The Detjen family’s legacy is anchored in American history, tracing back to the founding of Yale University¹ and the pioneering spirit of Seattle’s early settlers². Since 1775³, the family has maintained an unbroken military lineage, serving the nation with honor and distinction. From the Revolutionary War to the present day, the ancestors of the Detjen family—though bearing different surnames—have upheld a legacy of dedication and sacrifice.

This tradition of integrity is carried forward by the current generation of Detjens, who are making their own mark on the world, guided by the family motto: "To want what God wants. By virtue and merit. With hope and courage. In sacrifice, fortitude, and excellence."

Elliott and Sofia Detjen are both attending Harvard University. Elliott took a two-year leave of absence from his studies to serve a volunteer mission in Ethiopia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sofia is also working on a concurrent master’s degree at Berklee College of Music, cross-enrolled at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and successfully walked on as an NCAA Division I rower for the Harvard-Radcliffe Women’s Heavyweight Rowing team. Their brother, Daniel, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and former NCAA Division I swimmer, upholds the family’s military tradition as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. Through their pursuits in academia, service, and the military, this new generation embodies the family’s commitment to the virtues of hope, courage, and merit in all they do.

¹ Thomas Buckingham (1646-1709)
² Alexander Pearson (1866-1932) and Family
³ Jonas Hinman (1752-1833)
⁴ George Brown (1730-1812)
⁵Sons of the American Revolution (#237637, #237638, #237639)