1. BROWARD COUNTY CHAPTER | Vol. 13 | Issue 2 | May 2015
Newsletter
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Spring is in the air and everything is
growing. This year the Broward County
Chapter is growing as well. I am excited to
announce that we have had positive growth
the last two years here at the Freedoms
Foundation. For starters, this year in
January we had our largest attendance
at the student orientation with over 228
people. It was also great to see at the
student orientation, the President/CEO of
the Community Foundation of Broward,
Linda Carter. She said, “Abi I got a copy
of your great newsletter and wanted to
come out to see all the great things the
chapter is doing”.
That growth continued in the month of
February for our 42nd George Washington
Birthday Fundraiser Gala where we had over
123 in attendance. The guest of Honor
Col Manion did an outstanding job. This
year, our profits also increased and we
raised over $14K. I am also excited to say
that we have increased our membership
in the last 2 months by 37 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.
This spring we sent 78 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 will have an
opportunity to attend this great Leadership
program. We will also be sending 9 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 Lisa Gould and Johnny Castro with
24 Broward County High School students
to attend 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.
On April 9-12 Kim Harrell and Charles
Williams attended with 26 students and
on April 23rd- 26th I attended with Annie
Shyne. 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 30th at 11 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 this
opportunity to hear the students share
about their exciting trip to Valley Forge.
Abiud Montes FFVF President
www.freedomsfoundation.org PO Box 4116, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338
FFVF Broward County Chapter board members with George and Martha Washington.
SPRING

2. 2
Moments From
George Washington Gala

3. 3

4. 2014
4
Boyce Ann Bryant Change = Change
Scholarship Recipients
I am extremely honored to accept
this scholarship from the Freedoms
Foundation. The Freedoms Foundation
at Valley Forge impacted my life, both
professionally and personally, in ways
beyond what I could ever imagine. My
best friends are friends I met in Valley
Forge, and the ideals and lessons taught
to us in Pennsylvania are ones I have
taken here to the Naval Academy. I wish
I could be there with you all tonight, and
I’d once again like to thank you for all the
work you do that allows this program to
send students like myself from all over
South Florida to an amazing experience.
Without all of your work my life would be
profoundly different, and I cannot thank
you enough for that.
2015
Annie Shyne accepting the scholarship for her
son Nicolas Shyne, who is an Alumni of FFVF
Broward County Chapter and currently studying
at United States Naval Academy.
Nicolas Shyne
Nicolas performing with USNA Men’s Glee Club. State Representative George
Moraitis and Nicolas.
I’m very grateful to have been selected for
the Boyce Ann Bryant Change = Change
Scholarship. The inspiration for my essay
came from reminiscing on my walk through
the Medal of Honor Grove. Attending
the conference my Junior year made me
open my eyes to the realities of America
today. We are the future of this country;
however, many of us wait a long time to
make a change. Writing this essay made
me think about all of the chances we are
missing out on if we don’t take action
now to preserve our country’s principles.
Receiving the award at the Gala was one
of the most memorable experiences of
my life and one I will never forget. After
listening to one of the guest speakers
and reading his book, I became heavily
interested in the military. I am proud to say
I am one step closer to making a change
now that I have enlisted in the U.S. Army
National Guard. Again, I would just like to
thank the Freedoms Foundation at Valley
Forge Broward County Chapter for this life
changing opportunity.
Vanessa Kady accepting the scholarship from FFVF
Broward County Cahpter President Abiud Montes.
Vanessa Kady and her mom.
Vanessa Kady

5. 5
STUDENT ORIENTATION
Freedoms Foundation Youth Leadership Summit
2015

6. 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 __________________________________
Office Phone _________________________________ Fax No. _____________________________________
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
6

7. 7
SATURDAY, MAY 30 | AT 11:00 AM
CORAL RIDGE YACHT CLUB
2800 Yacht Club Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
2015 American Leaders Youth Summit students, their families
and friends, and Freedoms Foundation members
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE:
FREEDOMS FOUNDATION AT VALLEY FORGE BROWARD
COUNTY CHAPTER ANNUAL STUDENT LUNCHEON
The luncheon is in honor of the students that the Broward County Chapter sent to
the American Leaders Youth Summit at Valley Forge in March and April of 2015. 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 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 Chapter of Freedoms
Foundation. The cost for lunch for the student’s parents, siblings, friends, and FFVF
members is $30 per person.
RESERVATIONS ARE MANDATORY.
RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE TO 954- 554-8610 by Wednesday, May 27, 2015.
*Checks should be made payable and mailed to Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
Broward County Chapter, PO Box 4116, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338 or you can pay at
the door with credit card.
BE THERE! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS ANYTHING.
Students, don’t forget to bring your piggy banks.
*

8. 8
NATIONAL AWARD
PROGRAMS
On November 21, 1949 General Dwight D.
Eisenhower presented 200 recipients with
the first Freedoms Foundation National
Awards. The ceremony took place in a
barn on a colonial farm once occupied by
Washington’s troops, which is now the site
of the national headquarters of Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge.
Today, nearly 56,000 awards have been
presented to Americans from all walks
of life – the famous and the unknown,
the young and old – from Maine to
Hawaii. Large corporations and small
businesspersons, farmers, students,
teachers and military personnel have all
been presented National Awards for their
efforts to make America a better place
for everyone.
This program was intended as a way to
say thank you to those whose projects,
words or deeds reflect the best of the
American spirit of voluntarism by offering
constructive solutions to contemporary
problems. We search for those doing
good work in their communities, people or
organizations bringing about the best in
the spirit of America.
For programs by groups or individual who
“go above and beyond the call of duty”
on a local, regional or national level which
promote good works and serve their
communities on an ongoing, day-to-day
basis. These programs or projects should
have been conducted for at least one year
or longer, and be a series of works.
This award recognizes activities by a school
or classroom. Focus should be placed
on students’ community involvement in
action, with emphasis on patriotism and
responsible citizenship as based on one
of the basic American freedoms set forth
in The Bill of Responsibilities. Evidence
of student involvement and a complete
one-page summary listing project goals
and objectives must be attached at front
of entry nomination. Please list school level
on entry form.
This award honors teachers and
administrators who go above and beyond
the call of duty for their students and
America’s youth. These educators also
instill in their students a sense of the
importance of community involvement,
responsible citizenship and patriotism.
Entries should include a one-page
summary on the teacher/administrator’s
accomplishments and qualifications.
For the most significant dynamic
addresses, sermons, editorials, letters
to editor, books, articles, television
and radio programs which increase the
understanding of our American Way of Life.
These communications may be on a one-
time work or a series of works.
Award given for the most significant events
which take place on a day or several days
which impact the community, state and/or
nation while increasing an understanding
of our American Way of Life.
Programs
Community – Adult and Youth
School - Elementary thru College/University
Public Communications
Special Events
Educator - Elementary thru College/University

9. 9
Sponsored by the Women’s Overseas
Service League, San Antonio Chapter,
and open to youth ages K-Grade 12.
Entries must be typed, double-spaced an
corrected containing 500 to 1,000 words.
Essay must also address the given topic.
One entry per person. Entries can be from
a classroom project.
Open to personnel of the Armed Forces
on active or reserve duty, members of the
National Guard, ROTC and JROTC. Typed,
doubled spaced and corrected essays
should be 500 to 1,000 words in length
Essays must also address the given topic.
One entry per person.
Entries should consist of a nomination
form, one page summary and no
more than 10 supporting documents.
Supporting documents include letters
of commendation, project in action
photographs, news clippings, program
outlines or a supporting video. Entries can
be submitted either electronically or by
mail in a report folder.
Recipients receive the George Washington Honor Medal.
If you are interested in submitting a form for an award, please contact
Abiud Montes: abiud.montes@gmail.com
Essay Topic for 2015: “Discuss the importance of rejecting apathy in our democracy and describe
a personal example for combating apathy in your community/school.”
Essay Topic for 2015: “What Keeps America Strong?”
Youth Essay
Military Essay - Adult and Youth
Entry Format:
Awards:
Selection Process:
Awards selections are determined in
accordance with established procedures
by a distinguished, independent National
Awards jury officers from national patriotic,
service and civic clubs, veterans and
educational organizations. The jury is
instructed to review the one-page summary
and look favorably on current programs
and projects.

10. 10
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.
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.
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.
A special independent jury of leaders drawn
from the economic, business and academic
communities meets each to evaluate
nominations and select recipients.
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?
The deadline for entries is November 1, 2015.
Recipients will be notified by January 2016.
If you are interested in submitting a form for an award, please contact
Abiud Montes: abiud.montes@gmail.com
Eligibility:
Preparing Your Nomination:
Evaluation:
Evaluation Criteria:
Deadline:
The Leavey Awards
Honoring Excellence in Private Enterprise Education

11. To establish an award that provides an
opportunity to honor local community
people who have done something heroic
and have received little to no recognition;
basically an unsung hero. This program will
be combined with our George Washington
Gala on Friday February 19th, 2016.
To annually honor one Freedoms Foundation
at Valley Forge Chapter member (living
or deceased) in good standing for their
exemplary service and personal commitment
to their Chapter and the overall mission of
the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.
This unselfish heroic act(s) was performed
October 1, 2014 through September
30, 2015. Local community member(s)
who performed extraordinarily well in a
difficult situation (i.e. uncovered corruption
happening with the local little league and
reported it to higher authorities, saving
their neighbor from a house fire, someone
who reported something suspicious
thereby saving lives, etc.). Due to the
William O. Perry Volunteer of the Year
award, members of the Chapter cannot be
nominated for this award.
This award is for service performed during
the previous year. Nominee(s) must be
a current rostered member or friend
of in good standing with the Chapter.
Nominee(s) are individuals who have
given a tremendous amount of effective
volunteer time on events/community service
activity or displayed significant leadership
abilities that promoted the Chapter and the
programs available through the Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge (significantly
more time than would ordinarily be spent
on a program/event, etc.). Nominee(s)
have provided effective behind-the-scenes
support of the Chapter leadership and
initiatives. Exemplary citizenship displayed
at all Freedoms Foundation Chapter and
National events as well as throughout
their community. *Regional Directors and
Chapter Board of Directors are ineligible
during their term of service.
Any Chapter member can nominate local
community member(s) who fit the criteria.
The Chapter’s Board of Directors will create
a committee to oversee and review the
nominations to ensure they fit the criteria
stated above. Deadline for Nominations to
be determined by each individual chapter.
Please keep in mind providing enough time
for recipients to make plans to attend the
ceremony in February.
Each awardee will receive a special Freedoms Foundation
Certificate of Recognition.
Criteria for Awards:
Criteria for Awards:
Criteria for Awards:
Award:
11
Local Hero Award
William O. Perry Volunteer of the Year
(Formerly Spirit of ’76 Award)

12. 12
All Chapter approved nominations must
be received at the National Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge office by July
1.Chapter members, business professionals,
members of other volunteer organizations
who have interacted with the nominee with
regards to specific Freedoms Foundation
programs and has firsthand knowledge
of a nominees involvement with that
program may submit their nomination
to the individuals Chapter’s Selection
Committee for consideration. Each Chapter
will have 3 members (in good standing
with the Chapter) make up the Selection
Committee (no Board of Directors). Once the
nomination is decided, it will be presented
to the Chapter’s Board of Directors for final
approval. The nomination package must
contain the following: 1-2 page biographical
summary of the nominee with regards
to the volunteer service to the Chapter.
Additional supporting documents providing
key information as to why they should be
considered to receive the Volunteer of the
Year Award (up to 3 pages). Current digital
photograph of the nominee.
If you are interested in submitting a form for
an award, please contact Abiud Montes:
abiud.montes@gmail.com
Nomination and Selection Process:
Engraved Obelisk with George In Prayer Seal.
Recognition:
Change will be collected for 2 student
College Scholarships. Monies will be
collected at each event. 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 4th 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.
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 JAR.”
We will be collecting the piggy banks this
year at our student luncheon on May 30th.
BOYCE ANN BRYANT CHANGE = CHANGE SCHOLARSHIP
You can also order Freedoms Foundation Broward County Chapter POLO
SHIRTS (men and women sizes) and FLEX HATS with Freedoms Foundation at
Valley Forge Broward Chapter insignia.
$20 dollar donatio per FLEX HAT;
$25 dollar donation per POLO SHIRT
By ordering these items you will help raise the monies for the organization.
For more information and order please contact Abiud Montes @ 954-816-7034
or via e-mail: abiud.montes@gmail.com
Now you can order Freedoms Foundation Broward County Chapter name tags.
Only $10 dollar donation per tag.
ABIUD MONTES
Freedoms Foundation
Broward County Chapter
ABIUD MONTES
Freedoms Foundation
Broward County Chapter

13. 13
Important Dates
June Dinner Meeting
Installation of 2015-2016 FFVFBCC Board
Guest Speaker
Debby Sanderson
Coral Ridge Yacht Club Thursday, June11, 2015
Registration is at 6:00 PM | Dinner will be served at 6:30PM
Guest speaker at 7:00PM
The cost is $30.00 per person.
Pay at the door by personal check or credit card.
Please make your reservations to Lisa Keefe: BY PHONE OR EMAIL
Call: 954.554.8610 | freedomsfoundationbroward@gmail.com
Cancellations must be made 24 hours before the event
or you will be billed by the treasurer.
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Broward County Chapter Annual Student Luncheon-Saturday, May 30th
at
11:00am at CRYC.
In Memory of Lorraine A. Fletcher of Ft Lauderdale passed away April 7, 2015.
She was one of the Original Founding Members of the Broward County Chapter
when it was an all women’s chapter. At her request prior to her death, she asked
that we would read this poem at the funeral.
Death is nothing at all - I have only slipped away into the next room
Whatever we were to each other, That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way you always used to
Laugh as we always laughed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be the household word it always was
Let it be spoken without effort, Life means all that it ever meant
There is absolute unbroken continuity
Why should I be out of mind, because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval
Somewhere very near just around the corner
All is well. Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before - only better
Infinitely Happier and forever....
By: Canon Henry Scott-Holland, 1847-1918, Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral
Lorraine you will be dearly missed. God Bless.

14. Thank you to our sponsors
TROOPS INTO TRANSPORTATION
PROUDLY SUPPORTs
FREEDOMS FOUNDATION AT VALLEY FORGE
BROWARD COUNTY CHAPTER
WWW.TROOPS2TRANSPORT.COM // 754.444.2354 // VET.INFO@TROOPS2TRANSPORT.COM
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.
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