Chariots of Honor

As I approach age 60, reflecting on the past 40 years of work, including my military service and professional consulting, and countless hours dedicated to nonprofit leadership and volunteerism—I find myself appreciating the incredible lessons life has taught me. As a military, war veteran, 9/11 survivor, nonprofit president, and advocate for honoring our veterans, one truth has become clear:

You only get one life. Live it boldly, with purpose, and without regret.

Over nearly four decades, I’ve faced challenges, celebrated successes, and witnessed the power of resilience, growth, and determination. Here are a few lessons from my journey that I hope inspire you to live your best life:

1. Regret is the heaviest burden—choose freedom instead.

In 40 years of work, I’ve learned that staying in situations that no longer align with your values or purpose will only hold you back. If you’re stuck in a role that drains your energy, take the leap to something better. Life is too short to settle for anything less than fulfilling work and a meaningful path.

2. Boldness transforms dreams into reality.

Over the years, I’ve seen how taking risks and daring to dream big can change everything. Whether serving in the Navy, stepping into the corporate world, or building a nonprofit, the moments of courage—despite fear—have always led to the most rewarding outcomes. Fear is temporary; regret lasts a lifetime.

3. Learning never ends.

Across nearly four decades of work, I’ve come to see learning as a lifelong pursuit. Whether in the Navy, the corporate sector, or as a nonprofit leader, every step has required me to adapt, grow, and embrace new skills. Never stop being curious—growth is the key to staying inspired.

4. Resilience builds purpose and fulfillment.

The past 40 years weren’t without challenges. Whether surviving 9/11 at the Pentagon or navigating major transitions, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about emerging stronger and more focused. It’s the foundation for building a life of purpose and fulfillment.

5. Define your own success.

Success isn’t about titles, money, or accolades. Over the years, I’ve discovered that true success lies in living a life aligned with your values, impacting others, and pursuing work that inspires and energizes you. Define your own goals and measure success on your terms.

Mark Twain’s words continue to inspire me as I look back and look forward:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Even with 40 years of work behind me, the journey is far from over. Every day is an opportunity to live boldly, learn something new, and pursue a life filled with purpose and passion.

Take that chance.
Be bold. Be brave. And most importantly, be true to yourself.




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Very Respectfully,
Herbert Valle
President | Cofounder
[email protected]

Web: www.chariotsofhonor.com
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Freedom is never free. Your donation ensures that Chariots of Honor can honor those who who served our country honorably and continue to support living veterans and their families. Help us make an impact at www.chariotsofhonor.com/donate

Chariots of Honor [email protected] 703-955-6809

As the President of Chariots of Honor, I’m proud to kick off the new year by giving back to those who serve our country. This week, I had the honor of volunteering at the USO Dulles Airport lounge where we provide comfort and support to our military heroes and their families.

I invite you to join us in making a difference. The USO Lounge relies on dedicated volunteers and generous food donations to keep its mission alive. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to donate snacks or meals, your contribution can brighten the day of those who sacrifice so much for our freedom.

Ready to get involved? Contact me today to learn how you can help. Together, we can make 2025 a year of impact for our military community. Thank you for your support!

🌟 Happy New Year from Chariots of Honor! 🌟

As we welcome 2025 today, January 1, 2025, let us embrace this new year with gratitude, hope, and purpose. Together, we’ve honored heroes, supported veterans, and strengthened our community. This year, let’s continue driving forward with even more passion for our mission.

Every day is an opportunity to make a difference, and with your unwavering support, we will continue to serve those who have served us. Here’s to a year filled with kindness, growth, and unforgettable moments of honor and unity.

Wishing you a joyful and prosperous New Year!
— The Chariots of Honor Team

Happy 62nd Birthday to the U.S. Navy SEALs! For 62 years, you’ve stood as the ultimate symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unyielding commitment to freedom. Thank you for defending our nation with unparalleled strength and honor!

Support Our Heroes Today!
At Chariots of Honor, we are committed to honoring and supporting our military veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Your donation helps us provide crucial resources, events, and support to the brave men and women who have served our country.

Every dollar makes a difference in their lives. Together, we can show our gratitude and give back to those who gave so much for us.

Donate today and help us make an impact!
www.chariotsofhonor.com/donate

Thank you for standing with our heroes.

Chariots of Honor [email protected] 703-955-6809

President Jimmy Carter championed volunteerism, dedicating himself to helping charities provide shelter well into his 90s. Let's honor his incredible legacy by donating or volunteering with a CFC charity. Together, we can continue his important work and make a difference in our communities.

Chariots of Honor honors the life and service of President Jimmy Carter, a distinguished naval officer and 39th President of the United States. A 1946 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter served in the Navy’s Submarine Force and the Naval Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant in 1961.

His commitment to duty, innovation, and public service continues to inspire. Fair winds and following seas, Lieutenant Carter. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

🎉 Happy New Year from Chariots of Honor!! 🎉

As we step into 2025, we’re grateful for the incredible support you’ve shown us this past year. At Chariots of Honor, our mission is to honor, support, and celebrate our military veterans through meaningful events, community outreach, and acts of gratitude.

📸 Highlights from 2024:
• Sharing stories of bravery and resilience during 9/11 remembrance, Veterans Day, Independence Day, and Memorial Day events.
• Partnering with local military nonprofits to honor John Rossmann, WWII veteran.
• Honoring WWII veterans Eli Linden and John Psaris by attending their funerals.
• Led food drives for the Dulles USO Lounge.

✨ Looking Ahead in 2025:
We’re planning even more impactful events to honor our heroes and bring communities together. Stay tuned for updates on ways you can get involved!

💙 Support Our Mission:
Your donations help us continue to create programs and events that give back to those who’ve sacrificed so much for our freedom. Please consider making a donation today to keep our mission alive.

📲 Donate now at www.chariotsofhonor.com/donate or share this post to spread the word!

Here’s to a year of hope, gratitude, and service to our veterans. Thank you for standing with us! 🇺🇸

The holidays can be especially difficult for those feeling alone or overwhelmed, but there is always hope and a way forward.

Chariots of Honor is committed to supporting those in need, and we invite you to join us in being a light for others. A kind word, a listening ear, or simply showing we care can save a life. Together, we can remind others that they are never truly alone. Make the call, start the conversation, and make a difference.

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If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, the Lifeline understands that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. Dial or text 988.

Looking Back and Charging Ahead with Chariots of Honor

2024 was an incredible year for Chariots of Honor! Together, we:
✅ Made an impact through meaningful volunteer work and community engagement.
✅ Honored veterans and heroes through special events and initiatives.
✅ Fostered connections and built partnerships that amplified our mission.

But we’re just getting started. In 2025, we’re aiming even higher:
➡️ Expanding our reach to serve more veterans and their families.
➡️ Growing our network of supporters and collaborators.
➡️ Innovating new programs to educate, inspire, and honor those who serve.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. With your continued support, we’ll achieve even greater things in 2025. Let’s make it a year of purpose, passion, and progress!

As the holidays approach, Chariots of Honor reflects on the incredible sacrifices made by our service members, especially during this special time of year. From the humble prayers of soldiers at Valley Forge to modern traditions like the NORAD Santa Tracker and Operation Christmas Drop, the U.S. military has always found ways to celebrate Christmas, even in the most challenging circumstances.

During the holidays, the spirit of kindness and compassion shines brightly. Chaplains lead heartfelt services in the field, families lovingly prepare care packages, and communities come together to adopt soldiers, ensuring they feel remembered and cherished. These acts of kindness remind us of the true power of the season—bringing comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging to those who serve far from home.

The magic of technology also plays a vital role, allowing deployed troops to connect with their loved ones through video calls and messages, bridging the distance and making the season feel a little warmer.

Chariots of Honor wishes everyone a happy and peaceful holiday season. To all our military personnel, your dedication and sacrifices are deeply appreciated. May this season bring you and your loved ones joy, warmth, and the comforting knowledge that you are always in our hearts.

If you want to see the best of what’s good and right in our country, attend an Army-Navy game. You’ll witness 8,800 Cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point and Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy—young men and women inspired to serve something greater than themselves. Among the crowd are 60,000 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, all of whom have served and sacrificed in some way, cheering on their teams with the hope that their Alma Mater will be sung second.

The players are Cadets and Midshipmen first, athletes second. They carry full class loads, don’t earn NIL money, and don’t enter transfer portals. This is college football in its purest form—played for the love of the game, for their teammates, and for bragging rights. No flags are planted at midfield because they respect each other, knowing that one day they may stand side by side on distant battlefields, united against our nation’s enemies.

12 DECEMBER 1776 - ARMOR BRANCH BIRTHDAY
Chariots of Honor celebrates the U.S. Army Armor Branch birthday!

Armor has only been a permanent branch of the U.S. Army since 1950, but traces its origin to the Cavalry. On 12 December 1776, the Continental Congress authorized the raising of one regiment of light dragoons for the Continental Army, which soon had four such regiments. The Continental Army later reorganized the understrength regiments to form legions which combined dragoons and light infantry, and a number of other organizations with mounted components.

All cavalry was disbanded after the Revolutionary War, but temporary ones existed during the Indian campaigns of the 1790s and the War of 1812. Regular Army mounted units were not formed again until 1832 with the Battalion of Mounted Rangers, which became the United States Regiment of Dragoons - the present 1st Cavalry Regiment - in 1833. Mounted units then remained in the Army until .

The advent of the tank in saw the creation of the Tank Corps, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) and the Tank Service in the United States, later also re-named the Tank Corps, of the wartime National Army, but disbanded in 1920 when tanks were allotted to the Infantry. The Cavalry maintained horse units but experimented with and integrated mechanized equipment during the inter-war period.

The Army formed a provisional armored brigade in the late 1930s. When it proved successful, the Army placed all infantry and cavalry tank units under the control of the Chief of the Armored Force, commanded by Brigadier General Adna R. Chaffee, Jr., on 10 July 1940, and the cavalry transitioned to an entirely mechanized force by the end of World War II. In 1950, the Army established Armor as a permanent branch, which encompassed all tank and mechanized cavalry units.

Though my time in active duty has ended, the values of Duty, Honor, Country, and Service remain the bedrock of who I am. These principles guide my every step and fuel my unwavering commitment to serving others.

This holiday season, Chariots of Honor expresses our gratitude to the courageous men and women serving our nation around the world. Let us honor their sacrifices, hold them in our prayers, and strive to be kind in all we do.



Warmest regards to everyone!

Very Respectfully,
Herbert Valle
President | Cofounder

Web: www.chariotsofhonor.com
Facebook:
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LinkedIn:
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