#United States #Washington #Veterans #GWOTMF #Fellowship Program

Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation Welcomes New Fellows

On January 7, 2025, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) proudly announced the latest additions to its prestigious Operation Jawbreaker Fellowship Program. This initiative not only honors uniformed and non-uniformed military personnel but also symbolizes the commitment to creating an inclusive memorial that recognizes the diverse experiences of those involved in the Global War on Terrorism.

The newly inducted fellows, Scott DeLuzio and Ganpat "Gunner" Wagh, join the ranks alongside Stephen Ross, who has been appointed the newest Gold Star Fellow. This announcement was made during the 2025 Student Veterans of America National Conference, signaling a strong community commitment to honoring veterans and their sacrifices.

Michael "Rod" Rodríguez, President and CEO of GWOTMF, expressed his excitement for the new fellows, stating, "I am humbled to welcome DeLuzio, Ross, and Wagh to our Fellowship Program. Our Fellows exemplify the Foundation's mission of creating one of the most inclusive war memorials for all. Their selflessness and dedication highlight the sacrifices made throughout this ongoing war."

The Fellowship Program, named after Operation Jawbreaker—a classified operation that signified the rapid deployment of CIA personnel to Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks—serves not only to commemorate military efforts but also to promote unity between military and civilian sectors.

Meet the New Fellows

Scott DeLuzio

Scott DeLuzio, the Uniformed Veteran Fellow, comes with a rich history of service. Having served in the Connecticut Army National Guard for six years, he earned the esteemed Combat Infantryman Badge and ascended to the rank of Sergeant. Tragically, Scott's younger brother, Sergeant Steven DeLuzio, was killed during deployment in Afghanistan, marking him as a Gold Star Brother. As an author and advocate for post-traumatic stress recovery, Scott utilizes his story to foster healing among veterans.

Stephen Ross

Stephen Ross, a Gold Star Fellow, boasts an academic pedigree from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and a master's in operations management from the University of Arkansas. During his four years in the U.S. Air Force, he culminated his service as a Captain and Missile Launch Crew Commander Instructor. Currently, Stephen directs Military Student Services at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he oversees the support of all military-affiliated students accessing educational benefits.

Ganpat "Gunner" Wagh

Gunner Wagh, representing non-uniformed veterans, has a distinguished background as a former U.S. Marine. After over two decades with the FBI across multiple field offices, he conducted significant operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Presently, he serves as the Director of Security at Cleveland-Cliffs, focusing on areas such as cybersecurity and collaboration with law enforcement.

A Legacy in the Making

The GWOTMF Fellowship Program is crucial in preserving the history and legacy of the Global War on Terrorism. Jennifer Ballou, Chief of Staff at GWOTMF, echoed the significance of this initiative, sharing her personal connection as a past Gold Star Fellow. "We are thrilled to expand this program by inviting veteran fellows who embody the spirit of service and sacrifice in the Global War on Terrorism,” Ballou stated.

The Foundation is resolute in its mission to establish a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to honor all who served since September 11, 2001. Importantly, this memorial will be entirely funded through donations, adhering to legislative mandates against federal funding, ensuring that contributions are fully tax-deductible.

For more details on the foundation's activities and fellowship programs, visit GWOTMF's official website. Follow their journey on social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, to stay updated on the progress of this significant initiative that seeks to honor not just the fallen, but the enduring spirit of service that exists among veterans.