Our Mission
How The Mission Began
Veteran Visitor was founded by U.S. Army Vietnam-era veteran Sgt. Richard Erschik after discovering the extraordinary impact that a simple “Thank you for your service” can have on a fellow veteran.
What began with personal visits to World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans has grown into a nationwide mission to recognize veterans while they are still here to appreciate our gratitude—and to preserve the stories of those who are no longer with us.
One veteran thanking another became a mission to honor them all.
What The Visits Looked Like
For years, I personally visited fellow veterans in hospitals, assisted living communities, retirement homes, private residences, and at special events throughout Southwest Florida.
I didn’t arrive as a speaker, presenter, or organizer. I came as one veteran visiting another. There was no agenda—just conversation, shared memories, and a sincere appreciation for their service.
We talked about military life… the chow line, KP duty, inspections, guard duty, weekend passes, spit-shined boots, and the experiences only another veteran immediately understands.
Each visit ended the same way—with a handshake, the words “Thank you for your service,” a Veteran Visitor Challenge Coin, and a personalized Certificate of Recognition.
Those simple moments often created smiles, laughter, memories, and sometimes tears. They reminded me that recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.
Why The Mission Evolved
Personal visits became more limited with time, but the mission never changed.
Rather than let the mission end, Veteran Visitor evolved into a nationwide online tribute where veterans and their families can preserve stories, share photographs, and receive the recognition every veteran deserves.
What once happened one handshake at a time can now continue across America—ensuring that no veteran’s story is forgotten simply because no one was there to tell it.
Why This Matter Now
Too often, military recognition comes only after a veteran has passed away—during a funeral or memorial service—when it’s too late for them to hear the words, “Thank you for your service.”
Veteran Visitor exists to change that.
By recognizing veterans while they are still here—and preserving the stories of those who are no longer with us—we ensure that a lifetime of service is honored, remembered, and never forgotten.
“Military veterans share a bond that civilians can never fully understand. Veteran Visitor is one veteran honoring another. That simple act of gratitude is what makes this mission so meaningful.”
Help Continue the Mission
If you are a veteran—or know a veteran whose story deserves to be remembered—we invite you to become part of the Veteran Visitor mission.
Together, we can ensure that more veterans hear the words, “Thank you for your service,” and that the stories of those who are no longer with us are never forgotten.