Surrounded by the backdrop of monuments and memorials, the past and present intertwined when 1st. Lt. Gavin Johnston, assigned to the District of Columbia National Guard, met with Lavon Swank, World War II veteran and Johnston’s uncle at the National World War II Memorial in Washington on April 25, 2026. Johnston and Swank met for a shared moment along with other veterans at the memorial, paying homage to history. Their meeting served as a living reminder of the courage, resilience, and service of WWII veterans.
During his time in the Army, Swank served as half-track driver with the 8th Armored Division, contributing to the success of one of history’s most defining conflicts. To the world, he’s a Purple Heart recipient. Awarded for his bravery on the front-lines, after sustaining a gun-shot wound to the leg while advancing on a German machine-gun nest. However, for Johnston the title “Uncle Von,” as he is affectionately referred to, merits an equal amount of admiration and respect.
Johnston coordinated Swank's visit to the nation’s capital with Tyler Boland founder of “Keeping History Alive.” Boland drew inspiration for the grass-roots initiative from his two great grandfathers who also served in WWII. The soon-to-be graduate of Albright College organized the trip for veterans from Central Pennsylvania to Washington D.C. Boland also interviews WWII veterans, preserving their voices and experiences. His mission is vital to ensuring generations are informed about the selfless service and personal courage of veterans as well as to uphold their enduring family legacies.
Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard II, was also in attendance to meet and greet with the former service members. Each surviving member was awarded a command coin by Blanchard honoring their contributions to the preservation of the American people’s freedom. Additionally, members of the District of Columbia National Guard and Joint Task Force District of Columbia (JTF-DC) were on hand to support, providing presence patrol and assistance to the groups across the National Mall. Their efforts are a part of the ongoing DC Safe and Beautiful initiative aimed at providing safe and meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike.
The most impactful aspect was the intergenerational link between active service members and veterans. In this instance, the JTF-DC presence patrol mission carried dual importance, an opportunity to safeguard history and the individuals who lived it.
“I am extremely honored that Brig. Gen. Blanchard was able to come and meet them. The JTF-DC did a great job shifting their presence patrols to areas occupied by visitors throughout the mall,” said Johnston.
This unforgettable encounter for Johnston was made possible by Swank's dedication to service, Boland’s commitment to preserving history and the support of the National Guard. The JTF-DC efforts reflect not only mission readiness, but a deep respect for those who paved the way. These moments ensure that the stories of WW II veterans continue to inspire, educate, and endure.
| Date Taken: | 05.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2026 09:35 |
| Story ID: | 564162 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 6 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Honoring Living Legacies at National WWII Memorial: First Lt. Johnston Welcomes "Uncle Von" WWII Veteran, by SPC Keyra Moolenaar, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
