ERNEST MICHEL 1923-2016
ERNEST MICHEL "ERNIE" neighbor, friend, mentor, teacher, Holocaust Survivor (pictured on left and below) chronicled the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials under the byline, 'Auschwitz survivor #104995'.
Ernie shared his life experiences and artifacts with me at our condo clubhouse, and then with teachers and community members across Arizona, from Navajo Nation to Phoenix Metro area. Ernie was particularly eager to meet teachers.
His lessons: "I never gave up hope at Auschwitz," and offered eye-witness accounts in his own voice. He asked me to share his story, and I promised to do so.
(See his book information below.)
MSGT ROBERT COSBY 1924-2004
MSG ROBERT COSBY (USARMY) was a friend and colleague who shared stories while coaching me during workouts in the weight room at a boy's school in CT. MSGT Cosby served our country in World War II (segregated U.S. Army) and was selected to the U.S. Army Honor Guard at The Nuremberg Trials. MSG Cosby served in Korea, Panama, and Vietnam before he met me, a fellow teacher, where we worked together for 12 years. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
There's no "Influencer" who can hold a candle to these two men, who met each other by chance at the Nuremberg Tribunals in Germany, and mentored me decades later.
MARGHERITA BERTOLA FRAY July 7, 1926
Margherita Bartola Fray's name was changed to Marissa on her identification papers. As a teen, she served for two years as a staffeta of Gruppi di difesa della donna under the direction of Ada Gobetti, one of the founders of the female partisans in Torino (Italy) during WWII. Margherita shared that she volunteered (and risked her life) to "save Italy. I wasn't afraid of dying - it was all around me. " Her determination, courage, and willingness to persist offers inspiration to audience members - especially high school and university students - who hear her story. She is an artist, a friend, and influencer.
"Decide to keep making it. Every time I had a problem, I painted a picture. Remember, be different than leaders we've had/have. Make the world cleaner, kinder, nicer, good."
See article on Publication's page.
Photo Gallery
Ernie Michel's book, Promises to Keep
Ernie Michel notes the date of his transport from Germany to Auschwitz, on March 3, 1943. He was 19. Presentation at NAU 2008.
Ernie Michel bio on book back cover
Ernie inscribed this message on my copy of his book
Robert Cosby, US Army Honor Guard at Nuremberg Trials in Germany
Msgt. Robert Cosby, US ARMY
Segregated Military WWII, Patton's 3rd Army, Honor Guard Nuremberg.