“Education stands as the vital key that opens the path to freedom, knowledge, and responsibility.”

— Harold RADISH, 90th Division

Our Mission

To empower and educate youth through immersive World War II experiences, mentorship, and civic engagement—ensuring equitable access to transformative learning that honors veterans and inspires the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Vision

We envision a future where all young people are empowered through meaningful education, enriched by the lessons of our past, and motivated to serve their country with knowledge, character, and purpose.

Three Key Principles

  • An elderly man wearing glasses and a woman with dark hair having a conversation. They are in close proximity, possibly at a gathering or event.

    Historical Understanding

    By exploring our nation’s World War II history, individuals gain a profound understanding of the courage, sacrifice, and unity that defined a generation. Learning from these pivotal moments deepens appreciation for freedom, strengthens historical awareness, and inspires citizens to uphold the enduring values of service, resilience, and patriotism that continue to shape the nation.

  • American flag planted in a grassy field at sunset with a sky of clouds and sun rays.

    Inspire a Love for Country

    Experiencing the echoes of our nation’s past and hearing the voices shaped by its struggles awaken deep pride and devotion to country. Through these encounters, the initiative nurtures citizens who cherish national heritage, honor sacrifice, and uphold enduring ideals with gratitude, unity, and a steadfast commitment to the nation’s future.

  • A United States passport placed on top of a flight ticket, with the ticket displaying information for a flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, including date, gate, and seat details.

    Empower Youth

    Many participants come from environments with limited opportunities. This initiative inspires them to rise beyond those limits, fostering confidence, resilience, and leadership. Through travel and encounters with the brave heroes of World War II, they discover enduring lessons of courage, patriotism, and service—empowering them to shape their futures and strengthen their nation.

Program Mentors

  • Black and white portrait of a woman with long, wavy hair, smiling, wearing a dark top and a necklace.

    Kimberly HAVLICEK

    Kimberly Havlicek brings more than 20 years of philanthropic leadership, advancing youth programs that foster engagement, empowerment, and opportunity. A passionate advocate for children’s welfare, she combines strategic vision with compassion to create meaningful, lasting impact. Through her work, Kimberly continues to strengthen communities and inspire initiatives that support the growth and potential of young people.

  • A black and white photo of a woman with long dark hair, smiling faintly, wearing a white top and a necklace with a pearl pendant.

    Courtney HARRINGTON

    Courtney Harrington has dedicated more than 12 years to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, advancing healthcare access and support for veterans across the nation. A proud Virginia Tech graduate and active community leader, she serves as a trustee of Charleston Community Church and several nonprofit organizations, championing service, compassion, and collaboration to strengthen communities and improve the lives of others.

  • Black and white portrait of a middle-aged woman with wavy blonde hair, wearing a dark blazer and white blouse, looking confidently at the camera with a blurred indoor background.

    Maria BLACK

    Maria Black, CEO of ADP, is a dynamic leader committed to philanthropy, equity, and veteran support. Since her appointment as CEO in 2023, she has leveraged ADP’s global reach to shape the future of work and strengthen communities worldwide. Maria also serves on the Business Roundtable and the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, advancing initiatives that drive inclusive economic growth.

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with straight, shoulder-length hair, wearing hoop earrings, a necklace, and a dark blazer.

    Marcy EASTMAN

    Marcy Eastman has dedicated more than 25 years to serving veterans and advancing philanthropic initiatives throughout the Denver and Boulder region. With a strong focus on youth development, education, and community well-being, she has helped strengthen countless local programs. Alongside her extensive charitable work, Marcy leads a successful real estate career, combining service, leadership, and impact in every endeavor.

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing earrings and a V-neck top.

    Carli LLOYD

    Carli Lloyd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup champion, is recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential players in soccer history. Beyond her legendary athletic achievements, she is dedicated to empowering young women to build confidence, resilience, and leadership—championing excellence, integrity, and purpose both on and off the field through mentorship and motivational speaking.

  • Black and white portrait of a woman with shoulder-length hair, smiling, wearing earrings and a black top.

    Janet CROWN

    Janet Crown, founder of Burn 60, is a respected entrepreneur and advocate for veterans and community advancement. A Chicago native, she holds degrees from Denison University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Janet began her career at Creative Artists Agency before serving as Vice President at Focus Media, where she led strategic initiatives that bridged media, wellness, and social impact.

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling blonde woman wearing a dark, textured top with her hands on her hips

    Marj HARRIS

    Marjorie Harris is a respected philanthropic leader and dedicated advocate for veterans and youth empowerment. As Chair of the Sixers Youth Foundation, she champions programs that expand opportunities for young people across Philadelphia. She also co-founded Harris Philanthropies, an organization committed to advancing education, and community development initiatives that foster meaningful and lasting social impact nationwide.

  • Black and white portrait of a middle-aged woman with long hair, smiling, wearing earrings and a pinstripe blazer.

    Mari SNYDER-JOHNSON

    Mari Snyder Johnson is an accomplished CEO, producer, and activist recognized for her leadership in sustainability, human dignity, and social equity. Serving as a United Nations envoy for the NRDC and as a board member of leading military nonprofits, she brings a global perspective to philanthropy, environmental stewardship, and veteran advocacy, driving initiatives that inspire lasting positive change worldwide.

Seal of the University of Ohio State, featuring a shield with an open book, a cannabis leaf, and the motto 'Disciplina in Civitatem' underneath the year 1870.
Official seal of the United States Coast Guard, featuring an eagle, a shield with a book displaying 1876, and a rope border with the phrase 'SEMPER PARATUS'.
Seal of Hillsdale College in Michigan, with blue and gold colors, featuring an open book, a pen, and Latin motto 'Virtus Gaudet Tentamine'.
Seal of the U.S. Department of the Air Force featuring an eagle, a shield with lightning and a sword, and the inscription 'Department of the Air Force' and 'United States of America'.
Seal of the University of Southern California with a sun rising over water and three torches, surrounded by the university's name, founding year 1880, and the Latin motto 'Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat'.
Seal of the U.S. Department of the Army with weapons, flags, and a red Phrygian cap, containing the phrase 'This We'll Defend' and the year 1775.

“Meeting veterans in person changed how I see history—it’s not just something in a textbook anymore; it’s real people and real stories.”

— Virginia MAE, Class of 2025

The Curriculum Creators

  • An elderly man wearing a black cap with a military patch and a navy jacket with a division badge, standing outdoors.

    Malvin WALKER (Class of 2002)

    Walker, a United States Army soldier in the 29th Infantry Division, 115th Regiment, fought on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.

  • An elderly man wearing sunglasses, a cap with patches, and a leather jacket with military-style badges, standing outdoors with a classical building and partly cloudy sky in the background.

    Elmer McGINTY (Class of 2002)

    McGinty, a US Army Air Corps Airman with the 95th Bomb Group, flew 29 missions with a confirmed combat kill in Germany.

  • An elderly man wearing a maroon military uniform with multiple medals and insignias, a matching maroon hat, glasses, standing against a brick wall.

    Robert BALL (Class of 2002)

    Ball flew 9 missions as a bombardier with the 401st Squadron, 91st Bomb Group. Shot down over Gelsenkirchen on Aug 12th, 1943.

  • An elderly man in a suit with military medals and a veterans' hat is holding a framed black and white photograph of a young military man in uniform. He stands outdoors with trees and greenery in the background.

    Steve MELNIKOFF (Class of 2014)

    Melnikoff, a United States Army soldier in the 29th Infantry Division, 175th Regiment, fought on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.

  • An elderly man in military uniform and a cap with an Airborne patch, holding a framed black and white photo of a young soldier in uniform.

    John CIPOLLA (Class of 2007)

    Cipolla parachuted into combat on D-Day, 16 miles beyond enemy lines with the 101st Airborne, 501st HQ Company.

  • An elderly man wearing a US Naval Amphibious Forces hat, glasses, a blazer with military medals, and a checkered shirt, standing on a ship with the ocean in the background.

    Joseph SCIDA (Class of 2007)

    Scida served as a LCVP coxswain on Omaha Beach, transporting soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division in to Battle of D-Day.

  • An elderly man with gray hair and a serious expression, wearing a white polo shirt with a red rocket and gold plane embroidered on the chest, stands inside a wood-paneled courtroom with chandeliers overhead.

    Cy MERMELSTEIN (Class of 2004)

    Mermelstein served with the First Special Service Force 3rd Company, 1st Regiment in North Africa, Italy, and France.

  • Black and white photo of an elderly man wearing a cap that says 'World War II Veteran' and a dark zip-up jacket, standing outdoors in front of a field.

    Arthur MEYERS (Class of 2004)

    Meyers, a navigator with the 446th Bombardment Group, flew 24 missions and spent 20 months as a POW in Germany.

  • A man wearing a black cap and navy blue jacket with USS Murphy DD603 patches on it, standing outdoors with a blurred sandy or rocky background.

    Donald COBB (Class of 2008)

    Cobb, a D-Day veteran in the US Navy, served as a Radio Man, Second Class, in Normandy during World War II.

  • An elderly man wearing a military hat and glasses holding a framed black and white photograph of a younger man in a military uniform.

    Clayton NATTIER (Class of 2002)

    Nattier flew 16 missions with the 369th Bomb Squadron, 306th Bomb Group, before being shot down on Sept 13, 1944.

  • Elderly man smiling outdoors wearing a beige jacket and a black cap with military and Airborne patches, and embroidered text 'No 1st Airborne Screaming Eagles'.

    Joseph REILLY (Class of 2009)

    Reilly parachuted into combat on D-Day, 16 miles beyond enemy lines with the 101st Airborne, 501st HQ Company.

  • An elderly man wearing a black cap with patches and medals, a leather jacket with patches, and a striped shirt, holding a framed black and white photo of a young woman in pilot gear. The background is warm and dimly lit.

    Homer GOODMAN (Class of 2006)

    Goodman started as Ball Turret Gunner with the 418th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bomb Group, flying 25 missions.

  • An elderly man wearing a navy blue cap with 'USS Samuel Chase AP-26' embroidered on it, and patches indicating he served in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Merchant Marines, dressed in a beige jacket with a U.S. Merchant Marine patch.

    Frank DEVITA (Class of 2014)

    Served as a Gunner’s Mate Third Class aboard the USS Samuel Chase (APA-26), a Coast Guard–manned Navy attack transport.

  • An elderly man in a vintage U.S. Army uniform with medals and insignia, outdoors with a cloudy sky and greenery in the background.

    Floyd WIGFIELD (Class of 2019)

    Wigfield was as drafted to serve with the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, landing on Utah Beach and severely wounded on D+5.

  • Close-up of an elderly man smiling, wearing a navy cap with embroidered text and patches, and a dark jacket with a zip, in front of metallic background.

    Bob GOLDSTEIN (Class of 2012)

    Goldstein served aboard the USS Alexander J. Luke (DE-577), a destroyer escort that saw action during the Battle of the Atlantic.

  • An elderly man in a maroon hat with a veteran emblem, wearing a suit with a red tie, smiling outdoors.

    Harold RADISH (Class of 2013)

    Radish, a reconnaissance sergeant with the 90th Infantry Division, was captured by German forces in February 1945.

FAQs

  • Our program empowers underprivileged youth through leadership development, cultural enrichment, and adventure-based learning. Anchored by a patriotic travel experience, it deepens their understanding of American history and the sacrifices of our veterans. Through visits to historic sites and veteran communities, participants grow into engaged citizens rooted in service, resilience, and respect.

  • Leadership development is at the heart of our program, woven into every activity and experience. Through field trips, team-building challenges, and meaningful mentorship, youth build confidence, sharpen decision-making skills, and strengthen their ability to communicate. These hands-on experiences empower young people to grow into capable leaders who positively impact their communities.

  • Cultural enrichment exposes youth to diverse cultures and histories, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through museum visits, cultural events, and meaningful interactions with community leaders, participants gain respect, empathy, and a broader worldview.

  • Community outreach may include volunteer projects, partnerships with local nonprofits, and initiatives that address community needs. These experiences give youth meaningful opportunities to serve others and foster a strong sense of civic responsibility when they return home.

  • Adventure-based learning uses outdoor activities—such as hiking, horseback riding, team sports, and problem-solving challenges—to build resilience, teamwork, and trust. These hands-on experiences strengthen both physical development and personal growth, creating lasting lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.

  • The patriotic travel component immerses youth in historic sites tied to America’s military heritage and veterans’ contributions. Through visits to memorials, battlefields, and museums, participants gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by U.S. veterans and the enduring values they fought to uphold.

  • Our program is designed for youth ages 13 to 18 who share our core values. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Eligibility is based on value alignment and demonstrated need, not personal circumstances.

  • School groups interested in enrolling their students can apply through our website. The application process is straightforward and includes a form that gathers information about students’ backgrounds, interests, and motivations. We also encourage schools to submit personal statements that share their aspirations and goals for participating in the program.

  • Our program is committed to being accessible to all eligible youth, regardless of financial circumstances. We work to keep costs minimal—or eliminate them entirely—through sponsorships and grants supported by our donor-advised fund. If any expenses arise, they will be communicated in advance. We remain devoted to ensuring that no young person is ever prevented from participating due to financial barriers.

  • There are many ways to support our program—through volunteering, mentoring, or making a financial contribution. We welcome individuals and organizations to partner with us in enriching the experiences we provide. To learn more about getting involved, please visit our website or contact us directly.