The National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Pat Tillman was a standout athlete and scholar, best known for his career as a professional football player with the Arizona Cardinals. Born in 1976 in Fremont, California, he earned a scholarship to Arizona State University, where he excelled as a linebacker and earned Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1997. Drafted into the NFL in 1998, Tillman played safety for the Cardinals and quickly became known for his hard-hitting style and fierce loyalty, turning down multi-million-dollar offers out of devotion to his team. Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, Tillman made a life-altering decision. In 2002, at the peak of his NFL career, he walked away from a $3.6 million contract to enlist in the U.S. Army with his brother, Kevin. The two completed Ranger School and were deployed to Iraq and then Afghanistan. On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was tragically killed in a friendly fire incident in eastern Afghanistan. Pat Tillman’s legacy remains one of service, sacrifice, and integrity. He is remembered not just for his athletic prowess, but for his principled decision to serve his country at great personal cost. His story continues to inspire conversations about duty, truth, and the meaning of heroism in modern America. #pattillman #usarmy #armystrong #army #asu #arizonacardinals

🚨 🚨 JULY MEMBERSHIP SWAP ANNOUNCEMENT Calling all Active Members of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum! Have you always wanted to see THE RUTHERFORD B HAYES PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUMS in Fremont, Ohio? View beautiful Spiegel Grove? Browse the historic home or presidential library? Exclusively for the month of July this year, present your Active NVMM Membership Card at the desk at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont, Ohio, and receive FREE DAILY ADMISSION for the named members on your card! Renew your annual membership or become a member of the NVMM today to take advantage of this membership swap all of July https://lnkd.in/gnf8XdnR Questions? Contact members@nationalvmm.org for more information. #rbhayespres #nvmm #columbusohio #cityofcolumbus #fremontoh

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Pfc. Robert Riechman, a Marine who in fought in WWII during the battles of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima, tells his story at The Madyson at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Feb. 23, 2023. Active duty Marines with Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale visited the nursing home to meet and honor Veterans from across the different branches. The Iwo Jima Luncheon was organized by U.S. Marine Corps Veterans Joe Lisi and Tom Kane together with The Madyson staff members to honor those who answered the call of duty for the defense of our nation. #wwii #worldwarii #iwojima #pacifictheater #militaryhistory #veteranstories

Engineers of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division preparing to cross the Marne River near Mézy, France, July 1918. The Second Battle of the Marne was a pivotal World War I conflict fought from July 15 to August 6, 1918, and it marked the beginning of the end for the German Army on the Western Front. In a final attempt to break the Allied lines and win the war before American forces could fully arrive in strength, the Germans launched a massive offensive east and west of Reims, France, aiming to split the French armies. Initially, German troops crossed the Marne River, but they met unexpectedly fierce resistance from French forces reinforced by British, Italian, and newly arrived American divisions, including the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division, which earned the nickname “Rock of the Marne” for their steadfast defense. After halting the German advance, the Allies, under the overall command of French Marshal Ferdinand Foch, launched a well-coordinated counteroffensive on July 18, utilizing surprise tactics, tanks, and air power. This assault forced the Germans into retreat, recapturing territory and weakening German morale. The battle resulted in high casualties on both sides but decisively shifted momentum to the Allies. It was the last major German offensive of the war and a critical step toward the eventual Armistice in November 1918. #historicalphoto #otd #wwi #worldwari #battleofthemarne #militaryhistory

Today, we honor the birthday of Brigadier General Robin Olds, born on July 14, 1922 — a legendary American fighter pilot whose name is etched into the annals of U.S. Air Force history. The son of Army Air Corps Major General Robert Olds, Robin grew up around military aviation and quickly made a name for himself. He became a double ace in World War II, flying P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs in Europe, with 12 confirmed aerial victories. His aggressive flying style and natural leadership earned him immense respect among his peers and subordinates. Olds returned to combat in the Vietnam War more than two decades later, this time in an F-4 Phantom. As commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing — nicknamed “The Wolfpack” — he reinvigorated morale and introduced bold tactics, most famously orchestrating Operation Bolo, a daring 1967 mission that tricked North Vietnamese MiG-21s into engaging and resulted in seven enemy aircraft downed in a single day. By the end of his career, Robin Olds had 16 confirmed kills and had flown more than 150 combat missions across two wars. More than just a fearless pilot, Robin Olds was a reformer and mentor who challenged outdated policies and championed innovation within the Air Force. With his signature handlebar mustache and defiant spirit, he became a symbol of the warrior ethos and authenticity. On his birthday, we remember not just a decorated ace, but a man whose legacy continues to inspire aviators and leaders around the world. Happy birthday, General Olds — clear skies and tailwinds. Now the only remaining question is: When will Tom Hardy play him in a major motion picture? #robinolds #fighterpilot #usaf #airforce #militaryhistory #legendary

Curious what the NVMM is all about? This past Memorial Day, we were honored to welcome retired Major General Mark A. Graham, U.S. Army, as our guest speaker. As a Gold Star Father and first-time museum attendee, he had some beautiful insight into what the museum means for the Veteran community. If you are in the Columbus, OH, area or are looking to visit, plan a trip to the museum: https://nationalvmm.org/ We hope to see you here! #nvmm #columbusohio #experiencecolumbus #cityofcolumbus

First and foremost, let's get it out of the way and congratulate 10th Mountain for having the best photo cache (un)known to man. What a crop. Also, happy birthday to the 10th Mountain Division. From the snow-covered peaks of the Apennines in World War II to the rugged terrains of modern-day deployments, the Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division have exemplified bravery, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. Your motto, "Climb to Glory," is a testament to the relentless spirit and strength of every Soldier who has worn the Mountain tab with pride. Your sacrifices, dedication, and service continue to inspire generations and protect the liberties we cherish. Thank you for your service. Here’s to your enduring legacy and many more years of excellence. Climb to Glory! #10thmountain #armystrong #usarmy #army #climbtoglory

A great event for an even greater cause! 👇 ❤️

A young U.S. Marine sits amid the devastated battlefield of Iwo Jima in 1945, calmly lighting a pipe, with a flamethrower strapped to his back. #historicalphoto #wwii #worldwarii #pacifictheater #usmc #semperfi

🫡 Veterans' Stories: Frederick W. Smith — the decorated Marine Corps platoon leader who went on to start FedEx. #fredsmith #fedex #vietnamwar #marines #semperfi #veteranstories #militaryhistory Fred was a friend and loyal supporter of the NVMM, and we continue to keep his family in our thoughts.