Crystal City, VA Hotel Helps Bring WW II Veteran's Wish to Reality

ARLINGTON, VA--(Marketwired - Aug 27, 2014) - Inspired by a 92-year-old woman's dedication to her country, a Pentagon City hotel has stepped forward to help make her "Wish of a Lifetime" come true.

Helping to facilitate the woman's return to the Pentagon after nearly 70 years, the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel in Arlington, VA joined with the "Wish of a Lifetime™" program to make the former Pentagon servicewoman's dream a reality.

It was 1945 and after World War II when Alta Wilhelm finished her service in the Army Signal Corps and last walked through doors of the Pentagon. But on Aug. 20, 2014 her longtime dream of returning to the facility was realized thanks to efforts of the "Wish of a Lifetime" program which brought the woman's story to light and organized her return.

During the 1940s, being a woman and serving her country was a big social change and meant even more to Ms. Wilhelm as she experienced first-hand two integral moments in U.S. history -- World War II and the Women's Rights Movement. Ms. Wilhelm served in the Army Signal Corps for four years until the war was over in 1945. In reflecting on her life, the former servicewoman and later teacher from Kerrville, Texas, noted those years as one of the most significant times of her life.

After hearing the woman's story, associates of the hotel near Washington Reagan Airport and Pentagon City Mall, were anxious to assist the Wish Connect program in honoring the World War II veteran's request by providing lodging for Ms. Wilhelm and her son during their stay in Arlington. Brookdale Senior Living also assisted in the project.

Based in Denver, CO, "Wish of a Lifetime" was founded in 2008 to foster respect and appreciation for seniors by granting life-enriching Wishes. The organization has granted over 900 Wishes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In most cases, the program has improved the quality of life and health of those whose wishes have been granted.

About the Crystal Gateway Marriott
Crystal Gateway Marriott welcomes travelers with exceptional service and the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The prominent DCA hotel features an expansive offering of well-appointed guest rooms and spacious suites furnished with ergonomic desks, HDTVs, technology panels and high-speed Internet access. Amenities also include two concierge levels with complimentary continental breakfast and all-day drinks. To help ensure a relaxing hotel experience, all guests are pampered with gym privileges and access to an indoor-outdoor connecting pool. Ideal for both business and leisure travel, the hotel also features 27 meeting rooms with 35,377 square feet of event space, dedicated event managers and professional catering services making it a great destination for business meetings, corporate events or elegant social gatherings. To learn more about the Crystal Gateway Marriott, call 866-725-1860.