‘Loyal, Honest And Patriotic’: Doylestown’s Fred Hessenthaler Recognized For Service

Doylestown, PA — From their time in uniform to their everyday contributions in our neighborhoods, veterans embody service in so many forms. Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to share stories of veterans making a difference in the places we call home.

This story was submitted by John Cihanowyz, who nominated Fredrick Hessenthaler of Doylestown. To share your own message of gratitude, click here to answer a few questions and we'll take it from there.

Tell us about the veteran's service.

Fred is a Vietnam U.S. Army combat veteran. He spent 18 months in Okinawa and 18 months in Vietnam, serving in a military intelligence position as well as being “in the trenches.” When Fred was honorably discharged and returning home, he was spit at and cursed upon arrival at the airport. Only when he went on the “Tour of Honor,” sponsored by Parks Casino, Mission BBQ and several other organizations, was he openly thanked for his service. This brought closure to his sadness and disappointment in people not recognizing his dedication to the United States. Fred also received two Bronze Medals for his service. Since that time, he has served on the board of several organizations, including A Women’s Place, the Boy Scouts of America and other public organizations. He is a true “American hero.”

How do you know the veteran?

I am honored to be a close friend of Fred. We met through our church attending the same weekly mass and then at a restaurant. Since then we have traveled to Ireland, Poland, Florida, Mexico, Switzerland and a Danube River trip with our wives.

What makes the veteran someone your community should know about?

His continued support through money and time to volunteer organizations in need of assistance.

What three words best describe the veteran?

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