Happy New Year, friends! Yes, it’s January 20, but we reserve the right to wish everyone a happy new year through the 31st.

Last year was one for the books! The Iwo Jima Veterans reunion in February was a terrific way to jump start the year.

This was followed by the usual of events, veteran reunions, letters, phone calls, history collection, home visits etc. It felt like we blinked at the year was half spent! This year is already gearing up to be a similar whirlwind.

“Redshirt Breakfasts” are a staple of the month. Organized by Russell Minor, formally of Alamo Honor Flight. It’s my favorite way to spend Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

an evening at new york french consulate to discuss the 80th anniversary of dday

A special evening at the French Consulate in New York as the preparations for the 80th of DDay get underway.

mr. herb, ONE OF THE FIRST OPERATION MEATBALL VETERANS

A visit with my sweetie, Herb. One of the first “Operation Meatball Vets.”

THIS SUMMER, GREATER ARLINGTON LION CLUB (A LONGTIME SUPPORTER OF OM) PRESENTED A CHECK FOR BRIDGE T HISTORY

In 2023 Our children’s program: Bridge to History really took off in every way.

We continued our International children’s program, and also initiated the SECOND PART of the Bridge to History mentorship program: our stateside programs. These are events which involve the students in local community events, meeting their local military, furthering their study of history, talking about their experience in Europe, and taking what they are learning and using it to build into our country.

Al throughout 2023, our B2H ambassadors spoke in schools and civics clubs.

BRIDGE TO HISTORY AMBASSADORS, ADAM AND DYCHE, WITH COL. TEDDY KLEISNER AT FORT BRAGG IN MAY

In May the B2H ambassadors traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where they were guests of veterans of Charlie 2/504 82nd Airborne.

BRIDGE TO HISTORY AMBASSADORS, ADAM AND DYCHE, WERE PRESENTED WITH SPECIAL JUMP WINGS BY SOME VISITING GERMAN PARATROOPERS

For three days they were given a behind the scenes look at the Army base, and especially welcomed by the top leaders in the Army Airborne, and were also given life tips and exhortation regarding their education and life character.

BRIDGE TO HISTORY AMBASSADORS, ADAM AND DYCHE, MEETING GENERAL LANEVE - COMMANDER (AT THE TIME) OF THE 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION

October brought our 2nd international children’s program to London and Normandy. It was a glorious 9-days with our ambassadors discovering Normandy, the history, and climbing in bunkers. Each of the children really took to heart their commission to carry in the legacy of WWII by giving presentations to schools and civics groups since getting home.

To cap the year, ambassadors from both the 2022 and the 2023 international trip met in December in Washington, D.C. for Wreaths Across America where they joined 30,000 volunteers placing wreaths in Arlington Cemetery followed by visiting some of our very special D.C. memorials, including the World War II memorial, the Korean memorial, and the Vietnam memorial, remembering and honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

2024 is a big year for Operation Meatball. It is our TENTH ANNIVERSARY. This is exciting (and surprising) on many levels especially since at its birth back in spring 2014 the intention was ”We will do this for three years, while we three sisters are in high school.”

And here we are 10 years later, thousands of WWII veterans hugged and hands shook, hundreds of letters of personal correspondence exchanged, and now entrusting this legacy to the next generation of children.

heroes over texas with liberty jump team

WE ARE EXCITED.

And WE ARE GRATEFUL.

It has indeed been a richly blessed 10 years.

We have exciting plans over the next few months which we will keep you apprised.

The applications for future Bridge to History Ambassadors flow in. With your help, we can continue to build on the solid foundation we have started. This year, we are planning 2 international trips, and 8 stateside events, including kids on podcasts, working on a C-47 in Toccoa, All American Week, military reunions, meeting veterans, writing, reading, and much, much, more!

BRIDGE TO HISTORY AMBASSADOR, BEN, GIVING A PRESENTATION ON HIS TRIP

It is said that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. In 20 years, our B2H ambassadors will be 30, educated and experienced, leaders who know their history and love their country!

Will you help us prepare the forest?

Will you help us prepare these preteens for the future?

Please consider partnering with us this year. We are so grateful for you!

Bridge to History is a scholarship program giving history loving preteens a hands-on experience studying World War II in the battlefields and beaches of Europe.

Bridge to History is a program of Operation Meatball. If you would like to support B2H and help more students have this life-changing experience, visit www.bridge2history.com/donate or click the link in our bio.

Or, if your business is interested in being a 2024 community partner: email me at Liberty@bridge2history.com