August 01

Born into one of England's oldest noble families in 1385, John Fitzalan inherited the earldom of Arundel as a child. He grew up during the reign of Henry IV and served under King Henry V in the campaigns against France. Fitzalan participated in sieges and border skirmishes, earning a reputation for leadership and valour. He also oversaw his estates in Sussex, balancing feudal obligations with the demands of wartime service. Fitzalan died in 1421, leaving his titles to his heir and securing his family's standing in English nobility. His life exemplified the martial and political responsibilities of a medieval earl.

Jacques François Dugommier (1738–1794) was a distinguished French general instrumental in the Revolutionary Wars. As commander of the Army of the Eastern Pyrenees, he restructured troop formations, improved logistics, and instilled rigorous discipline. Under his leadership, French forces secured key victories against Spanish armies, notably reclaiming Roussillon and winning the Battle of Boulou in 1794. Dugommier emphasized meritocracy, promoting skilled officers regardless of noble birth. He also supported the fortification of border defenses and the training of citizen soldiers. His sudden death in action during the Siege of Toulon cut short a promising career. Dugommier’s reforms and battlefield successes contributed significantly to the early military achievements of revolutionary France.

Born in 1809 in South Carolina, Travis moved to Texas and became a practicing attorney. During the Texas Revolution, he was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel and took command of the Alamo garrison in 1836. He penned the famous 'Victory or Death' letter appealing for reinforcements as Mexican forces besieged the mission. Travis died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, and became a symbol of Texan independence and heroism. His leadership and sacrifice are celebrated in Texas history.

Ron Brown (1941–1996) was an American Army captain and politician who served as the 30th U.S. Secretary of Commerce. He was the first African American to hold that position, appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Brown championed trade expansion, emerging markets, and minority-owned businesses, promoting U.S. economic interests abroad. Prior to his cabinet role, he revitalized the Democratic National Committee as its chairman, modernizing fundraising and outreach efforts. Brown died tragically in a plane crash while on an economic mission to Croatia in 1996. His groundbreaking achievements paved the way for greater diversity in American political leadership.

Richard O. Covey is a retired United States Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut. Selected by NASA in 1978, he served as pilot on STS-51-I and commanded missions STS-26 and STS-38. He played a key role in the return-to-flight missions following the Challenger disaster. Over his career, he logged more than 300 hours in space and contributed to satellite deployments and repairs. After retiring from the Air Force and NASA, Covey continued working in aerospace consulting and leadership roles.