Meet Drew Klein of Ballwin, Mo.

“I became a Color Bearer in 2022 because I wanted to make a larger contribution to the American Battlefield Trust’s mission to Preserve, Educate, and Inspire.”

Drew Klein, Color Bearer

American Battlefield Trust: What moved you to first give to our organization? 

Drew: I received a mailing in the early 2000s from the then Civil War Trust about the most endangered battlefield of Franklin, Tennessee. After learning the story of this horrendous battle, I was moved to do what I could to preserve what little was left and to expand it as much as possible. 

What do you enjoy most about being a Color Bearer?   

I became a Color Bearer in 2022 because I wanted to make a larger contribution to the American Battlefield Trust’s mission to Preserve, Educate, and Inspire. I very much enjoyed the Color Bearer only events at the 2023 National Meeting. I was amazed to learn what a large percentage of the Trust’s annual revenue comes from the relatively small number of Color Bearers 

What is your favorite battlefield you have visited?  

I was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA in the 1950s and the first battlefield I visited with my family was a one-day car trip to Gettysburg. Of course, Gettysburg is awe inspiring and I have since visited it three more times, once with my wife and a great three-day visit with my 28-year-old son where we engaged a licensed battlefield guide. That being said, my son and I visited Pea Ridge in Arkansas in 2019. I was most impressed with the preservation of that battlefield: it was almost like stepping back into 1862. 

What would you like to pass on to future generations?  

A deep understanding of the sacrifices our predecessors made to assure our liberties and the preservation of the hallowed ground where these sacrifices occurred. 

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why? 

That is a tough one:  I would rate it a toss-up between Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln. 

Anything else you want to share? 

I am amazed at the quality and passion of the staff at the Trust. The annual meeting in Franklin was wonderful and my wife and I are looking forward to next year in Gettysburg.