Our Partners
Troops of the 369th Infantry Regiment (the "Harlem Hellfighters") in line. Note their Adrian helmets and Lebel rifles, reflective of their service under French rather than American command owing to contemporary racial attitudes
Our review is fortunate to enjoy the support of an influential and ever-expanding network of sponsors united by their shared recognition of the service and sacrifice of all Americans in the First World War.
American Legion
At the 100th Annual Convention of the America Legion concluding on August 30th, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Legion passed resolution 109 endorsing the Valor Medals Review Task Force and its efforts.
Congressional Black Caucus Veteran's Braintrust
On September 14th, 2018, the Valor Medals Review Task Force hosted a briefing for members of the Congressional Black Caucus Veteran's Braintrust and their invited guests to discuss the portion of our project covering African American Veterans from World War I. In attendance were staff members for Representative Emmanuel Cleaver II (D-MO). At the end of this briefing, the Executive Director of the Veteran's Braintrust, called upon the organization to endorse the Task Force.
George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War at
Park University
The Robb Centre was founded in 2005 by descendants of George Seanor Robb, an officer who graduated from Park University and went on to receive a Medal of Honor during his World War I service with the "Harlem Hellfighters."
Its overarching mission is to advance an international awareness encompassing aspects of World War I (1914-1918) through exploration, dialogue, scholarship, education, and examination of humanistic and non-humanistic endeavors associated with the enhancement of global perspectives.
The Robb Centre is supporting the Task Force by providing collaboration on governmental initiatives and dissemination of research related to the project, in its role as the chief clearinghouse for Task Force research. Additionally, it has organized a network of student research assistants to further the efforts of Task Force volunteers and is the collection point for private, tax-deductible charitable giving to support the Task Force's activities.
Dr. Timothy Westcott is the director of the Centre, and a volunteer member of the Valor Medals Review Task Force.
United States World War One Centennial Commission
The Commission was established by the World War One Centennial Commission Act, part of Public Law 112-272 passed by the 112th Congress and signed by President Obama on January 16, 2013, and further refined by Public Law 113-291, Subtitle J, Section 3091. It is responsible for planning, developing, and executing programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War One; encouraging private organizations and State and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the centennial of World War I; facilitating and coordinating activities throughout the United States relating to the centennial of World War One; serving as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about events and plans for the centennial of World War One; and developing recommendations for Congress and the President for commemorating the centennial of World War One.
The Commission is building the national World War One Memorial at Pershing Park in Washington, DC with private donations.
It's permanent implementing organization, the Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars, has supported the Valor Medals Review Task Force financially, and by providing teleconferencing and office space, as well as serving as a conduit for volunteers to conduct outreach to other interested parties. Furthermore, the Commission adopted a a resolution in support of the Valor Medals Review Task Force at its public meeting in Chicago, Illinois on October 2nd.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
At the 119th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars concluding on July 25, 2018, in Kansas City, Missouri, the VFW passed resolution 308 endorsing the Valor Medals Review Task Force and its efforts.
