2016AprilFFVF_Newsletter

ISSUE 2 | APRIL 2016
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
I am excited to announce that we have had positive growth the last three
years here at the Broward County Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation
at Valley Forge. For starters this year in January we had our largest
attendance at the student orientation with over 300 people.
That growth continued in the month of February for our 43rd George
Washington Birthday Fundraiser Gala where we had a sell out crowd
with over 187 in attendance. The guest of Honor Congressional Medal
of Honor Recipient Melvin Morris did an outstanding job. His heroic story
about Vietnam and what actions when he led an advance across enemy
lines to recover the body of a fallen sergeant. Morris single-handedly
destroyed an enemy force with a bag of grenades in a series of bunkers
that was pinning his battalion down. Morris was shot three times during
that engagement but lived to tell about it.
I am also excited to say that we have increased our membership in the
last 5 months by 97 new members. Membership and retention is so
important and vital to this organization. If you have friends or family
that are interested in becoming members please use the membership
application in this newsletter or go to our new website at FFVFBROWARD.
COM and pay on-line.
This spring we sent 100 Broward High School students to the Spirit of
America Youth Leadership Program (SAYLP) at Valley Forge. This is the
largest number of students yet, in the history of the Broward County
Chapter that had an opportunity to attend this great leadership program.
Harriett Kaye’s dream of sending 100 students to Valley Forge has
become reality.
We will also be sending 30 teachers to the Summer Graduate Programs
in Valley Forge. All of this could not be possible with out all the hard work
from our great board members. “Thank you”! I also want to thank all the
members, volunteers, sponsors, and students for your support this pass
year. “You make the diﬀerence and I applaud you for that”.
In March the Broward County Chapter sent chaperones Maureen Carter,
CindyLou Castro and Johnny Castro with 26 Broward County High School
students as part of the 1st group. April 7-10 we sent the 2nd group
with chaperones Jeﬀery Shyne (Vice President) 1stSgt Thomas, Nicole
Peterkin & Lisa Gould with 31 students. The last group went from April 21-
24 with chaperones Bonnie Stevenson, Claire Bergquist, Jorge Castillo,
Lisa Paguaga, Rafael Albuernes, Yvonne Serrano and myself with 43
students.
We all attended the four-day SAYLP conference for the students to
interact with experts on democracy, citizenship, the judicial system,
the free enterprise system, and the American political process. The
program included thought-provoking experiential workshops, lectures,
and historical tours in Valley Forge, Historic Philadelphia and the Medal
of Honor Grove, all designed to develop leadership skills and deepen
an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of our future leaders
of tomorrow.
If you would like to meet all the students and hear their experience about
the SAYLP, please join us at our Annual Student Luncheon. This event
will be on Saturday May 22nd at 11:00 A.M. at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club.
Please see the invite in this newsletter and make your reservations today.
You don’t want to miss to opportunity to hear the students share about
their exciting trip to Valley Forge.
Abiud Montes
Broward County Chapter FFVF President
www.ffvfbroward.com | POBox4116,FortLauderdale,FL33338 | Follow us

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The George Washington Gala was a great success. It was great to see
Louise Savarese and Bonnie Anderson from National and Presidents
Dr. Joseph Meux from Jacksonville and Mike Clapadi from Pensacola
in attendance.
This year we presented new local awards. The Jane Wikberg
Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, the Jack and Harriet Kaye Life
Time Achievement Award, and the George Washington Honor Award.
JACK & HARRIET KAYE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Jack and Harriet Kaye Lifetime Achievement Award is dedicated
to founding members Harriet (who served twelve terms as president)
and Jack Kaye who were passionate about their country and their
community. This award is for former board members who served and
gave a tremendous amount of effective volunteer time on events/
community service activity and displayed significant leadership
abilities that promoted the Chapter. This year we presented that award
to Patricia McDougle.
JANE WIKBERG OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
The Jane Wikberg Outstanding Volunteer Service Award is dedicated
to our past president, Jane Wikberg, who was our President from 2003-
2006 and continued to volunteer her time years after her Presidency.
This award is for board members who have given a tremendous
amount of effective volunteer time on events/community service
activity and displayed significant leadership abilities that promoted the
Chapter. This year the award was presented to Lisa Gould.
GEORGE WASHINGTON AWARD
The George Washington Honor Award is the local Broward County
Chapter award prior to being nominated for the George Washington
Honor Medal National Award. This award is for people or organizations
bringing about the best in the spirit of America. Our awardees where:
Amy Decelle, Dr. Lynn Drucker, Jose Rodriquez, and Lt. Lon Rodabaugh.
MOMENTS FROM
GEORGE WASHINGTON GALA
4343RD43RD43

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Please visit our website ﬀvfbroward.com for many more images from the event.

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I am very grateful to have been one of this year’s recipients of the
Boyce Ann Bryant Change=Change Scholarship from the Broward
County Chapter. The lessons that I learned by visiting Valley Forge,
along with the continued support of the members of this chapter
once I returned, have significantly impacted my life in a positive way.
Thanks to the funds provided by this scholarship I will be attending
Georgetown University in the fall, and I hope that the chapter will
continue to help support students like myself in the future.
Melanie Diaz
Boyce Ann Bryant Change =Change Scholarship Recipient
I would like to thank the Broward County Chapter of the Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge for the extraordinary opportunity they
afforded me to explore my own interests and learn from peers all over
the nation. I currently attend West Broward High School and I plan to
attend the University of Virginia in the Fall. Once again, I want to thank
this amazing chapter for all the work it does to bring opportunity to
students around the county.
Justin Moyer
Boyce Ann Bryant Change =Change Scholarship Recipient
2015/2016BOYCE ANN BRYANT CHANGE = CHANGE
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Freedom Foundations outdid itself with the George
Washington 43rd annual gala. The raffle baskets were
beautifully assembled and were a huge success. The
guests had a wonderful time listening to the speakers
at dinner, enjoying music, participating in the raffles,
savoring top notch food and socializing. The event
looked beautiful with booklets spread out on the
tables and huge bouquets of flowers decorating the
room. I felt privileged to be able to volunteer at this
premium event.
I attended the trip to Valley Forge with group 1 in
March. The moment we landed in Pennsylvania, we
could feel the temperature change and the excitement
started to bubble. When we arrived to the Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge site, we were greeted by
a friendly chocolate lab and warm salted pretzels.
The morning snow was magical to us Floridians and
created a fun and pleasant atmosphere. Throughout
the weekend, we shared memorable and educational
experiences with students from all over the country.
Interactive activities kept us engaged and encouraged
us to branch out. Overall, this trip has been one of my
favorites. I made great new friends and I would highly
recommend this trip to rising juniors at my school.
Lily Schleider
Atlantic Technical

The luncheon is in honor of the students that the Broward County Chapter sent to the
Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program at Valley Forge in March and April of 2016. It is
also a thank you to them for being outstanding students, for being ﬁne young Americans,
and for representing Broward County at Valley Forge.
Chapter members will want to attend this special luncheon to meet the students and to
hear about their experiences. It never fails to inspire to hear representatives of the groups
talk about the conference and what it meant to them, how much they learned,
and hand how much fun it was.
For the students, it is a time to renew friendships and visit with fellow conference
attendees. For their parents it is a chance to get trip details that may not have been
shared – especially if you adhere to the general concept that teenagers are
short on details even when they are excited.
The student honorees attend as guests of the Broward County Chapter of Freedoms
Foundation. The cost for lunch for the student’s parents, siblings, friends,
and FFVand FFVF members is $30 per person. RESERVATIONS ARE MANDATORY.
RSVP Johnny Castro 561-290-9980 by Thursday, May 19th
*Checks should be made payable and mailed to Broward County Chapter Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge, PO Box 4116, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338
You can also pay online at ﬀvfbroward.com with credit card or at the door.
SUNDAY, MAY 22 | AT 11:00 AtM
Coral Ridge Yacht Club | 2800 Yacht Club Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
v Students, don’t forget to bring your piggy banks v

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
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 Todays 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 Silent Auction
Interview Students Ways and Means Geo. Wash. Gala Special Projects
Chaperone Students Grant Applications Telephone Committee Other
Hostess Budget/Finance
Please send this application and check to:
To pay for membership ONLINE please visit our website FFVFBROWARD.COM

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CONFERENCE 2016
I was very fortunate when I got chosen to chaperone
the Valley Forge Group 1 adventure. Each and every
student on our trip was so enthusiastic about learning
and taking full advantage of the opportunities
presented that it was a joy to be able to share in their
enthusiasm. I have never felt so proud to be a part of an
organization which supports learning and leadership
the way Freedoms Foundation does. In this day when
budget cuts limit the way students are able to learn
it is so important to ensure opportunities to immerse
in learning experiences, like Valley Forge continues
to be available. I want to thank the students, you are
exceptional leaders, and you each have touched
my heart!
Thank you Broward County Chapter Freedoms
Foundation for the trip of a life time.
CindyLou Castro
Chaperone
SPIRIT OF AMERICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP

On April 7, I was very excited to go on the trip to Valley
Forge. Unlike most on the trip, I did not know a single
person going. I am a very shy person, but I was so
excited that I put aside being timid to have a good time.
Right from the beginning, I met with energetic and
enthusiastic chaperones, along with others pumped to
go to Pennsylvania. The chaperones were absolutely
great; they were caring and made every event count.
Once situated in Valley Forge, I saw that the fun was just
beginning. I got the chance to meet more new faces,
each with a smile on their face. I was cared for and
every activity was wonderful. I also had luck with my
roommates, even making a very close friend, who I still
am in contact with, and hopefully can see in the future.
Every meal was great; I met tons of new teenagers and
had many great conversations. I also got the chance to
meet teenagers just as interested in politics and history
as I am. The entire trip was enjoyable, and the staﬀ at
Valley Forge made it even more worth the while. I am
so thankful for being able to have such an amazing
opportunity, and being able to see so many historic
sites to actually appreciate in person. I deﬁnitely would
recommend this trip to others given the opportunity,
and will never forget this experience.
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Nicole Carita
Monarch High School

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HOW A SIMPLE INVITATION CHANGED MY LIFE
It all started back in December of 2015, while speaking
with my friend Abi “El Presidente”, he invited me to the
Freedoms Foundation Christmas Party dinner. Then
followed, the student orientation and the George
Washington Gala.
I tell my wife how impressed I am by the quality of
kids in attendance. She tells me to consider getting
involved and give back. Soon after, I learn about
the upcoming trips to Valley Forge and the need for
chaperons. I had never really chaperoned kids much
less while traveling out the state, but the idea of
getting involved in a trip that truly influenced the kids
in a meaningful and positive way intrigued me.
My mind is racing, should I, shouldn’t I? I had upcoming
responsibilities at work, which meant I had to change
schedules and arrangements. Then, I remember
a lesson one of my drill instructors told me during
boot camp at Paris Island. If you become a Marine,
you can accomplish anything you set your mind to in
life. I have carried that lesson to becoming a Marine,
Federal Agent, husband, father, marathoner and most
recently a triathlete, but dealing with teenagers scared
me. Do I say too much, not enough; can I even speak
their language?
My daughters are still young but the inevitable idea
of them becoming teenagers and all that comes with
that change terrifies me. They still tell me, “Daddy I
love you” with a frequency that humbles me every
day. So I paused, took a deep breath, and turned to
“El Presidente” and asked, do you still need another
chaperon? Abi said, “Yes”, and explains what I need
to do and just like that I am flying at 37,000 feet with
forty-three teenagers and six fellow chaperons, some
whom I had just met, on my way to Valley Forge.
In no time, I was impressed beyond belief. The
student sitting next to me told me about his time
spent at his uncle’s law firm and how that inspired
him to become a lawyer. We spoke for a while until
he put his headphones on and went to work on his
calculus homework, something I still have a hard time
understanding to this day.
These kids are definitely part of the “Above Average
Alliance”, ask them about that when you get a chance.
It was part of the motivational guest speaker lesson
they attended at Valley Forge and by all accounts
one of their favorite presenters. The kids, (um-hum),
I should say, young adults behaved great during the
duration of the trip. They soaked up the knowledge
that was presented to them with a ferocious appetite.
They truly are our future leaders, businessmen,
lawyers, doctors, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers,
Guardsman and this nation will be proud to have them.
I am glad to have been a part of this trip and look
forward to many more, even if I don’t look forward to a
reunion with my military style twin bed.
As for my fellow chaperons, thank you for all the
assistance, support, and love you showed me. Thank
you for occasionally laughing at my jokes. As an
immigrant to this country we all love so very much, I
sometimes get stuck on the Second Amendment and
the Freedom of Speech. We started out as strangers
and the most unexpected thing happened, we ended
up as friends.
I will leave you with this thought, If you are thinking
about joining this great organization, do it. If you have a
teenager or soon to be encourage them to learn more
about it, and if you have never chaperoned a great
group of kids on a trip to Valley Forge, jump in the deep
end like I did and join us in the future. I guarantee it will
change your life too.
Rafael Albuernes
Chaperone

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 impart
to Americans – particularly young Americans – an understanding of
and commitment to our heritage, basic values upon which this nation
was built, the private enterprise system, and responsible citizenship.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
MAY 22/2016
AUGUST 13/2016
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
CORAL RIDGE YACHT CLUB
CORAL RIDGE YACHT CLUB
ANNUAL STUDENT LUNCHEON AND SLATE OF NEW OFFICERS SWEAR IN
BY THE STATE REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE MORAITIS
STUDENT BACK TO SCHOOL POOL PARTY AND PIGGY BANK TURN IN
Lisa Gould President
Rafael Albuernes Vice-President
Abi Montes Past President
Maureen Carter Treasurer
Nancy Mensch VP of Public Relations
Lavinia Draper VP of Awards
Johnny & Cindylou Castro Ways and Means
John Carter Programs
Kim Harrell Corresponding Secretary
Thomas Glaser VP of Continuing Education
Stefano Selorio VP of Membership
Bonnie Stevenson VP of Education
2016/2017 SLATE OF OFFICERS:

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