Making a Difference

The feedback we receive on our various programs from consumers and others is always gratifying, and can often be enlightening. Click on the links below to read recent samplings of how our programs make a difference.

28 January 2009

Dear National Commander Hapner and Programs Director Love,

During the past few years AMVETS has presented me with many growth opportunities for which I am very grateful. Through my participation in both your Americanism and AADAA programs I have gained greater insight into AMVETS commitment to raising up our nation's youth while developing a deeper appreciation for the guidance I receive in my life. Furthermore, participation in these programs has provided me an outlet to express and reaffirm my personal commitment to community, country and healthy choices.

Additionally, my most recent experience participating in Freedoms Foundation was awe-inspiring! I met students from all over the United States (most of whom are ROTC), listened to incredible speakers (a four-star General spoke to us about courage), and participated in a mock trial in a Philadelphia courtroom (my team represented the defendant and we won the case)! No one wanted the long weekend to end, as we exchanged emails and started face books, so we can keep in touch.

I can't thank you both, your staff and AMVETS enough for offering me the opportunity to connect with students who share my belief of serving others while developing strong leadership skills. I wholeheartedly accept the responsibility to positively influence others, as you have me, and look forward to continuing my relationship with AMVETS.

Sincerely,

Freedoms Foundation ‘Spirit of America’ Youth Conference

Dear AMVETS,

I would like to thank you for giving me the privilege of attending the AMVETS youth conference at Valley Forge. I was with the group from November 4–7. Attending the conference was just an honor. I was able to meet different individuals from around the United States. What was even more amazing was to see how the United Sates developed through the years. Everything about the declaration of independence, how the government was formed, and to see the liberty bell was just spectacular. Seeing and staying at Valley Forge. Walking around in the Medal of Honor grove, seeing the city of Philadelphia and those amazing rein actors just took you into the past. This wouldn't have been at all possible if it wasn’t for the sponsorship of your organization. I can’t thank you enough and please give my greatest thanks to every person that made this possible and the every individual at Valley Forge.

Sincerely,
Michael Nott
California

Freedoms Foundation ‘Spirit of America’ Youth Conference

The Freedoms Foundation Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference at Valley Forge, Pa., is one of the benchmark events of AMVETS’ Americanism program. Every year, the 9th grade essay contest winner from each AMVETS department is awarded an all-expense paid trip to the conference, which inspires confidence and patriotism in the young people who attend. The NEWS REGISTER in McMinnville, Ore., recently profiled the high-schooler who was chosen by the AMVETS’ Department of Oregon to attend the conference:

A Hands-on History Lesson at Valley Forge
Published: November 22, 2003
by Starla Pointer of the NEWS REGISTER

Shahriyar Ahmed is interested in both America’s latest technology and its earliest history. The McMinnville High School senior is planning to study aerospace or mechanical engineering next year, with an eye toward a career in aviation. But he also is intrigued by history, particularly that of the Revolutionary War and the founding of the country. “There are a lot things to be learned from history, a lot more I want to know,” he said.

Ahmed whet his appetite for history during a recent trip to Valley Forge, Pa., where Gen. George Washington and his ragged, poorly equipped Continental Army camped in the winter of 1777–78. The soldiers arrived at Valley Forge ragged, starving and suffering from low morale. By the following spring, under Washington’s leadership, they were ready to stand up and fight for their new nation’s freedom.

Ahmed spent several clear, crisp autumn days there learning about the government, early military battles and America’s roots. “I definitely got a lot out of it... meeting all the people, visiting where the nation began, stepping back in time,” he said.

Ahmed was chosen to represent Oregon in a program sponsored by AMVETS. “It was a real honor,” he said. He and about 100 students from around the country spent four days at the Freedom Foundation camp at Valley Forge, near Philadelphia. His opportunity came when he represented McMinnville at Oregon Boys State, another youth activity supported by veterans organizations. A family friend, John Peterson, was impressed by the leadership skills Ahmed exhibited there and recommended him for the national program.

History and Travel

Ahmed, son of Mohammed and Margaret Ahmed, moved to McMinnville about 10 years ago. He attended both Duniway and Patton middle schools before entering Mac High. He said he enjoys school, particularly his classes in government, general sciences, chemistry, physics and math.

“Whenever I’ve taken a government or history class, it’s been really interesting, especially when we’ve talked about colonial days,” he said. “We’re one of the newer countries. That’s interesting to me. “It’s interesting to see what it took to make this country what it is.” He also enjoys learning about other periods, such as World War II. “And my grandma tells me a lot about history, too,” he said.

Ahmed also is interested in music and sports. He plays bass and guitar and has performed with an alternative band. He plays rugby. In addition, he enjoys travel. He has been to Australia and Hong Kong.

Last summer, he accompanied his boss at Evergreen Aviation, Eric Backlin, on a trip to Korea. “They wanted me to get the full experience, since I want a career in aviation,” he said. His interest stems, in part, from his father, who is director of quality control and assurance at Evergreen.

Next year, Ahmed plans to start college. He’s considering the University of California at Santa Barbara or at Davis, Rutgers University, Princeton or the University of Portland. He plans to major in government as well as engineering.

Valley Forge

Ahmed flew to Philadelphia at the end of October to begin his Freedom Foundation experience. At the airport, he got to know many of his fellow Valley Forge travelers. “I like meeting people. I like having contacts all ove
r the state or the country,” he said.

They bused to the Freedom Foundation Camp, a 105-acre campus near the site of some key Revolutionary War battles. The center of the camp is the Medal of Honor grove, which contains monuments to medal of honor recipients from each state. “Looking at that gives you a feeling... here are the names of all these people who’ve done extraordinary things, who have saved people,” he said.

He said he was happy to perform community service work in the grove during the weekend. “We raked leaves. On the East Coast, there are plenty to rake!” he said.

The first day of camp included a full schedule of lectures. Speakers talked about the relationship of liberty and security and other topics. In small groups, students discussed the Patriot Act. Students also watched a presentation by an actor who plays Thomas Jefferson in a historically accurate re-enactment. He discussed writing of the Declaration of Independence and other significant events. “He would only talk about things that were known in Jefferson’s time,” Ahmed said. “He definitely knew what he was talking about.”

The national presidents of AMVETS and the AMVETS Auxiliary spoke about the history of veterans organizations, too. The second day of camp included a whirlwind tour of Philadelphia’s many historic sites: Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell.

Students also visited the nation’s first courtroom. It contains a bar separating attorneys from laypeople and a cage in which the accused “stood” trial. “That was really cool to see. The tour guide talked about George Washington watching John Adams being sworn in. That really painted a picture in my mind,” he said.

The day ended back at camp with a vigil for the United States. “It was a good ending, an emotional gathering,” Ahmed said. Before leaving camp, students helped raise the second largest American flag on the East Coast. It took everyone there to hold and fold the 40- by 60-foot flag.

They also toured Valley Forge to see where Washington had his headquarters and where battles occurred. “It was a kinda weird feeling, thinking that so many died there,” Ahmed said, “and thinking about the significance it still has today.”

Freedoms Foundation ‘Spirit of America’ Youth Conference

Dear AMVETS,

I would like to sincerely thank AMVETS for giving me the opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime event. “The Spirit of America” Youth Conference which I attended at Valley Forge on November 7-10 is one that I will never forget.

The opportunity to meet youth from across our nation, the seminars, speakers, field trips, banquet, and other events made an indelible impression on my life. I had fun and learned so much.

Thanks so much for an amazing weekend, one which I will cherish forever.

With sincere gratitude,
Tensie Taylor
North Carolina

Dear Iowa Department of AMVETS,

Thank you for selecting me to participate in the spirit of America Youth Conference. I had an unforgettable experience. I met a lot of new people that all had fun and unique personalities. I also cannot forget the activities and speaking events that took place. Visiting a new and exciting place, with many different histories was quite interesting. Valley Forge was very beautiful at this time of year; and it was great learning about the many different historical events that took place during the early years of General George Washington. This experience certainly gave me a great opportunity and it also gave me a new perspective on many new things. I can only hope that in the future the other youth will have as much fun and get even more out of this than I did. I hope you will keep this up every year for other teenagers to experience this wonderful opportunity.

Sincerely yours,
Ashley Risius
Iowa

To the members of the AMVETS:

My name is Sally Baker and I am a 10th grade student of OFA. On November 7th through the 10th, I had the opportunity to attend the Freedoms Foundation Youth Leadership Conference sponsored by the AMVETS. It was a fun filled weekend of meeting new people and learning about our country and the founding fathers. I had the chance to meet other high school students from across the country and spent a weekend learning about what being an American means to them. This was a valuable experience that I truly hope other students can continue to enjoy. On behalf of myself and other attendees, I thank you for supporting this program.

Yours truly,
Sally M. Baker
New York

ROTC Outstanding Cadets Program

Dear American Veterans:

I would like to thank you for presenting me with your Award for ROTC Recognition. Your award is a great honor to me. I have worked extremely hard at my ROTC unit at UC Berkeley over the past four years. As I enter the fleet I will continue to demonstrate the diligence that allowed me to receive your award. Thank you again.

Sincerely,
MIDN 1/C Deidra S. Foreman

National Scholarships Program
To the AMVETS National Programs Dept.,

I wanted to thank you for awarding me with such an honorable scholarship. The financial assistance is most greatly appreciated by myself and my family. Than you for investing in my future. I will not disappoint you. I’ll be looking forward to keeping you up to date with my progress at the University of Florida! Thank you once again!

Sincerely,
Keely Cook

Dear Mr. Lipowski,

This is to thank you and AMVETS for awarding me a national scholarship to attend the University of North Dakota. I will never forget that the first substantial college award I received was given to me by America’s veterans.

Sincerely,
Tim Wright

Dear Mr. Lipowski,

I am delighted to receive your letter informing me of the AMVETS National Scholarship Award to be granted by your committee. As I am working out the details with my college financial aid office, hearing scholarship news is a wonderful relief. The money this award provides is a much-needed contribution toward my college expenses, and I am very grateful for this high honor.

It is with heartfelt gratitude that I send this note of appreciation to all involved with the AMVETS National Scholarship. I thank you for making this all possible and for championing me and so many other students who desire to continue their academic pursuits. Your priority on education and enormous generosity in helping youth meet their goals is admirable and inspiring; your support of excellence serves as a model of what America stands for.

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the students of America. I can assure you I will aspire to live up to the high standards your organization represents.

Sincerely,
Alexis Saba