Introducing the Great Constantine Legacy Board: Transforming the Dedication of a Legend into Action by a Powerful Team
Powerful Board dedicated to preserving the legacy of LtCol Justin Constantine has launched, which will take bold steps to bring meaningful change to the DE&I groups Justin fought for so passionately during his life.
The impact of legends like the late LtCol Justin Constantine doesn't just inspire—it catalyzes action. With a life marked by an unwavering commitment to transformative change, Justin's spirit continues to shine bright, and with that, his sense of purpose to something bigger than himself.
To continue his great work to support the people who need it most, a select group of influential and passionate individuals has formed the Great Constantine Legacy Board. This initiative transcends mere remembrance; it's a powerful commitment to converting Justin's ideals into tangible actions.
A Glimpse into Justin's Remarkable Journey
Justin wasn’t just a patriot; he was an embodiment of resilience and service. The challenges he faced in his life cannot be overstated.
Justin joined the Marine Corps while in law school, and served on active duty as a JAG officer for six years. Then, as a Reservist, Justin deployed to Iraq in 2006, serving as a Civil Affairs Team Leader while attached to an infantry battalion. During a combat patrol, Justin was shot in the head by a sniper. Although the original prognosis was that he had been killed in action, Justin survived thanks to risks taken by his fellow Marines and a courageous Navy Corpsman, George Grant. In fact, when Corpsman Grant first rolled Justin over, he was no longer breathing. But Corpsman Grant miraculously was able to perform a life-saving tracheotomy on Justin, and his fellow Marines rushed him to safety. For his service in Iraq, Justin earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Justin retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His writing on military and leadership issues was published in The Washington Post, Time, CNN, The Atlantic, Forbes Magazine, and other media outlets. In 2015, he completed his first book, My Battlefield, Your Office, which applies military leadership skills to the private sector. And in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Justin recently authored From “We Will” to “At Will”, an authoritative and interactive guidebook about veteran and military spouse employment.
Justin was a Presidential Leadership Scholar, was named a Champion of Change for Veterans by President Obama, and was also one of the wounded warriors painted by President Bush in his book Portraits of Courage. In 2017, he received the Henry Viscardi Achievement Award for shaping attitudes, raising awareness, and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities, as well as the Veterans Advantage HeroVet award for significantly contributing to the veteran community through ongoing service and leadership.
In 2018, Justin became the Chief Business Development Officer of JobPaths, a robust workforce development platform that brings much-needed tech solutions to help connect job seekers throughout the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) space to opportunities and services that best fit their skills and needs. Thanks to Justin, the company's powerful tool has benefitted thousands of veterans, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, women, and minorities across the country. His relentless dedication to bringing these needed tools to DE&I candidates helped establish partnerships between the company and some of the largest employers and agencies in the country, including Apple, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Society for Human Resource Management, Helmets to Hardhats, Source America, and New York City's Department of Veterans Services.
On May 5th, 2022, Justin passed away after a 2+ year battle with Stage IV prostate cancer. His passing has been a difficult and shocking reality for all those closest to him, and the thousands of men and women his hard work and dedication have had a lasting impact on. Nevertheless, the lessons of perseverance and triumph in the face of tragedy will live on forever in all of us, and we are forever grateful to Justin for everything he was.
As aptly put by his wife, Dahlia, Justin has now attained "Superhero status."
The Dawn of the Great Constantine Legacy Board
In the heart of every monumental movement lies a vision, a guiding light. For the Great Constantine Legacy Board, this light emanates from the indomitable spirit and ideals of Justin Constantine. The board's core mission revolves around preserving and magnifying Justin's legacies. It seeks to encapsulate everything he championed and held dear during his lifetime - from veteran employment and mental health advocacy to ensuring every individual within the DE&I community reaches their zenith of potential.
Members of this esteemed board bear a significant responsibility. They are not only guardians of Justin's vision but active agents of change. Collaborative brainstorming sessions to develop ideas aligned with Justin's passions are a staple. But the role extends beyond conceptual discussions. Each board member takes on the mantle of integrating Justin's ethos into their respective organizations, ensuring his message of empowerment and inclusivity permeates diverse sectors.
Moreover, there's a collective commitment to work hand-in-hand with entities and organizations Justin was affiliated with. This symbiotic relationship ensures that the board's actions are not just informed by Justin's past collaborations but are also propelling his mission forward, ensuring his legacy is a living, thriving entity.
The board’s inaugural meeting at the Paramount Headquarters in New York was a testament to its dedication. Attendees, unified under the shared purpose of honoring and advancing Justin's vision, received a special Challenge Coin made in honor of Justin. The coin includes the famous quote from Winston Churchill, which was Justin's life motto and the true mission of Board, "Never Give In - Never, Never, Never."
True to Justin's belief that "Love is action," the Great Constantine Legacy Board embodies this mantra. Their goal is clear: ensuring Justin's philosophy not only reverberates through conversations but is also deeply embedded in impactful actions and initiatives that stand as monuments to his ideals.