Out of high school, James Kroeger joined the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, where he served six years as an intelligence analyst. Today he serves Delta's Corporate customers as a corporate sales executive stationed in MSP.

James is the 5th generation of his family to serve in the U.S. Military. His great grandfather left behind his wife and daughter to fight in the European theater during WWII, serving as a forward observer fighting in Northern France, Battle of the Bulge, and the Ardennes Forest.

“For me, this is the honor of a lifetime… Being able to serve my heroes on their journey back to Normandy is something I could only have dreamed of as a kid. Words cannot fully describe what it means to do this for a generation we can never fully repay for their sacrifice. I feel incredibly proud to serve at Delta.”

Staff Sergeant Sample enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1999, completing recruit training at Parris Island followed by Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger.

Over his career, he served in Japan, South Korea, Georgia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, becoming part of the first fixed wing Marine Reserve fighter squadron activated since the Korean War. During his Iraq deployment, he was selected as the organizational colors bearer for VMFA‑142 and later became the unit’s Color Sergeant. He went on to serve as a Marine Firefighter, deploy to Helmand Province, and ultimately take on leadership roles at MCAS Miramar before retiring in 2016.

His awards include multiple commendations such as the Global War on Terrorism medals, Afghan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

Volunteering with the Return to Normandy program allows him to be “part of something bigger,” and he says he is grateful to support BDF and stand “on the shoulders of giants” as a fellow veteran.

Josh Talley served as a Marine Corps machine gunner with both the 1st and 3rd Battalions, 5th Marines, before beginning a 22‑year aviation career.

He is now a Delta Captain on the Airbus A220 in NYC, following earlier roles as an A320 First Officer in both NYC and ATL. His flying experience spans a major airline, charter and corporate operations, and nearly 11 years as a federal agent pilot with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Talley is deeply committed to veteran causes and works to instill that same respect in his two daughters, including through their shared involvement in the Civil Air Patrol.

He says it is an honor to return to Normandy with Delta and BDF as a caregiver for WWII veteran George Reitmeier, a survivor of the 66th Infantry Division’s tragic U‑boat attack. Their friendship has grown over the years, highlighted by Talley attending Reitmeier’s Legion of Honor ceremony with Delta’s support.

Earl Tingle has been a commercial airline pilot for more than 20 years, including 13 with Delta Air Lines. He comes from a long line of military service: both grandfathers served in WWII, his father is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Vietnam veteran, and Earl himself retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 24 years in Air Force space and missile operations.

Since joining Delta, he has been deeply committed to supporting veterans through the Veterans Business Resource Group. Tingle and his father have traveled to Normandy many times for D‑Day anniversaries, a tradition rooted in his father’s service with the 82nd Airborne.

He says he is honored to return for the 80th anniversary as a caregiver for a WWII veteran. In addition to flying, he has served Delta as a Duty Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, and A350 Instructor Pilot, and he lives near Atlanta with his family, enjoying long-distance relay races, hiking, and biking.

Bryce Ulmer is a retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant. Enlisting before graduating and serving as an aircraft crew chief on four different aircraft and as a flight engineer on the C-141B Starlifter.

He joined Delta in 1990 in aircraft overhaul and has spent the last 36 years in 9 different departments from pilot ground training to Rolls-Royce engine shop. A 15-year break in service saw him re-enlist after 9/11 and deploy twice to the desert.

"I always knew who my heroes were and followed their example into military service". It is the utmost honor and privilege to serve those whose sacrifices must never be forgotten. They took care of us. We must take care of them. I remember those who came before me every day and especially when I performed Honor Guard duties representing Delta on the flight line. Escorting these heroes to Normandy is the highlight of my Delta career.

Tonya Walker

Tonya Walker comes from a proud military family. Her grandfather was a World War II Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Hulbert and was among the first to witness the Japanese planes heading toward Pearl Harbor. Her father also served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, and her son continues the family’s legacy of service in the Utah Army National Guard.

Tonya enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and finds fulfillment in helping others while building meaningful connections through her work at Delta in Salt Lake City.

With a deep respect for those who have served, she considers it a true honor to return to Normandy alongside our veterans. She is especially grateful for the opportunity to hear their stories firsthand, helping preserve their legacy and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Bobby Disler is a retired Navy Corpsman specializing in mental health services, serving in both Active Duty and Navy Reserve. As a fifth-generation military service member, Bobby carries forward a family legacy of dedication, leadership, and service to others.

Throughout his military career, he provided critical support to service members, helping address mental health needs and promote overall well-being. Following his retirement from the Navy, Bobby transitioned to the aviation industry and has served as an MSP-based Flight Attendant for the past two and a half years.

Gretchen Petrus has served as a French-speaking international flight attendant with Delta Air Lines for over 28 years, based in NYC.

In 2024 and 2025, she volunteered as a greeter in Atlanta for the Normandy program, welcoming the Veterans going to and returning from the chartered Normandy flights. In September 2025, she was thrilled to be asked to work a JFK–Paris flight to take care of Wally King, and his grandchildren Kara and Kyle, who were on their way to Normandy with Virginie Durr for the European red-carpet premiere of the Delta-produced feature-length film Why We Dream, starring Mr. King and seven other World War II veterans and filmed during the 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations.

As a college student studying in Paris, Gretchen went on a school field trip to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery; now more than 30 years later, it is an immense honor to be chosen to return to these hallowed grounds with some of the World War II veterans who sacrificed so much there for our freedom.

Wendy Morales

Wendy Morales has proudly served Delta Airlines in Alaska for 19 years. Before her long career with Delta as a Customer Service Representative, Wendy worked with Sato Travel, where she supported the Military and government in their travel needs.

Service to our country runs deeply in Wendy’s family. Her father and husband both served in the Army National Guard, instilling in her a lifelong appreciation for sacrifice and duty. This journey is especially meaningful to Wendy, as three of her uncles bravely fought in World War II. Her nephew is a Disabled Army Veteran of the Iraq War, and his grandfather also served honorably in Vietnam. Across generations, her family’s legacy is one of courage and unwavering commitment to the United States.

For Wendy, accompanying Our Heroes on the Normandy Legacy Flight is not only an honor but a profoundly personal experience. It is a chance to pay tribute to her own family’s service while standing alongside others who have given so much for freedom. She carries with her immense gratitude and reverence for all who wore the uniform, and she views this opportunity as a way to ensure their sacrifices are remembered and celebrated.

Stacey Keeshan has proudly worked for Delta Air Lines since 2022, following a career as a New York City school teacher. She resides in Rockaway Beach, NY with her husband and their three children, where she enjoys traveling, and volunteering her time for meaningful causes.

Supporting veterans and first responders holds special significance for Stacey, as her husband is a retired NYPD 9/11 first responder. Her commitment to service has led her to volunteer during Fleet Week and to participate in welcoming World War II heroes back to Atlanta from Normandy. These experiences have been among the greatest honors of her life, allowing her to witness firsthand the power of connection, remembrance, and gratitude.

Stacey is deeply appreciative of the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines for making it possible for veterans to return to Normandy, where they can honor their legacy and share the powerful stories of the Greatest Generation with future generations. She considers it a privilege to support these heroes and to personally thank them for their courage and sacrifice.

Looking ahead, Stacey plans to continue volunteering through Delta Air Lines to honor and assist veterans. She encourages others to take part in these efforts, noting that it is one of the most rewarding and impactful experiences imaginable.