Category: News

CARLISLE (April 28, 2025) Central Penn Business Journal has selected Julie Germany, President of the Carlisle-based Army Heritage Center Foundation, as a 2025 Women of Influence honoree.

Germany leads the Army Heritage Center Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving soldier stories and promoting the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. She previously served on the foundation’s Board of Advisors for several years before joining the team in 2023. Germany is also involved in the Carlisle, Pennsylvania community, serving on the Downtown Carlisle Association’s promotions committee. In 2008, Germany was honored as a Rising Star by Campaigns and Elections Magazine, and in 2015 she was awarded the “40 Under 40” award by the American Association of Political Consultants. As long-time supporters of animal rescue and as volunteers at their local no-kill animal shelter, Germany and her husband have fostered more than 100 cats and particularly welcome senior hospice cats and cats with disabilities into their family.

“I am so proud to have roots in the Central Pennsylvania community,” said Germany. “Historic Carlisle and its military community have captured my heart since my family first moved here almost three decades ago. It is an honor to serve in a capacity where I can now give back to both.”

The Army Heritage Center Foundation raises funding and awareness for the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle and helps it fulfill its mission while also fostering the public’s awareness of Army history and cultivating a civic and cultural environment that invests in the preservation of soldier stories. On June 14th, the foundation will host its annual dinner, celebrating 250 years of Army history by highlighting the stories and service of local soldiers whose actions impacted the course of history.

The Women of Influence distinction honors high-achieving women for their career accomplishments. These women are selected based on their professional experience, community involvement and commitment to mentoring.

The honorees were selected by a panel of judges comprised of previous years’ Circle of Excellence recipients and by the editors of Central Penn Business Journal.

“The 2025 Women of Influence are inspiring leaders who have made significant contributions to Central Pennsylvania and beyond. They are high-achieving role models who mentor and encourage future generations to pursue their own paths and ambitions,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Central Penn Business Journal. “We are also so pleased to recognize the Circle of Excellence honorees, who are trailblazers, who aren’t afraid to face adversity and stand up for what they believe. They know the value of helping other women see something special in themselves, something they might not have known was there. Our Women to Watch are impressive young leaders making their mark in the community. We at Central Penn Business Journal are pleased to honor these transformational women.”

This year’s Women of Influence will be honored June 25 at a celebration at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, 4650 Lindle Road. Registration and networking begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards program starting at 6 p.m. The hashtag is #CPBJevents.

Attendance is limited. This event will sell out. Sponsors and honorees receive priority. There are various sponsorship levels available which include the right to use the event logo, multimedia marketing, a table to share with co-workers, family members and guests at the event, and much more. Tables are only available with sponsorship. To secure a sponsorship, contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner at shuettner@bridgetowermedia.com.

Honorees will be profiled in a magazine that will be distributed to all winners and attendees at the awards celebration. It will also be found at CPBJ.com and inserted into the July 4 issue of Central Penn Business Journal.

The Presenting Sponsor is Brown Plus. The Awards Sponsor is UPMC. The Supporting Sponsor is JMA Resources, Inc. The Celebration Sponsor is WellSpan Health. For more information and updated sponsorship information about Central Penn Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence, visit cpbj.com/event/women-of-influence/.

The Army Heritage Center Foundation (armyheritage.org) is a charitable organization separate from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.  As a private, nonprofit, non-Federal entity, AHCF is not affiliated with the Department of Defense and has no governmental status.

 

2025 Women of Influence

Brenda M. Alton, Ph.D., UPMC Central PA/Brenda Alton Ministries

Sara C. Arndt, Saxton & Stump

Dara C. Bachman, Fulton Bank

Candice Neff Barnett, Pennian Bank

Evon L. Bergey, Landis Communities

Heidi Bowie, Highmark

Deborah Bowman, CPA, SHRM-CP, Brown Plus

Michele Christensen, Donegal Insurance Group

Tara M. Davis, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

Kirsten T. Deeds, RKL LLP

Terese DeLaPlaine, Hamilton Health Center Inc.

Gretchen Duda, MBA, CFP®, Advent Partners

Sue Engels, JMA Resources, Inc.

Diana M. Escalante, Color & Culture

Jennifer Esser, KPMG

Julie Germany, Army Heritage Center Foundation

Jodi L. Heffner, Barry Isett & Associates Inc.

Amma Johnson, Penn State Harrisburg

Alicia LaFrance, Aetna, a CVS Health Company

Kate Martin, Conte Wealth Advisors

Nicole McCartan, The Peyton Walker Foundation

Alice Rose Muldrow, DOCEO OFFICE SOLUTIONS LLC

Ashley Nahodil, Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Rachel Quinn, Penn Waste

Erica Rawls, Keller Williams of Central PA

Donna L. Robinson, Clinic for Special Children

Emily Roman, Boyer & Ritter LLC

Natasha Romero, Donegal Mutual Insurance Company

Rebecca M. Shanaman, Esq., Barley Snyder

Lynn Stickler, Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Taura Thompson, Simon Lever LLC

Carrie Traeger, RDG Companies

Kimberly Kreider Umble, Lebanon Family Health Services

Kristin Warfel, Graham Packaging

Heather Woodbridge, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

Shea A. Zwerver, Flagger Force

2025 Circle of Excellence

Gladys Brown Gutrieuille, The Stevens & Lee Companies

Tracy Pawelski, Tracy Pawelski LLC

Karen Roland, Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Donna Roper, McConkey Insurance & Benefits

Stephanie Schreyer, Cargas Systems

2025 Women to Watch

Taylor Baublitz, Pennsylvania State Education Association

Brittany Guiles, KWCPA

Rebekah Harriger, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Emily Lazar Kreider, The Hershey Company

Sarah Malinsky, Royal Square Development & Construction

Yumi McClellan, JMA Resources, Inc.

Alycia Paulus, Conte Wealth Advisors

Katelyn E. Rohrbaugh, Esq., Barley Snyder

CARLISLE, Pa. –The Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF) in Carlisle is now embarking on an expansion of its immersive military training, thanks to a generous endowment from Nancy and Bob Gessner, daughter and son-in-law of the late Colonel Donald Esper of Carlisle, PA.

The Colonel Donald Esper Endowment will fund a greater number of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Staff Rides, a mandatory Army commissioning requirement that immerses ROTC cadets in the experience of important turning points in military history. By visiting the actual scene of these historical events, participants learn about the terrain, tactics, and leadership decisions that shaped the outcomes. Cadets who participate in the AHCF program will experience the lessons of Gettysburg.

The Colonel Donald Esper Endowment / AHCF ROTC Staff Ride Program is the legacy of a local military hero who passed away in 2023 after an impressive 34 years of service.

Colonel Esper enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served in combat in the Pacific during World War II. He received his Army commission as an Armor Second Lieutenant in April 1951. He served with the 11th Armored Cavalry at Ft. Carson, Colorado, the 66th Tank Battalion in post-War West Germany, the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, the 7th Infantry Division in South Korea, the 25th Infantry Division in South Vietnam, and as Battalion Commander of the 1st of the 33rd Armored Battalion in Gelnhausen, West Germany. While in command, the Battalion won the U.S. Army Europe Tank Gunnery Championship.

He also attended service schools at Fort Knox, Fort Leavenworth, and the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks. His final tour of duty was as Garrison Commander at Carlisle Barracks.

ROTC was an important part of Colonel Esper’s legacy. After World War II, he earned a degree in Business Administration at Xavier University, where he was an ROTC cadet. Later in his career, Colonel Esper earned a Master’s Degree while teaching ROTC at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York.

He and his wife Zetta Ann raised three children and were stationed all over the world until finally settling in Carlisle in 1975.  Esper retired in 1980 after 34 years of military service, then worked for 10 additional years for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

After leaving PEMA, Esper was active with his family, in St. Patrick’s Church in Carlisle and the Carlisle Rotary Club.

The Esper Endowment is one of the gifts that helps to power the work of the AHCF, the nonprofit that supports the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) and their ever-growing education and community engagement efforts.

“Bob and I are so pleased to have worked with AHCF to create this endowment honoring my dad,” said Nancy Gessner. “AHCF will be faithful and responsible stewards of my dad’s legacy.  The endowment fund is the perfect confluence of AHCF’s expertise with ROTC Staff rides and my dad’s passion for bringing the events at Gettysburg to life along with his background as an ROTC cadet at Xavier University and as a teacher of ROTC cadets at Canisius University.”

In March, NEWSWEEK readers chose USAHEC as one of the “Top 10 Free Museums” in the U.S.  Many activities that will be open to the public are being offered this year in conjunction with the 250^th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

“The Army Heritage Center Foundation is overjoyed with the Esper family’s generous gift, which will have a large and lasting impact on the education of up-and-coming leaders,” said AHCF Board Chairman Robert DeSousa, Esq., a 28-year veteran of the Army National Guard who served during the Iraq War and held the post of State Judge Advocate. “New recruits bring new energy, enthusiasm, and insights that inspire us to carry on our mission to preserve and share American history and the stories of our Soldiers with our nation.”

Foundation President Julie Germany also applauded the Gessners’ generosity. “Colonel Esper’s legacy lives on in the cadets who will walk through our doors and shape the future of our nation,” said Germany. “Our foundation is looking forward to offering a greater number of staff rides and helping to fund the future of USAHEC and honor those who have served and sacrificed.”

# # #

About the Army Heritage Center Foundation

 The Army Heritage Center Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit that is honored to advance the mission of USAHEC, one of the nation’s premier sites dedicated to preserving and honoring the experiences and memories of those who served in the U.S. Army. USAHEC memorializes the lives and lived experiences of our soldiers in photographs, artifacts, books and more.  The Army Heritage Center Foundation (armyheritage.org) is a charitable organization separate from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.  As a private, nonprofit, non-Federal entity, AHCF is not affiliated with the Department of Defense and has no governmental status.

Carlisle, PA – NEWSWEEK has released its list of Top 10 Museums in the U.S., and a local attraction has made the list for the first time ever.

The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) in Carlisle consistently ranks as the number one tourist destination in Cumberland County and has now been lauded as one of the Top 10 museums in the nation, in the March 6 issue of NEWSWEEK.

USAHEC is free and open to the public, and features an interactive Soldier Experience Gallery, a photography display, artifacts, personal papers, full-scale reconstructions of historical time periods and other items of interest, along with a popular outdoor Walking Trail lined with tanks, trenches, aircraft, artillery, and more.

“We are elated to earn this national recognition not only for this area, but for the men and women we are dedicated to honoring here,” said Julie Germany, President of the Army Heritage Center Foundation. “Being recognized in the year we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the U.S. Army just adds an extra special element to the meaningful celebrations we have planned this year.’”

The Army Heritage Center Foundation will host a formal dinner to celebrate the 250^th anniversary on June 14^th at USAHEC. The Foundation is also working to support updating the Center’s exhibits, including the interactive Soldier Experience Gallery.

USAHEC is a hub of knowledge and expertise for the military, government, academia, and the American public.

Future Army Heritage Center Foundation events this year include a Recognition Dinner headlined by General David Petraeus, U.S. Army Retired, the former director of the CIA who led multinational forces in Iraq, and later served as commander in chief of the Central Command; an appearance by award-winning author and WASHINGTON POST journalist Rick Atkinson; along with used book sales, holiday events, and photographs with “Sergeant Santa” for children and pets.

Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF) was awarded a $5,000 grant from America250PA’s first Semiquincentennial Grant Round to support the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center’s upcoming exhibit on 250 years of Army history. This support allows AHCF to attract visitors and tourists from across the state and the region

“We are so excited to contribute to Pennsylvania’s celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence and engaging as many of our neighbors as possible. The U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14th, 2025–about a year before the formal birthday of our nation. Army history is American history, and we’re incredibly proud to connect two and a half centuries of American soldier stories with the public,” said Julie Germany, President of AHCF, “And a lot of that history has its roots right here in historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.”

“America250PA hopes to engage Pennsylvanians, from all of our 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation. We strive to connect neighbors through the stories of our past, fostering pride in our shared journey and hope for our future. By embracing inclusivity and encouraging dialogue, we can strengthen the bonds that unite us.  The E.P.I.C. framework—Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate—serves as the guiding vision to honor Pennsylvania’s role in America’s story as we bring the Semiquincentennial to life.” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA.

For more information about the Semiquincentennial Grants, please visit https://www.america250pa.org/Semiquin_Grants.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Amanda Neal at aneal@armyheritage.org.

The Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF) has announced the election of four new members to its board of directors: Dr. Rory Cooper, William “Jack” Davis, Andrew Lewis, Nancy Gessner, and Brigadier General George Smawley (USA Ret.). The Foundation also announced the election of board members Robert DeSousa to board chair and Christian Johnson to board secretary.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for the foundation,” said Julie Germany, AHCF president. “Our new board members bring a wealth of expertise and an invigorating approach to our mission: supporting the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC). Over the next few months, we’ll launch several new initiatives aimed at connecting 250 years of Army history with the American public and improving USAHEC’s programs and facilities.”

Dr. Rory A. Cooper is the founding director and VA senior research career scientist of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a VA Rehabilitation R&D Center of Excellence in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh. Cooper has authored or co-authored over 400 peer-reviewed journal publications. He has 30 patents awarded or pending. He is the author of two books: “Rehabilitation Engineering Applied to Mobility and Manipulation” and “Wheelchair Selection and Configuration”, and co-editor of “An Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering”,
“Warrior Transition Leader: Medical Rehabilitation Handbook” and the award winning book “Care of the Combat Amputee”. Cooper is an elected Fellow of the National Academy of
Inventors, as well as RESNA, IEEE, AIMBE and BMES. In October 2023, he was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Biden and he was inducted into the 50th class of the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

William C. “Jack” Davis is an American historian who was a professor of history at Virginia Tech and the former director of programs at that school’s Virginia Center for Civil War Studies. Specializing in the American Civil War, Davis has written more than 50 books on that subject and other aspects of early southern U.S. history, such as the Texas Revolution. He is the only three-time winner of the Jefferson Davis Award for Civil War history and was awarded the Jules F. Landry Award for Southern History. His book Lone Star Rising has been called “the best one-volume history of the Texas revolution yet written.” For many years, he was editor and publisher of Civil War Times Illustrated. Davis earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (History, 1969) degrees from Sonoma State University.

Nancy Gessner is a philanthropist and community leader who coordinates corporate donations and sponsorships for Massillon Cable TV, a 3rd generation family owned business that her father-in-law started in 1965. Massillon Cable TV provides business and residential internet, video and telephone services in eastern Ohio and West Virginia. She currently serves on the board of the Stark Community Foundation’s board (where she also chairs the personnel committee) and on the county Capital Campaigns Committee, a group of community leaders who listen to and evaluate large capital campaign requests from local organizations. Nancy and her husband Bob recently chaired a successful capital campaign for the expansion of our local Massillon Museum which raised over $5 million. She has served in leadership positions on a number of volunteer boards, including Massillon Museum, Western Stark Free Clinic, Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce and has been involved in grassroots organizing for local schools. Nancy is an alumna of The College of William and Mary.

Andrew Lewis is the President and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation. He previously served two terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In the private sector, Andrew spearheaded the growth of two small businesses into successful companies before leading a key division at one of the premier regional homebuilding companies in the United States. Andrew is an Iraq War veteran with almost ten years of active duty in Army reconnaissance and counterintelligence. He received five commendation medals, and his assignments included posts in South Korea and at the White House Military Office. He currently serves in the Army Reserve as a Civil Affairs Officer. He holds a BA in political science from Thomas Edison State
University, an MBA from Temple University, and a Master’s in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Entrepreneurial Bootcamp at Syracuse University.

Brigadier General George Smawley (USA Ret.) most recently served as the Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, MD. His previous assignments include: Staff
Judge Advocate, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, HI; Staff Judge Advocate / NATO LEGAD for U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel/ NATO Resolute Support Mission
(Kabul, Afghanistan); Executive Officer to The Judge Advocate General of the Army; Staff Judge Advocate, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI, including as Staff Judge Advocate for
U.S. Division-North (Tikrit, Iraq) and U.S. Division-Center (Baghdad, Iraq); Assistant Executive Officer to The Judge Advocate General of the Army; Staff Judge Advocate, 10th Mountain Division (Rear) and Fort Drum, NY; Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, 10th Mountain Division including Combined Joint Task Force – 76 (Bagram, Afghanistan); Plans Officer, Office of The Judge Advocate General; Legal Advisor, U.S. Army Special Operations Command and 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Bragg, NC; Chief, Claims and Senior Trial Counsel, Fort Benning, GA; Chief, Claims, Trial Counsel, and Operational/ Administrative Law Attorney, 6th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, AK. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Policy Management Studies and English from Dickinson College, and completed visiting undergraduate and law school semester programs in London, Tel Aviv, and Vienna. He also holds a Masters in Military Law (LL.M) from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s School and a Masters in Strategic Studies (MSS) from the U.S. Army War College.

“In addition to our new board members, I’m thrilled to announce that my former colleague Robert DeSousa has been elected chair of the foundation board,” said Germany. “Bob has been a long-time supporter of our mission and recently spearheaded our overwhelmingly successful fundraising efforts at our annual Membership and Recognition Dinner, which exceeded all of our expectations. He, along with Christian Johnson (our newly elected secretary) and Shawn Brubaker (our board treasurer) will help us continue this trend of mission-focused excellence in service.”
Colonel Bob DeSousa, ARNG, (Ret.) previously served as state director for former Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. DeSousa earned his law degree from Penn State University’s Dickinson School of Law and served the state of Pennsylvania as district attorney, state counsel, and inspector general over the course of his career in both the public and private sectors. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and a Masters in Strategic Studies (MSS) from the U.S. Army War College. An Iraq war veteran, DeSousa also served in the Army National Guard for 28 years, retiring from the service in 2020 as a state judge advocate. He is Counsel at the Eckert Seamans Law Firm.

Christian Johnson was the Inaugural Dean for Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Prior to joining Widener, Dean Johnson was the Hugh B. Brown Presidential Endowed Chair of the Law and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Utah College of Law. He has a Juris Doctor from Columbia School of Law and is an alumnus of the University of Utah.

The Army Heritage Center Foundation helps the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center realize its full potential as a hub of knowledge and expertise for the military, government, academia, and American public.

October 28 -Today the Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF or “the Foundation”) announced the roll out of its 1775 Fund–a fundraising and awareness initiative designed to commemorate 250 years of the United States Army’s impact on American history.

The United States Army was created by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. The name “1775 Fund” honors that important date.

“The concept of the 1775 Fund is simple,” said Julie Germany, President of the Foundation. “For just $17.75, supporters can help us connect 250 years of soldier stories to the American public and enrich the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center’s (USAHEC) facilities.”

The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, located in historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is Cumberland Valley’s leading tourist attraction. It includes a multi-gallery museum that allows visitors to experience the Army through the eyes of the men and women who lived its history. The campus also includes a mile-long outdoor Army Heritage Trail, archives, library, and both indoor and outdoor event facilities.

“The history of our nation is directly tied to the history of the Army, and the Army Heritage and Education Center allows the public to immerse themselves in every stage of Army–and American–history,” said Robert J. DeSousa, Chair of the Army Heritage Center Foundation Board of Directors and Counsel at Eckert Seamans. “The 1775 Fund is specifically designed to help us reach more people with that message and drive more visitors to both the Center and the area.”

The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center is free and open to the public and is also child and pet friendly. Outreach programs include field trips, family events, author book talks, opportunities for home school and cyber school visits, a commemorative Soldiers Walk and memorial garden, leadership-building programs, and concerts.

“It is critically important to document the stories of our U.S. Army service men and women – to ensure that their memories, and their lessons for us all, are never ever forgotten, but live on in the legacy that is the United States Army, the United States Army Heritage and Education Center, and the Army Heritage Center Foundation,” said Lee James Woolley, an Army Heritage Center Foundation Board Member and a U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador for the State of Montana.

The Army Heritage Center Foundation helps the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center realize its full potential as a hub of knowledge and expertise for the military, government, academia, and American public.

More information about the 1775 Fund can be found at armyheritage.org/1775.

 

 

GENERAL DAVID PETRAEUS WILL DISCUSS MODERN WARFARE, CURRENT CONFLICTS IN UKRAINE AND ISRAEL

Fireside Chat to Be Held at the Columbia County Exhibition Center

 

Augusta, GA and Carlisle, PA – General David Petraeus, U.S. Army (Ret.) will be the guest speaker at the 2024 Community Military Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Greater Augusta-Fort Eisenhower Chapter and the Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF) on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:00 pm.

General Petraeus’s book, Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 – Ukraine offers examples of strategic military leadership from the last 70 years and delves into the future of modern warfare.

“The United States military has had a tremendous impact on our area. This event was designed to bring both the military and civilian communities together to celebrate that relationship.” said COL (Ret.) Thom Tuckey, who is co-chairing the banquet for the Greater Augusta-Fort Eisenhower Chapter of AUSA. “We’re honored that General Petraeus has agreed to provide a highly relevant and engaging discussion on current events and military leadership.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the local Fisher Houses, as well as the Army Heritage Center Foundation in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

“General Petraeus brings incredible insight as this generation’s outstanding battlefield commander and strategist. Our attendees won’t be rehashing old news: they will have the opportunity to step right into the middle of action, metaphorically speaking, and engage with the issues and tactical responses currently confronting our national leaders.” said Julie Germany, President of the Army Heritage Center Foundation.

WHAT:  2024 Community Military Appreciation Banquet with General David Petraeus      WHEN: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 6:00 PM

WHERE: Columbia County Exhibition Center, 212 Partnership Dr, Grovetown, GA 30813

WHO: General David Petraeus, U.S. Army (Ret.)

REGISTRATION: This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased online.

General Petraeus served over 37 years in the U.S. Army culminating his career with six consecutive commands as a general officer, five of which were in combat, including command of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and NATO/US Forces in Afghanistan.  He subsequently served as Director of the CIA, following confirmation by the Senate by a vote of 94-0, during a period of significant achievements in the global war on terror. General Petraeus serves as a member of the National Advisory Council of the Army Heritage Center Foundation.

His new book, Conflict, which he co-authored with the prize-winning historian Andrew Roberts, explores over 70 years of conflict and offers a fresh analysis of the lessons and insights of the past.

The Army Heritage Center Foundation helps the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center realize its full potential as a hub of knowledge and expertise for the military, government, academia, and American public.

 

ARMY HERITAGE CENTER FOUNDATION RECEIVES STARBUCKS FOUNDATION NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT

DONATION WILL SUPPORT THE U.S. ARMY HERITAGE AND EDUCATION CENTER EXHIBITS AND WALKING TRAIL IN CARLISLE, PA

 

CARLISLE, PA – Today the Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF or the Foundation) (armyheritage.org) announces that it is the recipient of a Starbucks Foundation Neighborhood Grant.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive the support of the Starbucks Foundation,” said Julie Germany, President of the Foundation. “Starbucks has been a long-time supporter of both the Foundation and the Army Heritage and Education Center through volunteering and support of our educational programs.

AHCF will use the Starbucks Foundation Neighborhood grant to support the upkeep of exhibits at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC)–specifically along its immersive Army Heritage Trail, which is free and open to the public. The mile-long trail is an outdoor living history museum, and it allows visitors to explore almost every era of Army history with exhibits and large artifacts. The trail is child-, stroller- and pet-friendly, and parking at the facility is both ample and free.

“The Army Heritage Center and its trail is the number one tourist destination in the area,” Germany continued. “It provides an incredible introduction not just to the history of the Army but also to our nation’s roots right here in historical Carlisle.”

Through its Neighborhood Grants program, The Starbucks Foundation invites Starbucks partners (employees) and Starbucks Alumni to nominate local grassroots, community-led nonprofit organizations in their community to receive small grants. Neighborhood Grants also help build sustained local impact and inspire partners to engage with nonprofits all year long.

“I am extremely honored to present the Starbucks neighborhood grant in support of our local active military, veterans, veterans’ families and the public,” said Nikki Phillips, Starbucks district manager who serves on the board of the Armed Forces Network for Starbucks. Phillips organizes monthly volunteer days for Starbucks partners, licensees and the public at the Foundation and Center.

The Army Heritage Center Foundation helps the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center realize its full potential as a hub of knowledge and expertise for the military, government, academia, and American public.

 

 

The Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF, the Foundation) will honor former Pennsylvania Governor, The Honorable Thomas Corbett with its Major General John Armstrong Award and the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry (FTPCC or First City Troop) with its Living Legend Award at its annual Membership and Recognition Dinner on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, which is open to the public with a ticket purchase.

During his time in office, Corbett, who served in the National Guard from 1971 to 1984 helped the Foundation with the U.S. Army Heritage and Educations Center’s popular Hall of the American Soldier.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating Governor Corbett’s legacy of support to the military community in the state of Pennsylvania,” said Kevin Sunday, policy advisor with McNees Wallace & Nurick and member of the Foundation’s board of directors. “Specifically, under his executive leadership, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center was able to expand its the brick and mortar facilities and continue its proud role as the most popular tourist destination in Cumberland County.” Sunday served in Corbett’s administration in a senior role at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Founded in 1774, the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry is the oldest mounted military unit that has been in continuous service to our nation.  Their service spans centuries of military campaigns from the Revolutionary War to Operation Enduring Freedom.

“To put this in perspective, the United States Army will celebrate its 250^th birthday in 2025, The First City Troop is even older,” said Julie Germany, President of the Army Heritage Center Foundation. “They are living history, and they embody the virtue of selfless service to our nation.”

WHAT: The Army Heritage Center Foundation’s Annual Membership & Awards Dinner

WHO:

• Major General John Armstrong Award: Honorable Thomas Corbett
• Living Legend Award: First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry
• Master of Ceremonies: Tom Russell (WHP CBS 21)

WHEN: Saturday, October 26

• Reception: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Silent Auction: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Dinner and Program: 7:00 pm

WHERE: The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013

This is a ticketed event. Dinner tickets are on sale for $100 per person or $150 per couple and can be purchased on the Foundation’s website. Included in the evening’s activities is a silent auction that includes unique items and gift certificates to regional attractions, restaurants, wineries, and golf courses, among others.

Dinner sponsorship opportunities are available. For additional details about the dinner and silent auction, or to order tickets, please contact the Foundation at (717) 258-1102, info@armyheritage.org, or visit www.armyheritage.org.

The Army Heritage Center Foundation helps the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center realize its full potential as a hub of knowledge and expertise for the military, government, academia, and American public.

For more information, visit armyheritage.org.