21st NWSI Grand Marshal & Humanitarian

Hailing from Maryland, Jan embarked on his journey of service by enlisting in the US Army after completing high school. His valor as a Vietnam infantryman with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in 1969 earned him decorations for gallantry despite sustaining wounds. It was his firsthand encounter with PTSD that ignited his passion for addressing the plight of Vietnam veterans, a cause he championed through articles published in esteemed outlets like the Washington Post and Military Medicine.

Jan's pivotal role in establishing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial began in May 1979, driven by his determination to honor the fallen. Despite facing opposition from some prominent veterans uneasy with its design, particularly its modernistic approach embodied by the long walls of Black Granite, the Memorial, envisioned by acclaimed architect and artist Maya Lin, stood as a poignant testament to sacrifice when it was dedicated in 1982. Today, it stands as a revered site, welcoming over five million visitors annually and inspiring the dedication of numerous memorials nationwide, commemorating the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and others.

In addition to his contributions to memorialization, Jan received recognition from the government of Vietnam for his involvement in Project Renew, a successful initiative aimed at removing explosive ordnance in the Quang Tri Province. He continues to lend his expertise to various organizations engaged in supporting veterans of Vietnam and more recent conflicts.

Currently residing in Annapolis, Maryland, Jan enjoys a semi-retired life alongside his wife, Becky. His commitment to public service extends beyond his military service, evidenced by his membership in the District of Columbia Bar Association and his appointment as Chairman of the Selective Service National Appeals Board in 2012 by President Obama.

Cliff embarked on his professional journey at a remarkably young age, starting with a newspaper delivery route in Chicago at just 11 years old. By 13, he was already working as a short-order cook, and by 14, he had diversified into roles including grocery delivery, shelf stocking, and cashiering. At the age of 16, he achieved a significant milestone by securing a full-time cashier position. While still in high school, Cliff's talents were recognized by Safeway Stores, leading to a full-time role. Rising through the ranks, he managed six stores across Arizona and California. Despite tempting offers for higher positions, Cliff's entrepreneurial spirit prevailed, fueled by his desire for independence.

His foray into publishing began unexpectedly during a high school typing class. In 1980, he co-founded a food industry buyer’s guide in California, laying the foundation for future ventures. This led to the establishment of Food Industry News in Chicago in 1983, a highly successful trade publication which he later sold in 1991. Undeterred, Cliff continued his publishing journey with the acquisition of Irish American News that same year, recognizing the vibrant Irish community in Chicagoland. Expanding his reach, Cliff founded IAN Ohio in 2007 and later spearheaded AIM American Irish Media, uniting Irish American newspapers nationwide.

In 2009, Cliff and his wife Cathy introduced iBAM!, the Irish Books, Arts, and Music Celebration, held annually at the Irish American Heritage Center. This event serves as a platform to support their preferred charity and has grown into a respected cultural fixture, now in its 16th year of enriching the community.