My Journey From Despair to Victory This Summer

Jul 19

This past spring my wife Alex and I went to Poland for the March of the Living, visiting all the main camps, ghettos, and museums. To stand in the gas chambers where millions of Jews were led under the false pretense of a shower, the cattle cars where over a hundred at a time were jammed in, the death camps where countless Jews toiled and perished… it was gutting, but it provided so much perspective. I like to say the lessons from the past can help guide us in the future. We can never let this happen again.

This was followed by a trip with my fellow West Point brothers to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where we walked the windswept beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. It was difficult, but necessary. Two of our brothers - one of which is no longer with us - are actually sons of brave soldiers who were there, dropping in by parachute that risky night. To literally walk in their father’s footsteps onsite felt poignant to say the least.

Afterwards, we all went to London to celebrate Churchillian leadership, attending the Churchill Leadership Award Gala where I received the Leadership Medal, a tremendous honor and proud moment for me. We were graced with speeches by Churchill’s great-grandson Mr. Randolph Churchill, Baron Andrew Roberts of Belgravia, and Tim Riley, Director and Chief Curator for The National Churchill Museum at Westminster College. It was such a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that saw the diverse unity of Miami Beach movers and shakers, West Point Veterans, Global Health leaders, the MTV crew, and everyone in between. There was no better way to honor his legacy than with Churchillian friends and mentors by my side.

From the despair of the Holocaust, to the victories in battle, to finally reflecting on Churchill’s leadership which was absolutely necessary to pull it off… this summer was incredibly and profoundly meaningful.

For a recap of the Churchill Awards, please visit the Geopolitics page.