Written by Todd DePastino On July 9, 1853, four American warships steamed into Edo Bay, their guns pointed at the seat of Japan’s ruling shogunate. At their helm was Commodore Matthew Perry, a veteran of the US Navy and younger brother of War of 1812 hero Oliver Hazard Perry. He came with a letter
Written by Todd DePastino When we think of the Declaration of Independence, we picture a finished parchment proclaiming its famous line: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” But how is human equality self-evident? Thomas Jefferson, who drafted the Declaration, didn't use that word. He called the assertion
The Veterans Breakfast Club remembers with honor and gratitude Julian Moses, who passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 100. A Navy veteran of World War II, Julian served aboard the USS Bushnell (AS-15), a submarine tender that operated in the Pacific Theater in support of America’s “Silent Service.” Born in
Can military records heal family wounds? In this emotional episode of the Veterans Breakfast Club series, historian and professional military records researcher Beth Reuschel of Reuschel Research shares the remarkable story of helping a client, John Myers, uncover the hidden wartime heroism of his estranged father, WWII veteran Sgt. Ervin Myers. John grew up
Written by Todd DePastino Over the past few days, Los Angeles has seen intense civil unrest following federal immigration raids. President Donald Trump responded by federalizing the California National Guard and deploying around 700 Marines to the city. These moves have ignited a national debate over the use of military force on U.S. soil.
Written by John JC Miller What cadet didn't want to become a pilot after graduation? I didn't. How that came about makes for a somewhat unusual story. In telling it, I offer a couple of lessons learned from my cadet days and later in Core Values as taught there: Integrity first. Service before self.
