SPRING 2024 UPDATES

We've been busy! From trips to the Flight 93 National Memorial to planning for our summer program in a few months, we can't wait to share this batch of updates with you. We are also excited to share that we are now one-for-one on grant applications as we recently got word that we'll be receiving funding through the PenFed Military Heroes Program! More details below!

FROM THE BLUEGRASS STATE TO THE KEYSTONE STATE: OUR RECENT TRIP WITH PINEVILLE ISD AND CORBIN ISD

We were honored to partner once again with the Gary Sinise Foundation to teach young people about the story of Flight 93 and bring honor to the brave 40 passengers and crew who fought back at 9:57 AM on 9/11. Students from Pineville and Corbin Independent School Districts, both in Kentucky, were treated to an opportunity to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial, meet and talk with Gordie Felt and Ken Nacke, both of whom lost brothers on Flight 93, and engage in small group discussions with Veterans and first responders whose lives changed dramatically as a result of the events of September 11. The students left the event feeling inspired by the courageous actions of the brave 40 and were encouraged to lead a life of selfless service, whatever form that may take.

At the culmination of the trip, it was our pleasure to be able to award the first-ever “Spirit of 9:57” award to educator Kim Yates. Her dedication to her students and commitment to excellence are well known among her colleagues, and since 2021, she has been an advocate of The 9:57 Project and its programs, sharing our work at conferences and partnering with us to bring a group of educators together in the Spring of 2023 at the Flight 93 Memorial to learn more about how to use this story to engage young people with the history of September 11. It was a special moment for all of us as we presented her with her award in front of her students and listened to reflections on the importance of teachers from Gordie Felt, a retired educator in the field of special education.

PENFED FOUNDATION AWARDS THE 9:57 PROJECT THE MILITARY HEROES GRANT

We are pleased to announce that we are the recipients of a $25,000 grant from PenFed Foundation! Their Military Heroes Program "provides high impact grants that celebrate the leadership and selfless service of military members and support the transition from service to civilian life." This award will go to support our Operation CREST after-school program that offers the opportunity for high school students to serve through the digital preservation of Veteran stories and empowers Veterans to continue to lead by sharing their experiences in the military relevant to Courage, Resilience, Empowerment, Service, and Teamwork.

The funds will go towards onboarding five new schools with brand new podcasting equipment, curricular resources, 9:57 Project swag, and an all-expenses paid trip to the Flight 93 National Memorial. It also allows us to honor the work of educators by supporting them financially for their work in helping us advance our mission! Do you know of a teacher who may be interested? Send them our way!

Stay tuned at www.operationcrest.org.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! APPLICATIONS REMAIN OPEN FOR THE 2024 SUMMER LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

Applications for the 2024 Summer Leadership Challenge remain open! Do you know of a high school student who is interested in attending this unique opportunity? Send them our way or ask them to visit our website to learn more about this Veteran-led program hosted by the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run in Haymarket, Virginia! Learn more at www.the957project.org/summer.

SUPPORT US ON MAY 14TH FOR GIVE LOCAL PIEDMONT!

We are registered for Give Local Piedmont (GLP)! GLP is a single day of giving on May 14th to benefit local charities and nonprofits in the Fauquier County, Virginia area. You can check out our GLP page here and be sure to mark your calendars to help us raise funds for connecting Educators and Veterans to inspire the next generation! Even if you don’t plan to give, spreading the word goes a long way toward helping us accomplish our mission.

That's all for now! Thank you for your support of our mission as we continue to mobilize Veterans to inspire the next generation.

Sincerely,
Peter Findler