NEWS
From the World War II Veterans Committee & The American Veterans Center
19th Annual Veter ans Conference
From November 3-5 , 2016 , dozens of America ’ s most decorated and acclaimed veterans from World War II to the present day gathered in Washington , DC for the World War II Veterans Committee & American Veterans Center ’ s 19th Annual Veterans Conference .
There , they shared their lessons and experiences with an audience of several hundred students from each of our military service academies and more than two dozen ROTC programs from across the country . In the only event of its kind in the country , these future military leaders learned lessons on service and leadership from leaders and legends of earlier eras and from today ’ s military , among them former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel ( top ), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace ( below left ), and Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James ( below right ).
Students also had the opportunity to learn from legends of the battlefield , including Medal of Honor recipients Ryan Pitts , Bruce Crandall , and Melvin Morris ( left ). And , as always , the highlight was the chance for these future officers to meet the men and women of America ’ s “ Greatest Generation ,” among them ( pictured bottom ) Jimmy Doolittle ’ s co-pilot on the Doolittle Raid , Lt . Col . Richard E . Cole ; Holocaust survivor Manny Mandel , and decorated P-51 pilot in the Pacific War , Jerry Yellin .
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