About Our Honored Archives
Our Honored Archives is devoted to preserving and honoring the firsthand accounts of United States military service members and veterans through professionally recorded oral histories.
Founded by Brandon Bateman, - a U.S. Marine Corps infantry non-commissioned officer & combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom II - and a historical researcher, shaped by both service and scholarship, Our Honored Archives reflects a deep commitment to institutional memory as a civic responsibility. Each interview conducted, and every story is treated as an essential thread in the fabric of America's history, worthy of dignity, preservation, and public remembrance.
Beyond its archival mission, Our Honored Archives serves a vital human purpose. The act of telling one’s story carries profound psychological and communal value, allowing veterans to organize lived experience into meaningful narrative while fostering a sense of recognition and belonging. These recorded histories offer families enduring legacies that deepen understanding across generations, while also providing practical support for veterans navigating institutional challenges.
Through this effort, the archive affirms the enduring significance of service, restores dignity to voices too often unheard, and ensures that the experiences of those who served remain a living part of the American story.
Meet The Team
This ship does not sail without the love,
ardor, and zeal of these truly dedicated public servants.
Brandon C. Bateman – Founding Chair
An Eagle Scout, U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Vigilant Resolve, former Defense civilian with service in Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, and UN Service across the MENA region, Brandon has served academia as a curriculum developer for Marine Corps University / National Museum of the Marine Corps – and currently serves as Senior Director of Resilience and Training at Sigma7 – and the operational heartbeat of Our Honored Archives.
William Smith – Advisory Council Member
A retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel with thirty years of active duty service, Bill commanded infantry units from platoon to battalion and held senior leadership roles including Commanding Officer of Officer Candidates School and Director of the Drill Instructor School at MCRD Parris Island. Following his military career, he served in government consulting with LMI, supporting U.S. operations and diplomatic efforts across Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. He currently serves as Chairman of the Young Marines National Board of Directors and the American History Project, and sits on the Advisory Board of Piedmont Global Language Solutions.
AJ Pasciuti – Advisory Council Member
An Eagle Scout, U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, former Reconnaissance and Force Reconnaissance Team Leader, and Infantry Weapons Officer (Marine Gunner), AJ served as an instructor shaping the next generation of Marines and led development of the modernized Infantry Marine Course at the School of Infantry-West. He is the author of DARKHORSE: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life, host of the Combat Story Podcast, and holds advanced degrees while pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies.
