On April 14, 2025, Vet to Vet Tennessee’s first Strategic Partner, Dr. Richard J. Junod (USMC), said his final Semper Fi and passed. Richard lived in Philadelphia, PA, but visited VTVT often.
Richard was a devoted husband to Maryann for 62 years. In life and in death, Richard J. Junod was fearless. He was a Marine extraordinaire, beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandparent, friend, neighbor, perpetual teacher and perpetual student, man of faith, marathon runner, artist, poet, listener, generous giver, storyteller, philosopher, creator of stained glass works, fixer of all things from broken spirits to broker structures, fierce patriot, wild dancer, tireless traveler, rescuer of abandoned animals, avid reader, historian, and strategic partner to VTVT.
Richard’s passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, friends, and Vet to Vet Tennessee. We will forever remember his courage, caring, compassion, inspiration, and love for God, Country, family, and friends. We celebrate his legacy and the extraordinary support and work he gave to the Founders of Vet to Vet Tennessee for over a decade.
Richard knew Freddie Owens (co-founder of VTVT) and promised to honor Freddie’s final wish to support American Female Veterans. In 2018, VTVT held its first Freddie J. Owens Women Veterans Summit. Preparing for the summit, Richard co-authored the Freddie J. Owens Memorial Honor, which was presented to the Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Vietnam Army Veteran Pastor Ed King.
Richard traveled to Tennessee for the summit with his cousin. Just before the summit began, Ed Junod, Richard’s brother and co-founder of VTVT, was ready to go on stage when he realized he had forgotten to bring his dress pants. Ed was ready to wear shorts, a suit, and a tie on stage. Then Ed saw Rich in the hallway and asked Rich to switch pants. And they did!
The irony about the above story is that Ed Junod presented the FJO Memorial Honor to Richard J. Junod’s family at the Fort Washington National Veterans Cemetery, the same FJO Memorial Honor, which Richard co-authored!
God bless and thank you, Richard. Semper Fi
