I'm Joe Reynolds, the founder of whytheydoit.org.
I was born and raised in Inwood, New York, on Manhattan's upper west side. My brothers and I had loving parents and we grew up in the saloon business, following in the Irish hospitality tradition.
After attending Power Memorial Academy high school in NYC, I graduated from St.John’s University, joined the Army, and volunteered for duty in Vietnam.
I was young and restless with a cavalier attitude and no real direction. Yet my military service was continually graced with good luck.
Many of my Inwood and high school friends were not so lucky.
To this day, I think of them often—I miss their company and our friendships. I wonder what it would be like to share stories now about our travels, families, and childhoods.
For many years, I've felt guilt about my good luck. These feelings linger and sometimes I even think that I caught a break that could have gone to someone else—maybe someone more deserving.
The lessons I learned in the military shaped my ability to make decisions and overcome challenges encountered in my professional and personal life.
Today I'm retired and healthy, with a very patient wife, four great children, and eight grandchildren. My family is a continuing reminder to me of my blessed life.
In honor of my friends who didn't come home, I serve in the Honor Guard, American Legion Post 159, in Venice, Florida.
Our Honor Guard volunteer service rendering military funeral honors for veterans at Sarasota National Cemetery is heartwarming, fulfilling, and fills us with pride in our country and in ourselves..
Every veteran's headstone tells a story.
This is our way to pay It forward.