Speaking Engagement: “Over the Hump” My Father’s WWII Photographs by Janice Levy
August 24, 2026Spotlight On: The 28th “Keystone” Division
September 23, 2026Spotlight On:
Post 9/11: War on Terror
September 10, 2026 7:00PM
Free Virtual Event – Join us on Facebook or YouTube
Please note: You can use the links above to watch archived Spotlight On programs!
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This program will focus on the veterans that served in the ensuing conflicts know as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. We will be joined by Sergeant First Class Justin Bakow, a 15-year veteran of both conflicts, who will share his story. We will also highlight the story behind our America’s Defenders Statue, as well as artifacts from our collection related to the post 9/11 conflicts.
Justin Bakow Bio:
Sergeant First Class Justin Bakow was born in Allentown, PA and enlisted in the Army in 2006. During his initial enlistment, SFC Bakow deployed and saw combat in Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF 2007), as well as Paktia, Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF 2009-2010). During his second deployment, SFC Bakow served as member of his Squadron’s Sniper Section. In 2011 SFC Bakow continued his service by transitioning to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PAANG) where he has since held various leadership positions. SFC Bakow’s final assignment was the Scout Platoon Sergeant in Headquarters Company (HHC) 1-110th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, fully separating from the PAANG in August 2021. He now lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife, Cami and three children Austin (age 7), Daniel (age 5) and Emma (age 1) and he currently serves on the Soldiers & Sailors’ Board of Directors.
Michael Kraus Bio:
A well-known Civil War historian, Kraus currently works as Curator/Historian for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum. His accomplishments include several historical consultant credits for major films, writing and narrating the documentary series Civil War Minutes and Civil War Life as well as authoring articles and book