Michelin’s Post

Today, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we proudly supported 69 World War II heroes on their journey back to Normandy. These brave individuals honored the memories and sacrifices of that historic day. Their courage and dedication remind us of the true cost of freedom. Thank you to American Airlines for making this journey possible.

Don't miss out! Take a few moments to read our February newsletter today. Watch our Heroes Gala "Thank You" Video, sign up for Veterans Cup, become a member of our Loyalty Brigade, etc.: https://conta.cc/3w6E66Q Michele McManamon Char Miller Tracey Bradley Sr. MBA, BSM Virginia Sterry B. Julio Quinones Johnny Farris Julia Livingston Olivia Fisher David Trenholm Bob Buehn Timothy Edwards Abraham Blocker Melissa Circelli, SHRM - SCP Jenay Mckinney Daniel Starratt, MBA Brooke Jones-Chinetti John McManamon #ONU #OperationNewUniform #Jacksonville #Tampa #ONUWorldwide #MilitaryTransition #TransitionAssistanceProgram #VeteranTransition #MilitarySpouse #MilitarySpouseTransition https://conta.cc/3w6E66Q

Today, our nation lost one of its great heroes. There will be hundreds of well earned and heartfelt tributes to Col. (R) Ralph Puckett Jr., this is mine. Col. Puckett passed away today at the age of 97 at his home in Columbus, Ga., after a lifetime of service, both on and off the battlefield. Yes, he was awarded numerous medals for heroism, including a long overdue Medal of Honor, but it was his life off the battlefield that meant just as much to so many. Col. Puckett mentored generations of American soldiers, particularly US Army Rangers. Despite the fact that he was one of the most decorated soldiers alive Col. Puckett spent decades of his life mentoring those who came after him while never asking for anything in return. Whether it was joining Rangers training in the field, traveling overseas on both training and combat operations, or providing one-on-one mentorship to individual Rangers Col. Puckett was never too busy, or too important, to give his time. We first met when I was a new Private graduating into the 75th Ranger Regiment. Our relationship grew for the next 27 years in a deep and meaningful way. I will miss him terribly. The simplest way I can say it is Col. Puckett didn’t just set a standard, he is the standard. RLTW sir. 🇺🇸 **UPDATE** Congress has announced that Col Puckett will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol on April 29th. Link to article in comments. ——————————————————— *Pictured are Corporal Lucas escorting Col. Puckett at 1st Ranger Battalion, ca. 1998. Second is Sep 2022 at the MoH Convention. I was commanding a Special Forces Battalion and he was a MoH recipient.

This week we continue our #BlackHistoryMonth series, shedding light on individuals and projects that hold significance in Black history and have left a lasting impact on our firm, industry, and society. One such project is the General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Barracks at the United States Military Academy at West Point, designed by Clark Nexsen and named after the first African-American general in the U.S. Air Force.   The extensive excavation and preparation of the barracks site paled in comparison to the challenges General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. faced throughout his military education and career. During his time at West Point, he endured isolation and discrimination, being shunned and spoken to only for official reasons. Moreover, he was denied flight training in the Army Air Corps due to its refusal to accept African Americans.    The challenges overcome by General Davis Jr. are highlighted by his graduation as the 36th cadet in his West Point class of 276 in 1932 and graduating from aviation cadet training in 1942 after the War Department created an all-black flying unit. His journey continued as he led the Tuskegee Airmen Fighter Squadron during World War II, ultimately reaching the historic milestone of becoming the first African-American general in the U.S. Air Force. The General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Barracks stands not only as a testament to groundbreaking achievements but also as a symbol of its namesake’s extraordinary vision and perseverance.   Click on the link below to learn more: https://bit.ly/48fOlmX   #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory 

It’s Day 2 of OpenText F’25 kickoff, and an absolutely fantastic keynote from Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.), the first woman Thunderbird pilot, Fighter Squadron Commander, White House Fellow & Adviser. Incredible inspiration on how elevated teams push the envelope and how the path to success is non-linear. “Nothing of significance ever happens alone.” Thank you Col. Nicole for sharing your journey with OpenTexter’s today. 

On #MedalofHonorMonday, we recognize a true American military hero: Medal of Honor Recipient Private First Class Jacklyn "Jack" Lucas. Jack was awarded the United States military's highest decoration after he jumped on not one, but TWO grenades to save his fellow Marines in World War II. In August 1942, a 14-year-old Jack bribed a notary to falsify documents, forged his mother’s signature, at testified that he was 17 in order to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Jack was serving in Hawaii in January of 1945 when he stowed away on the USS Duel which was bound for the Pacific theater. Before he could be charged with desertion, Jack turned himself in to a superior officer. The punishment was exactly what he hoped: Jack was attached to a combat unit and headed to Iwo Jima. On February 20, 1945, just six days following his 17th birthday, Jack hurled himself upon two grenades, absorbing the blasts with his own body to protect fellow Marines. For his selfless actions, Jacklyn Lucas received the Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman on October 5, 1945, making him the youngest Medal of Honor recipient of World War II. Thank you, Jack, for your incredible bravery and for serving our country as part of the Greatest Generation. Today, we proudly salute you!