Military Heroes to Gather in Washington

American Veterans Center's 12th Annual Conference Headlined By General David Petraeus, Buzz Aldrin, & Heroes From The Greatest Generation To The Latest Generation

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Many of America's most celebrated and distinguished veterans from World War II through the present day will converge on Washington, DC from November 12-14 for the American Veterans Center's 12th Annual Conference.

In the largest gathering of its kind in the nation, these men and women who have served in many of the defining moments in military history over the past 65 years will share their experiences with an audience of several hundred high school and college students, active duty military, and fellow veterans. The events will take place at the United States Navy Memorial's Burke Theater.

Headlining the event will be General David Petraeus, Commander, U.S. CENTCOM and former Commanding General, Multi-National Force - Iraq. General Petraeus will be taking questions from the audience on Friday, November 13.

Also joining the conference on the 40th anniversary of his Apollo 11 moon landing will be retired Air Force colonel Buzz Aldrin. Col. Aldrin will also take questions, and will be honored at the Center's Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 14, along with veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Others participating include:

    --  The Band of Brothers -- Veterans portrayed in the acclaimed HBO
        miniseries.
    --  Bob Feller -- U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII and Hall of Fame Baseball
        Pitcher.
    --  "Dutch" Van Kirk -- Navigator of Enola Gay, the B-29 that deployed the
        first atomic bomb.
    --  Lorenzo DuFau -- USS Mason, first Navy ship with a mainly African
        American crew in WWII.
    --  Edgar Whitcomb -- Former Governor of Indiana and POW of the Japanese
        during WWII.
    --  Shelby Westbrook -- Tuskegee Airman of WWII and pilot of 60-plus combat
        missions.
    --  Thomas Hudner Jr., Roger H.C. Donlon, & Alfred Rascon -- Medal of Honor
        recipients.
    --  Black Hawk Down -- Men portrayed in the award winning film.
    --  Army Nursing Panel -- On the history and role in opening doors for women
        to serve.

    --  Iraq and Afghanistan -- Several of the most highly decorated veterans.

For information on attending or covering the event, contact Tim Holbert at 703-302-1012 ext. 220, e-mail tholbert@americanveteranscenter.org, or visit www.americanveteranscenter.org.

SOURCE American Veterans Center