FOX Nation is hosting its fourth annual Patriot Awards at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, tonight. You can catch the patriotic show live at 7 p.m. ET on FOX Nation, and it will also be offered in a repeat presentation on FOX News Channel on Sunday, November 27, at 10 p.m. ET.
Each year, the awards show honors standout Americans who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in support of this great nation. The event gives true American heroes the recognition they deserve.
“It is the awards show that America needs and that America deserves,” said FOX & Friends Weekend co-host and Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Pete Hegseth, who will return for his fourth year as the emcee.
Hegseth will join FOX News Media personalities Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, Judge Jeanine Pirro, the cast of The Five, Harris Faulkner, Will Cain, Rachel Campos-Duffy, Dan Bongino, John Rich, Mike Rowe, Nancy Grace, Lawrence Jones, Johnny Joey Jones and Abby Hornacek.
This year’s Patriot Awards include the Most Valuable Patriot Award, Heroism Award, Service to Veterans Award and Back the Blue Award. Additionally, The Five (weekdays, 5 p.m. ET), Tucker Carlson Tonight (weekdays, 8 p.m. ET) and Gutfeld! (weekdays, 11 p.m. ET) will present live shows at the venue.
Last year’s Patriot Award recipients included “Most Valuable Patriot” Olympic Gold Medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock; Award for Heroism recipient Lt. Col. (Ret.), Former Green Beret Scott Mann for his work in Afghanistan with Task Force Pineapple; “Modern Warrior” recipient Army Sergeant First Class John Goudie, and the “Courage” award recipient posthumously awarded to Todd Beamer in United Airlines Flight 93 (accepted by his parents David and Peggy Beamer).
They also paid a humbling tribute to the nation’s 13 fallen heroes killed on August 26, 2021, during the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan – Marine Corps Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover, Army Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, Navy Hospital Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak and Marine Corps Corporal Daegan W. Page.
Keep an eye out in the next issue of U.S. Veterans Magazine for a full feature on the event.
After an in-depth evaluation, the U.S. Space Force has selected their next Chief Master Sergeant. In early May, Chief Master Sgt. John F. Bentivegna was selected to fill the position. He comes to the role with more than 25 years of space operator experience after beating out four other candidates for the role in an extensive selection process.
The four-day evaluation, including personal interviews with each candidate, helped Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman make his final decision by giving him data on how the chiefs performed in various exercises and assessments that vetted their skills and leadership capabilities. “I needed someone that would bring a perspective on our future that was articulated differently from mine,” Saltzman stated of the position. “Chief Bentivegna brings a wealth of operational experience, a dedication to caring for our Guardians, and the spirit needed to take our service to the next level.”
Bentivegna joined the U.S. Air Force in August 1994, where he served for 26 years before transferring to the U.S. Space Force. He started his career as a precision measurement equipment lab technician at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, before cross training to become a space operator in 1998.
Bentivegna has served in both maintenance and space operations career fields; and has held positions at the squadron, division, group, wing, Numbered Air Force, Field Command and Headquarters Air and Space Force levels. He served as the Senior Enlisted Leader of Space Operations Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, where he advised the commander on matters of health, welfare, morale and readiness of approximately 5,100 combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces responsible for providing space capabilities to the Department of Defense.
Soon after entering the Space Force in September of 2020, Bentivegna served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief Operations Officer and is the Enlisted Space Systems Operations Career Field Manager at Headquarters Space Force, Washington, D.C. He was the primary advocate for the career field, addressing force development and training issues and coordinating functional concerns across various Space Force and joint staffs and shaped career field policy and guidance to ensure the career field is responsive to current and future Space Force needs.
During his service thus far, Bentivegna has received numerous awards and decorations for his work, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and many others.
“It’s overwhelming and incredibly humbling to be offered the opportunity to become the next Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF),” Bentivegna stated of his new role. “I am really excited to have that opportunity to work next to Gen. Saltzman to help fulfill his vision for where the service needs to go. We have run really fast to develop the service and shape what it’s going to be,” Bentivegna continued. “We have charted a vision for the future, and I want to deliver that vision to our Guardians and the joint force. I know this is going to take collaboration, communication, policy and processes to make that happen. I am humbled that I get to be the one to champion these efforts for them in the future.”
As the CMSSF, Bentivegna will be appointed as the Space Force’s highest noncommissioned officer position, making him the second person in history to hold the title. He will act as the personal advisor to the CSO and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, proper utilization and development of the Space Force. He will also provide direction for the enlisted force and represent their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and those at all levels of government.
Another year is in the books for the annual NVBDC Reserving Veteran Business Connections Conference, a collaborative effort held in partnership with the prestigious Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
The Reserving Veteran Business Connections event is designed to foster connections and opportunities for veteran business owners and showcase networking and collaboration’s power in driving economic growth and diversity for NVBDC-certified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses.
Attendees had the opportunity to connect, learn and propel their veteran-owned business to new heights by engaging with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the state of Michigan’s Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Small Business Association (SBA), Toyota, Rocket Companies, Kohler, Flagstar Bank, Comerica Bank, Tenneco, Stellantis, DTE, Freddie Mac, Cornerstone Consulting Organization LLC (CCO), Consumers Energy and Dell.
The 1:1 matchmaking sessions were the event’s highlight. They enabled veteran business owners to interact with supplier diversity professionals and transition from relationship building to contracts with NVBDC corporate members.
Keith KingFrom Left to right: Chris Sim, Keith King, Leonie TeichmanFrom Left to right: Mark Hands, Genevieve Hayes, Keith KingFrom Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, Keith KingFrom Left to right: Mark Hands, Sheila Harton Montgomery, Teresa LeFevre, Keith King, Cameron BoliFrom Left to right : Leonie Teichman, Keith King, Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor, Annette StevensonFrom Left to right: Mark Hands, Dr. Fred McKinney, John Taylor
Conference attendees heard from a renowned economist, academic leader and advocate, Dr. Fred McKinney, who presented on Revitalizing Supplier Diversity Opportunities and Challenges. Moreover, attendees also had the opportunity to hear from supplier diversity professionals who provided insights into procurement opportunities, financing strategies and best practices for business growth.
The seventh annual NVBDC-Federal Reserve Matchmaking Conference leaves a trail of educated, inspired and motivated veteran entrepreneurs armed with insights, connections and strategies to elevate their businesses to new heights.
We invite you to register for our upcoming National Veteran Business Matchmaking Conference to be held live in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 8-9, 2023, by visiting NVBDC.ORG/EVENTS.
In a historic moment for the Republic of Palau, an island country republic of the United States, one of its own has achieved the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) in the United States Marine Corps. This achievement marks the first time a Palauan has attained the highest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps.
On May 12, 2023, Master Gunnery Sgt. Milton Donatus was frocked at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, Guam, in front of a formation of Marines, family, Marine veterans and the Consul General of the Republic of Palau on Guam.
Donatus was born and raised in Ngkeklau in the state of Ngaraard.
“I remember growing up, and before going to bed, we would ask our grandmother to tell us stories about what it was like on the island during World War II. We didn’t have a TV back then,” said Donatus. “She would tell us stories about the Marines and how they saved groups of people who were going to be killed by the Imperial Japanese Forces. That’s when I knew all I wanted was to be a Marine.”
At 18, Donatus traveled 805 miles from Palau to Guam in hopes of joining the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, he was a couple of years too early as the Guam Marine recruiting station was closed down. He lived with his aunt and uncle and worked various jobs around the island until the recruiting station opened. Finally, on April 28, 2000, the recruiting station reopened, and Donatus was the first and only young man to enlist during the reopening ceremony.
At MCB Camp Blaz, Donatus serves as the operations chief and is responsible for the establishment, management and operation of the base’s current and future force laydown. He is also the base’s Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor.
“Master Gunnery Sgt. Donatus is a Marine’s Marine, and there’s no other Marine I would want as my operations chief,” said Lt. Col. Colter Bahlau, MCB Camp Blaz operations officer. “He exudes the patriotism that is rich within the Republic of Palau, and he sets the finest example when it comes to work ethic, physical fitness and leadership.”
This summer, Donatus moved to Twentynine Palms, California, to serve as the operations chief for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. Since joining more than 23 years ago, he’s served in various locations around the world. He deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, and he deployed twice to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.
The calling to be a Marine is now entrenched in Donatus’ family. He is the oldest of four brothers who all joined the Marine Corps, and one of those brothers is a staff sergeant who continues to serve as a bulk fuel specialist. Donatus’ son, following in his father’s footsteps, is also a mortarman and an active-duty sergeant serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Donatus’ daughter plans on joining the Marine Corps when she turns 18.
“I strive to live my life in a manner that inspires others to challenge themselves and take action to change their future. If I didn’t take action and listen to my grandmother, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Donatus. “Every day I strive to be like my mentors who inspired and continue to inspire me.”
Donatus recognizes that the rank he now wears is not a personal achievement but a reflection of his mentors and the community that raised him.
“There are only a handful of Palauans who have achieved the rank of E-8 in the Marine Corps,” said Donatus. “They paved the way for men like me, and when they return to the islands, they carry the pride and leadership qualities ingrained in Marines.”
As Donatus continues his service in the Marine Corps, he hopes his accomplishments will inspire future generations of Palauans to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
“I plan on staying in the Marine Corps until they are ready for me to get out,” explained Donatus. “I came here to do 20 years, and that flew by in a flash. I have seven more years that I can serve, and I’m intending to stay for the whole 30.”
The San Antonio heat fueled the enthusiasm of NCOA members who gathered at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk on July 18-21 for the 58th Annual NCOA Conference and Vanguard Awards Banquet.
The Resolutions Committee met to help set the Association’s legislative course for the coming year. NCOA’s Director of Government Affairs, Levi Sadr, facilitated the meeting. The Committee reviewed the Association’s resolutions for relevance and continued need.
The theme for the opening icebreaker was “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.” Delegates donned their favorite team colors, jerseys and T-shirts, mixed and mingled, competed in a variety of Auxiliary-hosted games, and enjoyed plenty of Mexican-style fare—the perfect recipe for a night to remember!
Accomplishing the business of the Association kicked off on Wednesday with the opening ceremony. NCOA President Paul Kingsbury welcomed the delegates, as did Brigadier General Russell Driggers and CMSgt Casey Boomershine, the Commander and Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio. Mrs. Janet Driggers briefed the delegates on the Five & Thrive Program, which aims to improve the Quality of Life challenges in five focus areas (childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment) by highlighting preventative measures, promoting best practices and fostering community partnerships.
Richard Schneider, NCOA’s long-time Director of State and Veterans Affairs, was inducted into the NCOA Hall of Fame with his four children—Rich Schneider, Kristin Bond, Leslie Schneider and Fiona Schneider—proudly in attendance.
As always, we are grateful to the Senior Enlisted Leadership Panel participants who took time from their busy schedules to attend the conference and update our delegates on what was happening in their respective services. Representing the Sergeant Major of the Army was CSM Brian Hester, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Futures Command; representing the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was SgtMaj Michael Pritchard, Command Senior Enlisted Leader FMFLant, MARFORCOM, MARFORNORTH; representing the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy was FLTCM Delbert Terrell, Fleet Master Chief, Personnel, Manpower and Training; representing the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was CMSgt Edwin Ludwigsen, Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center; and representing the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force was CMSgt Jacqueline Sauve, Advisor to the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force. SSG Martha Erosa, President of the Fort Sam Houston Audie Murphy Club, was moderating the panel.
Photos left to right: Senior Enlisted Panel; NCOA Board of Directors; NCOA Auxiliary Board of Directors; Vanguard Award recipients, MSG Andrew D. Chapoton, USA, Sgt Shawn B. Henson, USMC, IT2 Thomas D. James, USN, and SSgt Austin S. Kier, USAF. ET1 Kurt P. Woodhouse, USCG recipient , was unable to be in attendance; Chairman of the Board CMSgt Gerald Morey and Banquet keynote speaker SgtMaj Michael Pritchard; Vanguard Banquet Master of Ceremonies James Sullivan, CMSgt, USAF (Ret); Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Schneider’s children with NCOA Grand Knight Sir Paul Siverson; Robert Barnett accepts the NCOA Chairman’s Award from Chairman of the Board CMSgt Gerald Morey.
Small and Large Regional Chapters of the Year were recognized during the awards luncheon. NCOA’s Military Vanguard recipients were presented with life memberships in the Association. Chairman of the Board Gerald Morey presented the NCOA Chairman’s Award to Robert Barnett. NCOA’s Executive Director, Joe Terry, presented Appreciation Awards to a number of sponsors who have been instrumental in supporting the Association—USAA, Doc-Development, United Healthcare, Korean Defense Veterans Association and KATUSA Veterans Association. The Awards Luncheon wrapped up with the traditional Parade of Checks. Thank you to the individuals and chapters that made donations to support the Association’s benevolent programs and membership development program.
Wrapping up a full day, delegates convened for the NCOA Annual Business Meeting where SMSgt Gerald Morey of Great Falls, Montana; Marine Corps veteran Vicky Hensley of Wingate, Texas and 1LT Ashley Gardner, USAFR, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, were elected to serve on the NCOA Board of Directors.
Meanwhile, members of the International Auxiliary attended the Auxiliary’s Annual Business Meeting, where Lee Fike of San Antonio, Texas, and Tammy Sullivan of Mather, California, were elected to serve on the Auxiliary Board of Directors. The Auxiliary’s Outstanding Performers were recognized, the Betsy Ross Top Recruiter Award for 2022 was presented to the Spirit of Sacramento Auxiliary, Barbara Weatherill received the Auxiliary Top Supporter Award, and the Auxiliary’s President’s Award was presented to Scott Rodowick.
Thursday kicked off with a variety of informative briefings by Tuesday’s Children, AAFES, USAA and Women Veterans Concerns; the Honorable James Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor VETS; Doc-Development; CMSgt Tanya Johnson, Senior Enlisted Leader of the Defense Health Agency; and Ms. Maureen Elias, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Knights of the Square Table held their annual assembly to accomplish the business of the Knights of the Square Table—new Knights were dubbed, existing Knights were elevated, fallen Knights were honored, and the course for the upcoming year was set.
The stars shined brightly on Thursday evening during the Vanguard Awards Banquet, where CMSgt (Ret) Jim Sullivan, chairman of the Central Valley Chapter, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Hats off to Jim for a job exceptionally well done!
NCOA’s superstar chapters were recognized. The Rogue Chapter from Medford, Oregon, was recognized as the 2022 Outstanding Large Chapter of the Year and the Magnum Force Chapter from Bridgeport, Michigan, was named the 2022 Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year. The Trails End Auxiliary from Portland, Oregon, received the 2022 Auxiliary Chapter of the Year Award.
The guest speaker for the evening was Sergeant Major Michael Pritchard. Then the focus turned to the reason for the evening—honoring this year’s heroic Military Vanguard Award recipients.
The amazing stories of MSG Andrew D. Chapoton, U.S. Army; Sgt Shawn B. Henson, U.S. Marine Corps; IT2 Thomas D. James, U.S. Navy; SSgt Austin S. Kier, U.S. Air Force; and ET1 Kurt P. Woodhouse, U.S. Coast Guard, had delegates glued to their seats with tears in their eyes. The Vanguard stories appear on the NCOA website.
Friday morning was the Breakfast with the Boards—nothing like a hot, hearty breakfast to start the day off right as delegates prepared to depart amid promises to keep in touch and choruses of “see you next year.”
We would be remiss if we didn’t thank our generous affinity partners and sponsors whose support helped make this year’s conference a resounding success. A huge THANKS to our Conference Partner: USAA; Platinum Sponsors: Korean Defense Veterans Association and KATUSA Veterans Association; Gold Sponsor: GEICO Military; and our Vanguard Sponsors: USAA, United HealthCare, Doc-Development, BlueCross BlueShield FEP Dental and Vision Programs, and the NCOA JROTC Program.
Special thanks to Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), BeneFeds, Columbia Southern University, Conviva Care Center, Dixie Flag and Banner Company, Doc-Development, Excelsior University, GEHA, Grand Canyon University, Robert Haltiner, Humana Military, HEB, Jordan Ford, National Cemetery Administration, NCOA Air Academy Chapter, NCOA Knights of the Square Table, NCOA International Auxiliary, NCOA Mountain Post Chapter, NCOA Oregon State Advisory Council, Operation Gratitude, PGK Sir Ted Pilihos, Quilts & Crafts, Grand Knight Sir Paul Siverson, Southern New Hampshire University, PGK Sir Richard Steinberg, Sir Joseph Terry, NCOA Trails End Auxiliary, U.S. Veterans Magazine, The Wash Tub, Lady Barbara Weatherill, Western Governors University and Xpert Media Management.
Portland, Maine, USA – Organizers of Commercial UAV Expo, the world’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference, have announced an important addition to this year’s conference program: the Advanced Airspace Summit. Commercial UAV Expo takes place September 5-7, 2023, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, and the Advanced Airspace Summit will be held on Wednesday, September 6, as part of the event’s conference program.
“There is currently a large gap between crewed and uncrewed aviation,” said Jeremiah Karpowicz, Group Editorial Director at Diversified Communications, organizer of Commercial UAV Expo. “Commercial UAV Expo is working to bridge that gap and create trust within the entirety of the airspace community – including the general public. As the commercial drone industry continues to grow, the UAS community needs to address stakeholders’ challenges and concerns so that we can build the future of the airspace together. This highly anticipated addition to our conference program will allow attendees to discuss where the industry is today, how the technology will evolve, what regulatory changes will likely be necessary, and what challenges the industry will face related to passenger expectations and public acceptance. We will tackle these issues through insightful communication and planning, and Commercial UAV Expo is proud to be at the forefront and provide a platform to move the industry forward.”
“Sharing perspectives and knowledge will affect safe further integration into our NAS. By listening and educating the community holistically, we are building the bridge of understanding and paving a road to success,” said Toni Drummond, President US of Titan Aviation Global. “As we have been witnessing, it’s critical during this rapid growth for collaboration between all parties, especially general aviation and emerging technologies. The next revolution of sustainable aviation will depend on all stakeholders working together to develop solutions that will carry us directly into the future.”
The Advanced Airspace Summit is a part of the full conference program and formatted as a two-part panel series on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Sessions are designed to answer these questions:
What should we be doing as an industry to increase security and trust?
How can we build better airspace awareness today?
And why is doing so vital to the future of airspace as a whole?
Opening Address: AAM Infrastructure Development – Plan for the Future Now!
Panel Discussion: Regulations Nation – Working Within Current FAA Regulatory Frameworks to Advanced UAM & UAS Operations
Panel Discussion: People, Process, and Policy for Drone, Cargo and Air Taxi Operations
Panelists include industry experts from leading companies including AERODiMEO LLC, Choctaw National of Oklahoma, DroneUp, End State Solutions LLC, FAA, Iris Automation, Northern Plains UAS Test Site, NUAIR, P3 Tech Consulting, Sabrewing Aircraft Company, Spright, Supernal, Syracuse International Airport, Titan Aviation Global, The MITRE Corporation, TruWeather Solutions, USDOT’s Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence, Xelevate Solutions, and Zipline International.
The Advanced Airspace Summit is part of a robust conference program delivering practical, actionable education developed in conjunction with commercial drone leaders.
Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is an international conference and expo exclusively focused on commercial UAS integration and operation covering industries including Construction; Drone Delivery; Energy & Utilities; Forestry & Agriculture; Infrastructure & Transportation; Mining & Aggregates; Public Safety & Emergency Services; Security; and Surveying & Mapping. It takes place September 5-7, 2023, at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas NV. For more information, visit https://www.expouav.com/.
Commercial UAV Expo is produced by Diversified Communications’ technology portfolio which also includes Commercial UAV News; Geo Week, Geo Week Newsletter, 3D Technology Newsletter, AEC Innovations Newsletter, Geo Business (UK) and Digital Construction Week (UK).
On June 30, The National WWII Museum opened The Go for Broke Spirit: Legacy in Portraits, a new special exhibit exploring the service, patriotism and legacy of the second-generation Japanese American, or Nisei, men and women who, in the face of prejudice and incarceration, risked their lives to advance the Allied effort in World War II. The exhibit showcases a selection of photographer Shane Sato’s powerful portraits of Japanese American WWII veterans, supplemented with artifacts and oral histories from the Museum’s collection.
The Go for Broke Spirit: Legacy in Portraits will be on display in The Joe W. & Dorothy D. Brown Foundation Special Exhibit Gallery through March 31, 2024. Support for this exhibit comes from Catherine and David Edwards.
Sato’s first-of-its-kind portrait series features Nisei WWII veterans who served with the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team and its component unit, the 100th Infantry Battalion; in the Women’s Army Corps; or as translators and interpreters with the Military Intelligence Service. As a Japanese American himself, Sato saw in his work an invaluable opportunity to “carry the torch” of his forebears and use his talents to tell their unique stories and shared experiences. The portraits, which range from serious to spirited, somber to stoic, highlight the distinct personalities of these men and women.
“During World War II, ‘Go for Broke’ served as the motto for the 100th/442nd. The regiment lived up to those words and remains the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in US Army history,” said Associate Curator Chase Tomlin. “Sato has captured the Nisei veterans’ ‘Go for Broke’ spirit of compassion, dedication and resilience with his meaningful photography.”
The exhibit examines the exclusion and incarceration of thousands of people of Japanese descent in the United States, in the wake of Pearl Harbor through Executive Order 9066, as well as Japanese Americans’ continued patriotism despite discrimination, delving into Nisei servicemembers’ training and missions.
The Go for Broke Spirit: Legacy in Portraits also explores the postwar lives of Japanese American veterans. Decades after their service, 20 Distinguished Service Crosses awarded to members of the 100th/442nd were upgraded to Medals of Honor in June 2000; Congress in 2011 honored the Nisei who served in the 100th/442nd and the MIS with the Congressional Gold Medal. Several of these prestigious awards, including the Medal of Honor awarded to 100th Infantry Battalion Second Lieutenant Yeiki Kobashigawa, are included in the exhibit, alongside oral histories reflecting on the legacy of Japanese American servicemembers.
“The National WWII Museum is proud to display these portraits and explore the stories of these Japanese American veterans who, once deemed second-class citizens, risked everything to fight for their country and collectively changed how many viewed the Japanese American community,” Tomlin said.
Shane Sato is a professional photographer based in Los Angeles, California. His project to capture the moving portraits of Nisei WWII veterans began over two decades ago, culminating in a set of coffee table books, The Go For Broke Spirit: Portraits of Courage and The Go For Broke Spirit: Portraits of Legacy, featuring photographs of more than 150 Japanese American veterans.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. Visit nationalww2museum.org.
With a goal of restoring stability, strength and community to military families, Hope For The Warriors has expanded its array of outreach to include a monthly podcast.
For over 16 years, the national nonprofit has been serving the post-9/11 military community; including, service members, veterans, military families, caregivers, and families of the fallen across the country in all branches of service.
The mission of the monthly Hope For The Warriors Podcast is, through open conversations and honest dialogue, to learn more about the topics that are most impacting the military community.
The podcast is hosted by Hope For The Warriors Communication Specialist Kate Dudley, a military spouse who is a former television news reporter.
“We are so excited to bring you more open and honest conversations with America’s heroes. HOPE – it’s what our military community needs today,” shares Dudley.
The first podcast features Hope For The Warriors’ CEO and Co-Founder, Robin Kelleher, explaining what led her and other military wives to start the nonprofit over 16 years while stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, and how the organization continues to adjust to support the everchanging needs of military families.
“We know firsthand the daily struggles that are impacting the military community right now,” shares Kelleher. “We feel it’s our duty to not only share the struggles but the success stories of those in the military community. We want to educate civilians of the sacrifices military families make and inform military families that they’re not alone and Hope For The Warriors is here for them.”
About Hope For The Warriors: Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 159,000 through a variety of support programs focused on providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. One of the nonprofit’s first programs, Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships, has awarded 210 scholarships to caregivers and families of the fallen. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Top Veteran-Friendly Companies, Top Supplier Diversity Programs, Top Government & Law Enforcement Agencies and Top Veteran-Friendly Schools.
U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM) recently released the early results of its highly anticipated evaluation of the nation’s Best of the Best. The annual review is an evaluation of the nation’s employers, initiatives, government agencies and educational institutions.
The goal of the annual evaluations is to not only bring the latest information and guidance to our readers, but also encourage active veteran outreach and diversity policies among corporations and government agencies.
This year’s winners include the following, in alphabetical order:
Top Veteran-Friendly Companies:
AAR Corp
Academy Securities Inc.
Accenture
ADP
ADS, Inc.
Advance Auto Parts
Advanced Disposal Services
AECOM
Aetna
Air Force Reserve Command
Aldevra LLC
Allstate
Amazon
Amentum
Ameren
American Airlines
American States Utility Services, Inc.
AMERICAN SYSTEMS
American Water
Amgen
Amica Insurance
Amtrak
Applied Materials Inc.
Archer Daniels Midland
Areva
Arizona Public Service
Associated Bank
AT&T Inc.
Aviall Services Inc.
Aviation Training Consulting LLC
BAE Systems
Bank of America
BASF
Baxter
Bayer
Baylor Scott & White Health
Becton Dickinson
BeneLynk
BGIS
Blue Shield of California
Bluehawk LLC
BNSF Railway
Boaters Exchange
Booz Allen Hamilton
BP America
Bristol Myers Squibb
Brown-Forman Corporation
C.R. England
CACI International, Inc.
California American Water
Capital One
CarMax
Caterpillar
CBRE
CDW
Centene
CenterPoint Energy
CGI
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Chevron
Cigna
CINTAS Corporation
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Citigroup, Inc.
ClarkDietrich
Colorado Springs Utilities
Combined Insurance, A Chubb Company
Comcast-NBCUniversal
CON EDISON
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Consolidated Edison Company
Consumers Energy
Cruise Planners
CruiseOne/Dream Vacations
CSX
Cushman & Wakefield
CVS Health
DaVita, Inc.
Dell EMC
Deloitte
Devon Energy Corporation
Dollar General
Dominion Energy, Inc.
Dominion Resources, Inc.
Drexel Hamilton, LLC
DXC Technology
DynCorp International
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Eaton Corporation
Ecolab Inc.
Enterprise Holdings
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US)
Exelon Corporation
Exide
Express Scripts
FDM Group
FedEx
Fidelity Investments
First Command Financial Services Inc.
Fiserv, Inc.
Fluor Corporation
Ford Motor Company
Fortinet Inc
FOX Corporation
Fugro
G4S Secure Solutions (USA)
G6 Hospitality
General Dynamics Information Technology
General Electric
General Mills
General Motors Company
GeoStabilization International
Grunt Style
Gulfstream Aerospace
Harris
HCA Healthcare
Hertz Corporation
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Hilton
Honeywell
Hormel Foods
HP
HPE
Humana
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Hyundai
Ingersoll Rand
Intel
IntelliGenesis LLC
Intuitive Research and Technology, Inc.
J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
Jacobs
JLL
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson Controls, Inc.
JPMorgan Chase
Kellogg Company
KeyBank
KPMG LLP
KSA Integration
L’Oreal USA
L’Oreal USA
La Quinta Inns & Suites
Leidos
Level 3 Communications Inc.
LMI
Lockheed Martin
Logistics Health Incorporated
Lowe’s Companies Inc.
Lumen Technologies
Macy’s Inc.
ManTech International
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Matheson Tri Gas
Maverick Transportation LLC
MAXIMUS
McKesson Corp.
Merck
MGM Resorts International
Michelin
Microsoft
Morgan Stanley
Motel 6 / Studio 6
MSA Security
MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
National Grid USA
Nationwide
Navy Federal Credit Union
New York Community Bank
New York Power Authority
Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries
NEXCOM
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Northern Trust
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Northwell Health
Nutanix
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Omaha Public Power District
OMNI Technologies
OshKosh
Pacific Architects and Engineers
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Parker Hannifin
Parsons Corporation
PenFed Credit Union
Peoplescout, a TrueBlue Company
Peraton
Performance Contractors Inc.
Phillips 66
Pike Corporation
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Power Home Remodeling
Precise Systems Inc.
PRIDE Industries
Procter & Gamble Company
Progressive Insurance
Prudential Financial, Inc
Public Service Enterprise Group
PwC
Quicken Loans
Rackspace
Randstad
Raytheon Technologies
Robert Half
Roboteam Inc.
Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans
Roehl Transport
Roush
Salesforce
Salt River Project
Samaritan Health Services
Sanford Health
Schneider National, Inc.
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Shell Oil Company
Siemens
Signature Performance, Inc.
Smithfield Foods
Sodexo, USA
Sonoco Products Company
Southern Company
Southwest Airlines Co.
Sprint
Starbucks
State Farm
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Stryker
Summit Materials
Sunrun
Synchrony
Teleperformance
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
The Boeing Company
The Coca-Cola Company
The GEO Group, Inc.
The Hartford
The Hershey Company
The Home Depot USA, Inc.
Timken
Trane Technologies
Travelers
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Tsys
U.S. Bank
U.S. Cellular Corporation
U.S. Xpress
U-Haul International
Unilever
Union Pacific Railroad
United Rentals
United Services Automobile Association
United Site Services
United States Military Educators Association
United States Postal Service
USAA
Vanguard
Vectrus Systems Corporation
Veolia North America
Verizon Communications Inc.
Walgreens
Walmart Inc.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Wellmark BCBS
Wells Fargo
Werner Enterprises Inc.
Western & Southern Life
Windstream Holdings
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Xcel Energy
Xerox Corporation
Zeiders Enterprises Inc.
Zurich North America
Top Supplier Diversity Programs
22Vets LLC
7-Eleven
AAR Corp
Abbott
Accenture
Adecco Group
ADP
ADS, Inc.
AECOM
AIG
Albemarle Corporation
Aldevra LLC
Alight Solutions
Allstate Insurance Company
Amazon
Amentum
Ameren
American Airlines
American Family Insurance
American Red Cross
American States Utility Services, Inc.
American Water
Anthem
Apex Systems
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Armed Forces Insurance
AT&T Inc.
Ateios Systems
Athene
Avis Budget Group Inc.
Badlands Tank Lines
BAE Systems
Bank of America
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
Bayer
Bechtel
Bex Voice Data Services, Inc.
Bison ProFab, Inc.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Shield of California
BNSF Railway
Boeing
Booz Allen Hamilton
Bristol Myers Squibb
CACI International Inc.
California American Water
Capital One
CBRE Group, Inc.
CDA Technical Institute
CDW
Centene
Cigna
Cintas
Cisco
Citigroup, Inc.
Citizens Bank
ClarkDietrich
Cognosante
Combined Insurance, A Chubb Company
Comcast-NBCUniversal
ConAgra Brands
Corizon Health
Cummins
Cushman & Wakefield
CVS Health
Darden Restaurants Inc.
DaVita, Inc.
Dell
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
DEPCOM Power
Dominion Energy, Inc.
DTE Energy
Duke Energy
DuPont
DXC Technology
DynCorp International
Eastman
Eaton
ECC
Elevance Health
Eli Lilly and Company
Enterprise Holdings
Ericsson
eval.com
Exelon Corp.
EY
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
FirstEnergy
Ford Motor Company
Freddie Mac
Frontier
Fuse Integration Inc.
GE
General Dynamics Information Technology
General Dynamics Mission Systems
General Motors Company
Guidehouse
Haywood Vocational Opportunities
HCSC
Herc Rentals
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Hilton
Honda North America
Honeywell
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
HP
Humana
Hyundai
IBM
Ingersoll Rand
iostudio, LLC
Jacobs
JCPenney
JetBlue
JLL
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson Controls Inc.
JPMorgan Chase
Kaiser Permanente
Kelly
Koch Industries, Inc.
KPMG
Kwest Group
La Quinta Inns & Suites
Labcorp
LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions, LLC
Leadec Corp
Leidos
Lexmark International, Inc.
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Lockheed Martin
Lowe’s
Mack Trucks
Magellan Federal
ManTech International
Marriott International Inc.
Marsh & McLennan Companies
MassMutual
Mayo Clinic
McKesson Corporation
Mears Group, Inc.
Merck
Messer Construction
Methodist Health System
MetLife, Inc.
Micron Technology
Microsoft
Milliman
Monsanto Company
Morgan Stanley
MSC Industrial Supply
Navient Solutions LLC
NC Department of Transportation
Nestle U.S.
Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries
Nielsen
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Northwell Health
Northwestern Mutual
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (subsidiary of Novartis AG)
Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Omni Financial
onsemi
Oshkosh Corporation
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
PeopleTec, Inc.
PepsiCo
Peraton
Pitney Bowes Inc.
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Precise Systems Inc.
PRIDE Industries
Principal Financial Group
Procter & Gamble
Pro-Sphere Tek, Inc. (ProSphere)
Prudential Financial, Inc.
PSA Airlines
Public Consulting Group
Public Service Enterprise Group
PwC
Qualtrics
Ranco Response
Randstad
Raytheon Technologies
Regions Bank
Riverside Healthcare
Robert Half
Rockwell Collins
RTI International
San Diego Unified School District
San Jose Water
Sanofi
Schneider Electric
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.
SEI Investments
Sempra Energy
Shell Oil Company
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
Silver Eagle Distributors Houston, LLC
Sodexo, USA
Southern California Edison
Southwest Airlines Co.
SpartanNash
Sprint
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Starbucks
State Farm
Strata-G, LLC
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Stryten Energy
TALENT Software Services, Inc.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
The Adecco Group
The Boeing Company
The Coca-Cola Company
The Friedkin Group
The GEO Group, Inc.
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
The Hartford
The Home Depot
The Kroger Company
The Procter & Gamble Company
Thermo Fisher Scientific
TMC Transportation – An Employee Owned Company
T-Mobile US, Inc.
TMX Finance Family of Companies
TotalTek
Toyota Motor North America Inc.
Trane Technologies
Travelers
Turner Construction
UCHealth
Union Pacific
United Concordia Companies Inc
United Rentals, Inc.
United States Postal Service
UnitedHealth Group
UPS
US Autologistics
USAA
Vectrus
Verizon Communications
VISIMO
Volkswagen Group of America
Vontier
VyStar Credit Union
Walgreens
Walmart Inc.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Waste Management
Wells Fargo & Company
Werner Enterprises
Whalls Group LLC
Windstream Holdings
Worthington Industries
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Xcel Energy
Zeiders Enterprises
Zimmer Biomet
Top Veteran-Friendly Schools
Academy of Arts University
American InterContinental University
American Military University
Angelo State University
Arizona State University
Arkansas State University
Ashford University
Auburn University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Austin Peay State University
Baylor University
Berkeley College
Binghamton University–SUNY
Black Hills State University
Boston University
Brown University
California Southern University
California State University, Chico
California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Marcos
Capitol Technology University
Carnegie Mellon University
Central Baptist College
Central Community College
Chapman University
Clarion University
Clarkson University
Clemson University
College of William & Mary
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University
Colorado Technical University
Columbia College
Columbia Southern University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Creighton University
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
D’Youville College
Dakota State University
Dartmouth College
DePaul University
Drake University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
East Carolina University
East Tennessee State University
Eastern Kentucky University-EKU
Eastern New Mexico University
ECPI University
Elizabeth City State University
Emory University
Excelsior College
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Florida Atlantic University
Florida International University
Florida State University
Fordham University
Fort Hays State University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology–Scheller College of Business
Georgia State University
Gonzaga University
Governors State University
Grantham University
Hawaii Pacific University
Howard University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Indiana State University
Indiana Tech
Indiana University–Bloomington
Indiana University-Purdue University
Iowa Lakes Community College
Iowa State University
Jacksonville University
Kansas State University
Lewis University
Lipscomb University
Long Island University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Marquette University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mercy College
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Miami University–Oxford
Michigan State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Mississippi State University
Morehead State University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York Film Academy
New York University
Niagara University
North Carolina State University–Raleigh
Northern Arizona University
Northern Kentucky University
Northwest Nazarene University
Ohio State University
Ohio State University–Columbus
Old Dominion University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Park University
Paul Smith’s College
Penn State World Campus
Penn State-University Park Campus
Pepperdine University
Pierce College
Princeton University
Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University West Lafayette
Quinnipiac University
Regis University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Rutgers University–Newark
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Saint Leo University
Saint Louis University
San Diego State University
San Diego State University Fowler College of Business
Santa Clara University
Savannah State University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
South Dakota State University
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Southern Methodist University
St. Cloud State University
St. Petersburg College
Stanford University
Stockton University
Stony Brook University–SUNY
Stratford University
SUNY College of Plattsburgh
SUNY Oswego
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Texas Christian University
Texas State University
Texas Tech University
The Catholic University of America
The College of Saint Rose
The New School
The Ohio State University
The University of Kansas
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Texas at El Paso
Trevecca Nazarene University
Troy University
Tulane University
University at Buffalo–SUNY
University of Alabama
University of Alabama-Birmingham
University of Arizona
University of California San Diego, Rady School of Management
University of California, Berkeley
University of California-Davis
University of California-Irvine
University of California-Los Angeles
University of California–Riverside
University of California–San Diego
University of California–Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Cruz
University of Central Oklahoma
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Denver–Anschutz Medical Campus
University of Colorado-Denver
University of Connecticut
University Of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of Dubuque
University of Evansville
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois–Chicago
University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland
University of Maryland University College
University of Maryland-College Park
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Michigan-Flint
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
University of Missouri-St. Louis
University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina-Pembroke
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
University of North Georgia
University of North Texas
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Redlands
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of South Carolina
University of South Dakota
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of St. Thomas (MN)
University of Tennessee Knoxville
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas-Austin
University of the Incarnate Word
University of the Pacific
University of Tulsa
University of Utah
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of West Florida
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wyoming
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Washington University in St. Louis
Weber State University
Webster University
West Virginia University
Western Illinois University
Western Kentucky University
Western Michigan University
William & Mary
Wisconsin School of Business
Xavier University
Yale University
Top Government & Law Enforcement Agencies
Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS)
Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
Army National Guard
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Cincinnati Police Department
City of Dallas Police Department
Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Denver Police Department
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
General Services Administration (GSA)
Harris County Sheriff’s Office
Henrico County Police Division
Intelligence Community
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Los Angeles Airport Police Department (LADX)
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
Louisville Metro Police Department
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Security Agency (NSA)
NAVAIR–U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command
NAVSEA–Naval Sea Systems Command
New York City Police Department (NYPD)
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
San Antonio Police Department (SAPD)
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Florida
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
U.S. Agency for International Development
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Civilian Careers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Department of the Treasury
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. National Guard
U.S. Navy
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
U.S. Secret Service
U.S. Small Business Administration
United States Marine Corps
United States Postal Service
The goal of the annual evaluations is to not only bring the latest information and guidance to our readers, but also encourage active outreach and diversity policies among corporations and government agencies.
The final results are published in the fall issue of U.S Veterans Magazine and available on print and digital newsstands mid-August.
For more information about the annual Best of the Best survey or U.S Veterans Magazine, please contact the research department, at surveys@diversitycomm.net.
By Sylvie Corbet and Jeffrey Schaeffer, The Associated Press
ON UTAH BEACH, France — World War II veterans shared vivid memories of D-Day and the fighting as dozens returned to Normandy beaches and key battle sites to mark the 79th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and Western Europe from Nazi control.
Looking at the vastness of Utah Beach, its sand blowing in strong wind and bright sunshine, 99-year-old Robert Gibson remembered: “it was tough.”
U.S war veterans salute during a ceremony outside the Pegasus Bridge memorial in Benouville, Normandy, Monday, June 5, 2023. (Thomas Padilla/AP)
Gibson landed there on June 6, 1944 alongside more than 150,000 other Allied troops.
He said there were “lots of casualties. We had almost run over bodies to get in the beach. Never forget we were only 18, 19 years old. … I’m glad I made it.”
The first job of his battalion, he said, was “to guard an ammunition dump and the first night it got struck. You didn’t know where you were to go. Bullets were going all over the place. But we ducked it.”
On Monday, veterans have been greeted to the sound of bagpipes at the Pegasus Memorial, where they attended a ceremony commemorating a key operation in the first minutes of the D-Day operations, when troops had to take control of a strategic bridge.
World War II veterans Jake Larson, a 100-year-old American, and Bill Gladden, a 99-year-old British national, met at the memorial where they had a close discussion.
“I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,” Larson told Gladden, their hands clasped.
Larson, who has more than 600,000 followers on TikTok, explained with enthusiasm: “I’m just a country boy. Now I’m a star on TikTok. You can see me all over: ‘Papa Jake.’ I’m a legend! I didn’t plan this, it came about.”
Larson landed on Omaha Beach, where he ran under machine-gun fire and made it to the cliffs without being wounded.
“I’m 100 without an ache or a pain. You can’t fake that,” he said.
U.S. veteran Andrew Negra returned for the first time to Utah Beach this year. The last time he stood there was when he landed on July 18, 1944.
He was “amazed” by the warm welcome from local French people: “Every place we went, people are cheering, clapping, and they’ve been doing this for I don’t know how many years.”
At age 99, Negra is the only member of his battalion who is still alive. Braving the wind to walk on the beach for a few minutes, he said, “So many we lost. And here I am.”
Negra participated in combat operations until his division reached eastern Germany in April 1945.
Cheerful crowds applauded, calling out “Merci” and “Thank you.” Children waved, and many families asked for a photo with the men.
Deshauna Barber’s father is a retired special forces Master Sergeant that instilled “leadership, discipline and integrity” in all his children, said Barber in an interview with U.S. Veterans Magazine.
Her late mother also served in the U.S. Army and inspired Barber and her siblings to join the military.
Growing up in North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington, D.C., Barber learned foundational principles from her parents that she carried into her military career.
Self-discipline. Teamwork. Endurance.
But she had to learn other principles and skills that hadn’t crossed her mind on her way to winning the 2016 Miss USA title.
Army Captain and Miss USA don’t seem to add up until you hear Barber, a veteran, CEO and motivational speaker, tell audiences, “The most important thing is to move.” And: “Be terrified of regret.”
Rewind to 2007, when Barber, 17, committed to a U.S. Army scholarship and joined the ROTC program at her university.
She then earned her master’s degree in management information systems and services from the University of Maryland University College and worked as an IT analyst for the United States Department of
Commerce.
Barber went on to become president and chief executive officer of Service Women’s Action Network, the nation’s leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of service women and women veterans in the country.
Barber was commissioned in 2011 as an Army Quartermaster Officer. During her service, she held many positions including a logistics commander of a petroleum detachment company. After reaching the rank of Captain, she decided to leave service to focus on her motivational speaking career and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve after 11 years of service.
“The Army Reserve taught me how to balance, plan, multi-task and prioritize,” she said. “Not to mention, being in the Army can be somewhat intimidating, depending on who is in the room with you… It was scary, but I think I’ve been in scarier situations.”
She has spent much of her career focused on supporting Soldiers suffering from PTSD and women who’ve faced sexual harassment in the military. She said one in four women will experience sexual trauma while serving.
“We try to break the stigma attached to it,” she said. “It’s really about catching that stigma and making sure they don’t go to that darker place.
“It’s important to get help and get therapy,” she added. “I am still in therapy at 33. These types of trauma can manifest in subtle ways.
“You may not get the sorry you deserve, but it does not mean you have to lock yourself into the sadness and sorrow.”
She said it was a pivotal move when “President Joe Biden signed into law that sexual harassment is against the law as far as military justice.”
Deshauna Barber receives her Honorary Doctorate after giving the commencement speech at Norwich University’s spring 2022 graduation. (Mark Collier/Norwich University)
When Barber was crowned Miss USA 2016, she became the first member of the military to win the honor and the first African-American woman to wear the crown since Crystle Stewart in 2008. Her platform: promote veterans’ issues.
Barber is diligent about fitness, and she’s a polished speaker, two qualities that were honed in the military (as a Captain, she gave presentations to companies and battalions). But she wasn’t prepared for one thing.
“I got to tap into my femininity, my girly side,” she said. “But the military doesn’t prepare you for six-inch stiletto heels.” Her parents and siblings supported her throughout her pageantry endeavors, but it wasn’t easy for her father.
Seven years after being crowned, Barber is on the move, per usual. She’s a speaker- preacher T.D. Jakes and TV host Steve Harvey have influenced her style-and an activist.
For her, the two go hand-in-hand. A survivor of sexual abuse, she frequently talks about dealing with trauma and loss.
Her Apple podcast will launch in late spring or early summer of this year-the title: Sour Loss, Sweet Lessons.
Deshauna Barber being pinned as a first lieutenant by her father, Darren Barber Sr. (Courtesy of Deshauna Barber)Barber suffered a profound loss when her mother died. There’s no getting over it, but there is the matter of getting on, so she’s taken her own advice, advice she’s doled out to audiences for years in her work as a motivational speaker.
“Sometimes, when people are dealing with sorrow, they allow themselves to drown in it,” she said. “I tell people to swim through it and ask them what direction they’re headed.”
These days, when Barber speaks to the media, corporations, universities, the military and even the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, you can see the Army Captain, the pageant queen, the corporate executive, the survivor.
She walks upright, like a Soldier, paces the stage with the confidence and charisma of a Miss USA, and issues words that have been polished through many rewrites.
“People connect to the beauty of words, and that’s what preachers have mastered,” she said.
Most recently, at the Life Vantage Global Convention 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona, she talked about overcoming doubt, be it internal, external or both. Her words excited the crowd in front of her but were meant for everyone- women, men, survivors of abuse, those struggling with mental health issues, active military personnel and veterans.
“You have been promoted for a reason. You’ve been placed in your role for a reason,” she said. “Put on your bulletproof vest and allow the doubts of others to bounce off you.”
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