Beyond the Storm, Part 4: A Life of Service That Never Stopped – Doc Golden’s Mission to Honor Others
Beyond the Storm, Part 4: A Life of Service That Never Stopped – Doc Golden’s Mission to Honor Others
After finally receiving recognition for his military service, Doc made it his mission to ensure that no veteran would ever be forgotten.
He helped raise $165,000 to build the Veterans Way Memorial Park in Blue Springs, Missouri. He became a chaplain, leading memorial services, presenting medals, and comforting the families of the fallen. At the Vietnam Wall, he gave out pins and kind words, letting families know that their loved ones would always be remembered.
Doc became Chaplain for Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 371 in Kansas City. He also founded the Heroes at Home program after the Portable Vietnam Wall visited Blue Springs in 2010. That program has now honored more than 2,100 veterans and their families from every branch, era, and war.
He also began working with One Community Hospice, ensuring that veterans in end-of-life care receive the dignity, recognition, and respect they deserve.
In 2019, Doc attended The Battle Within, a week-long retreat for veterans struggling with PTSD. The experience was life-changing. Today, he continues to volunteer with the program, helping other veterans begin their own healing journeys.
Doc also kept a personal promise. He had once dreamed of 20 years in uniform. Though his Navy service was cut short, he found other ways to serve. With 18 years in Inner City Fire, 27 years in law enforcement, and decades of military chaplaincy, he not only met but exceeded that goal.
"On my uniform, there are Presidential Service Awards that represent 33,000 hours of service," Doc says. "I couldn’t do it in my Navy uniform, but I did it. And I’m not stopping."
No, Doc. You are not stopping.
Because some people are called to serve, not just for a tour or for a job, but for life.
Coming Next:
This concludes the Legacy Series honoring Rev. Ed "Doc" Golden. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories, helpful resources, and real-life insights for seniors, their families, and the people who care for them.
