BROWARD COUNTY CHAPTER | VOL. 11 | ISSUE 1 | OCTOBER 2015

www.freedomsfoundation.org PO Box 4116, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338

P R E S I D E N T S M E S S A G E

FALL

Newsletter

Hello everyone, I am proud an excited to announce that we just have been awarded the Title of Chapter of the Year 2014 – 2015 from National. I am looking forward to serving you as your Broward County Chapter President of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge for my 3rd term. Under my leadership our Chapter has created new opportunities to gain members and friends to the chapter, thereby increasing the chapter’s membership by 35 new members this year. This year we have partnered with local businesses and organizations in support of the Freedoms Foundations programs. The new partners include: Rick Case Honda, FedEx, Troops into Transportation, and Joe Rodriguez Charities.

Our mission is we educate about American rights and responsibilities, honor acts of civic virtue, and challenge all to reject apathy and get involved. I encourage all members to look at our mission and make a difference.

The Foundation’s vision is that young people and adults would gain new and deep appreciation for the rationale and enduring relevance of the Constitution and other founding documents and acquire tools of effective citizenship while participating in the programs offered by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. One of those programs is the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program. Well, the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program dates are set for 2016 and we are looking to send 100 students. This year we are sending 20 more students than last year. One way to support this program is to sponsor our 43rd George Washington Birthday Fundraiser Gala. Currently the Gala is set for Friday February 19th, 2016. Our Guest of Honor this year will be Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin Morris who I met in the White House in 2014.

Like last year, at the Gala, we will be Honoring

our George Washington Honor Medal recipients and will present a Change=Change Scholarship to two deserving students. This year we will be introducing the local Jane Wikberg Outstanding Volunteer Service Award and we will be Honoring Mrs. Elizabeth (Bankie) Eubank Benton with the Spirit of 76 Award from National for her lifetime achievement and dedication to the Chapter.

The Chapter’s Board of Directors promotes personal and group growth by having a student orientation each year in January and a student luncheon in May when the students return from Valley Forge. This year at our student orientation, we had 224 people and at our student luncheon we had 112 in attendance. We invite the students and parents to these events.

To make the community aware of the Chapter and the Freedoms Foundations

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Michael DiYeso presenting Abiud with the Chapter of the Year Award. Group shot at the Red, White & Blue Banquet.

CHAPTER OF THE YEAR2014-2015

programs we also invited the Superintendent, all High School Principals, and High School Counselors.

Like many great organizations our challenge this year is to continue helping our future leaders of tomorrow, the many outstanding teachers in South Florida and also the citizens in our area to gain

a greater awareness and appreciation of the principles of a free and Democratic society. Presently we are sharing this message on Facebook with over 225 members and LinkedIn with 1796 contacts.Thank you for your continuing support and looking forward to seeing you at our dinner meetings through out the year. God Bless You & God Bless America.

FFVF 2015 Volunteer Chapter Meeting, Valley Forge, PA

Abiud Montes FFVF Broward County Chapter President

Above are photos from the Red, White & Blue Banquet. The Broward County Chapter was recognized by the National President Michael DiYeso as “Chapter of the Year”. We also honored Mrs. Elizabeth (Bankie) Eubank Benton with the Spirit of 76 Award from National for her lifetime achievement and dedication to the Chapter.

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Michael DiYeso presenting Bankie with the Spirit of 76 Award.

Representing Broward County Chapter at Valley Forge 9/11 Heroes 5K Run,

Change will be collected for 2 student College Scholarships. Monies will be collected at each event throughout the year. Please support this wonderful project by saving your change. It is amazing where you will find change: in your sofa, your car, drawers, pocketbooks and even walking around on the street. Ask your family and

friends to collect change for you too. This is the 6th year we are collecting monies for student scholarships. It is a big undertaking but I have faith in our members that we can reach this goal of $2,000 per year.

How wonderful it will be to be able to present 2 Scholarships to 2 deserving students next

year at our George Washington Gala. Keep this in mind every time you add a penny, dime, nickel or quarter in your CHANGE = CHANGE Piggy-bank.”

We will be collecting the change from the piggy banks at our monthly dinner meetings.

BOYCE ANN BRYANT CHANGE = CHANGE SCHOLARSHIP

We attended the 2015 National Chapters Meeting in September and it was a great success. It was an opportunity to meet with National and Presidents from other Chapters throughout the Unit-ed States and discuss important topics. It’s always great to hear what other Chapters are doing and get fresh ideas to bring back

to our Chapter. National is reaching out by making new promo-tional videos about the Freedoms Foundation which are posted on the National web site. I will send out the You tube link for you can share with friend and family as well.

The Travis Manion Foundation believes that the best way to honor the fallen is by challenging the living. So we participated in the 9/11 Heroes Run at Valley Forge.

Abiud Montes FFVF Broward County Presidents

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Meet your 2014 - 2015 Board

I have spent the past 20 years consulting and working with companies across the globe in the areas of organizational development, strategic planning and leadership. I have managed and led projects throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Part of my personal mission is giving back to the community, particularly in working with our youth. I have established and coordinated various youth programs for several non-profits in addition to working with Middle School and High School students at several area schools in leadership development and accountability.

Maureen Carter has been an educator for almost 19 years. She was born and raised in New York. She is the K-12 Holocaust Administrator and K-5 Social Studies Administrator for the School District of Palm Beach County. Her passion is the study of history and sharing that study with students. She has traveled to Eastern Europe and the Balkans to study the Holocaust in that part of the world and to share with European teachers how the Holocaust is taught in the United States. She comes to Freedoms Foundation with a new found admiration for our Armed Services and the veterans who have fought to keep our way of life. Maureen Carter attended this year’s Medal of Honor Legacy Seminar in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and found it a moving and profound experience. She hopes that she can contribute to the Broward County Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation.

Jacqueline Banke Trumbore is a graduate of West Virginia University and Nova Southeastern School of Law. She is a sole practitioner in the her firm and has practiced law in South Florida for the past 26 years. The areas of law that she handles are Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Estate/Incapacity Planning, Guardianship, Veteran’s Benefits, Administration of Estates and Trusts, Disability, School and Student Loan Law. Jacqueline is also very active with St. Anthony’s Catholic Church as a member of the Women’s Club, the Co-Chair of the Youth High School Group,Cancer Ministry and the Why Catholic Prayer Programs. She also volunteers as a pro-bono attorney in the Mission United Program for the Veterans, Catholic Charities, Autism Speaks and other elderly assistance programs.

SSG Castro was born in Schofield Barracks, Honolulu HI. He entered the Air Force as a Law Enforcement Officer in July 1984. In 2004, now with the Army, he deployed to providing security operations in the Middle East. In 2009, assigned as the Assistant Truck Master, his unit deployed to the Middle East providing convoy support. He has served with the 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Battalion, 10th Mountain Sustainment Brigade and 3rd Army. He is currently assigned to the Florida Army Honor Guard as NCOIC for funeral services provided to our military fallen comrades.

I am a resident of Pembroke Pines and a senior at Nova High School. I am the Executive Officer of the NHS NJROTC program, the Vice President of the NHS Engineering Club and a varsity player on the volleyball and softball teams. I am the current Miss Pembroke Pines Teen Princess and I attended the FFVF trip in April.

Lina Montes is a multidisciplinary designer born and raised in Lithuania and for the past 12 years she has been residing in Fort Lauderdale. She is married to Abiud Montes and has two children.

Lina is proud to be a member of Freedoms Foundation and volunteers her time as an editor of the newsletter.

VICE PRESIDENT Jeffrey Shyne

WAYS & MEANSPROGRAMSJohnny Castro

PUBLIC RELATIONSElizabeth Stevenson

TREASURER Maureen Carter

RECORDING SECRETARYJacqueline Trumbore

NEWSLETTEREDITORLina Montes

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2014 - 2015 Board

Hello, My name is Lisa Gould. I am a teacher in the Broward County Public Schools. I have been teaching for eighteen years. I currently am Social Studies teacher at Pompano Beach High School and the Student Government Advisor. I have been a member of the FFVF Broward County Chapter for five years. I have served as the Vice President of Programs, and the Vice Presidentof Youth Education, and the Vice President of Membership for the past two years and currently this year. I have been able to nominate students over the past 11years for this program as a teacher. These students have come back to me and have explained how this trip has greatly changed their life. They have gone on to become better leaders at their schools and brought back to their schools an experience that changed their life. I am proud to be a member of this organization.

Jordan L. Trumbore is a senior at Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has been active with Freedoms Foundation since he attended the trip to Valley Forge in March of 2015. Jordan believes in being active in home, church, community and school. With respect to home, Jordan is employed as a paralegal with the Law Office of Jacqueline Banke Trumbore and worked this past summer as a Basketball Camp Counselor with his high school.

Fermin is married to Victoria A. Bustamante, and raised in South Florida. Founded Freedom Veterans of America, a Veterans services organization March 31, 2010, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, a the 501 C 3 Non Profit. Fermin also serves as Deputy Director to the Florida Veterans Foundation, for Miami Dade County, Broward County, and Monroe County in South Florida. A disabled combat veteran, and an advocate for Veterans in the community, has been key note speaker at Memorial Day events for the city of Ft.Lauderdale, FL. Miramar, FL., speaker at all Freedom Veterans of America events.

Originally from Boston, Ma. I come from a military family-my father is a retired Army LT Colonel, my sister is a Master Chief in the USAF. I attended Lynn University where I met my husband of 23 years. I’m an Accounts Receivable Manager for Port Consolidated Oil and mom to 2 daughters, Elizabeth a senior at Nova High and Katherine a sophomore. I have served as the PTA president for Nova High and currently am on the booster boards for Nova High’s NJROTC, Engineering, and Softball programs and am a member of the School Advisory Council for NHS. I enjoy supporting my girls who are starting players on the Lady Titans volleyball & softball teams and the Hollywood Heat travel softball team and reading in my free time.

Kim Harrell retired from the United States Army in 2003 with 23 years of service. Her field was Military Intelligence and led to many interesting and various assignments. For the past two years Kim worked for Hollywood Hills High School as the Army JROTC Senior Army Instructor. Kim moved from Chicago, IL to Florida in 2012. While in Chicago she worked for Chicago Public Schools and Army JROTC as the Director of Military Instruction for Chicago Public Schools and Phoenix Military Academy High School Commandant.

Kim’s desire to is to create life-changing experiences for youth to thrive and suc-ceed. She envisions communities filled with youth who can achieve personal and academic success; be connected to adults and their community; have a positive vision of their future and grow up to be healthy, productive and civic-minded adults.

CONTINUING EDUCATIONLisa Gould

MEMBERSHIPOPEN

STUDENT ALUMNIJordan Trumbore

AWARDSFermin Jimenez

YOUTH EDUCATIONBonnie Stevenson

ASSITANT/SUPPORTKim Harrel

Jordan regularly assists St. Anthony’s Catholic Church as an altar server, a member of the Knights of Columbus and within his high school Squires Program. Jordan is very active with his high school and is President of the Gibbons Competition Robotics Team and holds officer positions with the National and Science Honor Societies, Student Government, Mock Trial, Science Olympiad and is a member of Honor Council. With respect to community, Jordan has volunteered as a Sargent with the Civil Air Patrol and remains active with assisting various community programs which care for Veterans, the Elderly and Disabled individuals.

At the age of 19 joined the US Army, as an Infantry Scout Observer, and retired as an Infantry Battalion Operations Sergeant, deployed to Iraq, on 2003 March, and returned from Iraq to the US. February 2004, and retired after 23 years in the US Army. Presently a Veterans Affairs Employee and an advocate on veterans transitioning in the community through the organizations he serves, Fermin is honored to serve as Vice President of Awards at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Broward Chapter.

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The Education Office is pleased to announce the dates for the Volunteer Chapter Spirit of America Youth Leadership Programs to take place in the Spring 2016.

Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The key to the success of America would be an informed and active citizenry.” Since 1965, Freedoms Foundation has been committed to providing educational programs that help create such a citizenry. Through experiential learning and critical thinking exercises, Freedoms Foundation inspires the next generation to take up the responsibilities present in our democracy: respect, accountability, self-sufficiency, defense of liberty, charity, and participation. The cultivation of an informed, involved American public is simultaneously one of our country’s greatest needs and biggest challenges. Today’s youth—tomorrow’s leaders—must become the responsible citizens the United States needs, and this responsibility begins with a deep understanding of the principles on which the American government was founded. The Tuition for SAYLP conference will be $450.00 per student participant and adult chaperon. Payment will be due 30 days prior to the start of program. For 2016, reservations are on a first-come first-served and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge will be capping the programs at 100 participants per SAYLP so we have already booked our dates in advance for 25 in March and 30 students for April to include the chaperons. The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge did say that they will have the ability to handle more students if necessary and will make accommodations. Letters have been sent out to all Broward County Public and Private schools to solicit new students for next year. Forms will be available at future meetings if you know of any schools or teachers that did not receive them. In conclusion, if you are interested in being an interviewer for future potential students that will attend the SAYLP please contact Bonnie Stevenson at # 954-668-4572 or by e-mail bstevenson@portconsolidated.com

MARCH 3– 6, 2016 | April 7 - 10, 2016April 21 - 24, 2016

They are as follows:

Broward County Chapter Group Photo at the Martha Washington Building at Valley Forge, PA.

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This year the Broward County Chapter sent 3 groups to Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge located near historic Philadelphia, Birthplace of our Nation. Group 1 had 26 total and Johnny Castro and Lisa Gould as chaperons. Group 2 had 27 total and Charles Williams and Kim Harrell as chaperons. Group 3 had 28 and Annie Shyne, Joe Rodriquez and Abiud Montes as chaperons.

The 3 groups had the opportunity to visit Historic Philadelphia and see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, ruins of Ben Franklin’s house, the Rocky Statue, and have an original Philly Cheese Steak. The four-day conference provided a wide range of educational programs that cultivated and engaged our groups. It taught them to be responsible citizens and focused on American history, democracy, free enterprise system, entrepreneurship,

and the Medal of Honor. This year group 3 had the great opportunity to hear Joe Rodriquez share his legacy of his uncle Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Private Miguel Armando Vera Rodriquez. Joe spoke about how Miguel gave the ultimate sacrifice on September 21, 1952 in Chorwon, Korea. Private Vera from Puerto Rico distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an automatic rifleman with the United States Army Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, “Stated Joe”. Joe also brought the Medal of Honor with Him as he spoke so everyone could see the Medal. Joe mentioned, only 1% of people have ever seen a Medal of Honor so it was a real Honor to have seen it in person. What made this event special to the 120 students and the American

Legion Latin American Post 840 from Philadelphia, PA, in attendance was that Joe did this at the Medal of Honor Grove on the plot dedicated to the Medal of Honor Recipients from Puerto Rico.

The Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Forge is a tribute to those who have received our nation’s highest honor, the Grove serves as a beautiful place of remembrance for the brave souls who risked and sometimes, sacrificed everything, like Private Vera. Just prior to the Grove is the Medal of Honor Museum located on the grounds of the Freedoms Foundation. Joe graciously donated a copy of the Medal of Honor Citation and Challenge Coins of Private Vera to be placed in the museum for generations to come.

SPIRIT OF AMERICA

YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2015 OVERVIEW

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THE LEAVEY AWARDSHONORING EXCELLENCE IN PRIVATE ENTERPRISE EDUCATION

Since 1977, the Freedoms Foundation and the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation have honored outstanding teachers for bringing passion and creativity to their classrooms as they teach students about entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system.

The awards program recognizes educators at the elementary, junior high school, high school, and college levels for innovative and effective techniques in teaching entrepreneurship and the free enterprise education. Up to twenty cash awards are made annually valued at $7,500 each. One meritorious award of $15,000 may be made for an outstanding entry. To date, the program has recognized nearly 500 teachers from across the country and awarded over $3 million.

Eligibility:

The candidate must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident employed full-time as an educator at an accredited American school (grades K-12), college or university. The application must conceive and implement an innovative course, program or project which develops, among students, a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American private enterprise system. The nominee’s program, course or project must be operating or initiated during the previous academic year.

Preparing

The attached nomination form must be accompanied by a portfolio (ring binder or photo album) containing a detailed, two-page synopsis outlining the content and results of the course or project and its relevance to the private enterprise system. The course

or project must be adequately documented by comprehensive materials such as graphs, sample materials, photographs and letters of commendation. Freedoms Foundation reserves the right to reproduce submitted materials in Foundation publications.

Deadline:

The deadline for entries is March 1, 2016. Recipients will be notified by June, 2016.

Evaluation:

A special independent jury of leaders drawn from the economic, business and academic communities meets each to evaluate nominations and select recipients.

Evaluation Criteria:

Is the entry innovative both in terms of content and audience?Does the entry contribute, in a meaningful way, to the advancement or understanding of the private enterprise system? Do the activities of the project or program demonstrate to students the strength of the private enterprise system? Were the intended results of the entry achieved? Did it appear that the students gained new skills/knowledge?

Contact Vice President of Awards Fermin Jimenezferminfva@gmail.com

Graduate Teachers Programs 2O15 OverviewRevolution in the Middle States

What an amazing opportunity to explore the history and sites of the American Revolution, the heroes and foes, and the founding of our great nation. Along with 23 fellow educators from across the United States, we embarked on this journey, which for me was a very personal exploration and reflection on the great men

and women, the great thinkers and courageous patriots who gave their all for our new nation. I am still amazed that any one would affix their signatures on the Declaration of Independence, knowing what was at stake.

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Many of our Founders died penniless and forgotten, some in debtors prison, after having lost everything - giving everything for the liberty of our nation. Men such as Nathaniel Greene, who seemed to be in just the right place, at the right time, the young Marquis De Lafayette, who at 19, joined Washington for his first revolutionary battle at Brandywine, Thomas Jefferson who had to sell his beloved library or go bankrupt, and of course, George Washington, who seemed to evade enemy fire as if by magic, as he trounced on his horse, in full uniform, riding on the battlefield encouraging his men and giving orders. Or Molly Pitcher, and countless other men and women, heroes of our revolution and fight for liberty. Who are these individuals? What were their feats? Why did they sacrifice all for liberty? Well, that is what I set out to find out as a part of a teacher group from around the nation.

Thanks to the generosity of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge - Broward Chapter, I applied for and was awarded a scholarship to attend a graduate level workshop - The American Revolution in the Middle States, July 3rd to July 9th. I traveled to Philadelphia and stayed

at the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge campus, enjoying the hospitality of the staff and attending lectures and interpretations on the campus. Along with my fellow teachers, we explored and walked in the footsteps of our forefathers who fought in the American Revolution. We visited battlefields, places of importance and locations where key historical events occurred, such as Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware, the Paoli Massacre, Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Monmouth, Fort Mifflin and key sites in Philadelphia, such as Constitution Hall, Independence Hall, and Christ Church among some. It is an experience I will never forget and one which will be an invaluable tool as I work with my students this coming school year. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Broward County Chapter for allowing me and my students to benefit from this opportunity, for your generosity and support, and for helping us all to have a better understanding of what our great nation is about. THANK YOU!!!

Annie Shyne Cardinal Gibbins High School School

Alberto GomezDeerfield Beach High

It was definitely a humbling experience to attend such a well-organized workshop. Freedoms Foundation, I want to thank the entire organization and all those involved in allowing me to attend. There were approximately 50 educators from around the country that I truly believe benefited from attending and participating in this great event. Having some personal background on the subjects that were covered definitely gave me an upper hand in the information being covered. The Medal of Honor Legacy and the many lectures on American history were equally beneficial to all that attended. Having attended an earlier seminar with Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Program, they were part of the American Leaders Youth Conference. This gave me the perspective of what to expect and I was really excited to further my learning curve on great subjects. It was a conference filled with many great presenters and multiple significant coincidences that

really made the entire conference a very worthwhile event. The stories of courage and adversity really made an impact on all. The opportunity for great feedback from the presenters and historians. I truly believe that every educator that attended left there with something else in their tool box that will be beneficial in their teaching and development of our youth moving forward. As a group we were also able to tour Philadelphia the City of Brotherly Love. I made sure that on my visit I was able to find the exact location of the creation of the Marine Corps at Tun Tavern. Many great sights were visited and I was extremely happy that our tour guide was motivated to squeeze in as many possible sites in the duration of the day. Seeing and being a part of visiting where a great deal of our nation’s history was created also was one of the major highlights of the entire week. Listening to the Medal of Honor Recipient Major General Livingston was a tremendous honor for me as he not once spoke of the

medal but instead focused on leadership and what educators can do for our youth today. He challenged all of us as being in a situation that as he said “Raise the Bar” and the opportunity to create tomorrow’s leaders is our responsibility. It was great interacting with educators from all parts of our great nation and get their perspective, what was equally impressive was seeing how touched all of them were in listening to the many great speakers we had the entire week. Walking and touring the Medal of Honor Grove was equally rewarding to me as I was able to pay my personal tribute to all those that sacrificed and are represented in their respective states with the acknowledgment of their earning the Congressional Medal of Honor, that was a humbling experience. I look forward to trying to live up to the expectations that Major General Livingston placed on all of us and do my part in helping build a better foundation for our youth’s future.

I have written a blog about my adventure, if you would like to join me in the journey, please got to: http://myamericanrevolution.blogspot.com/

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Medal of Honor LegacyTeaching American History & The Medal of Honor Legacy

Because of the generosity of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (FFVF), Broward County Chapter, I had the opportunity to participate in the Teaching American History and The Medal of Honor Legacy workshop, held in Valley Forge, PA. The workshop included tours of the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and several other historical sites. Visiting these locations where our Founding Fathers faced many hardships and made difficult decisions hundreds of years ago was inspiring.

During the week, guest speakers presented lectures on the wars our country has been involved in. Veterans from World War II, Korean, Vietnam and the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars, shared personal

experiences of their service to our country. The story of Medal of Honor Recipient Richard Etchberger, given by his son Cory Etchberger and the visit from Medal of Honor Recipient Leo Thorness was amazing. I was honored to be in the presence of such a brave, yet humble, human being.

The week long program, coordinated by dedicated FFVF members Gary Williams, Cory Etchberger and other individuals, provided me with valuable information I now share with family, friends and most importantly the youth I interact with at the Fort Lauderdale Sea Cadet program. The workshop was truly a life changing experience for me and I am grateful to have been a part of the event.

Thanks to the generosity of the Broward County Chapter of Freedoms Foundation, I was able to take part in a one week teacher institute this past summer. The Medal of Honor Legacy Teacher Institute at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, was an opportunity to study different aspects of American history with fellow teachers as well as relevant historians and eye-witnesses.

As a classroom teacher I have always believed that teachers must continue to learn; we must keep up on the latest historiography. As both a teacher of and a student of history I also believe that much of our history involves the courage of the individual – not just those who receive medals but also those who do the little things that matter; standing up against injustice, stepping up in difficult situations; often doing totally unexpected heroic things. Students must see that courage comes in many different forms. The Medal of Honor Legacy Teacher Institute is held at the National Headquarters of Freedom Foundation, just down the road from Valley Forge, where George Washington so courageously spent winters while trying to train and maintain the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The material covered ranged from the American Revolution to the War in Iraq and Afghanistan, giving participants almost 250 years of American history to delve into. Besides

a wonderful curriculum, the facilities of Freedom Foundation were in themselves a wonderful place to be – great food, a serene and somber setting appropriate for the topic, teachers who wanted to learn and staff who wanted to teach. It was a great combination for the ultimate learning experience.

Our days were filled with lectures and discussions – historians, professors, and veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the War in Vietnam. Veterans of the War in Iraq and Afghanistan were also on the Agenda. Leo Thorsness, a Medal of Honor recipient also addressed the group. What an amazing array of knowledge. A trip to Philadelphia was also on the Agenda – the place where our Independence and our Constitution were established. Attending this institute has given me much greater insight into what it means to be an American, to know what sacrifice is, and to give me the tools to help pass this legacy on to my students as well as other teachers in my district and in Florida. Again I wish to thank the Broward County Chapter of Freedoms Foundation for making this opportunity possible.

Regina StuckRobert Morgan Educational Center

11th Grade U.S. History teacherSocial Studies Department Chair.

Medal of Honor recipient, Leo Thorsness, presented each of us with a signed copy of his book Surviving Hell. He also spent six year in a North Vietnamese prison.

World War II veteran Frank Horvath not only shared his experiences but also entertained with his banjo. He had a banjo with him in Europe – not this one though.

Jane Pyne

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Student Luncheon 2015Freedoms Foundation

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WHERE ARE THEYNOW

Paul John (P.J.) Paguaga attended the Freedoms Foundation Leadership Conference in March of 2014 as a junior at Chaminade Madonna High School. This great experience enhanced his patriotic pride and gave him a great insight into our Nation’s History. During his senior year he played libero on the volleyball team and made it to districts. He was also involved in the Big Brother program at Chaminade and guided incoming freshman. He continued his leadership role with the Naval Sea Cadets for two more years before graduating. During his six years at the Sea Cadets he served as a mentor and leader for many younger cadets. They often feared his PT workouts but he inspired and motivated them to push their limits and persevere. He received the Sea Cadet of the Year award in May 2015. In June 2015 he left Florida for eight weeks of Recruit Training for The United States

Coast Guard. He credits much of his success to his experiences with the Freedom’s Foundation and the Sea Cadets. There were many members of these groups that mentored him and had confidence in his leadership abilities. P.J. was fortunate to realize his goals early on and worked diligently to achieve them. He was committed to his goal. At Recruit Training in Cape May, NJ, he was chosen to perform on the Drill team for the graduation ceremony. This is an honor that only eight recruits were selected out of a company eighty-two. P.J. has just completed Recruit Training and is now a United States Coastguardsmen stationed on the USCGC Mohawk in Key West, FL. P.J. was part of Mike - 191 Company. He will now be participating in counter narcotics, migrant interdiction and search and rescue. Semper Paratus.

Paul Paguaga

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Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is a national, not-for-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian, educational

organization founded in 1949 by Don Belding, E. F. Hutton, and Ken Wells, three prominent

American businessmen.

MembershipBroward County Chapter

Freedoms Foundation at Valley ForgeP. O. Box 4116

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338

Because I believe in and want to support the following purposes and goals of the Broward County Chapter of Freedoms

Foundation at Valley Forge, I hereby apply for membership:

§ To improve the understanding of the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights;

§ To interest and encourage citizens to support actively the American Way of Life as set forth in the Declaration of

Independence and the Credo of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge;

§ To take positive steps to teach young people to assume the responsibilities of good citizenship;

§ To be diligent in protecting our political and economic rights;

§ To encourage responsible and intelligent citizens to join in our efforts to achieve these goals;

§ To further the aims and purpose of building a greater awareness of the values of our American way of life.

Enclosed is my check payable to Freedoms Foundation – Broward County Chapter for membership. Membership dues for

the Broward County Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge are due June 1st of each year and may be deductible

for income tax purposes.

_____ Regular, per year per individual $30.00

_____ Patron, per year per individual $125.00

_____ George Washington 5 year membership $300.00

Sample: Mrs. John C. Doe, Jr. (Jane)

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________Please print your name the way you want it to appear in the membership roster, including Miss, Mrs., Ms., Mr., Dr.

Address __________________________________________________________ Apt. # __________________

City ____________________________________________ State __________ Zip ______________________

Home Phone _________________________________ Cell Phone __________________________________

Paid By: Cash ________Check________Card________ Today’s Date _________________________________

E-Mail_____________________________________________________________________________________

We invite you to become involved. Check all of the following that are of an interest to you:

___ Awards Program ___ Membership ___ Public Relations ___ Geo. Wash. Ball

___ Interview Students ___ Ways and Means ___ Newsletter ___ Silent Auction

___ Chaperone Students ___ Grant Applications ___ Web Site ___ Special Projects

___ Hostess ___ Budget/Finance ___ Telephone Committee ___ Other

Please send this application and check to:

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Broward County ChapterGeorge Washington Ball Sponsor/Donation Form 2016

______General George Washington Level Sponsorship $7,500 and aboveIncludes 10 person VIP table at the Banquet

Full Page ad in the Banquet ProgramRecognition during the Awards Presentation

Advertisement in Newsletter for 1 year and George Washington Membership

______Martha Washington Level Sponsorship $5,000Includes 8 person VIP table at the Banquet

Half- Page ad in the Banquet ProgramRecognition during the Awards Presentation

Advertisement in Newsletter for 1/2 year and George Washington Membership

______Alexander Hamilton Level Sponsorship $3,000Includes 4 seats at VIP table at the Banquet

1/4 Sized ad in the Banquet ProgramRecognition during the Awards Presentation

Advertisement in Newsletter for 1/4 year and 3 year Membership

______Benjamin Franklin Level Sponsorship $1,000Includes 2 seats at VIP table at the BanquetRecognition during the Awards Presentation

Sponsor a military couple to attend the Ball ($300.00)

Purchase an advertisement in the George Washington Ball Program: Full page (5” x 8”) $500 ½ page (5” x 4”) $250 1/4 page (2.5” x 4”) $100

Deadline for submissions to Ball Program is Feb 1st, 2016Purchase_______tickets to attend the George Washington Ball - $150.00 per person

Please complete and return this form along with your donation to:Treasurer Maureen Carter

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Broward County ChapterPO Box 4116 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338

Cell phone: 561.434.8933 - Email: maureen.carter@palmbeachschools.orgChecks should be made payable to

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Broward County Chapter

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October Thursday, October 15, 2015 @ 6:00 P.M. Membership Dinner Meeting at Coral Ridge Yacht Club. Speakers: Regina Stuck, Nicole Peterkin, Joanna Flaster, & Jane Pyne will share about the Medal of Honor Legacy at Valley Forge 2015 Summer Graduate Program.

NovemberThursday, November 5, 2015 @ 6:30 P.M.Board Member Meeting at Coral Ridge Yacht Club Student Interviews from 4 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.: November : Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th, Monday 30th, December Tuesday 1st, & Wednesday 2nd. Location : Panera Bread 5975 N Federal Highway Ft. Lauderdale FL 33308

DecemberSaturday December 5, 2015 @ 11 A.M.Christmas Party for all members and student alumni at Coral Ridge Yacht Club Marine Corps Toys for Tots (Please bring a new unwrapped toy)

JanuaryThursday, January 7, 2016 @ 6:30 P.MBoard Member Meeting at Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Friday, January 22, 2016 @ 6 P.M.Student Orientation at Deicke Auditorium 5701 Cypress Road Plantation, FL 33317. Registration & Dinner: Begins at 6:00 P.M. *All volunteers need to be there by 5:00 P.M.

FebruaryFriday, February 19, 2016 @ 6 P.M.George Washington Birthday Gala @ Coral Ridge Yacht ClubGuest of Honor: Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin Morris

MarchThursday, March 3-6, 2016 Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference Group 1

Thursday, March 10, 2016 @ 6 P.M. Membership Dinner Meeting at Coral Ridge Yacht ClubSpeakers: Kenneth Merkel & Annie Shyne will share 5 minutes each about Revolution in the Middle States & Yviev Negron & Alberto Gomez will share about the MOH to Valley Forge 2015 Summer Graduate Program.

AprilThursday, April 7-10, 2016Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference Group 2

Thursday, April 14, 2016 @ 6 P.M.Membership Dinner Meeting at Coral Ridge Yacht ClubSpeaker: Maureen Carter will share about the Holocaust.

Thursday, April 21-24, 2016 Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference Group 3

MaySaturday, May 21, 2016 @ 11 A.M.Annual Student Luncheon @ Coral Ridge Yacht Club and Slate of New Officers Swear In.

AugustSaturday, August 27, 2016 @ 5 P.M. – 9 P.M. Student Back to School Pool Party & Piggy bank turn in @ Coral Ridge Yacht Club.

Important Dates

Born on Christmas Eve made her a very special person. She attended school in Greensburg, PA and graduated college from University of Michigan. She was employed by Pan American Airlines as a stewardess and later became a stockbroker. Married William Spray and upon his death moved to Florida in the late 1990’s. She met her future husband at a Navy Ball. Married in 2001. Jane was very active with Freedom Foundation, Ft. Lauderdale Navy League, Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Museum of the Arts, 1000 Women and other charities. Jane was very active with Freedom Foundation for 15 years (President of the Broward County Chapter from 2003-2006). She traveled extensively. She is survived by husband John (Bill) Wikberg and stepson Philip Spray. Her burial will be in a family plot in Greensburg, PA. She will be greatly missed.

In Loving Memory ofJane Wickberg

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PLEASE JOIN US FOR DINNER & HOLIDAY FUN AT OUR ANNUAL

DECEMBER 2015Coral Ridge Yacht Club | 2800 Yacht Club Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

SATURDAY | AT 11AM

Johnny Castro # 561-290-9980 | johnny.castro1@yahoo.com

Please bring a new toy for Toys For Tots Drive

We are happy to introduce our 2016 George Washington Birthday Gala Guest of Honor: Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin Morris

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Melvin Morris was born in Okmulgee, Okla., Jan. 7, 1942. Morris entered the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1959 and later requested to join the active Army. He became one of the first Soldiers to don the ‘green beret’ at the command of President John F. Kennedy, Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1961. Morris volunteered twice for deployments to Vietnam.

Melvin Morris is being recognized for his valorous actions on Sept. 17, 1969, while commanding the Third Company, Third Battalion of the IV Mobile Strike Force near Chi Lang. Then-Staff Sgt. Morris led an advance across enemy lines to retrieve a fallen comrade and single-handedly destroyed an enemy force that had pinned his battalion from a series of bunkers. Staff Sgt. Morris was shot three times as he ran back toward friendly lines with the American casualties, but did not stop until he reached safety.

The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to then Staff Sgt. Morris in April 1970 for extraordinary heroism during this 1969 battle. After receiving the award, he returned to

Vietnam the same month for his second tour. He retired at Fort Hood, Texas in May 1985. Morris currently resides in Cocoa, Fla.

Morris received the Medal of Honor, March 18, 2014; Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal Silver with one Loop, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral “3”, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral “4”, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar, Special Forces Tab, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Vietnam Parachutist Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Citation, First Class.

Abiud Montes President of FFVF Broward County Chapter and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Melvin Morris.

DON’T FORGET TO SAVE THE DAY! Friday, February 19, 2016 @ 6 P.M.George Washington Birthday Gala @ Coral Ridge Yacht Club

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Broward County ChapterPO Box 4116, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338

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PAIDFT LAUD FL

PERMIT 1999

The mission of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is to educate about American rights and responsibilities, honor acts of civic virtue, and challenge all to reject apathy and get involved.Our Vision is for all Americans actively engage in our democracy by celebrating our heritage, defending the Constitution, and protecting individual freedoms.

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