Engaging Students.
Preserving Legacy.

Our mission is to Connect Students with Veterans™ in order to honor veterans, preserve America’s heritage, and develop future leaders. Helping to bridge the gap between civilian and military life, we strive to develop students' character and civic responsibility, while recognizing our veterans' legacy of service.

Published Volumes

20

Student Graduates

100

%

Students Impacted

59,748

Our Story

It started in Barbara Hatch’s classroom in 1998, when a student asked "Is Saving Private Ryan real?" A dedicated history teacher, Barbara had the idea to invite veterans to share their real stories with her students. The students' interest continued and the service stories grew more frequent and diverse. The program organically grew and evolved into an after-school oral history publishing club in 2004, and a 501 (c)(3) non-profit in 2009.

Our History →

Our Impact

Dedicated to fostering character in students, while honoring the sacrifice made by our service men and women.
Veterans
Our veterans continue to find purpose in giving back. Being the first time many have shared their service journey publicly, the process can be cathartic and a catalyst for continuing to share their story with family.
Students
Our students begin to discover their full potential, building their communication and collaboration skills, while learning about integrity, leadership and teamwork through some incredible stories of valor. The relationships forged last a lifetime.
Teachers
Experiential learning promotes critical thinking and improves academic skills--all while teaching students the importance of civic responsibility. 95% of our students pursue continuing education.
Community
Enhancing patriotism and civic education, Imprints of Honor strengthen families and community relationships.

Awards

The veteran and education communities recognize the quality of our programs.
Citizens Honors
Citizens Honors Award
Presented in 2018 by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation
 The Medal of Honor Foundation →
Barbara Hatch and Gene Crego
Achievement Medal
Presented in 2018 from the American Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America
 Vietnam Veterans of America →
AZ Humanities
Friend of Humanities
Presented in 2017 by Arizona Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
 Arizona Humanities Organization →
Hon Kachina
Hon Kachina Award
Presented in 2016 by the Hon Kachina Council
 Hon Kachina Council →
ACSS
Lifetime Achievement
Presented in 2015 by the Arizona Council of Social Studies
 Arizona Council of Social Studies →
Certificate
AZ History Teacher of the Year
Presented to Barbara Hatch in 2012 by the Gilder Lehman Institute of American History
 Gilder Lehman Institute →
Copper Sword
Copper Sword
Presented to Barbara Hatch in 2012 by the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society
 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society →
Founders Medal for Education
Founders Medal for Education
Presented to Barbara Hatch in 2011 by the Daughters of the American Revolution National Society
 National Society DAR →

Governance

Meet the dedicated business, education, and military leaders who make up our Board and Staff.
Kerry Ahern
Kerry Ahern, MBA
Board President
SVP, Resource Planning Leader
Bank of America
Alumni Parent
Holly Shaw
Holly Shaw
Board Vice President
Board Treasurer
Retired COO/CFO
Mitch Wentzel
Mitch Wentzel
Board Secretary
Program Manager, Small & Disadvantaged Business
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
US Marine Corps, Retired
Since You Asked,™
Volume XIII, MCCCD Edition
See Full Listing

Financials

View our Annual Reports and Financials
FY 23 Annual Report Cover
FY 23 Annual Report
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FY 22 Annual Report
FY 22 Annual Report
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FY 23 icon
FY 23 Reviewed Financials
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FY 22 Icon
FY 22 Reviewed Financials
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Form 990 graphic
FY 23 Form 990
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FY 22 Form 990
FY 22 Form 990
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Community Partners

Proudly partnering to nurture our next generation of leaders.
sammy and dixie with donors
Individual Donors
Our work is possible because of individuals committed to honoring service and investing in our next generation.
See Listing
veterans day tent
Corporate Donors
We are thankful to a community whose philanthropic interests value character, education, and civic responsibility.
See Listing
Library of Congress
Business Alliances
Collaboration with civic and veteran associations helps enrich our ability to fulfill our mission and broaden our reach.
See Listing
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Latest News

Imprints of Honor Logo
New Name & Logo
Veterans Heritage Project is now Imprints of Honor. Our mission, program, and those we serve remain the same.
Learn More
Seal of Civics Literacy
Seal of Civics Literacy
Our program is approved by the Arizona Department of Education for the Arizona Seal of Civic Literacy.
 Learn More
Alumni sparkle
2025 Alumni Award
Nominate a fellow alumni by October 1 or complete a self-submission form (highly encouraged) by December 1.
 Learn More