About Us
Our Story
As roommates for four years at West Point, Ben Litton and James Palmer found that their greatest development came from opportunities they had been given to converse with so many outstanding leaders.
While both deployed in 2020, Ben and James would frequently discuss ways that they could make a positive impact back in their home communities. Having personally experienced the value of leader engagements as Cadets, they aimed to bring similar opportunities to youth in their home communities.
To achieve this goal, Ben and James founded Access 2 Inspiration, or A2I, upon returning home from deployment.
Meet The Co-Founders
Robert "Ben" Litton III
Born and raised in Charlotte, Ben was a top student-leader at Charlotte Catholic High School before accepting an appointment to join the United States Military Academy’s Class of 2019. Upon graduating from West Point as the top-ranking cadet in the business management major, Ben was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army. Just prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, he deployed to Poland and Lithuania with the 3rd Infantry Division to train with NATO allies and deter Russian aggression. Ben was recognized as the 2022 3rd Infantry Division Volunteer of the Year and currently serves with the 193rd Infantry Brigade at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC.
James Palmer III
James Palmer III is a 2015 graduate of Blythewood High School, in South Carolina. Prior to accepting his appointment to the United States Military Academy, James excelled in athletics, earned the Eagle Scout award, and is a SC Boys State alumni. Upon graduating from West Point in 2019, James served as a Platoon Leader in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). James earned his Ranger tab in 2021, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Bowie State University.
Our Vision
Our vision is to open the door for youth to walk through. That is, we want to provide youth the opportunity to engage with and pick the brains of leaders they typically would not have access to.
We envision a community effort: local leaders taking the time to invest in the next generation by providing youth the opportunity to hear their story, ask questions, and gain inspiration through exposure to the life they’ve lived and the lessons they’ve learned.
By sending leaders to speak with local groups, such as scout councils, schools, and church youth groups, we aim to get the community involved from all angles to support the future development of our youth.
