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Meet Steve Mrozek: Historian, Author, and Explorer of the Past
Meet Steve Mrozek: Historian, Author, and Explorer of the Past
A lifelong interest in military history has guided Steve Mrozek along multiple career paths. The contributions and experiences of America’s veterans are often difficult for the public to fully appreciate or understand. Few recognize this more clearly than Steve. For over four decades, he has dedicated himself to interpreting veterans’ experiences and preserving their stories.
From 1984 to 2005, he served as the first National Historian for the 82nd Airborne Division Association, a non-paid volunteer role. In that capacity, he worked closely with many of the legendary paratroopers and glider soldiers whose actions shaped history. Drawing on these relationships and firsthand accounts, he authored three books and contributed to several others. As a speaker, he has delivered more than a hundred presentations and programs grounded in his unique connections with veterans.
Inspired by the soldiers he came to know, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1986. He began as a Public Affairs Specialist, later earning his parachute wings and qualifying as a paratrooper, ultimately completing over 100 parachute jumps. He retired in 2014 after 26 years of service, including a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan as an Operations Sergeant in support of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Combining his soldier’s perspective, his skill as an educator, and extensive travel throughout Europe, Steve now leads groups across historic greatest battlefields, as well as hidden, lesser known, but no less significant locations. He returns to these sites not only as a historian, but as a veteran who understands them from the inside. Through his guidance, others gain a deeper appreciation of the events, sacrifices, and enduring legacy connected to these hallowed grounds.
Steven J. Mrozek
Steven J. Mrozek
WWII Historian, Speaker, Author, Museum Director, Combat Veteran, and Battlefield Tour Guide
WWII Historian, Speaker, Author, Museum Director, Combat Veteran, and Battlefield Tour Guide
Steven J. Mrozek is a highly respected military historian, author, and battlefield guide specializing in World War II and airborne operations. With a distinguished career spanning decades of research, museum leadership, writing, and public history work, Steve brings unparalleled insight and passion to every tour and presentation.
Professional Summary
Professional Summary
Steve Mrozek combines scholarly expertise with firsthand military experience to create deeply engaging historical tours and educational programs. His work focuses on the human stories behind pivotal moments in WWII — from airborne operations to the broader strategic context of the European Theater. Steve’s ability to connect veterans’ experiences with the landscapes of history makes him a sought-after guide for battlefield tours.
Current Roles
Current Roles
Education Director and Curator, Selfridge Military Air Museum — Leading one of Michigan’s foremost aviation and military history institutions, Steve oversees exhibitions, educational programming, and community engagement initiatives.
WWII Battlefield Guide, WWII Victory Tours — Providing expert interpretation of battlefields in Normandy, Northern Europe, and other historic sites significant to the Allied campaigns.
Military & Professional Background
Military & Professional Background
Steve’s lifelong interest in military history grew from his own service and post-service work:
Served 26 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, including attachment to 82nd Airborne units and deployment to Afghanistan.
Former National Historian for the 82nd Airborne Division Association, where he conducted extensive veteran interviews and research on airborne warfare.
Veteran paratrooper with more than 100 jumps, giving him a unique perspective on the airborne experience he interprets for tour guests.
Museum & Curatorial Experience
Museum & Curatorial Experience
Steve has built a strong reputation in historical and cultural institutions, including:
Education Director & Curator, Selfridge Military Air Museum
Professional roles at the Detroit Historical Museum and the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum
Volunteer foundation and leadership roles in local and regional museum projects
Author & Historian
Author & Historian
Steve is the author and contributor of several books on military history, with a particular emphasis on airborne forces and their experiences in WWII.
His published works and editorial contributions are valuable resources for historians, enthusiasts, and scholars alike, and reflect a commitment to preserving the voices of veterans.
Public Speaking & Education
Public Speaking & Education
A dynamic speaker, Steve regularly presents at museums, lecture series, educational programs, and historical societies, bringing WWII history to life through storytelling grounded in primary source research.
Expertise & Focus Areas
Expertise & Focus Areas
Allied campaigns of WWII
Airborne operations — planning, execution, and veteran experience
Battlefield interpretation in Normandy and Western Europe
Military strategy, technology, and soldier life
Connecting historic landscapes with lived memory
SJM CV 2026.pdfPage updated
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