June 01

John Hunt Morgan (1825–1864) was a Confederate general renowned for leading fast-moving cavalry raids behind Union lines. His 1863 Ohio Raid marked the farthest north a Confederate force advanced during the Civil War. Morgan's aggressive tactics disrupted Union supply lines and diverted forces, earning him both acclaim and controversy. Captured and later escaping imprisonment, he continued guerrilla operations until being mortally wounded in Tennessee. Morgan's legacy remains a testament to audacious cavalry warfare.

John Bell Hood (1831–1879) was a Confederate general noted for his bold and aggressive leadership. Rising through the ranks after distinguished service in the Army of Northern Virginia, he later commanded the Army of Tennessee. Hood's decisions at the Battles of Franklin and Nashville resulted in heavy Confederate casualties and contributed to the army's collapse. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, he penned memoirs after the war and pursued business endeavors until his death, reflecting on his contentious military career.

Sam Dreben was born in 1878 in Poland and emigrated to the United States as a child. He earned fame as a tough combatant during the Philippine–American War and later as a mercenary in the Mexican Revolution, where he fought alongside Pancho Villa’s forces. Dreben fought in World War I and was recognized for his courage by the French government. Nicknamed 'The Fighting Jew', he authored memoirs recounting his adventures. After returning to Mexico in 1925, he was ambushed and killed, cementing his legendary status.

Richard Schweiker served in the U.S. Air Force before entering politics as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Elected to the Senate in 1968, he championed social welfare and veterans issues during his three terms. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed him the 14th Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he oversaw major health policy initiatives. Known for his moderate stance and bipartisan cooperation, Schweiker influenced legislation on public health and human services. After leaving office, he remained active in civic organizations and veteran affairs. He died in 2015, leaving behind a record of thoughtful governance.

Yevgeny Prigozhin was a Russian businessman and oligarch who owned catering companies and media outlets. He became widely known as the financier and founder of the Wagner Group, a private military company active in various international conflicts. Nicknamed "Putin’s Chef" for his ties to the Kremlin, he played a controversial role in Russian military operations in Ukraine, Syria, and Africa. Prigozhin's companies also supplied food services to the Russian military and government institutions. In 2023, he died in a plane crash under disputed circumstances after openly challenging the Russian military leadership. His life and activities have sparked global debates about privatized warfare and Russian foreign policy.