I hope this e-mail finds you well. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself – my name is Joseph Kornhoff, and I am the new Executive Director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund.

Like all of you, the horrific events of September 11th had a direct impact on me and my family. As the son of two U.S. Army Officers who grew up in Fairfax, Virginia I witnessed firsthand the impact that day had on my family and friends. For me, the events of that day served an inflection point which would shape my life.

After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University in 2008, I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. I served for six years which included two tours to Afghanistan in 2009-2010 and 2012-2013 and was honorably discharged in 2014. Following my service, I continued to support our Armed Forces as a civilian employee at the Department of the Army.

My close connection to the events of September 11th is why I am so excited to be serving in this new role. As we approach the 25th Anniversary of this tragic day, I look forward working with each of you as we ensure the events of that day, and the countless stories of heroism and selflessness are forever remembered through the creation of the Visitor Education Center.

The Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center (VEC) will provide essential historical context to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial—the only memorial site without an accompanying education center. With up to one million visitors annually, this Center will serve as an essential resource, particularly for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who travel to Washington, D.C. each year— many of whom know only of this day through what they learn at education enters such as this.

If you’re inspired to help us move this mission forward, I invite you to consider making a contribution today. Every gift brings us closer to building the Visitor Education Center.

Executive Director

Pentagon Memorial Fund