American Veterans Center

The official account for the American Veterans Center & World War II Veterans Committee. The AVC works to Guard the Legacy and Honor the Sacrifice of our vets.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

A desire to serve among the best led Chris Alvarez to the Navy SEALs. After two deployments and serving as a SEAL instructor, a medical discharge opened a new chapter: acting alongside Chris Pratt in “The Terminal List.”

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As WWII neared its end, Allied aircraft dropped food to starving civilians in the Netherlands. In gratitude, Dutch families left messages of thanks on their rooftops. WWII bombardier Bud Haedike recalls this unforgettable display of hope and humanity.

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For WWII Marine Raider Frank Wright, the war was a series of moments that would stay with him for a lifetime. From the jungles of Guadalcanal to the brutal fighting on Guam and Iwo Jima, he witnessed the extraordinary cost of war firsthand.

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At our 2023 American Valor, @glenpowell honored Jesse Brown, the U.S. Navy’s first African American aviator. Brown broke racial barriers, served courageously in Korea, and made the ultimate sacrifice at just 24. His legacy of bravery and perseverance lives on.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

Fred Fields fled Nazi Germany as a Jewish refugee, only to return to Europe in a U.S. Army uniform. As one of the legendary Ritchie Boys, he used his knowledge of Germany to gather critical intelligence during WWII. His remarkable story is one of courage, resilience, and service.

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In December 1967, Vietnam War veteran David Rodriguez faced a deadly ambush. Under enemy fire, he charged and seized a machine gun position, helping bring the attack to an end. His courage earned him the Bronze Star, a testament to his extraordinary service and bravery.

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Some stories you portray. Others stay with you forever.

At American Valor, actor James Madio reflects on filming Band of Brothers and visiting the historic sites where Easy Company fought, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the real soldiers behind the story.

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Just 6 weeks until American Valor 2026! 🇺🇸

Last year, @candacecbure and @ShawnJohnson helped us honor America’s Rosie the Riveters—the remarkable women who built the tanks, planes, and ships that helped win WWII.

This November, we gather again to honor America’s heroes and preserve their stories for future generations.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor those who endured captivity and those who never returned home.

Vietnam War veteran and former POW Robert Jeffery’s story is a powerful reminder of their courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

You are not forgotten.

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U.S. Army Ranger veteran SFC Michael Schlitz served 14 years in uniform.

In 2007, a roadside IED in Iraq killed three of his fellow soldiers and left Schlitz severely wounded.

His story is one of service, sacrifice, loss, and resilience.

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25 years later, we remember.

We remember the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001. We remember the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger, the heroism of ordinary Americans, and the unity that followed.

May we never forget them, their stories, or the sacrifices made that day.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

FDNY firefighter Tim Brown was there on 9/11, witnessing unimaginable loss, courage, and sacrifice.

25 years later, he continues to share his story so the bravery of those who answered the call—and the lives we lost—are never forgotten.

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In 1997, Peter Bergen traveled to Afghanistan to produce Osama bin Laden’s first television interview with a Western audience—an encounter that helped establish Bergen as one of the world’s leading experts on bin Laden, terrorism and national security.

Today, Bergen releases his latest book, All the Presidents’ Wars: Twenty-Five Years of America’s War on Terror. Drawing from hundreds of interviews, the book examines the defining decisions made across four presidential administrations—George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden—and the global consequences that followed.

All the Presidents’ Wars is available now.

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Seven words changed the course of history.

On September 11, 2001, White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card quietly approached President George W. Bush during a visit to a Florida elementary school and delivered the news:

“A second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack.”

In that moment, an ordinary morning became one of the darkest days in American history.

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Three generations. Three paths. One enduring legacy.

Zac Lois became a teacher. Rich Coachys became a coach and entrepreneur. Frank Cohn continued a lifetime of leadership.

The mission changed, but what the Army built in them remained.

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Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter risked everything when he shielded a fellow Marine from a grenade blast in Afghanistan in 2010.

Now, his story will reach a new generation as he appears as a character in the new Call of Duty game.

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Congratulations to Adam Vinatieri on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026!

A four-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, Vinatieri built a remarkable 24-season career defined by unforgettable moments on football’s biggest stages.

We’ve been honored to welcome Adam as part of the American Veterans Center family, from joining us at American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes to participating in our National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., helping us honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.

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Today, on National Airborne Day, we honor the generations of American paratroopers who have answered the call to go where others could not—serving with courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the soldiers beside them.

Among them was WWII veteran Vincent “Vinnie” Speranza, a machine gunner with the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. At just 19 years old, Speranza entered combat at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, defending the surrounded city through the brutal winter of 1944.

His story became legendary when, during the siege, he carried beer in his helmet to wounded fellow paratroopers—an act of brotherhood that would be remembered in Bastogne for generations.

Today, we honor Speranza and all those who have proudly worn Airborne wings, past and present.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

In August 2008, Taliban insurgents launched a major assault on FOB Salerno in Afghanistan.

U.S. Army pilot Joe Priester and his fellow Kiowa Warrior crews took to the air, flying dangerously low as they engaged the enemy and supported the troops defending the base.

Here, Priester recalls the fight to defend FOB Salerno.

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Korean War veteran Ralph Gastelum landed at Inchon with the 1st Marine Division before advancing on Seoul and helping liberate the South Korean capital from North Korean forces.
Here, Gastelum recalls a moment of intense combat and the split-second decision to use a grenade to finish the fight.