From where have the United States’ greatest leaders come? Was their success based on upbringing, education, opportunity, or a combination of the three? Decades from now, historians may cite the twentieth century as the period of America’s most prominent rise. The Industrial Revolution and westward expansion unleashed a wealth of resources and opportunity, feeding the country’s military and economic muscle. America’s defense of democracy in two world wars and its extension of influence through economic progress were felt around the globe. Were it not for remarkable leadership, it is likely the United States would have taken a much different course.

Throughout U.S. history, some of the country’s finest leaders have emerged from experiences defending its security abroad. In the late 1890s, Theodore Roosevelt’s experience with the Rough Riders and his tenure as assistant secretary of the Navy laid the foundation for his passion toward maintaining military might. He devised the voyage of the Great White Fleet, which sailed around the world displaying American industrial strength and global reach. Later, after World War II, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower was elected president. He had led a million troops in Europe on the way to defeating Germany and its allies. These historical giants played important roles in leading the United States because they were veterans of war at historic moments.

The magnitude of World War II provided the opportunity and experiences that shaped twentieth-century American leaders. As men served abroad, women provided support at home. All overcame great odds and faced adversity that gave them confidence and shaped their outlook in the decades to come. This “greatest generation” returned from war, took advantage of the educational benefits offered through the GI Bill, and advanced the country’s economy and transformed its society. World War II veterans, while fueling economic advancement, remained resolute in their value system: service, sacrifice, and community.

At Annapolis, the longstanding mission of the United States Naval Academy has been to develop midshipmen to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government. The discipline and rigor of training weave a common thread through the hearts of men and women from all walks of life, reinforcing honor, courage, and commitment as core values in their belief systems. This type of ethos forms the fabric of people’s personality and drives them to a life of service, in and out of uniform.

In the Shadow of Greatness was envisioned to recognize and chronicle the service of brave men and women and through their stories establish connections with the broader, nonmilitary community. These first graduates of the Naval Academy after 9/11 entered a global war at sea, in the air, and on land. This war would last for more than a decade and define the United States in the early part of the millennium. The actions of the select few profiled here represent those of a much broader spectrum of patriots.

This book gives a megaphone to men and women who are normally reticent to tout their own actions. The entire Class of 2002 was canvassed, and the most inspiring stories were selected for the final manuscript. We cast a wide net and in doing so collected nearly one hundred stories, all brilliant and meaningful tales of heroism and devotion.

There are some heroes who chose not to write for this book but, regardless, should be recognized. Among them are Dan Cnossen, a member of the Class of 2002 and a Navy SEAL. Dan suffered injuries to both his legs in Helmand province in 2009. Two years after surgery to amputate his legs, he ran the New York Marathon in record time with prosthetics and is an inspiration to thousands. Dan and the fifteen other Navy SEALs from the Class of 2002 collectively chose not to write for the book out of respect for their silent, warrior community. Similar to the SEAL team members, Bale Dalton, a special operations helicopter assault pilot and terminal attack controller, could not disclose information about his covert duties out of deference to the special operations community he supported. Many members from our class earned Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts but did not contribute because of their painful memories from the front lines.

Some classmates voluntarily resigned from the military and went on to lead in their communities or to start companies. Ryan Long left the fighter aviation community to coach track and teach theology at Colorado Christian University. Justin Nasiri completed Stanford Business School and started a web company, VideoGenie. His business supports socially responsible initiatives connecting deployed soldiers to loved ones at home. The majority of the Class of 2002 is now out of uniform, but they continue to serve their communities.

This is not a book to simply celebrate Annapolis or Navy and Marine veterans. No matter the outcome of the counterinsurgency in Iraq, reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, governance efforts in Africa, or counterterrorism missions in Southeast Asia, those who courageously volunteered to serve during this moment in American history have been forever changed. We would argue that these men and women are fit for greater leadership roles. They are stronger in mind and spirit, and they are some of America’s finest citizens. Yes, some returned home with traumatic depression or severely disabled, but they do not quit. Their convictions are hardened. The optimism of this generation of veterans leads them to continue their service in uniform or to take their positive experiences of war and apply them in community and national leadership roles.

There are also many non-USNA veterans who are part of this “next great generation” Nathaniel Fick, a Marine Corps officer, was educated at Dartmouth and Harvard before turning to foreign policy and military affairs. He leads the Center for a New American Security, a think tank in Washington, D.C. Former Army officer Paul Rieckhoff founded the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association to lobby and care for the wounded who return from war. Eric Greitens, Wes Moore, and Rye Barcott, three military veterans and academic scholars, took off their active duty uniforms but continued to serve. Eric founded the Mission Continues, a veterans rehabilitation and job placement organization. Wes is an entrepreneur and community leader in New York City, and Rye founded Carolina for Kibera, a non-governmental organization with the goal of advancing public health and grassroots government in a Kenyan urban community. These high-caliber individuals, and hundreds of other veterans, are out of uniform advancing ideals to improve America at home and abroad.

Other veterans are taking their ambition and heading to Congress, a venue that needs new ideas and collaborative leaders. In 2012, Tommy Sowers and Brandon Mullen will run for national office, committed to increasing job opportunities and curtailing unwise foreign policies. These men are a sample of the nearly two hundred veterans challenging for seats in government in the 2012 elections. Such men and women can offer new perspectives on problem solving without engaging in divisive partisanship. The successes of the 9/11 generation are everywhere and will continue to be in the years ahead.

The greatest generation of the twentieth century lived through the Great Depression and fought a two-front war. Our generation was called to defeat a faceless enemy and return to a country in economic turmoil. We aspire to be the next greatest generation, showing humility and respect for those who came before us. If we are to emerge from the shadows of our grandparents, we must persist in virtuous leadership on every battlefield and in every boardroom. From Baghdad to Washington and from Kabul to Silicon Valley, our commitment is resolute. Our nation’s best days lie ahead, and we are committed to service and making our country great once again.