They protect and save us.
We admire them and aspire to be like them. In uniform, in Our Communities, in every branch of the military, Our Heroes give their all —and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.
These are their stories. On the eleventh of every month, we celebrate these selfless men and women with profiles of their service. Reflecting on their accomplishments and respecting each challenge overcome. Take note. Take pride. Please join us in honoring them here.
Tunnel to Towers
The morning of September 11, 2001, FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller was just off work when he received news of the attack. His heroic decision to turn around and run through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel toward danger would inspire a movement. Through their grief, his family decided to find a way to honor Stephen and his heroic action. What started as a simple project has grown far beyond what Stephen’s family initially envisioned. Today, Tunnel to Towers Foundation has numerous programs supporting first responder and military heroes and the families who stand with them.
70 years later, Retired Army Sgt. Claude Phelps received the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in active ground combat against the enemy. Serving under General George Patton, Phelps admits he’s proud of what was done...
Herman Zeitchik was there for the bravest deeds and most climactic moments that made history in World War II. He stormed the beaches on D-Day and fought during the Battle of the Bulge. Helped to...
Light armored vehicle crewman. Able to assemble an M240Bushmaster. At MISSION BBQ and wherever the Marines deploy her in June, we admire Ashleigh McKee’s service.
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“I’m so glad we had a chance to meet.” So said President Barack Obama to Vivian “Millie” Bailey, age 97. And so are we, after her lifetime of service in the U.S. Army as well...
“I want an Officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.” So said General George C. Marshall during World War II and truer respect was never said. Just as...
Navy Lt. Seal Brendan Looney always gave all, including his life for our country while bravely serving in Afghanistan. As a “great leader and teammate,” he believed in service before self—on the Naval Academy lacrosse...
Retired Marine and Purple Heart recipient Chip Shields, one of just a few survivors from the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, believes he was spared “to do something good.” As a Tampa firefighter and EMT still...
They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, innocents and the bravest Americans we know. Among their ranks were heroic Firefighters, Police and First Responders who rushed in to save others and selflessly gave their...
When an IED flipped a combat vehicle on top of him, Afghanistan War Veteran Justin Lansford lost a leg, but not his will to survive. With the help of a highly trained partner always at...
Jerry Pellegrini’s story will not be forgotten for his service and ultimate sacrifice. As a Corporal in the PA National Guard, legacy policeman bearing the same badge number as his Dad, and aspiring boxer who...
From the embattled Middle East to the top of an Olympic podium, Brad Snyder’s brave outlook inspires us all. As a wounded warrior, losing his sight while rescuing others, he faced a life of darkness...
Watch the first in the STORIES OF SERVICE series honoring LT Valerie Cappelaere Delaney—a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Navy Pilot, and #6 on the U.S. Naval Academy’s Women’s Lacrosse team. Val’s jersey is proudly displayed...