Families of World War II Veterans founder and president Barbara Fasola was a guest on "The Greatest Generation: WWII Veterans" episode of Veterans' Voices on Monday, February 12. Fasola shared her personal story and connection to the World War II era that inspired her to start the nonprofit honoring its remembrance.
Veterans' Voices is a monthly talk show broadcast on Contra Costa Television (CCTV), the flagship cable channel of Contra Costa County, California. The program is dedicated to exploring topics that are important to the veteran community and recognizing their sacrifices. February's show highlighted the war's lasting impact and the heroes who served.
During Fasola's segment she spoke about her father, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific, and her uncle who served as a navigator with the bomber group The Flying Cottontails before he was killed in action. She also described the transformative memories she carries from her travels to historic war sites in Europe.
"It was a privilege to be a guest on Veterans' Voices and share my personal perspective on World War II through my family and travels," Fasola said. "Knowing my family members' service experience and seeing the devastating grounds of war history first-hand has given me a lasting impression on this era and a perpetual admiration for its brave participants. While younger generations are growing less and less connected to the war, our nonprofit aims to keep them learning about the heroes we are indebted to."
Families of World War II Veterans, founded by Fasola in 2010, has a mission to create scholarship opportunities for college-bound or continuing college students across the U.S. who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. The organization strives to educate future generations about the significance of World War II and honor and preserve the legacies of its heroes.
"It has been an honor to support Barbara's initiative to preserve the significance of the war while providing scholarship opportunities for deserving students," said Stewart Sweda, Careington International Corporation CEO and Families of World War II Veterans board member. "Her passion for commemorating the legacy of the Greatest Generation is truly inspiring, and we are proud she had the opportunity to share her story and the charity's mission with Veterans' Voices."