KINGS POINT, N.Y., September 19, 2025 — From June 23 to July 1, 2025, a group of midshipmen and educators from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) traveled to Poland as part of the American Service Academy Program (ASAP), an initiative led by the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF). This is the second year that midshipmen participated in the program designed to educate future military leaders on the history of Poland, the Holocaust, and the moral consequences of unlawful orders.

Captain Keane explained, “ASAP is a deliberately structured program that begins with education about the history of the Jewish people in Europe, specifically Poland, and fosters an appreciation for the rich and profound impact of Jewish culture in Poland over the past 1,000 years. The program educates participants about anti-Semitism, which rose during the interwar period and reached its zenith with the Holocaust. It does it in a way that is profound and personal, combining tours of historical sites, presentations and conversations with Holocaust survivors and experts, and group discussions to help participants understand and process what they are observing and experiencing.”

The USMMA delegation included:

MIDN Mason Wingate, 1/C

MIDN Alexandra Forman, 2/C

MIDN Jade Winters, 2/C

MIDN Katelyn Howe, 2/C

MIDN Burton Keck, 2/C

MIDN Landon Ryan, 2/C

MIDN Charles Ebers, 2/C

MIDN Brayden Parsons, 2/C

MIDN Joshua Staroselskiy, 2/C

Dr. Michael Melcer, Department Head, Math & Science

Captain Patrick Keane, USMS, Director of Leadership & Ethics Development

Guided by AJCF coordinators, the group explored key historical sites in Warsaw, including Holocaust museums and memorials. They then visited Auschwitz I and II, the former home of Commandant Rudolf Höss, the longest-serving commandant of Auschwitz, and an exhibition of Marian Kołodziej, a Catholic artist and former Auschwitz prisoner, whose works feature powerful visual interpretations of his Holocaust experiences. The journey concluded in Krakow, where participants toured well-preserved medieval landmarks and reflected on the lessons of history.

Throughout the trip, midshipmen engaged in deep discussions about leadership, ethics, and the enduring impact of the Holocaust. Each of their reflections reveals the profound effect the experience had on their personal and professional development.

MIDN Wingate:

“It is one thing to read about the Holocaust in a book; it is another thing entirely to be standing in the actual gas chambers where millions of innocent people were executed like animals. My perspective regarding the whole war has radically changed due to this trip.”

MIDN Forman:

“This eye-opening experience not only educated me on the Holocaust but also allowed me to deeply understand the catastrophic events that took place during this vulnerable time. The impact must never be forgotten.”

MIDN Winters:

“The trip to Poland changed the way I think as a person and a leader. Being at Auschwitz made me realize how important it is to never forget.”

MIDN Howe:

“Visiting Auschwitz was one of the best learning experiences. I learned way more seeing it in person than just reading about it. It was really intense and showed how horrible the Holocaust was.”

MIDN Keck:

“It’s difficult to explain the experience solely through words when the most impactful moments of the guided tours were in areas where photography was not allowed. The trip definitely changed me as a person and challenged my previously held beliefs about military ethics.”

MIDN Ryan:

“My trip to Poland really opened my eyes to how important it is to preserve and teach the Holocaust’s history. I’m thankful for the chance to be on the trip.”

MIDN Ebers:

“The experience gave me a much better appreciation for history and helped me better identify trends in today's political climate.”

MIDN Parsons:

“The ASAP Program allowed me to explore unique cities and experience amazing culture all while learning about and experiencing the haunting truths of the Holocaust.”

MIDN Staroselskiy:

“This trip put into perspective not only the crimes against the Jewish people and other minority groups, but also the oppression and atrocities that we as a society have the potential to commit.”

Captain Tony Ceraolo, USMMA Superintendent (Acting), said, “the Academy is privileged to participate in ASAP. This program fosters ethical leadership, historical awareness, and global citizenship. These experiences not only enrich the education of midshipmen but also prepare them to serve with integrity in their future roles.”

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The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates licensed merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. The U.S. Merchant Marine is administered by the Department of Transportation.