 different aircraft. His service continued through the Korean and Vietnam wars, accumulating over 10,000 flight hours.
The intergenerational friendships have proven mutually beneficial. Smith and Winton gain firsthand knowledge of historical events, while Valero and Dormon enjoy companionship and support. The students regularly visit the veterans, often bringing homemade treats and accompanying them to commemorative events.
: "Hannah and Kayla have been regular visitors, and I have been so thankful to see both. Taking the time to visit an aging person takes courage and patience, and they've made my life much happier. Bless them both."
These unlikely friendships have had a profound impact on all involved. Smith credits Valero with helping her cope with personal losses, while Winton, a nursing student with aspirations of becoming a Navy pilot, finds inspiration in Dormon's aviation experiences.
The bonds formed have led to shared milestones, including Valero and Dormon attending Smith's wedding in April 2024 and the students accompanying Valero to a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery honoring Battle of the Bulge casualties.
As the number of WWII veterans continues to decline rapidly, these friendships serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving their stories and experiences for future generations.
