Service Is a Responsibility
For Cris Dosev, community service is an extension of a life shaped by faith, family, military duty, and gratitude for the country that gave his family an opportunity to build a new life.
His work has focused heavily on veterans, wounded service members, military history, civic responsibility, and the preservation of American stories that deserve to be remembered. Whether raising support for injured veterans, helping honor a pioneering American general, or building national awareness for the heroes of the Battle of Midway, Cris has worked to turn respect into action.
Preserving the Legacy of General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr.
Cris serves as chairman of the General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Memorial Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Pensacola native who became the first Black four-star general in the United States Armed Forces.
Cris helped lead the successful effort to name the new Pensacola Bay Bridge in General James’s honor. He has also worked to advance plans for a permanent memorial near the bridge, envisioned as an open-air tribute featuring a statue of General James, an F-4 Phantom aircraft, an American flag, and educational elements that will introduce future generations to his extraordinary life.
The project represents more than a monument. It is an effort to preserve the story of an American combat veteran, leader, and barrier-breaking military officer whose example continues to inspire service members and civilians alike.
Honoring the Midway Six
Cris is also involved with Honor American Heroes, a national campaign seeking recognition for six United States Navy aviators whose courage and leadership helped turn the tide of World War II during the Battle of Midway.
The campaign honors:
- Commander Clarence W. McClusky
- Lieutenant Commander Max F. Leslie
- Lieutenant Commander Eugene E. Lindsey
- Lieutenant Commander Lance E. Massey
- Lieutenant Commander John C. Waldron
- Lieutenant Richard H. Best
Together, these men led some of the most consequential American aerial attacks of the Pacific War. Honor American Heroes exists to share their stories, defend the historical record, educate the public, and build support for awarding the Midway Six the Medal of Honor recognition their service deserves.
The campaign is a celebration of American courage. It calls on veterans, historians, educators, civic organizations, public officials, and patriotic Americans to help ensure that these six men are remembered by name and honored by the nation they helped defend.
Supporting America’s Wounded Heroes
In 2005, Cris helped establish the Wounded Heroes Foundation after recognizing gaps in the assistance available to severely injured military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The foundation was created to provide meaningful support beyond ceremonies and expressions of gratitude. Its work focused on helping wounded service members and their families confront the financial, housing, medical, and personal challenges that often continue long after a service member returns home.
For Cris, supporting wounded veterans means remembering that the cost of military service doesn’t end when a deployment ends. Communities have an obligation to stand beside those who sacrificed for the country when they return home and begin rebuilding their lives.
Service Through Faith and Community
Cris’ community involvement has also extended through veterans organizations, Catholic service groups, local civic initiatives, and family-centered causes.
He has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus and has served as Grand Knight of councils in both Illinois and Florida. He also spent 18 years as a board member of Catholic Citizens of Illinois, supporting charitable involvement, religious liberty, family life, and community participation.
His participation in the Marine Corps League and other veterans gatherings has allowed him to continue the fellowship, mentorship, and responsibility that began during his years in uniform. These organizations create connections between generations of veterans while keeping the principles of service, sacrifice, and loyalty alive within the broader community.
A Continuing Commitment
The causes may be different, but the principle connecting Cris Dosev’s community service remains the same: honor those who served, help people facing difficult circumstances, preserve the stories that should never be forgotten, and step forward when something important needs to be done.
Community service isn’t about receiving recognition. It is about accepting responsibility for the people, institutions, and history entrusted to each generation.
Cris continues to support projects that strengthen communities, honor American service, and ensure that courage and sacrifice remain part of the nation’s living memory.
Join Cris in Service
Whether you have an hour, a skill, or a new idea, Cris welcomes your partnership through volunteering, sponsoring local efforts, hosting neighborhood events, or proposing projects that strengthen families, support veterans, and uplift those most in need.
