1. BROWARD COUNTY CHAPTER | VOL. 11 | ISSUE 1 | OCTOBER 2015
www.freedomsfoundation.org PO Box 4116, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
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
Continue to pg.2
Michael DiYeso presenting Abiud with the Chapter of the Year Award. Group shot at the Red, White & Blue Banquet.
CHAPTER
OF THE YEAR
2014-2015

2. 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.
2
Michael DiYeso presenting Bankie with the Spirit of 76 Award.

3. 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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4. Meet your
2014 - 2015 BoardI 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 & MEANS
PROGRAMS
Johnny Castro
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Elizabeth Stevenson
TREASURER
Maureen Carter
RECORDING
SECRETARY
Jacqueline Trumbore
NEWSLETTER
EDITOR
Lina Montes
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5. 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
EDUCATION
Lisa Gould
MEMBERSHIP
OPEN
STUDENT ALUMNI
Jordan Trumbore
AWARDS
Fermin Jimenez
YOUTH
EDUCATION
Bonnie Stevenson
ASSITANT/
SUPPORT
Kim 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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6. 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, 2016
April 21 - 24, 2016
They are as follows:
Broward County Chapter Group Photo at the Martha Washington Building at Valley Forge, PA.
6

7. 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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8. THE LEAVEY AWARDS
HONORING 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 Jimenez
ferminfva@gmail.com
Graduate Teachers Programs 2O15 Overview
Revolution 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.
8

9. 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 Gomez
Deerfield 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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10. Medal of Honor Legacy
Teaching 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 Stuck
Robert Morgan Educational Center
11th Grade U.S. History teacher
Social 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
10

11. Student Luncheon 2015
Freedoms Foundation
7
11

12. WHERE ARE THEY
NOW
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
12

13. 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.
Membership
Broward County Chapter
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
P. 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

14. Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Broward County Chapter
George Washington Ball Sponsor/Donation Form 2016
______General George Washington Level Sponsorship $7,500 and above
Includes 10 person VIP table at the Banquet
Full Page ad in the Banquet Program
Recognition during the Awards Presentation
Advertisement in Newsletter for 1 year and George Washington Membership
______Martha Washington Level Sponsorship $5,000
Includes 8 person VIP table at the Banquet
Half- Page ad in the Banquet Program
Recognition during the Awards Presentation
Advertisement in Newsletter for 1/2 year and George Washington Membership
______Alexander Hamilton Level Sponsorship $3,000
Includes 4 seats at VIP table at the Banquet
1/4 Sized ad in the Banquet Program
Recognition during the Awards Presentation
Advertisement in Newsletter for 1/4 year and 3 year Membership
______Benjamin Franklin Level Sponsorship $1,000
Includes 2 seats at VIP table at the Banquet
Recognition 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, 2016
Purchase_______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 Chapter
PO Box 4116 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338
Cell phone: 561.434.8933 - Email: maureen.carter@palmbeachschools.org
Checks should be made payable to
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Broward County Chapter
Name of Donor/Business:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Telephone:
Email Address:

15. 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.
November
Thursday, 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
December
Saturday 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)
January
Thursday, January 7, 2016 @ 6:30 P.M
Board 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.
February
Friday, February 19, 2016 @ 6 P.M.
George Washington Birthday Gala @ Coral Ridge Yacht Club
Guest of Honor: Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Melvin Morris
March
Thursday, 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 Club
Speakers: 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.
April
Thursday, April 7-10, 2016
Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference Group 2
Thursday, April 14, 2016 @ 6 P.M.
Membership Dinner Meeting at Coral Ridge Yacht Club
Speaker: Maureen Carter will share about the Holocaust.
Thursday, April 21-24, 2016
Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference Group 3
May
Saturday, May 21, 2016 @ 11 A.M.
Annual Student Luncheon @ Coral Ridge Yacht Club and Slate
of New Officers Swear In.
August
Saturday, 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 of
Jane Wickberg
15

16. PLEASE JOIN US FOR DINNER & HOLIDAY FUN
AT OUR ANNUAL
DECEMBER
2015
Coral 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
16

17. BrowardCountyChapter
PO Box 4116, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338
NON PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
FT 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.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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FREEDOMS FOUNDATION AT VALLEY FORGE
BROWARD COUNTY CHAPTER
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