George Chall ~ WWII Veteran

Mr. Chall's heroic service WWII

Mr. Chall served as a medic in General George Patton's 3rd Army in four campaigns: Northern France, the Ardennes including Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland and Central Europe. At the height of the Battle of the Bulge his unit supported the 101st Airborne Division and other besieged U.S. forces.

Mr. Chall also speaks German and served as a linguist as he cared for German prisoners of war.

A life dedicated to serving others

WWII veteran George Chall has lived and continues to live a life for serving others. The ceremonies in Normandy during the week of D-Day will be a chance for him to be honored along side those who served during WWII.

After graduate study at Edinburgh University and post-graduate study at Columbia University, Mr. Chall began a 20-year career lecturing on American political institutions and public management while serving on the faculty of several prestigious universities. In the 1960's he was appointed Associate Director of the Federal Executive Center at the U.S. Academy. In the late 80's and 90's Mr. Chall was an international management consultant. His mission was to raise the living standards of less industrialized nations by organizing CIOS Congresses to promote economic and management development.

George and his wife, Victoria

George's life was blessed by a 47-year marriage to Marion Nielsen Chall, an eminent public health physician in New York City. Three years after Marion's death, George met Victoria.

Victoria's career spanned thirty years as an elementary school counselor,university instructor and Big Band/ American Popular Songbook Vocalist.

In 2018 the Challs celebrated their sixteenth anniversary.

They continue to volunteer for veterans’ causes, participate in

American Legion activities and speak at local schools.

The Challs are involved in an abundant retirement life in the community of Fearrington Village. They enjoy gardening and appreciate the diverse culture of the Triad.

Jacques Michienzi ~ highly decorated and humble

Lt Col Michienzi ~ Heroic service 1943-1972

Lt Colonel Michienzi is a highly decorated war hero as he served in WWII, Korea and two tours in Vietnam. He was a U.S. Army platoon sergeant in WWII serving at the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944 with the 17th Airborne Division.

Throughout his service career, Mr. Michienzi was honored for "his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty" as evidence by his medals: several bronze stars, several silver stars, six purple hearts, the French Legion of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. Mr. Michienzi has never been back to France or Belgium and is excited about seeing the peaceful lands he helped liberate.

Family and NC to Normandy

" As I take stock of my military career and life, I am reminded that I was not alone, and much of my success was due to important contributions of others. This is true about the men with whom I served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and this is especially true about my life partner and wife, Dorothy Daniel Michienzi. My Dody raised our family of three girls, Anne Marie, Nancy Jo and Lisa Jean and kept order to our lives. Dody persevered under many trying situations, and I know this was difficult for her because I was away from the family for long periods of time. I feel blessed that she has stayed by my side, and I am grateful for her love and support and in helping me have a wonderful career. " - Jacques Michienzi

Thank you Mrs. Michienzi and your daughters for letting us escort your husband and father back to Normandy; we will take good care of him and share his stories for the next generation. Fondly, The Envoys of Honor

Mr. Michienzi meets three of the Envoys of Honor at a Veterans Ceremony at Carolina Meadows

We brought these heroes back to Normandy

George and Jacques

On June 5, the students who call themselves "Envoys of Honor" escort Mr. George Chall and Mr. Jacques Michienzi for their first walk on Omaha Beach since 1944.

Omaha Beach June 5

George and Jacques

D-Day Ceremony June 6, 2019

Kaelyn Elien escorts and Mr. George Chall and John Haynes on Omaha Beach the morning of June 5th..

D-Day Ceremony June 6, 2019

The Envoys of Honor take the stage after the D-Day Ceremony at the American Cemetery . The students were honored to sit in the VIP section.

NC to Normandy in Bayeux, France

D-Day Ceremony June 6, 2019

NC to Normandy in Bayeux, France

The team takes a moment to capture the feel of being "one" as we enjoy the beautiful village of Bayeux.

Interview with Lester Holt

D-Day Ceremony June 6, 2019

NC to Normandy in Bayeux, France

Exciting moment!! We met NBC Anchor Lester Holt at Saint Mère Eglise in Normandy. He interviewed our students and took pictures with each of us! Click here to watch the NC to Normandy team on NBC