Dear Friends,

 

Nearly 250 years ago, courageous men and women pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in pursuit of an extraordinary ideal—that all people are endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

 

Their sacrifice gave birth to a nation founded not upon the power of a monarch, but upon the enduring principles of freedom, duty, and self-government.

 

As we celebrate Independence Day, we pause to honor those who have defended those principles throughout every generation of our nation’s history. From the soldiers of the Continental Army who stood beside General George Washington, to the brave Americans serving in uniform today around the world, each generation has answered the call to preserve the liberties entrusted to them.

 

This Independence Day carries added significance as our nation continues its commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary. It is an opportunity not only to celebrate our remarkable past, but also to renew our commitment to preserving the stories of those whose courage and sacrifice have secured our freedom.

 

That mission is at the very heart of the Army Heritage Center Foundation. Every artifact preserved, every educational program supported, every exhibit enhanced, and every visitor inspired helps ensure that the legacy of the American Soldier is never forgotten. Future generations deserve to understand that our freedoms were neither accidental nor free—they were earned through extraordinary sacrifice by ordinary Americans who answered their nation’s call.

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend my sincere gratitude to our members, volunteers, supporters, and donors. Your generosity and steadfast commitment enable us to preserve our Army’s proud heritage while educating and inspiring citizens from across our nation. Your partnership ensures that the values of service, honor, courage, and sacrifice remain living principles rather than distant memories.

 

As we gather with family and friends this Fourth of July, may we reflect upon the blessings of liberty, remember those who secured it, and recommit ourselves to preserving their stories for generations yet unborn. The preservation of our Army’s history is more than an act of remembrance—it is an investment in our nation’s future.

 

Thank you for your continued dedication to the Army Heritage Center Foundation and to the enduring legacy of the American Soldier.

 

May God bless you and your families, may God continue to bless the United States Army, and may God forever bless the United States of America.

 

Respectfully,

COL (Ret.) Robert DeSousa
Chairman of the Board
Army Heritage Center Foundation

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick Announced as Army Nonprofit’s

“Living Legend Award” Recipient

 

Sen. McCormick’s Military and Government Service to Be Recognized at the Oct. 24th “Evening of Honor” Dinner Hosted by the Army Heritage Center Foundation  

 

 

(CARLISLE, PA) – U.S. Senator Dave McCormick has been announced as the recipient of the 2026 “Living Legend Award,” which will be formally presented to him at the annual Evening of Honor dinner hosted by the Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF) on Saturday, October 24 at the Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

 

Sen. McCormick was elected Senator from Pennsylvania in 2024. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1987 and served in Iraq during the Gulf War, earning a Bronze Star while serving in the 82nd Airborne Division.  McCormick earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University.  From 2005 to 2009, he held several key positions in the administration of George W. Bush, including as Undersecretary of the Treasury for International Affairs.

 

“Senator Dave McCormick’s life story is one of service in its fullest sense,” said Julie Germany, president of the foundation, which is based in historic Carlisle.  “From his time as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Gulf War to his continued service in the U.S. Senate, McCormick has demonstrated courage, patriotism, and devotion to country.”

 

Governor Haley Barbour, who served as Mississippi’s 63rd governor, and is now a valued member of the foundation’s National Advisory Board, said, “Senator Dave McCormick had a spectacularly successful career in business after his service in the U.S. Army, and now he is off to a great start as a serious, effective, conservative United States Senator.”

 

Senator McCormick’s selection was announced at a reception in Washington, D.C on Thursday evening that attracted federal, state and military leaders.

“The 2026 Living Legend Award recognizes individuals whose leadership leaves a lasting mark, and Senator McCormick is richly deserving of that distinction,” said Robert DeSousa, chair of the foundation’s board. “His example reminds us that true leadership means answering the call to serve something greater than oneself.”

 

Tickets for the October 24 dinner will go on sale after June 13. Pre-sale ticket registration is available at www.armyheritage.org/events. The dinner is open to the general public.

 

–end–

 

 

 

 

 

# #  #

 

The Army Heritage Center Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to sharing the stories of U.S. Army soldiers from all eras, fostering understanding and building meaningful connections between the military and civilian communities. The primary beneficiary of the foundation’s philanthropic contributions is the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, which collects, preserves, and presents materials related to the evolution and application of landpower at echelon, as well as the experiences of American Soldiers, to build a foundation for adaptive leadership and to connect the United States Army to the public. As a private, nonprofit, non-Federal entity, AHCF is not affiliated with the Department of Defense and has no governmental status. 

 

CARLISLE, Pa. —Recognizing the opportunities that the Army Heritage Center Foundation is giving women to lead in a traditionally male-dominated field, the foundation, based in historic Carlisle, was among the employers honored with an “Empowering Women” Award from Central Penn Business Journal on Tuesday.

The nonprofit foundation’s work on behalf of women was saluted, including their success in recruiting women for top leadership roles, building a culture that supports women at every age, and offering programming and mentorship opportunities that promote women in the larger community.

In the 250^th anniversary year for the U.S. Army, women have frequently been the face of the organization, including at major industry conferences that include the Society for Military History, the American Bus Association’s Marketplace and the local chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

 

The foundation has elevated women’s accomplishments through Women Veterans Day, a focus on Vietnam nurses, support for Gold Star Mothers, and inspirational appearances at major public events.  The 12-member staff connect the stories of veterans with the American public on social media, through direct mail and online outreach, and through real-world programs and events.

 

President Julie Germany was the keynote speaker for the Carlisle Burrough’s annual Memorial Day ceremony in May 2025.

“We support the community of women in military history through programming and networking opportunities and continue to attract top female talent on our team and on our board,” President Julie Germany said.

“Our foundation staff, board and soldier stories are wonderfully diverse,” said Germany. “We are grateful for the recognition we have received from Central Penn Business Journal, validating our growing success in our mission to empower women and create a better future for our Army soldiers and our communities.”

 

The Army Heritage Center Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to sharing the stories of U.S. Army soldiers from all eras, fostering understanding and building meaningful connections between the military and civilian communities. The primary beneficiary of the foundation’s philanthropic contributions is the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, which collects, preserves, and presents materials related to the evolution and application of land power as well as the experiences of American soldiers, to build a foundation for strategic thought and to connect the public to the U.S. Army.  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. 

The Army Heritage Center Foundation office will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The office will reopen at 8 AM on Monday, November 29.