He searched for his Army buddy for 40 years—what he found on the doorstep will stay with you
- Replies 0
Some friendships never fade.
Especially those formed during the long, uncertain days of military service.
For many veterans, the bond forged in uniform lasts a lifetime—even if decades pass without a single conversation.
That was the case for John and Arturo, two Army veterans whose story reminds us all that the ties of service run deep.
Their reunion, 40 years in the making, wouldn’t have happened without persistence, hope—and a little help from modern technology.
A brotherhood born overseas
In the late 1970s, John and Arturo served together in Germany as part of C Company, 141st Signal Battalion, 1st Armored Division.
Their friendship blossomed far from home—through long hours on duty, shared travels through Europe, and the quiet understanding that comes from serving side by side.
But after their military years ended, life pulled them in different directions.
Without social media or smartphones, staying in touch was difficult.
They lost contact.
Still, John never stopped thinking about his friend.
Also read: Hero’s mission: Veteran who lost his legs in Iraq battles to stop “wounded warriors” tax
A search that spanned 40 years
Over the decades, John tried everything to find Arturo.
Phone books. Travel stops. Internet searches.
Every time he came across someone with Arturo’s name, he checked—just in case.
Then, one day, John and his wife drove 1,500 miles from Mesa, Arizona, to Laredo, Texas, with two possible addresses in hand and cautious hope in their hearts.
They rang the doorbell of one home, unsure if they were about to meet an old friend—or a stranger.
Also read: Unexpected alert! You won't believe why this Oklahoma toddler called 911
A voice through the camera
It wasn’t a person who greeted them, but a Ring video doorbell.
John spoke into the device, explaining he was looking for a man named Arturo—his Army buddy from the 1970s.
What happened next was nothing short of remarkable.
Arturo, watching remotely from his daughter’s home, instantly recognized the voice.
“I remember you, John,” he said.
John’s reply was pure joy: “Art, is that you?”
Just like that, four decades melted away.
An emotional reunion caught on camera
John and his wife headed to Arturo’s daughter’s house, where a second Ring doorbell captured their reunion.
The handshake didn’t last long—it turned into a heartfelt hug as two old friends embraced for the first time in 43 years.
They spent the next hour catching up, introducing their wives, and sharing stories they thought might remain only memories.
This time, staying in touch would be easier.
Source: YouTube / Ring
Also read: Heartwarming: See how Burger King employees honored a cherished regular with an unforgettable tribute
A story shared, and celebrated
Arturo’s daughter, Priscilla, submitted the footage to Ring, wanting others to experience the joy of that moment.
“It was surprising, emotional, and made me anxious in a good way,” Arturo shared.
“If I did not have the Ring Video Doorbell or the Ring app, I would have missed the opportunity to meet up with my old friend.”
The lasting bonds of service
This isn’t just a story about two men.
It’s a reminder of the unshakable connections shared by the over 18 million veterans living in the US today.
And it’s a testament to how—even in an age of screens and digital distance—technology can bring us closer, not farther apart.
Read next: Hollywood’s hidden heroes: The stars we lost in World War II
Have you ever reconnected with someone after years—or even decades—apart? Do you have a story of a friendship that stood the test of time? Or are you still hoping to track down someone who made a lasting impact on your life?
Share your story in the comments below. Whether it’s a military bond, a childhood friend, or a long-lost neighbor, these connections remind us that it’s never too late to pick up where we left off!
Especially those formed during the long, uncertain days of military service.
For many veterans, the bond forged in uniform lasts a lifetime—even if decades pass without a single conversation.
That was the case for John and Arturo, two Army veterans whose story reminds us all that the ties of service run deep.
Their reunion, 40 years in the making, wouldn’t have happened without persistence, hope—and a little help from modern technology.
A decades-long friendship rekindled with the help of a doorbell and a little determination. Image Source: YouTube / Ring.
A brotherhood born overseas
In the late 1970s, John and Arturo served together in Germany as part of C Company, 141st Signal Battalion, 1st Armored Division.
Their friendship blossomed far from home—through long hours on duty, shared travels through Europe, and the quiet understanding that comes from serving side by side.
But after their military years ended, life pulled them in different directions.
Without social media or smartphones, staying in touch was difficult.
They lost contact.
Still, John never stopped thinking about his friend.
Also read: Hero’s mission: Veteran who lost his legs in Iraq battles to stop “wounded warriors” tax
A search that spanned 40 years
Over the decades, John tried everything to find Arturo.
Phone books. Travel stops. Internet searches.
Every time he came across someone with Arturo’s name, he checked—just in case.
Then, one day, John and his wife drove 1,500 miles from Mesa, Arizona, to Laredo, Texas, with two possible addresses in hand and cautious hope in their hearts.
They rang the doorbell of one home, unsure if they were about to meet an old friend—or a stranger.
Also read: Unexpected alert! You won't believe why this Oklahoma toddler called 911
A voice through the camera
It wasn’t a person who greeted them, but a Ring video doorbell.
John spoke into the device, explaining he was looking for a man named Arturo—his Army buddy from the 1970s.
What happened next was nothing short of remarkable.
Arturo, watching remotely from his daughter’s home, instantly recognized the voice.
“I remember you, John,” he said.
John’s reply was pure joy: “Art, is that you?”
Just like that, four decades melted away.
An emotional reunion caught on camera
John and his wife headed to Arturo’s daughter’s house, where a second Ring doorbell captured their reunion.
The handshake didn’t last long—it turned into a heartfelt hug as two old friends embraced for the first time in 43 years.
They spent the next hour catching up, introducing their wives, and sharing stories they thought might remain only memories.
This time, staying in touch would be easier.
Source: YouTube / Ring
Also read: Heartwarming: See how Burger King employees honored a cherished regular with an unforgettable tribute
A story shared, and celebrated
Arturo’s daughter, Priscilla, submitted the footage to Ring, wanting others to experience the joy of that moment.
“It was surprising, emotional, and made me anxious in a good way,” Arturo shared.
“If I did not have the Ring Video Doorbell or the Ring app, I would have missed the opportunity to meet up with my old friend.”
The lasting bonds of service
This isn’t just a story about two men.
It’s a reminder of the unshakable connections shared by the over 18 million veterans living in the US today.
And it’s a testament to how—even in an age of screens and digital distance—technology can bring us closer, not farther apart.
Read next: Hollywood’s hidden heroes: The stars we lost in World War II
Have you ever reconnected with someone after years—or even decades—apart? Do you have a story of a friendship that stood the test of time? Or are you still hoping to track down someone who made a lasting impact on your life?
Share your story in the comments below. Whether it’s a military bond, a childhood friend, or a long-lost neighbor, these connections remind us that it’s never too late to pick up where we left off!
