Wayne M. DeHart’s story is one of dedicated service, a long journey toward healing, and an unwavering commitment to honoring the legacy of his fellow veterans.

A Foundation of Service. Upon completion of Army basic training at Ft. Dix, beginning in January of 1970, and advanced individual training (“AIT”) as a Medical Corpsman at Ft Sam Houston, Wayne remained in uniform through November 1971, when he was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4. He served a twelve-month tour in Vietnam with a medical unit’s advanced platoon based near DaNang, including extended time as a controlled substances courier, traveling alone around South Vietnam. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service. Like many of his generation, he returned home carrying “silent scars” from his experiences.

Despite the long-term internal challenges that followed, Wayne led a distinguished professional life, earning an MBA in Banking & Finance at LSU in 1981, and worked in various high-level banking positions before serving for several years as a senior Fraud Investigator for the federal government and later as a self-employed, state-licensed private investigator, operating under the banner of The DeHart Cambridge Agency in central Florida.

A Journey of Resilience. After decades of carrying the weight of his service, Wayne found a transformative “safe space” at the VA clinic in Tilton, NH. Beginning in 2016, he worked closely with a dedicated counselor whose “compassionate manner” and “measured tenacity” helped him navigate his memories and restore his sense of dignity. This journey of healing gave him “remnants of hope” and the strength to face each day with renewed spirit. His resilience is perhaps best captured in his own words: though the challenges of the past may still weigh on him, he remains “beaten but not beat,” choosing to stand back up every time.

A Legacy of Support. Beyond his personal journey, Wayne has become a pillar of support for the veteran community through his deep involvement with the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery Association. As a legacy supporter, his generosity has touched numerous vital initiatives, including:

• The General Fund, the Veterans Heritage Learning Center, and Trees for Boscawen.
• Various Memorial Walkway projects, including the Army Monument restoration and the Women’s Memorial.
• The NH Suicide Loss Memorial Monument – to provide a place of remembrance and honor for those who have struggled.

The Writer and the Man. Wayne is also a talented and dedicated writer who shares a diverse collection of prose and poetry on his website, WordsYouCanTouch.com. His 2025 poem about a long night on guard duty in Vietnam won second place nationally in the annual Veterans Creative Arts competition. His work is characterized by an abundance of wordplay, a lifelong “affinity for alliteration” and a unique blend of “wit and whimsy.”

Ultimately, Wayne’s life is defined by integrity, humor, and profound resilience. He is a man who has faced the shadows of his service with honesty and courage, ensuring that the light of memory and support stays bright for the veterans who come after him. We are forever grateful for his friendship and his steadfast support of our mission.