Our connection to Operation Restorations is rooted in personal legacy and deep respect for those who have served. Both of our fathers were proud veterans of the Korean War era. Pam’s father, Ralph Gentry, served in the U.S. Army, and my father, Terry Devaney, also served in the Army before continuing his commitment to our country through more than 45 years of service with the Defense Intelligence Agency. His career was based in Washington, D.C., where he held posts within the Pentagon and other national security assignments. Pam’s uncle also served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and was deeply proud of his time in uniform.

Our fathers were men of great honor, loyalty, and service—to their country, their families, and their communities. These values were not just spoken, but lived. They shaped our lives and are the principles we continue to model for our children.

I was raised in the Washington, D.C. area, surrounded by families who made military service their life’s work. Many of my childhood friends were sons and daughters of career servicemembers, and I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices and sense of purpose that defined their lives. As a teenager during the Vietnam War, I saw many of my friends’ older brothers drafted. Their stories had a profound impact on me and shaped my lifelong respect for our nation’s veterans.

Our work with Operation Restorations is more than a commitment—it is a calling. These American Legion Posts are more than just buildings; they are spaces for connection, remembrance, and healing.

With Pam’s career now spanning decades in the hospitality industry, she brings a unique perspective to this mission. Her goal is to help restore not only the physical spaces, but also a renewed sense of hospitality—creating environments that are warm, welcoming, and worthy of the heroes they serve. We believe these posts should reflect the dignity and pride of those who gather within them, and serve as vibrant, inviting hubs for the community once again.

Supporting Operation Restorations is one of the most meaningful endeavors of our lives. We are honored to contribute our time, energy, and hearts to preserving the legacy of those who served—and to helping create spaces that continue to serve them.

— Kevin and Pam Devaney