The American Veterans Center's annual conference will be taking place November 12-14 at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. It is a wonderful experience to attend and take part in the various sessions and planned activities. They always have great leaders and heroes of all branches of the armed forces from WW II to the present wars in the Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a great way to honor our American Vets and educate young people.
There are many great speakers in this year's program, including, but not limited to: General David Petraeus; Triple-Ace pilot Col. Clarence "Bud" Anderson from WW II; Maj. Dutch Van Kirk, the navigator of the Enola Gay; Members of the Battle of Iwo Jima; Members of the battle team portrayed in the film "Black Hawk Down; Members of the "Band of Brothers;" A number of recipients of the Medal of Honor; Former Sailor and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Feller and a special Q & A with Astronaut Col. Buzz Aldrin.
There is also an Award Banquet (cocktail hour and dinner) which is always very interesting and enjoyable. I have attached the Schedule of Events for your review. This year USNA is sending 10 Midshipman to attend the conference, including the Brigade Commander. My roommate from the U.S.S. Henderson, James C. Roberts (President of both Radio America and the American Veterans Center) runs the program every year and does a tremendous job organization, pulling it all together and pulling it all off. Jim will also be joining the Class of 1970 Tailgate at this years Army-Navy Classic as the Steelman's guest.
There will be a Wreath Laying Ceremony in honor of Veteran's Day at the U.S. Navy Memorial Friday afternoon, followed by a reception to honor our wounded warriors from Walter Reed Hospital that is very moving to attend.
One of the main objectives of the American Veteran's Center is to educate the young people of our country about the wonderful history of our military and the contributions the men and women of the armed forces have made over the past 200 years. This program brings many young students from various parts of the country to learn about this history from those that were actually there to change the course of our history and to keep us safe.
If you are interest in attending please follow the instructions on the attached flier on how to register. If you can not attend, PLEASE consider making a generous CONTRIBUTION to the American Veteran's Center to help allow them to continue to educate our youth, keep this history alive and honor our Veterans and wounded Warriors.
If you have any questions you can reach me at 443 831-7384 or call the American Veteran's Center at 703 302-1012 ext. 227.