"We recently returned from the WWII D-Day tour, and there are just no words to describe how fantastic it is to travel with Essential History Expeditions (EHE). This was a very special trip for my family, and we were so fortunate to have been with Brian and Sheryl for it. Everything far exceeded our expectations: from Brian's excellent tour guidance to Sheryl's meticulous planning of all the logistics, lovely accommodations, and other experiences, we couldn't have asked for anything more. Brian's incredible military and historical knowledge, coupled with the compelling stories he has, brings the events to life for you. He is an engaging leader who loves questions and discussion. We never felt rushed and had the time to absorb the places we visited and what happened there and pay our respects to the lives lost and affected. You will leave with an even greater appreciation of the events and people involved. Brian and Sheryl are fun, kind, and lovely people, plus they are wonderful to travel with. When it comes to planning the trip, I can't say enough about Sheryl; she is responsive, exceptionally organized, dedicated, and so gracious, and caring. Sheryl is excellent at being proactive and thinking ahead about how to make the trip seamless...and she does! You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip. Touring with EHE is an experience not to be missed! September 2022"

"Sheryl and Brian created a life changing experience for us on our tour to Vietnam. My husband's dad was a vet, hence our motivation to go. Brian personalized our experienced as we stood on the ground on which my father-in-law served. My husband was in tears as Brian shared his dad's story. Traveling across the country, Brian shared his incredible knowledge as a historian but also incorporated role plays of people relevant to the war and music from the era. Not being much of a history buff, I loved the tour, but especially the attention to detail that Sheryl and Brian excel at: 5 star hotel accommodations, amazing food experiences, cultural activities, etc. Our group of 27 was like a family by the end of the trip. We learned SO much but also had SO much fun. Experience of a lifetime! I HIGHLY recommend you put your own private trip together for a place you long to learn about because Essential History Expeditions will knock your socks off!!"

"I just completed my third trip with Essential History Expeditions and could not imagine ever traveling with any other company. Brian and Sheryl are incredible at planning and executing a tour. The attention to detail and responsiveness to customer questions and needs is outstanding and the tour experience is simply incredible. Brian's history expertise is truly unmatched and makes travel to any location so much more meaningful as you understanding the story behind the place. Sheryl's organization and logistic planning are top notch and provide comfort, class and relaxation as part of any tour. I will absolutely travel with them again!"

"It was a true privilege and pleasure to experience this wonderful trip! Brian and Sheryl are a remarkable team and together they created unforgettable moments. Brian's knowledge is truly impressive and Sheryl's organizational skills are exceptional. I can't wait to participate on another one of their expeditions!"

"Having just returned from Essential History Expeditions' February 2023 Vietnam tour, I cannot say enough good things about it! As a retired Army general, I was hoping to better understand the Vietnam War, which shaped my training and the Army which I served in from 1979-2016. I also looked forward to viewing my Dad's experience as a military advisor in 1962-63 & 1968-69 in a new light after seeing the terrain. Brian and Sheryl delivered that and more. Our tour traced the major political and military struggles of both the French and American wars, and helped to understand the Vietnamese point of view at every turn. Their approach, which incorporated both Brian's historical expertise (honed by his PhD and 12 years teaching at West Point) along with assigning voluntary "character backgrounds" presented by the tour participants, encouraged not only study in preparation beforehand but also a collaborative discussion of the issues in the long struggles of the Vietnamese people. Sheryl's precise planning and use of 5-star accommodations made the trip luxurious throughout, with meals, 4 internal flights, 12 bus trips, and a 2-day opulent boat excursion into Halong Bay all handled seamlessly. One of the best travel experiences of my life!"

"Brian and Sheryl organized a trip to London and Normandy for a group of 17 people in April 2023. The trip exceeded our highest expectations. Brian's knowledge of military operations leading up to D-Day, the invasion itself, and the breakout from Normandy was broad and detailed. He used his well-established teaching skills to bring this history to life. Very importantly, he and Sheryl took care of all the details which make a trip run smoothly. Coordinating different arrival and departure times, transfers, handicap accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, special requests, and lodging for 17 people is no small task. They handled it seamlessly and professionally. We are looking forward to our next adventure with Essential History Expeditions!"

"Trip of a lifetime! We reached out to Sheryl about the D-Day 75th Anniversary tour.  They were already sold out, but because my Father In-Law was on Omaha Beach 1 hr after the invasion began Sheryl and Brian found a way to fit us in.  Their tour is top notch!!! They do extensive research of the areas and accommodations and make sure everything runs like clockwork.  By the end of the tour, we felt like we were all family and will have lasting relationships with many of the people on the tour.  Can't say enough about them, their knowledge of the area, and their desire to make sure everyone has the best experience possible. They go above and beyond!"

"My wife and I had the fortunate opportunity to embark on Essential History Expedition's "The D-Day Longest Day" tour from England to Normandy to the Liberation of Paris.  The tour was primarily geared from an historical military perspective and to immerse ourselves in the planning, execution, and impact of the WW II Normandy invasion to liberate Europe from the German occupation.  What an absolute treat!  Sheryl was flawless in setting up the logistics and keeping us informed every step of the way, both before, during, and after the actual tour. Choosing to spend a few extra days on our own in London and Paris, she made all our additional arrangements for accommodations and travel.  It was seamless.  Brian is an absolute font of knowledge.  As we progressed through the various historical sites, his narratives and endless stories made the events of the Normandy invasion come alive.  I truly do not know how he retains the plethora of dates, names, and related facts.  I am at a loss to recall a single question he was unable to answer, many of which were posed from some very knowledgeable members on the tour. Brian's own distinguished military career added to the relevance of his presentations.  The free time at the hotels and group dinners allowed for some one on one conversations both with Sheryl and Brian as well as the other members of our group.  You don't have to be a military "nut" to enjoy this trip. My wife is from New Zealand and she was fascinated with the various aspects of this historical event. There is plenty of local culture to partake of if you just want to sit back and enjoy the exquisite countryside and hospitality.  This tour is a keeper!  Five stars does not do it justice."

"Two years ago, on the dawn of June 6th, we crossed the English Channel onto the beaches of Normandy, just like they did 75 years earlier.  Except it wasn't just like they did.  While we enjoyed good weather and the freedom and time to reflect on their Rendezvous with Destiny, they had faced torrential rain and life-threatening obstacles as they ran towards the artillery exploding around them and bullets flying at them; many cutting into their brave young bodies and souls.   Though our experience on the beaches was very different from the Allied Forces, Brian DeToy summoned his unique ability to take us back in time to imagine what it was like for them.  His military experience, research, education and love of history equip him to set the stage in every facet and mood and bring it to life.  One place in particular where he did an exceptional job was upon entering the American Cemetery.  As visitors were nonchalantly streaming in, Brian pulled us to the side and spoke solemn, focused words that were appropriate for revering the site and honoring, in a personal way, those who had lost their lives and were buried there.  It will always be with me.   Sheryl's many strengths include her meticulous administrative and organizational skills, as well as graciousness and the patience of a saint.  She handled every detail beautifully - and there were many!   This was truly a life-changing trip for us - our favorite - the trip of a lifetime!"

"Brian DeToy was our tour guide for a 5 day tour of Normandy this spring. He was absolutely fantastic. His experience as a retired career infantry commander gives him a unique perspective that is unmatched by any other guide. On top of this, he spent years as a West Point history professor and has multiple advanced history degrees. The breadth and detail of his explanations make history come to life! Let Essential History Expeditions guide your next tour. You will not regret it."

"Just returned from South Africa, where Brian and Sheryl led a phenomenal trip following in the steps of Nelson Mandela. This was my second excursion with EHE; my husband and I did the WWI battlefields tour last summer. Both trips were beyond fabulous!! Stated very simply, there is no better way to learn about history and actually experience it than on a trip with EHE. Brian's in-depth knowledge of historical events, why they mattered, and how they shaped and influenced current times is really astounding. He is an engaging and charismatic storyteller, funny and passionate, conveying both details and the bigger picture of the sweep of history. Sheryl ensures that every logistical detail of the trips is flawlessly attended to; she is warm and open and treats every traveler like a family friend. Show up and Sheryl takes care of the rest!! In South Africa, we also experienced other cultural highlights, including the Cape of Good Hope and the magnificent wine country in Stellenbosch, as well as an optional two-day safari in Sabi Sands. EHE is a real treasure; take a trip and you will kick yourself for waiting so long to do it. I am already signed up for additional trips with Brian and Sheryl in 2020 and 2021, and wish I could do more. Really wonderful!!"

"My second trip with Brian & Sheryl and the same fantastic experience. The coordination, communication and planning of the 75th Anniversary D-Day trip was perfect. And again, with multiple heads of state attending numerous events, there were unanticipated changes and last minute notifications for security reasons. Brian and Sheryl adjusted and provided a superb and seamless experience. I don't know how they did it, but we were able to board a ferry in the UK on the evening of June 5th, cross the channel and land in France on the morning of June 6th! With thousands of people attending the events, we were able to visit every beach, the sites of the two major airborne drops, Bayeux and Mount Saint Michel. A huge shout out to Sergei our driver who managed to maneuver a full sized bus everywhere we went. The experience was poignant and moving but also uplifting to view and hear first hand what this generation was able to accomplish for us and the world. Thank you Brian & Sheryl for including me in another lifetime event."

"My husband and I just returned from an EHE excursion to South Africa, and I can't say enough about our experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the safari, where we were able to get close to animals we have only ever seen in captivity -- leopards, elephants, kudu, hippos, giraffes, and many, many impalas, just to name a few. Watching these animals in their natural habitat was extraordinary. The main part of the tour focused on Nelson Mandela and his incredible "Long Walk to Freedom." We were able to visit sites that were important in the apartheid struggle, including Mandela's house in Soweto, Liliesleaf farm, the Palace of Justice in Pretoria, and several of the prisons where Mandela spent his 27 years in captivity. Along the way, we developed relationships with the local guides and people, who enriched the experience with their first-hand knowledge of the culture and history of South Africa. Brian has an astounding wealth of knowledge about the history of the country and was able to make insightful and meaningful connections from the past to the present. I feel like we should have received college credit for everything we learned on this trip! Sheryl ensured that every possible logistical detail was attended to, which allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the whole trip. Along the way, we indulged in the local food and wines, which were outstanding in every way. This was an incredible learning experience and a wonderful, memorable vacation all in one. It will stay with us forever. Thank you, Brian and Sheryl, for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!"

"South Africa...Safari and history tour!  Over a two week period we couldn't decide on what was the best part....it was all so awesome.  The guides, facilitation and education by Brian on past and present day S. Africa was amazing and to be able to draw parallels for what was happening in the U.S. at the time brought a whole new twist to understanding an evolving world.  It just doesn't get better than this...exciting, fun, educational, stunning venue's, outstanding accommodations and a foodies delight!  We will be repeat travelers for sure!"

"You simply will not find a better "team" than Sheryl and Brian. Sheryl's attention to detail is unsurpassed - her goal is your comfort at all times. Brian's expertise and his ability to share his depth of knowledge and commitment to our country in a way anyone can understand is truly a gift not to be missed. My husband and I spent 11 days with Essential History Expeditions exploring the history and sites of D-Day. Brian's experiences as a U. S. Army Ranger (Col. ret.) and professor at West Point, along with his intimate knowledge of war, are shared with a passion that is palpable. Our new understanding of the D-Day operations is beyond anything we imagined.Sheryl's compassion for her fellow travelers overflows -she anticipates your every need and is ready to provide whatever it is you need. I simply cannot imagine choosing any other leaders now that I know what an educational trip can provide. If you are considering a trip - don't miss this organization. If you do, you will miss something to treasure for the rest of your life!"

"Just returned from Essential History Expeditions tour of D-Day sites with Brian and Sheryl. It was amazing. They not only shared their expertise and incredible stories of WWII heroism, they also shared themselves, creating a warm and welcoming environment. We learned about D-Day during the day at various sites, hearing incredibly moving stories about the soldiers and learning about the strategies that helped move the invasion, and then gathered around meals at night to process and discuss what we had learned. Brian and Sheryl were always available to answer questions and discuss difficult issues surrounding the war. It was a wonderful experience all around!"

"I would not, ever, take a history-focused trip with anyone else!  Brian is a walking encyclopedia, and Sheryl the most competent and caring person I know.  Having worked with them for several years now on several trips, I can say without reservation that they are THE BEST and we will be happily planning and taking more trips with them in years to come!"

"I have never been on a trip like this. It was beyond my expectations. My sister, niece and I just completed the 75th Anniversary of D-Day expedition with Brian and Sheryl. Our father (and grandfather) was in WWII. Brian looked up the information and made us feel like our loved one was standing next to us. Brian’s knowledge and humor made the experience unforgettable. Sheryl ‘s organizational skills made every step look effortless. The sleeping accommodations were top class and the food was exceptional. I highly recommend any expedition with Brian and Sheryl."

"We were educated, inspired, and deeply moved by the D-Day program and tour!  The tour was life-changing.  Thanks to you and your team for doing an outstanding job in conveying the extraordinary bravery, courage, and sacrifice by U.S. and Allied military personnel during WWII.  We are forever indebted to them for the freedom to live our lives as we do today. The group on the tour was a terrific mix of students, alumni, and friends of the University.  You and Sheryl are now members of the SMU family. Cheyenne and I have already told others about the extraordinary quality of your work and that you have an effective business that delivers the tours."

"It is a shame that rating Essential History Expeditions is limited to only five stars. EHE earns a constellation of positive recognition. Brian is learned in history of great depth as well as the ability to impart such knowledge in a clear and enthusiastic manner. His knowledge is not limited to the topic at hand, in this case EHE's D-Day tour, but of eclectic history over the ages. We passed a street in France and when someone mentioned the name of the street Brian entertained us with an impromptu mini lecture on the person after whom the street was named, who they were and what they did that earned a street. We visited Mont Saint-Michel whose groundbreaking occurred in the 10th century and the ribbon cutting ceremony centuries later and yet once again Brian provided great insight into the history and events surrounding this island commune. Sheryl, Brian's most capable and gracious business and life partner, made a complex trip look easy. A most worthy and appreciated skill. Be it lodging, box lunches, transportation (impromptu or otherwise), it all just magically happened(!). I have never been so well cared for on a hosted trip. I learned so much from this trip of a lifetime while being well cared for and socializing with well matched people of similar interests all of whom immensely enjoyed the camaraderie. We all were guided through the shadow of history of very brave people, soldiers as well as civilian; Allied as well as Axis and we were honored to do so. I encourage you to experience Essential History Expeditions. It could be your trip of a lifetime as well."

"I just returned from a 2-week tour of Vietnam with Brian and Sheryl of Essential History Expeditions. When I initially read the itinerary on this trip, it immediately piqued my interest and I signed up. But there was no way that I could ever imagine what an educational, cultural and pleasing experience of the senses this would be. We did not just go to typical tourist sites in Vietnam, instead we traversed the country starting in the south in Ho Chi Minh City and making our way up through the Central Highlands, stopping along the coast, winding up mountainous regions eventually ending up in Hanoi and then almost to the Chinese boarder in the Tonkinese Mountains of Sapa. We visited sites in the cities, in villages and along rivers- the Mekong, the Perfume and the Red Rivers. We learned so much about the history of this country through Brian's expertise and his military knowledge - he immersed us in the history at the very sites where it took place - at battle grounds, prisons, forts and fortresses, Presidential palaces, Vietcong hand dug tunnels and trenches... Between Sheryl and Nhu, a Vietnamese tour guide who traveled with us,  every detail of the trip was planned and executed - from the travel from place to place to the hotels and restaurants and sites to see. Whether traveling by van, SUV, boat, or cyclo - our vehicle awaited us at the very hour it was scheduled. The accommodations at each hotel we stayed at were superb and each restaurant a unique atmospheric and new and tasty experience for the palate. I can't say or write enough about this tour company and about Sheryl and Brian - not only their attention to detail and their knowledge, but also their warmth, enthusiasm and their genuine concern for each participant who travels with them."

"We just got back from the D-Day/Normandy trip with our family. Since our five kids are now between ages 27 & 17, it was likely our last vacation with the whole family. Two friends of our children joined us. Perfect falls short of describing it. There were excellent accommodations, comfortable transportation to the sites, tasty meals, completely thorough presentations of the history with a personal touch and fine company to share. It all went off like clock-work - even bathroom breaks. Sheryl & Brian have this wired and are experts at their craft. Worth every dime and beyond our wildest expectations - we were thrilled to have this experience for our family. It was a stress-free trip and the standard by which all other vacations will be judged."

"My son and I just returned from the World War I trip. It was better than I ever imagined. Everything was absolutely beyond what I had envisioned. Brian made the history come alive, and Sheryl attended to every little detail. I could have spent another week or two with them. 5 stars is not enough. Can't wait to go with them again."

"History comes to life within all of your senses on a tour with Essential History Expeditions.  A magical and professional team of travel experts take care of every detail in order to allow for total immersion.  Our tour of Vietnam was beyond my expectations of learning and experiencing in a very visceral way.   Brian is an exceptional historian with a gift of language and knowledge that keeps you totally engaged.  His passion for sharing historical events, dates and details allows clients to open their minds and absorb the information with contagious thirst.  Sheryl's planning and organizational detail along with an amazing agenda and wonderful places to stay provide a stressless and wonderful experience.  Very quickly you feel as though you are traveling with family. Even if you are only curious about history of An particular area, you will be more than pleasantly surprised how you will be "pulled In" and want more.  Sheryl and Brian will have another repeat customer in me and I will recommend them without pause."

"I just completed a tour of the Battle of the Bulge, with an add on segment in Prague.  Brian and Sheryl run a terrific tour with everything smoothly taken care of.  The restaurants were always great, the information from each of them about the history of our locations were superb, and the overall enjoyment level was outstanding. I had previously done a Gettysburg tour which was great, but the European trip surpassed it.  Highly recommended."

"Essential History Expeditions is the real deal if you care about history.  With Brian DeToy and Sheryl Shafer, you get it all: a guide who is a superb teacher - Brian makes it all vitally interesting and relevant - and a tour manager in Sheryl who is quietly and graciously capable of handling any problem or concern. You will have no worries with them. All you'll be required to do is to love every minute of your tour. We just completed the Normandy and Battle of the Bulge tours, and the moments of true inspiration and emotion were too many to count. Though it is a guided tour, and you will be in a van or bus, you always feel you are sharing important and memorable experiences with a group of friends. And we had the most fantastic food and wine, in beautiful settings! GO!! You will love it."

"My husband and I just returned from a trip to Prague with EHE. The experience was excellent in every way -- educational, enlightening and fun! Sheryl and Brian are the quintessential tour guides:  Brian's encyclopedic knowledge of historical events is beyond impressive, but it's the stories that he weaves into his "lessons" that make the history come alive, ensuring a rich educational and cultural experience for all. Sheryl's attention to detail and quality with all the logistics make it easy to relax and enjoy the full experience. The hospitality and camaraderie they facilitated with the group made it even more fun. As the five-star rating suggests, EHE is as good as it gets for historical tours!"

"My wife and I recently took two trips with Essential History Expeditions -- back-to-back tours of Normandy (D-Day sites) and Belgium and Luxembourg (Battle of the Bulge sites). Both trips were excellent. We learned much about the historic campaigns from a first-rate teacher who loves history, and loves to share his knowledge with others. The tours did not just focus on the opposing armies, but the human stories and faces of battle. The trips were meticulously planned and executed, and when we were not touring, we enjoyed wonderful food in beautiful settings, and the company of friendly travel partners who shared a common purpose of understanding these important moments in history."

"Many thanks for a WONDERFUL trip. We know you've done it several times now, but it is still hard to believe how you put together such a great team and a comprehensive tour. Brian, we have decided that you are the first true Renaissance man we have met. Sheryl, we are in awe over your ability to make things come together so smoothly and never let anything rattle you."

"Brian -- (World's Best Tour Leader!) -- Thanks for a great trip! The other members of the tour felt just like I did -- your knowledge and enthusiasm for what we were seeing made for a great and unique experience. Feel free to give my contact info out to any potential future travelers who might request a reference from a past customer. And thank you for your service in the military, too. Hope to travel with you again soon!"

"Words cannot express how great of a job Brian did in making the tour of the Battle of Little Bighorn come alive for me and my colleagues! He is an incredible historian who's ability to recall all kinds of details and information is unparalleled. I highly recommend his services!"

"You've created one of the best historical tour companies in the country. Your trips are filled with rich information and fun. I look forward to taking a third trip with you and Brian. You have a wonderful Magical History Tour. "

"Brian brings you into history, like putting you in a time machine and transporting you back in time to that historic moment. You get to relive history through role-play and hands-on demonstrations, and Brian provides the backdrop and history behind each event to highlight the significance of the decisions that were made. Brian makes history alive and relevant. "

"My family and friends recently toured Normandy with Brian DeToy. We initially planned four days but could have spent many more days. The tour was a spectacular adventure and a lifetime memory for all of us! It was a shared experience that no matter the age (the ages in our group were 21-81) the experience was emotionally charged, incredibly educational and greatly social. The experience bolted to the top of all my vacations, tours and trips around the world. Brian possesses an encyclopedic knowledge, not only of the Normandy battlefield, military tactics and leaders, but also of the common men and women whose lives were greatly impacted by the D-Day invasion. In addition, his extensive interests and experience took us far beyond WWII, as we explored French culture and history of over a thousand years. A trip with Brian and Essential History Expeditions is an immersive experience that none in our group will ever forget! "

"After presenting the Battle of Gettysburg to high school students for over thirty years and reading numerous books on the topic, I was shocked at the new insight Brian provided. We were not surprised when he knew every detail of this military engagement, but his focus on the human element made the battle come alive. His stories and personal commentary brought to life the drama and the tragedy that our forefathers faced in July 1863 in Pennsylvania. "

"Having taken multiple tours in Normandy and Gettysburg, I can say with confidence that Essential History Expeditions is a premiere experience. What makes it such a rich experience is Brian DeToy. Unlike other historians, Brian brings a unique perspective that creates a surreal experience. Taking a tour with Brian is like riding across a battlefield with Napoleon, Nathanael Greene, or George S. Greene. Brian can bring out the decision-making cycles of these leaders because he has lived that life himself. His knowledge of history-- combined with three decades of mentoring young officers, teaching West Point cadets, and commanding Infantrymen-- enables Brian the ability to capture the nuanced details other historians overlook. Perhaps most important is Brian’s passion for sharing history. He believes in what he is doing and that makes the entire experience a true delight! "

"I’ve been to Normandy several times, but the trip that shaped my in-depth understanding of the events leading to its liberation was this one! Brian’s expertise as a teacher and as a soldier brought those days surrounding D-Day to life. He is the consummate historian/story teller! In addition, the trip was very well organized with no weak links. I am looking forward to more trips with Essential History Expeditions! "

"My experience with Brian’s teaching events has been nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to analyze complex problems, provide historical context, and portray the human dimension of leadership is unparalleled. Brian’s scenarios are consistently challenging, stimulating, and informative. In 28 years of active military service, I count Brian’s events as the best leadership development I received. "

"Lt. Col. DeToy was brilliant, engaging and essentially an encyclopedia of information on the battle and the events of the era. I have been to the battlefield nearly 10 times and read countless books and articles on the battle, but nothing compares to spending two days under the leadership of Lt. Col. DeToy. "

"Brian was, in a word, spectacular. "

"I loved the entire simulation experience of the battles at Antietam and Gettysburg. I loved the depth of knowledge I received from Brian. I loved the simulations from using people to represent the various military units, to the marching, to the rush up the rocky hill before Little Round Top. Brian’s words and the personal experiences he shared at the cemetery were moving. The opportunity to be reflective about how I feel regarding the sacrifices so many living and dead have made on behalf of my freedoms was overwhelming. The time spent in gratitude was precious to me. What means even more, though, was that my daughters had that experience. With so much that is jaded, cynical, and denigrated it was invaluable for them to have the opportunity feel the purity of that sacrifice, the goodness of it. I am so grateful. "

"Brian exquisitely illuminated the most profound lessons of history to his audience. As a sage and passionate historian, Brian fomented heartfelt and deeply intellectual appreciation for the hallowed grounds we walked. His historical battlefield mentorship routinely built stronger teams among students, faculty and military units by inspiring the young, old, civilian and military alike to grow in their own individual capacity for leadership and citizenry. Simply put, a staff ride or battlefield tour with Brian is a brilliant experience. "

"Going on a three-day staff ride to Gettysburg under the leadership of Brian DeToy was the single best educational experience of my life…. As a history professor at both the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy, I have spent the last twelve years trying to create an atmosphere as conducive to learning as that which Brian established during those three days at Gettysburg. "

"Brian spoke first-hand as though he was reincarnated from 1799."

"By completely immersing ourselves into the event, Brian taught me ways to engage and challenge others by using historical vignettes, anecdotes, and military tactics. Brian DeToy is a masterful teacher and presenter. He has an uncanny knack for leadership, and he can command any group’s attention. "

"At Gettysburg, we benefited from Brian’s deep historical expertise, his knowledge of the terrain, and his insights into many personalities that shaped this incredible battle—a battle that, indeed, shaped our country. Brian provides deep and fascinating insights at all levels: leadership, decision-making, strategic, operational, and tactical. "

"Brian stopped our group in the middle of Antietam Creek, adjacent to Burnsides’ Bridge, and recounted the decision-making process, leadership challenges and motivation for the forces arrayed on both sides of the span. He possesses a unique blend of insight and passion to make his lessons resonate for years. Brian DeToy captivates his participants, getting them involved in their learning in ways that would otherwise be impossible. "

"We ended our Civil War tour at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. This is where it all came together for me. We had walked the battlefields, had seen where brother had fought brother, had heard Brian tell us their stories, yet I still couldn't wrap my head around the justification for so much bloodshed. Here at the cemetery, Brian shared his love for his cadets who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. And I finally understood the heart of a soldier. I am so grateful for their dedication and courage and I hope that we can continue "to take increased devotion to that cause which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion". We each had chosen a stone from somewhere on the battlefields and at the cemetery we placed that stone on the grave of a fallen soldier and spent some quiet, sacred time honoring and thanking him for his sacrifice. Lauren carefully weaved a wreath of fallen leaves around the headstone of her unknown soldier. It was very moving to see that all the youth on the trip had taken Brian's lessons to heart. "