“Education is the key that unlocks the golden door to freedom.”

— Sgt. Harold RADISH, WWII

OUR MISSION

To honor the legacy of World War II veterans by facilitating meaningful connections with youth through educational and commemorative experiences in Normandy—cultivating leadership, resilience, and a profound sense of civic duty across generations.

OUR VISION

To create a world where the values of sacrifice, service, and patriotism are kept alive through empowered youth who carry forward the legacy of those who came before them—transforming remembrance into a lifelong commitment to lead and serve.

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 engaging directly with history, students gain a profound understanding of the events, struggles, and sacrifices of those who came before them. This immersive approach fosters empathy, strengthens critical thinking, builds cultural awareness, and connects past lessons to present-day challenges, preparing students for thoughtful citizenship.

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

    Inspire a Love for Country

    Witnessing the remnants of historical conflicts and hearing firsthand accounts can ignite a lasting passion for history. Through these powerful and transformative experiences, the initiative seeks to inspire a new generation of informed citizens who understand the complexities of the past and carry its enduring lessons into the 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 empowers them to see beyond limitations, unlocking confidence, resilience, and leadership. Through travel, discovery, and learning from the courageous role models of World War II, they gain the tools to shape their futures and inspire meaningful change in their communities.

Program Ambassadors

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

    Kimberly HAVLICEK


    Kimberly Havlicek brings over 20 years of philanthropic and community leadership, with a strong commitment to youth programs that advance engagement and opportunity. A lifelong advocate for children’s welfare in the Palm Beach community, she combines strategic vision with compassionate leadership to drive meaningful impact. Her work has improved countless lives and continues to inspire others to serve with purpose. Widely recognized for uniting people around a shared mission, Kimberly champions opportunities for underserved youth. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech.

  • 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 devoted more than 12 years to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she champions initiatives that expand healthcare access, strengthen resilience, and ensure veterans receive the resources they deserve. Her work reflects an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those who have served. Beyond her professional role, Courtney advances this mission through active community engagement, serving as a trustee of the Charleston Community Church and various nonprofits. A Virginia Tech graduate, she is widely respected for her leadership and steadfast advocacy for veterans.

  • 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 dedicated advocate for philanthropy and veteran support. Appointed in 2023 as the company’s seventh CEO since its founding in 1949, she leads ADP, a global leader in human capital management solutions. Maria leverages ADP’s scale and expertise to shape the future of work and strengthen communities. She actively promotes equity and opportunity through initiatives within ADP and her roles with the Business Roundtable and the Wall Street Journal CEO Council. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of Colorado Boulder.

  • 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 been deeply rooted in the Denver/Boulder community for more than 20 years, dedicating her time and resources to advancing philanthropic initiatives. She has supported numerous charities and organizations focused on youth development, education, and community well-being across the Denver Metro Area and beyond. Alongside her charitable work, Marcy has built a successful career in real estate. A graduate of Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, she continues to pair professional excellence with a passion for strengthening communities and giving back.

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

    Carli LLOYD


    Carli Lloyd, fosters leadership and veteran advocacy is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time World Cup champion, and FIFA World Player of the Year, recognized as one of the greatest soccer players in history. A former U.S. Women’s National Team star with 134 career goals, she became the first player to score a hat trick in a World Cup final. Beyond the field, Carli is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, investor, and minority owner of Gotham FC. Through her CL10 Soccer Clinics and leadership initiatives, she inspires young girls to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills, proving greatness starts with mindset.

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

    Janet CROWN


    Janet Crown, a champion of leadership and veteran advocacy, is the owner of Burn 60, a boutique fitness studio she founded in 2005 that has expanded across Southern California. Born in Chicago, she is the seventh child of Renee and Lester Crown, founder of Crown Philanthropies. A graduate of Denison University (B.A. History) and Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism (M.S.), she began her career at CAA before serving as Vice President of Client Services at Focus Media. Janet actively supports nonprofits including The Painted Turtle, UNICEF, and the Lollipop Theater Network.

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

    Marj HARRIS


    Marjorie Harris, a leader in philanthropy and veteran advocacy, serves as Chair of the Sixers Youth Foundation, advancing its mission to expand opportunities for Philadelphia’s youth. She co-founded Harris Philanthropies with her husband, Josh, to support education, wellness, and community initiatives nationwide. Dedicated to service, Marjorie contributes her leadership to multiple boards, including Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, the Board of Dean Advisors at Harvard Business School, After-School All-Stars’ National Board of Directors, and AIPAC’s Women’s Executive Council, reflecting her deep commitment to youth and community empowerment.

  • 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, a leader in philanthropy and veteran advocacy, is a CEO, executive producer, and activist committed to advancing sustainability, human dignity, and social equity. She has spearheaded the production of acclaimed documentaries including The Last Animals, The Bleeding Edge, On the Record, and Mission: JOY. Her work, honored with the Wildscreen Impact Award, the George Polk Award, and a Peabody nomination, has influenced both policy and industry reform. She also serves as a United Nations envoy for the Natural Resources Defense Council and holds board roles with national military nonprofits.

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 face-to-face shaped my view of history forever.”

— Virginia MAE, Class of 2025

The LEGACY HOLDERS..

  • 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.

FAQs

  • Our program empowers underprivileged youth through a transformative journey that integrates leadership development, cultural enrichment, community outreach, and adventure-based learning. A central component of the experience is a patriotic travel initiative designed to deepen participants’ understanding of American history and foster a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans. Through immersive visits to historical landmarks, national memorials, and veteran communities, youth are inspired to become engaged citizens and future leaders who carry forward the values of service, resilience, and respect.

  • A2: Leadership development is at the heart of our program, integrated into every activity and experience. Youth participate in field trips, team-building exercises, and mentorship opportunities that nurture self-confidence, strengthen decision-making abilities, and build effective communication skills. Through these hands-on experiences, we empower young people to grow into confident, capable leaders who make a positive impact in their communities.

  • A3: Cultural enrichment aims to expose youth to a variety of cultures and histories, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. This can include visits to museums, participation in cultural festivals, and meaningful interactions with community leaders from diverse backgrounds. The ultimate goal is to nurture respect, empathy, and an expanded worldview among young individuals.

  • A4: Community outreach activities may include volunteer work, partnerships with local nonprofits, and initiatives that address local needs. These experiences provide youth with meaningful opportunities to engage with their communities, fostering a strong sense of civic responsibility and service upon their return.

  • A5: Adventure-based learning is an experiential approach that uses outdoor activities—such as hiking, horseback riding, team sports, and problem-solving challenges—to teach key life skills like resilience, teamwork, and trust. These hands-on experiences promote not only physical development but also personal growth and stronger group cohesion, creating lasting lessons that extend beyond the classroom.

  • A6: The patriotic travel component offers youth the opportunity to visit significant historical sites tied to military history and veterans' contributions. Through tours of memorials, key battlefields, and museums, participants gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by U.S. veterans and the enduring values they represent.

  • A7: Our program is primarily designed for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 who share our values. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Eligibility is based on alignment with our values and demonstrated need, rather than personal circumstances.

  • A8: School groups interested in enrolling their students in the program can apply through our website. The application process is simple and includes a form that gathers information about the applicants' backgrounds, interests, and motivations for participating. We also encourage schools to submit personal statements that highlight their aspirations and goals for the program.

  • A9: Our program is dedicated to being accessible to all eligible youth, regardless of financial circumstances. To support this, we strive to keep costs minimal or eliminate them entirely through sponsorships and grants made possible by our donor-advised fund. If any costs do arise, they will be communicated clearly in advance. We are committed to working with our team to ensure that financial barriers never prevent a young person from participating.

  • A10: There are many ways to support our program—whether by volunteering, mentoring participants, or making a financial contribution. We welcome individuals and organizations in the community to partner with us in enhancing the experiences we offer. To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit our website or contact us directly.