In Episode 53, we shine the spotlight on Neil O’Connell, Executive Director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, San Diego’s storied hillside tribute honoring U.S. veterans from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts.

A retired Marine Sergeant Major with 33 years of service, Neil brings a deeply personal dedication to his leadership at Mt. Soledad. Since joining the Memorial Association in 2012 and later serving as Board Chair and CEO (2018–2021), he’s shepherded over 80 ceremonies annually, enhanced educational programming for school groups, and grown memorial visibility and membership under his current executive stewardship

Under Neil’s leadership, the Memorial earned the San Diego Nonprofit Achievement Award, a testament to its mission-driven excellence in honoring military heritage

He also spearheaded the launch of new youth-oriented field trips and STEM workshops designed to connect future generations with veterans’ stories.

Join us as Neil shares how the Memorial balances solemn remembrance with community engagement—through ceremonies, plaques, educational outreach, and volunteer-driven care of plaques and grounds. Discover how this La Jolla landmark continues to serve as a beacon of service, sacrifice, and civic pride under his thoughtful direction.