The Military Years at Eagle Heights

I. Our Mission

The Military Years at Eagle Heights and W.K. Kellogg's generosity cannot be forgotten. Their impact on both the community and the world was too great during the Second World War.

This project is an act of collective remembrance. To keep stories such as these alive.

We believe that local history is just as important as national history.

W.K. Kellogg

What guides the project

Once W.K. Kellogg's estate, Eagle Heights holds a forgotten military past. This mini-documentary uncovers the story behind it.

— This history deserves to be heard —

II. Origin

How This Began.

The project began with a box of photographs and documents, uncovering this forgotten chapter in WWII history.

What started as a book, WWII Years at the W.K. Kellogg Manor House by Candice Roeder, eventually evolved into a larger story, which we believe deserved to be told in video form.

To preserve the record we have, to document with care, and to remember W.K. Kellogg's legacy.

Today, the work continues with the help of numerous ambassadors and volunteers, preventing these stories from disappearing.

From the Archive

Images From the Collection

W.K. Kellogg Foundation archival photograph

Contributors

About the Team

The minds behind the project.

Creator · Writer · Director

Ethan Viaches

When Nicole first hinted at this project a couple of years ago, I felt a need to tell it, and I am very fortunate to have been chosen to do so. This is a smaller, not well-known enough piece of American and World History, which is why it needs to be heard. To make sure it doesn't get forgotten, so those after us will know the role Eagle Heights and W.K. Kellogg played in this time of global struggle. I look forward to sharing The Military Years at Eagle Heights.

Creator · Executive Producer

Nicole Kokx

As an Event Coordinator and Conference Manager at MSU Kellogg Biological Station, my work is rooted in service, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community engagement. I take pride in building spaces where ideas are shared, connections are strengthened, and missions come to life. A central part of my work is sharing W.K. Kellogg's mission and his impact on our local community. I chose Ethan for this very challenging project because of his thoughtfulness and the care he brings to sharing such an important moment in history. At no point did he make the work feel impossible; instead, he approached it with respect, clarity, and confidence.

Producer

Oliver Angelo

I am Oliver Angelo, currently an Economics student studying at MSU and Viaches Media's Chief Financial Officer. I am very excited to be working on The Military Years at Eagle Heights. I think it is very important to tell the story of the Manor house not just for preservation sake but for entertainment as well. Most of all, I cannot wait to release our first picture to show people what Viaches Media is capable of.

Editor · Producer

Kolby Wandel

I am Kolby Wandel, co-producer and editor of this documentary. I have had a lifelong passion for all things video and film, and I graduated from Michigan State in 2025 with a degree in film. I chose to join this project because I've always had a passion for exploring Michigan and my school's history.

Writer · Researcher

Joey Kawauchi

My name is Joey Kawauchi, and I graduated from MSU in 2024 with a degree in Chemistry and a teaching certificate. I joined this project when Ethan reached out to me, as I'd helped with the editing of a previous KBS project. I have experience in writing and storycraft, which is part of why Ethan recruited me for this project.

Score Composer

Adam Josef

Bio coming soon

Graphics Designer

Megan Turner

When Ethan reached out to me to create graphics for this project, I was honored to do so and was quickly intrigued by the content. I found it heartwarming and inspiring to see Kellogg transform his manor into a rehabilitation center for soldiers. It should be more common today, and I have the utmost respect for W.K. Kellogg and his generosity.

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