American Legion News

‘First Illumination' reveals sculptural heart of National World War I Memorial

Source: September 16, 2024

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Late into the night, hours after its public unveiling at the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sabin Howard's "A Soldier's Journey" still had a large crowd.

Some stood staring, silent. Others snapped photos with cellphones, pointing out which of the sculpture's 38 figures – a daughter, a wife, a husband and soldier, doughboys plunging into combat and emerging transformed – most captured their attention.

The 25-ton bronze relief is the park's long-awaited centerpiece, and marks the end of a decade-long mission to commemorate in the nation's capital America's role in the "war to end all wars."

At the Sept. 13 "First Illumination" event, Howard described the project as "the ultimate on-the-job training," telling veterans in the audience, "I sculpted this with every ounce of energy that I have, using all of my creative skills. Nothing was spared.

"This sculpture is dedicated to you, the men and women and families who have given everything physically and mentally in service of their country. And it is dedicated to those who have lost a part of themselves in the sacred act of service to protect our freedoms.

"I am in service of you."

The program drew hundreds to the completed memorial, located at 14th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the White House. Many watched from behind barricades or by large screen at the adjacent Freedom Plaza.

Retired Army Capt. Christopher Rehnberg opened the ceremony by ringing a bell in tribute to the 116,708 Americans who died in the war. Twenty buglers from the American Expeditionary Forces Headquarters Band – dressed in World War I uniforms – played an opening fanfare.

"Once upon a time in America, 4.7 million American families sent their sons and daughters off to fight a war that would change the world," said Dan Dayton, executive director of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission. "Tonight, we will honor them. But as the program unfolds, I'd like you to think about one person that's important to you, one who has served our great nation in whatever way, because 4.7 million is a statistic, and one is a person. And we're here tonight to remember that person."

A narration by Howard, with a musical underscore by former U.S. Air Force Band composer and arranger Robert Thurston, took guests through "A Soldier's Journey" as it was lighted scene by scene.

A father, handed his helmet by his young daughter. A tug of war between family and country as he hears the call to join his brothers in arms. The father commanding his soldiers forward into battle. Men gassed and unable to walk, helped by nurses. Other wounds, invisible, hinted at on the face of a shell-shocked soldier. A homecoming parade, flag hoisted high. The helmet handed to his daughter, whose generation will know a second – and even more devastating – world war.

"Every single soldier, nurse, child on this wall represents the heroic nature of those people who were affected by war," Howard said. "There are no victims here. They are all heroes. They are all moving forward, calling upon their better selves and giving unstintingly to their country to protect what we so often take for granted: our freedom to choose what we will do with the gift of life."

In its mission to raise awareness about and give meaning to a largely forgotten war, the World War One Centennial Commission has emphasized that the nation's participation in the Great War included Americans of every race and ethnicity, men and women. That shared service is reflected in "A Soldier's Journey."

"We very much appreciated that," said Edwin Fountain, the commission's former vice chairman. "(The sculpture) reflects the diversity of American contribution to the war, including and especially that of groups that were not treated as first-class citizens at that time. They served their country and risked their lives nonetheless."

The grandson of two World War I veterans, Fountain is the memorial's visionary. In 2008, he co-founded the World War I Memorial Foundation, which led the restoration of the District of Columbia's own World War I memorial. Noting that other wars are commemorated on the National Mall – wars, in fact, directly or indirectly caused by World War I – he resolved that the capital needed a national memorial. Appointed to the World War One Centennial Commission in 2013, Fountain saw an opportunity. Rather than getting tied up in a battle to build on the Mall, however, the commission opted to restore and expand Pershing Park.

Had they realized the obstacles ahead, Fountain told the crowd, the commission might have thought twice about the project: an international design competition with 360 entries, 46 public hearings and interagency meetings, approvals from four different agencies, a $44 million fundraising campaign, street protests that closed the site during construction and a bridge collapse that closed the Port of Baltimore.

Moreover, the contest's winner, Joe Weishaar, was a 25-year-old architectural intern without a license. The sculptor, Sabin Howard, had yet to create a work of the grandeur and scale proposed.

In the end, the commission's faith in the pair was rewarded. Weishaar succeeded in integrating the memorial into a "living, breathing" urban park, while Howard fashioned a sculptural centerpiece of "uncommon emotional power that speaks in common to veterans of all wars," Fountain said.

"By honoring World War I veterans who served more than a century ago and are no longer with us, we told those who serve today that 100 years from now they too will be remembered."

Weishaar expanded on that thought, likening the finished memorial to a wedding ring. In building it, the World War One Centennial Commission "has renewed the vows of faithfulness between this country and those young men and women with a new sacred promise for all to see."

Continuing the metaphor, the memorial's site is the hand, and Howard's sculpture the diamond. "I'm the jeweler," Weishaar said. "I was there to help unite these rare and precious pieces in a meaningful way.

"In doing so, I've learned a great many lessons, the most important of which is this: We don't build memorials for the dead. They're for the living. We build them to protect and preserve our memories and our stories. And like the rings we wear, they remind us that we should dedicate our lives to the greatest levels that we can achieve – not for ourselves, but for each other."

American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere and Sons of The American Legion Commander Joseph Navarette attended the "First Illumination" ceremony, and were elated to finally see "A Soldier's Journey" in person.

"It actually looks alive," LaCoursiere said. "Talk about living memorials … this truly is one. And this is the history we need put back into schools. I believe that's the reason we're having problems with our young kids wanting to join the service after high school. I'm not talking about war, but about the value and the pride of serving your country. And that's exactly what the story here tells.

"In my opinion, Sabin, the sculptor, is a genius and a historian as well. He brought everything to life."

Navarrete found the sculpture's opening scene especially moving: a wife standing behind her husband, the soldier, as he kneels to take his helmet from their little girl.

"I was taken aback," he said. "What stood out is the sacrifice that each individual made as they were going through this journey. The theme for my year as commander is ‘Honoring our heritage,' and part of that is family. That's why we do what we do, supporting our veterans and their families and making sure their sacrifices are not forgotten."

The American Legion is a commemorative sponsor of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, with John "Jack" Monahan of Essex, Conn., serving as representative.

In 2015, the Legion passed a resolution supporting the construction of the National World War I Memorial at Pershing Park, and delivered a $300,000 contribution at the project's groundbreaking.

"The American Legion's support of the commission's work in educating the public, commemorating the events of the war and honoring the doughboys has been steadfast and enthusiastic," Monahan said. "The generous provision of money, time and energy by Legionnaires around the nation has been gratifying."

He believes members will see Howard's sculpture as a fitting tribute, worthy of the generation of soldiers that founded the Legion as a means of strengthening the country they loved.

"The memorial is not a glorification of war, but a celebration of the spirit of service and sacrifice," he said. "It will come to be esteemed as a magnificent example of the power of public art."

More than 3 million people have visited the National World War I Memorial since the U.S. flag was raised there in 2021. With the addition of "A Soldier's Journey," the site changes dramatically, coming to life in a way few memorials can, said Jeff Reinbold, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks.

"We will care for it with the same reverence as the memorials of World War II and Korea and Vietnam, which also are under our stewardship," he added. "The National Park Service is proud to accept this memorial on behalf of the American people and to be its custodian for generations to come."

With the memorial's completion, the World War One Commission sunsets, and the Doughboy Foundation takes over its mission to educate the public about America's participation in the war through programs, events and activities. A WWI Living History Weekend followed "First Illumination," featuring World War I reenactors, musicians and performers at the memorial.

Next article: Legion issues statement on Trump assassination attempt

Remembering 9/11, coast to coast

Source: September 16, 2024

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As the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon hit last week, it was again American Legion Family members leading commemorations to honor those victims – as well as those passengers on Flight 93 whose valiant efforts brought down their plane before it could hit another target.

We've put together a small sampling of how Legion posts observed 9/11 in their communities, through traditional ceremonies or other ways.

And a reminder that those posts that hosted, coordinated or took part in 9/11 commemorations – or do so for any other patriotic or memorial observations – can share their stories and photos at Legiontown.org.

Arizona

In Peoria, John J. Morris Post 62 started the day with more than a dozen American Legion Riders kicking the event off pulling up to the post. The post color guard placed the flag, the chaplain delivered a prayer, and speeches were delivered by members of the post, Auxiliary, Riders and Sons of The American Legion. After a closing prayer, attendees went back inside to reflect on what happened that day and how much it changed our nation.

California

In Red Bluff, American Legion Post 167 joined with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the intersection of Pine and Market Street. An honor guard fired volleys, and the posts hosted a lunch at the Red Bluff Veterans Hall.

"I would hope that the kids, the young ones, would understand that some of us get a little teary-eyed when we see that flag," said Dale Gibson, the public information officer for Post 167. "Some of us put some time in. I did three active and 19 in the guard, 22 years of my life, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat because it's worth doing."

Colorado

In Colorado Springs, Neal Thomas Jr. Centennial Post 209 conducted its annual 9-11 Remembrance Walk. Several Post 209 Legion Family members, as well as others in the area, took part in a three-mile walk while carrying U.S., Legion and American Legion Auxiliary flags around Colorado Springs Memorial Park. Everyone carried a flag.

The walk included stops at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, where Sons of The American Legion Detachment Commander and retired firefighter Rob Berry shared his 9-11 story and ended at the Peace Officer's Memorial.

Delaware

American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard conducted a candlelight ceremony in its outdoor pavilion to honor the heroes who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The service opened with the commencement parade of the American Legion Riders and wreath-placing and flag-folding ceremonies. Also part of the event was a POW/MIA ceremony, a candlelight ceremony and a 21-gun salute.

Florida

In Palm Day, American Legion Riders Chapter 117 started the day with an Honor and Remembrance Ride and provided an escort as Post 117's Legion Family delivered meals to local first responders.

Idaho

In Post Falls, Stephen H. Nipp Post 143 Legionnaire Ken Johnson currently serves as the coordinator and captain of the post's honor guard. On Sept. 11, 2011, he was working at the Pentagon when a plane crashed into it. He avoided being killed and spent 22 hours working on recovery operations.

Johnson and other Post 143 members set up a display of 9/11 memorabilia and artifacts, including a piece from the plane that crashed into the Pentagon at the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office's 9/11 ceremony.

"It's part of our history," Johnson said. "I just think it's important that people remember what happened."

American Legion North Idaho Area Commander Dee Sasse agrees it's important to teach current and future generations about the significance of the terrorist attacks and lives lost during them. "So many kids that were born after 9/11 are not being taught about it in school," she said.

Illinois

· In Quincy, American Legion Post 37 took part in a ceremony at City Hall's 9/11 Memorial that included dozens of police officers, firefighters, local government officials and other community members. The post's honor guard fired a rifle valley while a trumpeter played taps. "(Hearing) taps never gets easier," said Jeffrey Bauman, American Legion Riders Chapter 37 director. "It's not just the ones who are at war — the first responders, the families who have sacrificed, all the families who lost loved ones on 9/11. It's a reminder of those loved ones who will never come home." Also in remembrance of 9/11, members of Post 37's American Legion Family spent part of the day cleaning the headstones at Quincy National Cemetery.

· In Bloomington, dozens showed up outside the McLean County Museum of History to attend American Legion Post 635's 9/11 memorial service.

Michigan

In Howell, it was a busy day for members of American Legion Post 141. The post was invited to officiate the Patriot Day event at Serene Gardens in Hartland that included the opening of Hartland's Wall of Heroes. Members of Post 141 also attended the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Brighton.

Meanwhile, members of American Legion Riders Chapter 141 visited the Flight 93 Memorial to honor the fallen from that flight.

North Carolina

In Hertford, American Legion Post 126 joined with local officials and Perquimans County residents for a ceremony at the Perquimans County Recreation Center Wednesday evening. As part of the observance, American Legion Post 126 recreated part of the ceremony held earlier in the day at the site of the former World Trade Center to remember the victims of 9/11. The Legion held moments of silence to mark the key moments of the attack, each one after post member Dean Engelhardt tolled a ceremonial bell. The post closed the ceremony by presenting a wreath honoring those who died during the attacks.

In Lincolnton, American Legion Post 30 conducted a ceremony that included a speech by retired Army Colonel Henry Haynes, a chaplain assigned at the Pentagon when it was attacked. The post also held a lunch for local first responders.

Pennsylvania

In Unity Township, American Legion Post 982's parking lot served as the site for a remembrance ceremony – the first Patriot Day observation the post has conducted. Post 982 is just around 40 miles from where Flight 93 crashed.

"For me, it just hits home because it's my people around me," Post 982 Commander Jerry Dean said. "It's affected our community, and it shows that we're not alone."

A bell rang for each plane that crashed, while dignitaries delivered remarks.

Between the sounding of the bell for each plane that crashed, dignitaries and other guests took time to recall where they were that day and honor those lost. Following the ceremony, the post served refreshments to attendees.

"Your presence underscores the importance of this moment and reinforces our collective resolve to never forget and to always strive for a better, more compassionate world," Dean said. "May we carry forward the legacy of those who sacrifice so much and honor them through our actions, our support for one another and our commitment to building a future where the values of courage and community prevail."

U.S. Virgin Islands

In Frederiksted, American Legion Post 133 hosted its annual 9/11 Patriot Day ceremony that was attended by around 60 people. During the course of the ceremony, the names of the seven St. Croix residents killed during the attacks were read. Family members of the fallen were present among the attendees.

Following the ceremony, attendees moved outside to witness the laying of a commemorative wreath and a rifle salute.

Texas

American Legion Hunter-Morris Post 911 partnered with the City of Cedar Park Parks and Recreation Department to host a 9/11 community remembrance ceremony in the Veterans Memorial Park amphitheater. Texas Veterans Commission Chair Laura Koerner served as the keynote speaker for the event, while other participants in the ceremony included area high school ROTC programs, Cedar Park first responders and other community members.

"On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists robbed America of more than 3,000 lives," Post 911 said during the event. "In bringing down the World Trade Center, damaging the Pentagon and downing an airliner in a Pennsylvania field, that day ranks as the most devastating in our nation's history. On that day we vowed we would never forget.

"Thank you for being here this evening to honor the military personnel, first responders, emergency communications, and emergency medical service workforce who continue to work together every day to provide for our safety and lifesaving measures. We must remain committed to supporting those who are willing to serve to keep us safe and protect our way of life."

Virginia

In Vienna, Dyer-Gunnell Post 180 hosted a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Vienna Community Center that brought together local leaders and members of the community. The ceremony's guest speaker was American Legion National Security Commission Chairman Matthew Shuman, while the Town of Vienna Band provided music.

Next article: Palou captures 3rd INDYCAR championship, Lundqvist caps Rookie of Year season with P8

Palou captures 3rd INDYCAR championship, Lundqvist caps Rookie of Year season with P8

Source: September 16, 2024

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Able to clinch his third NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship with at least a 10th-place finish in Sunday's Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway, Chip Ganassi Racing's (CGR) Alex Palou was facing some adversity.

But as he has regularly done during his time with CGR, Palou overcame.

After qualifying 15th and then getting hit with a nine-position starting grid penalty that dropped him to 14th, Palou managed to work his way up to 11th by the end of the race. That, couple with a disconnected seat belt resulted in dropping five laps for Will Power – who entered the race in second place behind Palou – gave Palou his third championship since 2021.

The championship came one race after CGR teammate Linus Lundqvist, driving the No. 8 American Legion Honda featuring Be the One branding, had clinched Rookie of the Year. Lundqvist qualified 10th and then finished eighth on Sunday.

Learning that Power had dropped laps didn't cause Palou to lose his focus. "We just had to keep on going," he said. "I have to thank everyone working on the 10 Car. Super proud. It's been an amazing year, and I'm happy we got the championship back home.

"I have to thank everybody working on the No. 10 car, everybody at CGR back at the shop, and all of my teammates, DHL, American Legion, PNC Bank, Root Insurance and all of our partners. I'm super proud about it. It's been an amazing year and I'm happy we've got the championship back home."

Palou is the first driver to win back-to-back INDYCAR championships since Dario Franchitti won the 2009-11 INDYCAR titles, also driving the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Palou joins an exclusive club of 13 drivers to win at least three INDYCAR titles, and at 27 years and five months old is the second-youngest three-time champ in INDYCAR history.

The title is Chip Ganassi Racing's 23rd championship across all competitions and it's 16th INDYCAR championship – just one behind Team Penske for most INDYCAR titles of all time. CGR has the most INDYCAR championships of any team since it entered the sport in 1990 – seven more than the next best team and nearly half of all INDYCAR championships awarded since 1990.

"(Palou) never broke a sweat," Ganassi told NBC following the race. "It's unbelievable the way he drives. The way he came into our team a few years ago down in Alabama. He won his first race out and it's been smooth sailing since."

Lundqvist's fourth top-10 finish of the season capped a year that saw him finish 16th in the overall standings. He earned three podium finishes in his first full INDYCAR season.

"The last race of the year and the American Legion Honda had P8, which is okay," Lundqvist said. "We wanted a little bit more but overall, not too bad. I think we drove a good race. I'm super thankful for the team. They did a great job. It's good to finish the season on a high obviously for Alex to win the championship."

To learn more about The American Legion's Be the One veteran suicide prevention program, click here.

Next article: Five Things to Know, Sept. 16, 2024

VA updates PACT Act benefits regulations

Source: September 13, 2024

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is updating outdated benefits regulations for toxic-exposed veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis, paving the way for more of them to receive an accurate disability rating. The change was among those The American Legion has advocated for, including this past summer when they held a panel discussion related to the PACT Act.

"This is an example of The American Legion's commitment to veterans," American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. said. "We fought long and hard for the PACT Act to become law. But the fight didn't stop there. We've been continuing to work on behalf of our nation's veterans to ensure that VA is carrying out what Congress and the president made the law of the land. We're thankful for our allies in Congress and VA who made this necessary change a reality."

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., Ranking Member Jerry Moran, R-Kan., House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., Ranking Member Mark Takano, D-Calif., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., played critical roles to ensure the PACT Act is being implemented the way Congress intended and veterans deserve.

In April, Tester and Gillibrand called on VA, which announced its decision on Sept. 11, to expedite its regulations updates for constrictive bronchiolitis to ensure these toxic-exposed veterans could receive the health care and benefits they earned.

"Toxic-exposed veterans have waited decades to receive the benefits and health care the PACT Act provides, and it's critical VA is implementing the law the way veterans need and deserve," Tester said. "That means fixing outdated processes standing in the way of veterans and their newly expanded benefits."

LaCoursiere credited the senators with their leadership.

"The American Legion is pleased that VA is updating outdated benefits regulations for toxic-exposed veterans with constrictive bronchitis," he said. "The Legion has long been a vocal advocate for this change and argued for it during a panel discussion held in the House Veterans' Affairs Committee Room in July. Toxic-exposed veterans have suffered for too long, and this change with pave the way for veterans to receive an accurate disability rating and give them the support they need. We applaud Senator Gillibrand and Senator Tester for their leadership on this issue."

VA will update its VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities regulations for toxic-exposed veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis and add additional criteria to evaluate these veterans during their disability rating examinations. These actions will make it easier for veterans to receive an accurate disability rating for their service-connected constrictive bronchiolitis.

Named after Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson who died in 2020 from toxic exposure as a result of his military service, the PACT Act provides health care for post-9/11 combat veterans, creates a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure, expands VA's list of health conditions presumed to be caused by toxic exposures, which opens the door to additional benefits for veterans, and improves resources to support claims processing.

Danielle Robinson, Heath's widow, was among the speakers at the Legion's PACT Act panel on Capitol Hill in July. Another panelist, Army veteran Cynthia Daniels, discussed having to leave her career as a Wilmington (Del.) police officer due to constrictive bronchiolitis, and autonomic nervous system illnesses, which developed from her exposure to burn pits and toxic exposure during her deployment during the Iraq War.

She expressed gratitude that her doctor diagnosed her condition but called for all veterans to receive proper screening.

"I am very grateful for the PACT Act but more work needs to be done," she said. "I am glad that we are talking about that here today."

Next article: ‘If we set our mind to something … we will accomplish it'

‘If we set our mind to something … we will accomplish it'

Source: September 12, 2024

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A year ago, some members of Cummings-Behlke American Legion Riders Chapter 226 in Mayo, Md., learned the story of former U.S. Chief Warrant Officer Nick Fogle. The veteran had served in the Army for 18 years as an infantryman, an EOD bomb technician and an Apache helicopter pilot.

At age 38, Fogle took his own life, leaving behind a wife and three children.

The chapter wanted to do something to honor Fogle but realized the rest of their 2023 schedule was full. So, this September, during Suicide Prevention Month, the chapter did something about it. Over the course of a few months and culminating with a recent all-day event, the chapter was able to raise more than $92,000 through its ALR Project 226 Veteran Suicide Awareness.

Of that total, $50,000 was donated in honor of Fogle to the nonprofit America's Warrior Partnership, which connects local veteran-serving organizations with resources, services and partners that they need to support veterans, their families and caregivers at every stage of veterans' lives. After covering the cost of the event, the remainder of the money raised – approximately $20,000 – will be donated to other veteran suicide prevention organizations.

"Our organization's American Legion Riders are there to support veterans, support veterans causes, support our post. That's just what we do," said ALR Chapter Director and event co-chair Jim Hall, a member of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 226. "We do dink-and-dunk stuff. And a while back we'd talked about how there wasn't enough emphasis put on veteran and soldier suicide. When this family came along, this kind of sealed the deal for us. It just kind of inspired us."

Planning for the event started last February. "It was fundraising, getting donations, reaching out to businesses, getting sponsors," Hall said. "In the end, we raised about $92,000."

Area restaurants hosted fundraising nights for the project leading up to the closing event on Sept. 7 and included a silent auction, eight live bands, entertainment for children, and food and drinks. State and local politicians attended the event. Another earlier fundraiser in Washington, D.C., included an appearance from Medal of Honor recipient Clint Romesha, who signed copies of his book "Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor."

Hall believed all along that ALR Project 226 could be a success, because of the commitment of the chapter's members. "Our core group … if we set our mind to something, we're hell and determined to accomplish it. And we will accomplish it," he said. "When I went to our post commander, I was like, ‘Here's what we want to do.' I got with some of our core guys, and we were like, ‘Yeah, we're going to make this happen.'

"To donate ($50,000), we knew we had to raise $60,000 or $65,000. Because even thought we got a lot of stuff donated, there were some costs that were associated with it. Setting a goal of $50,000, was it scary a little bit? Yeah, because you always want to make your goals. But down at the post we've always set the bar high, and we always accomplish what we set out to do."

Hall hopes that what Chapter 226 was able to accomplish can inspire other posts and chapters to do their part for suicide awareness and The American Legion's Be the One veteran suicide prevention program.

"The Legion has the Be the One," he said. "Hopefully, maybe, we can steer more people into that program."

Next article: Combat veteran, Legionnaire featured in World War I Memorial sculpture

Combat veteran, Legionnaire featured in World War I Memorial sculpture

Source: September 12, 2024

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Joe Winslow walked into Sabin Howard's Englewood, N.J., studio ready for anything.

Invited to pose for "A Soldier's Journey" – the massive 58-foot-long, 38-figure bronze relief that is the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial, to be unveiled Friday – the retired Marine Corps major didn't know which part he'd be playing.

The sculptor did. He had Winslow in mind for the "pieta" of the composition, depicting a chaplain lifting a wounded soldier off the ground with the help of another soldier.

For Winslow, who fought in the Second Battle of Fallujah, the role felt exactly right.

"I thought it was a really great choice," he says. "As officers, it's our job to gather the Marines around us and take care of them and help them move forward and get them where they need to be, either for the mission or themselves personally. That's what I did for 23 years in the Marines, so this resonated with me."

A member of American Legion Post 22 in Luray, Va., Winslow enlisted in 1986. He spent five years in the artillery and on security guard duty in Frankfurt, Germany. Then he got out and returned to college full time, studying architecture and fine art. Still, Winslow says, "I hadn't quite scratched that itch with the Marine Corps," and he went to Officer Candidates School in the summer.

After graduation, he went back in as a lieutenant and did another four or five years on active duty. He got out again when the work wasn't satisfying, and decided he'd go to the reserves and retire there.

Then 9/11 happened.

"I knew for a fact that my life was going to change," Winslow says. "Someone I knew was with the (Marine Corps) History and Museums Division, and also the (combat) art program. On a lark, I gave him a call and said, ‘I want to come back in. I want to deploy, and I'd like to do it with you guys as a historian and artist.' After some back and forth, that's exactly what they did. They mobilized me."

Winslow deployed to Iraq in 2004 as part of Operation Phantom Fury, also called the Second Battle of Fallujah. For 14 years, he had just wanted to get to some kind of engagement, "to do what as a kid I'd seen Marines do in movies: going to foreign climes, hunting down the enemy, blowing stuff up," he says. "The camaraderie, the excitement, the glory – that's really what I was looking for. And by God, I got it in spades."

He had three jobs: collect oral histories from Marines who'd been in battle, do illustrations for the Marine Corps Combat Art Program, and gather battle artifacts. Attached to an infantry unit, Winslow carried "a rifle in one hand and a sketch pad in the other."

Within hours or even minutes of Marines engaging the enemy, Winslow would be sitting in a jeep or building or bombed-out position, asking them to tell him – in their words – what happened, why it happened and why it was important. In all, he did some 300 interviews over five and a half months.

He recorded stories of bravery and innovation, grit and determination. But for all those, he also heard stories of regret, fear, sadness, second-guessing – "the full spectrum of the human condition," he says.

In those moments, Winslow became something of a chaplain figure.

"I had Marines talking to me about really personal things – good things, bad things, uplifting things, horrible things. I felt like a confessor to those guys. When you tell people that what they're saying is not going anywhere, that it's not going to be published or anything, they will unload a lot on you – a whole lot."

He gained a new perspective on what it means to be a Marine in battle, its effects on a person, and the young men and women who raise their hands to take the oath.

"These 17-, 18-, 19-year-old kids don't understand the depth of this commitment they're making to their country, but they're going to do it anyway," he says. "Some do understand it, and they still do it. They're making those split-second decisions to kick in a door or clear a room or run down a hallway that's completely dark and obscure, but they're going to do it anyway, because they know it's the right thing to do, and it's something they're trained to do.

"You realize the immense amount of dedication and faith these young people have. We say we understand it. But it's more concrete, more substantive, than you'd imagine. It's not a platitude. These things are practiced and believed by America's young people. They do it and they live it. I'm calling them the next next Greatest Generation."

Winslow pushes back against the "broken veteran" narrative. It took years to process everything he saw and heard in Iraq, but he wouldn't trade that deployment, calling combat "every high and every low. It's everything you ever wanted and everything you never wanted, all at once."

Fallujah deeply affected him, in bad ways and good, he adds. "I was in the middle of it. I was stepping over the dead bodies. I was catching the action." But it made Winslow grateful for all he has – for being alive, period. It also strengthened his faith. "I had to call on that on innumerable occasions in a way most people never will. You know, the old foxhole thing."

An accomplished artist himself, Winslow met Howard in 2022, when the sculptor and his wife, Traci, hosted a reception for veterans at their studio. Conversation turned to Winslow's time in the Marine Corps and his experiences in Iraq.

A few weeks later, he received an email asking if he'd pose as a doughboy in "A Soldier's Journey" – one of six modern combat veterans used as models. Their facial expressions and body language were what Howard sought to capture.

In Winslow's view, the sculptor more than succeeded.

"They're beautiful," he says of the figures, which include a daughter handing her father a helmet, a wife grasping his hand as he joins his brothers in arms, men charging into combat, nurses helping the injured, a shell-shocked soldier, and finally, troops returning with flag held high.

What each one is thinking and feeling is seen on their face and in their posture. The horrors, the heartbreak, the heroism of war – it's all there.

"To convey those emotions and concepts through art is fantastically difficult," he says. "That's why what Sabin's done is so epic. I realized that right off the bat and was like, ‘This guy's amazing. If he wants me to stand on my head in the corner, I'll do it.' I want to watch him. I want to listen to him. I just want to soak up as much as I can."

Winslow was familiar with "A Soldier's Journey" and knew Howard had the talent to deliver the enormous sculpture on the tightest of timetables.

Even so, looking around the studio, he was amazed at how much was happening, and quickly.

"He is a beast," Winslow says. "He is in it. He is focused. There was no messing around. It was game on from the start."

The opportunity to contribute to one of America's most sacred works of art came as Winslow is returning to his own roots as an artist and sculptor.

For 20 years, he's focused more on design work for government agencies, "doing something that I know people need and I can charge for," he says. His clients have included the White House, the National Cathedral, the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the National Guard Bureau.

Now, though, he's going back to art for which he truly has a passion: bronze reliefs and sculptures that honor heroes or depict great deeds in battle.

"That's really what I'm most proud of now, being able to combine my technical skills, experience in combat and artistic vision with some of these things that are memorializing young men and women," he says. "It's a calling for me. It really is."

That's why the timing of being asked to be part of the sculptural heart of the National World War I Memorial feels like a sort of "cosmic serendipity," he says.

"It's a tremendous honor. Even when I see myself up there, I can't believe it. I'm still in awe of it. It's humbling."

See a gallery of Winslow's artwork here.

Next article: ‘First Illumination' reveals sculptural heart of National World War I Memorial

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