Veterans Services
The Greatest Generations Foundation’s programs all operate at no cost to veterans, and are currently organized into three primary focuses: Veterans Services, Youth and Community Education, and Historical Preservation.
BATTLEFIELD REMEBRANCE: Since 2004, TGGF has offered free trips back to battle sites for World War II veterans. These have included itineraries to Normandy, Belgium, Italy, Northern Africa, Austria, Holland, Japan, Iwo Jima, Philippines, New Guinea, Korea, and other sites in the Pacific. These voyages back to the battlefields can be emotional – after all, they are a reminder of the heartbreaking toll war takes on human lives. But the journeys provide veterans a measure of closure on their war experience, the chance to share in the gratitude for their service, and a venue to educate others.
CONNECTING GENERATIONS: TGGF collaborates with universities to bring college students along on many of the battlefield journeys abroad. These trips are a powerful learning experience for the students. The students learn about the historic events of World War II. The history is deepened significantly by hearing the veterans’ personal accounts of bravery and sacrifice during these events. The veterans know their legacy and stories will be preserved and passed along by the students. These journeys provide a powerful bridge between two generations who, prior to these trips, often have had little contact with or curiosity about each other.
OPERATION COMMON GROUND: TGGF brings World War II veterans and Wounded Warriors who have overcome the hardships of acclimating to civilian life after being wounded in combat to aid stations in Europe where soldiers are being treated for recent wounds sustained in Operation Enduring Freedom. By connecting these two generations of veterans, those from WWII gain closure in a way otherwise inaccessible while those from recent operations are encouraged to have met the men who fought for a common goal over 65 years ago, defending the freedom that they defend today.