Kids to Know: Drew Garcia and Paige Wilson, American Bios Project
The American Bios Project: Student-Led Veteran Storytelling
High school students Drew Garcia and Paige Wilson are helping preserve Tampa Bay history in a powerful way: researching and writing biographies of veterans buried at the American Legion Cemetery. Through the American Bios Project, they’re ensuring that veterans’ stories aren’t forgotten and helping others feel connected to the people behind the names.
TBPM: What is the American Bios Project and how did it begin?
DG: The American Bios Project is a student-run nonprofit committed to preserving the memories of the veterans buried at the American Legion Cemetery in Tampa. We research and write veteran biographies and digitize their histories so the community can access them. Our goal is to document each of the 732 veterans interred there, honoring the past and inspiring future generations.
PW: In spring 2024, Alyse Duffy, president of the cemetery, invited Drew to begin researching veterans there and lead a project she envisioned: placing QR codes at graves that link to biographies online. This summer, I joined as vice president and social media manager.
TBPM: Has anything you uncovered surprised you?
DG: This project reshaped how I see the past. I now view history through the lens of service. These veterans impacted not only their time, but generations after. I feel a responsibility to keep their stories alive.
PW: I was surprised by how much history exists in ordinary individual lives. Research made history feel personal, less like events and more like people. I also realized that sharing their stories is a form of service — creating a lasting emotional impact. We’ve had grateful families reach out after seeing a loved one recognized.
TBPM: Has the project taught you things about your generation compared to the generations you’re researching?
DG: Past generations aren’t as different as we think. Seeing yearbooks, clubs and sports photos makes them feel real and familiar. Being American connects us across time, even with changing technology and social norms.
PW: My generation is highly connected and has more access to information than ever, yet we often feel disconnected from the past. This project showed me how easily history fades when stories aren’t told — and why our generation must choose to honor and remember it.
TBPM: Has working on the project shaped the way you see yourselves as students and as citizens?
DG: It’s made me more grateful to be an American and more appreciative of those I’ve written about, as well as service members overall.
PW: I am not just a student completing work, but a citizen responsible for preserving and carrying history forward.
TBPM: Has the project helped you develop skills you didn’t anticipate it would?
DG: Research and historical reasoning. Each biography is like a puzzle, and I’ve learned how to analyze old records (even census data) and fill gaps through deeper investigation.
PW: It strengthened my communication skills, historical interpretation abilities and ethical responsibility. I also gained patience because preserving history takes time and care. I had to be careful and honest when representing someone else’s life.
TBPM: What’s one challenge you didn’t expect and how did you navigate it?
DG: I didn’t expect how much communication and leadership it would require. Managerial duties like handling emails, recruiting researchers and navigating media opportunities are welcome challenges that I am blessed to have.
PW: Accuracy was difficult due to missing records. I navigated this by double-checking facts, choosing words carefully and collaborating with others.
LEARN MORE:
Follow the American Bios Project on Instagram @americanbios
Interested in researching with American Bios? Email drewgarcia@gmail.com
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Originally published in the February 2026 Issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.