Emerson Pell: 100 Years of Service, Sacrifice, and Faith
In this profoundly moving episode of Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, we sit down in the home of Emerson Pell, a Navy veteran of World War II who is just months away from his 101st birthday. Emerson shares stories that span a century — from growing up without electricity in rural West Virginia, to enlisting in the Navy at 17, to surviving a seaplane crash in the waters near the Panama Canal, to witnessing sharks circling the wreck in the dark hours of the night.
He takes us into the world of early radar technology, aerial gunnery, and life aboard seaplanes during the war — and he reminds us what courage looked like at 17 when America needed him most.
But this story is also about today. Emerson opens up about the fears he had when hospice was first mentioned, the comfort he’s found in the care provided by Augusta Health, and the people whose compassion he says “saved his life.”
With humor, honesty, and the wisdom of 100 years, Emerson talks about family, faith, love, loss, and what it means to live a good life — and why veterans must know the resources available to them before it’s too late.
Recorded with his children, caregivers, and hospice team nearby, this is one of the most intimate and important conversations we’ve ever captured.
A living century of American history — in one man’s voice.
Resources & Info:
→ Hospice of the Shenandoah: The amazing team that care for Emerson, Hospice of the Shenandoah takes a team-based approach to ensuring the patient is comfortable, supported in body and spirit, and treated with dignity.
→ SALUTE of Virginia: Supporting veterans, building community, providing resources, connections, and support across Virginia
→ Contact: Get in contact with SALUTE of Virginia at saluteofva@gmail.com | Find flyers and schedules at the Salute building in Waynesboro
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Listen & Subscribe to Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, Presented by SALUTE of Virginia, everywhere podcasts can be heard
Every veteran has a story worth preserving—stories of courage, sacrifice, humor, and humanity. Veteran Story Hour captures these remarkable personal histories directly from the voices of the men and women who’ve served our nation.
Recorded live each week at SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, this podcast creates a living history, ensuring these powerful memories are preserved and shared for generations to come.
Hosted by John Fairbanks of the Shenandoah Valley Story Network, join us as we honor those who served by listening, reflecting, and remembering.
Because every veteran’s story deserves to be told—and every voice deserves to be heard.
