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The Celebrate Freedom Foundation is a non-profit educational and historical 501 (c)3 corporation dedicated to educating children, promoting lasting patriotism and honoring the military—past, present and future.
Our SOaRTM Mission is to build a workforce better prepared in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and to develop skill essential to ensuring America's technological advantage and its freedom.
What's happening at CFF:
Our Vision
Our vision is to plan, develop and produce the Nations premier Celebration of Freedom. We want to honor the veterans of all wars and conflicts that so bravely protected our rights and freedoms as provided by the Constitution of the United States.
We also want to educate our children on the sacrifices so freely given by our men and women at home and in battle, and foster lasting patriotism in citizens of all ages through cultural and educational venues.
John M. Lenti, Chairman, CEO
Mr. Lenti earned an engineering degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, an MBA from Farleigh Dickinson University, and a Masters in Military Art and Science from the Army Command and General Staff College. He is a graduate of the US Army War College. He was a member of the staff and faculty at West Point for seven years designing and teaching Leadership and related courses. He has been an adjunct faculty at USC since 1976. He is the recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star w/V, 5 Legions of Merit, the Purple Heart, ARCOM w/V and other awards for exceptional service. His military career included assignments in Special Operations, high level staff and as an instructor at West Point.
Mr. Lenti is the past director of the SC Small Business Development Center Program. The program coaches entrepreneurs in methodologies to turn a business idea into reality or enhance an already existing enterprise. He helped develop similar business assistance programs in Poland, Hungary and Germany for the Small Business Committee of the US House of Representatives. John, as an adjunct faculty member of the Moore School of Business, designed and teaches a highly regarded leadership course.
Jack Lovelady, President, COO
Mr. Lovelady, a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, has served as President of the Celebrate Freedom Foundation since its inception in 1999. Mr. Lovelady additionally holds an Associate Degree in Science and numerous licenses from the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration.
As a senior Information Technology Manager with the Budget and Control Board, Chief Information Office, he was responsible for the operation and management of the State of South Carolina’s voice, video, and data networks and systems from 1989 until his retirement in 2009
Following Hurricane Hugo, Mr. Lovelady was appointed by the Governor to develop a multi-hazard “Program to Mitigate State Communications Warning and Control System Failures”, which was approved by FEMA as one of the first such programs in the nation.
Prior to joining South Carolina state government, he served in the position of Vice President Engineering and General Manager for several major NBC and CBS affiliate network operations. He was appointed by the Governor of New Mexico to serve on that state’s Information Systems Council. Mr. Lovelady is recognized by the FCC as having developed a model for measuring Airborne Radio Frequency Radiation Measurements, by helicopter, which has been adopted around the country. A number of articles have been published in national scientific and engineering journals, including the IEEE, pertaining to his work.
Mr. Lovelady is a veteran of the U.S. Army (1967-2007), having retired as a Communications-Electronics Officer with thirty-eight years of service in the Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. He is a rotary wing aviator rated in the TH-55, H300C, BH205, BH206, OH-58, and UH-1H Huey helicopters. Mr. Lovelady is heavily involved in volunteer activities related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education for “at-risk” students.
Bob Decker, Treasurer, CFO
Mr. Decker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in higher accounting and business administration from Elizabethton Business College. He retired from the US Army with over 20 years service. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal and other awards for exceptional service. His military career included assignments in Vietnam and Berlin, Germany.
Mr. Decker is the past District Governor of District 31 B in North Carolina for Lions International. He is a recent retiree from W.B. Guimarin, Mechanical and Engineering Contractors in Columbia, South Carolina where he held a position as Assistant Controller.
Paul Gerald Werts, Board of Directors
Paul Gerald Werts was unanimously nominated by the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission on July 29, 2008 as Executive Director of the SC Division of Aeronautics and was appointed to the position on August 13, 2008 by Governor Mark Sanford. As Executive Director, Mr. Werts is responsible for the supervision and control of the states 60 airports and for the promotion of aviation safety and air commerce across the Palmetto State. He has been employed with the South Carolina Department of Commerce-Division of Aeronautic since 1979.
Prior to his selection as Executive Director, Mr. Werts was Program Manager I of the Airport Development Section. His duties as Program Manager were to manage and supervise the Airport Development Section for the SC Division of Aeronautics. Mr. Werts duties included assisting the Executive Director on state and federal airport development programs. Create state aviation program methodologies to enhance airport safety and program efficiency and implementation of the statewide aviation system plan priorities and the program objectives. Direct the Airport Development Section on appropriate federal, state, and local airport development procedures, regulations, and codes pertaining to airport and aviation development. Manage a staff of six subordinates to accomplish airport planning development, and engineering objectives. Other duties included the continuing enhancement of the web interface programs and administering state grants, budgets, and financial reports.
Mr. Werts holds a professional Airport Compliance Certificate and License #06046 Airport Compliance Requirement both issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy. He holds an Airport Pavement-Asphalt Institute Certificate issued by the University of Kentucky and a Cement Stabilization for Pavements Certificate issued by Clemson University. Mr. Werts has GPS & GIS Surveying Certificates issued by Trimble. Mr. Werts graduated from Midlands Technical College with an Associates Degree in Civil Engineering Technology.
Mr. Werts lives in Prosperity, South Carolina, and is married to the former Debbie Keasler. They have two sons, Stephen 17 and Rion 16.
Johnnie R. Graham, Board of Directors
Education Programs
Mr. Graham graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor of Art degree in Business Management and is currently enrolled in a M.B.A. Business and Organizational Security Management program at Webster University.
He served as the lead agent of the United States Special Operations Command Protective Services Detail at MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida with the responsibility of protecting the commander from assassination, kidnapping, injury and embarrassment. Mr. Graham has coordinated security operations with all levels of federal and foreign agencies to include the FBI, CIA, NSA, DOD, U.S. Secret Service, Jordanian Secret Service, Israeli Secret Service, Malaysian Secret Service and numerous other foreign security agencies. He has conducted security missions around the world to include Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jordan, Israel, Colombia, Brazil, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, United Arab Emirates, India and numerous other locations.
He served on a no-notice counter-terrorism force in Southeast Asia where he was in charge of 50 counter-terrorism personnel. Mr. Graham retired from the United States Army having served over 23 years. He served over 10 years as a United States Army Green Beret. Mr. Graham is a life member of the Special Forces Association.
Mr. Graham is the president of a company specializing in executive protection and security & threat vulnerability assessments.
Michael Mika, Secretary, CAO
Mr. Mika serves as the Project Manager for the prestigious Ally of Freedom Award.
Previously Michael served as a Human Resource Manager responsible for all personnel management and executive, managerial and technical training and as a Certified Compensation Professional in the electric power industry. Michael also served as the Chairman of the Governor of Tennessees Welfare to Work Program for the greater metropolitan area of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Mr. Mika has more than 35 years of management experience that includes strategic planning, crisis management, community relations, and training. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland where he received his undergraduate degree in Business Management and a graduate of Pepperdine University where he received his Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management.
Mr. Mika is retired from the United States Army having served over 20 years active service with over 10 years with the United States Army Special Forces. He is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. During his career, Michael has received numerous domestic and foreign military awards. He currently serves as the President of the South Carolina Chapter of the Special Forces Association.
Larry Russell, Board of Directors
Mr. Russell recently retired after 35 years in the Computer Industry. After acquiring a degree in Computer Science, Mr. Russell worked for SC Farm Bureau, Policy Manual Systems, and the State of South Carolina. Mr. Russell spent 10 years in the computer retail industry as Technical Manager for a national chain of computer stores, where he was in charge of all support services and training. He holds certificates from IBM, Microsoft, HP, Compaq, Epson, 3Com and is a certified Network Systems Engineer. Mr. Russell retired after being the CIO for the State Transport Police, Department of Public Safety of South Carolina.
Mr. Russell participates in numerous civic and social organizations. He founded the Palmetto Personal Computer Club, the Columbia Classic Chevy Club, and was a past president of the South Carolina Helicopter Association. Mr. Russell is currently the President of the SC Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He's the Webmaster for the Vietnam Helicopter Flight Crew Network. He is a life member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. Mr. Russell belongs to American Legion Post #6, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 303, and the NRA. He is also a member of the Army Aviation Association of America and the Combat Helicopter Pilots Association.
Mr. Russell was a commissioned officer in the US Army and served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and a logistical staff officer. He also served a tour of duty in Germany where he was an operations staff officer and a tank company commander. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, eighteen Air Medals, and other awards for exceptional service Mr. Russell currently serves as the Executive Director and CIO for the Celebrate Freedom Foundation, in Columbia SC.
Daniel C. Hennigan, Board of Directors
Dan has over 35 years of professional global military and automotive manufacturing corporate experience. Dan is retired from the U.S. Army and TRW. In the Military, Dan held global leadership and combat positions as a Unit Commander, Provost Marshall ( Chief of Police ), Operations Officer, Personnel Officer and Platoon Leader. In the Corporate world, and after Dans Manufacturing Fellowship Rotation with General Motors which included attending Harvard University Business School, Dan went on to hold global executive management positions in Sales, Marketing, New Business Development, Application Engineering, and Program Management with TRW, Siemens AG Joint Venture, Paramedic Technology Corporation ( PTC ), and was part of starting up 2 Technology Companies. Dans product, production, manufacturing, and quality expertise started out in managing a Heat Treat, major/secondary sheet metal and control arms plant. However, the majority of Dans corporate career was spent in Airbags, Seat Belts, Sensors/Electronics and component/system development and sales, to include introducing the Occupant Safety Restraint Systems ( OSRS ) to the automotive world in the early 90s. Dan has a undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from MSU in 1974 and graduate degree in Business from CMU in 1979.
Dan is currently retired and the Program Chairman for the Lexington, SC Rotary Club, Honorary South Carolina Lexington County Deputy Sheriff, Sheriffs Advisory Council Member, Founder of The South Carolina Remembers 9/11 Student Essay Contest with the Fire Department of NYC http://www.scremembersny911.com/ and The First Responders Remembrance Memorial to be built in 2011 with two 2001 WTC 15 foot Steel Beams from Tower 1 which was awarded to Dan in NYC on September 7,2010 ( Dan also received the World Trade Center Artifacts Memorial Programs Above and Beyond Award in NYC on November 11,2010 , SC Honor Flight Board Member, Boy Scouts of America ( BSA ) Board Member, USO Board Member, and is very active in charity work in the SC Midlands. Dan is married to Cindi for over 35 years, and they have two boys, Bryan, University of Dayton 2003 grad ( PLM Manufacturing Software Regional Sales Manager ) & Jason, Virginia Military Institute Grad (VMI 99), 82nd ABN Division Military Kiowa Warrior Pilot/Commander with over 28 months in IRAQ and now serves as a J-Hawk Pilot in the USCG
Bruce E. Rippeteau, Board, Co-Founder, Past-Corporate Secretary, Past-President
Bruce Rippeteau, a graduate of the University of Nebraska, honorably discharged from the US Army, and a PhD in Nuclear Chemistry and Archaeology from Case Western Reserve University, is a Co-Founder of the Foundation in 1999 and one of the three forerunners from 1997. A research scientist with 100 publications, and some 3000 as senior author, he was a faculty member of the University of South Carolina and the SUNY, a Vice Chair of the Richland County Airport Commission, and is retired from 30 years as head of the SCIAA at USC and SC state government, and other state research and land management agencies in NYS and Colorado.
A past president of the Rotary Club of Columbia, Bruce was on the Advisory Board of the Palmetto-Fort Jackson Chapter of the Association of the US Army and is a life member of the AUSA. He has had past positions as president of the Piedmont Chapter of the Explorers Club, the SC Aviation Association Hall of Fame Committee, the Board of Historic Camden, as secretary of the Society for American Archaeology, and is a past chairman of the SC Heritage Trust, SC Department of Natural Resources
In retirement, he is currently a staff officer in the USCG Auxiliary, Ninth District Eastern Region ("2009 Division Commander's Award"). Recently, he resides in Cape Vincent NY (near Ft Drum) and in Lincoln NE (where he learned to fly at KLNK/LAFB), and remains on the Celebrate Freedom Foundation Board in an emeritus capacity.
Morgan Fields, Executive Director
Morgan Fields graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management with a Concentration in Meetings and Events.
Morgan has had numerous internships and experience in different events. She has worked with the BMW Pro Am Golf Tournament in Greenville, SC; Snowbirds Over Anderson Airshow in Anderson, SC; Dining for NAMI in Greenville, SC; Ronald McDonald House Charities in Columbia, SC; and Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Morgan has been working with Celebrate Freedom Foundation since November 2010.
Breisten Craig, SOaR TM Coordinator
Breisten Craig is a graduate of Midlands Technical College with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies.
Most recently Ms. Craig has worked as a Paralegal for the Union at the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC and all surrounding out-patient clinics in South Carolina since January of 2009. She has worked for the HUD-VASH program for homeless Veterans also.
Deborah B. Avery
Deborah is a native of Columbia, SC, and began her 42-year career as a Department of Army Civilian at the United States Army Basic Combat Training Center, Fort Jackson, SC. She worked at several agencies there Basic Combat Training Committee Group [a.k.a. Training Command, Victory Academy]; Adjutant General Division-Chief, Military Personnel Branch; Civilian Personnel; Post Headquarters Protocol Office, and the Public Affairs Office. She was appointed by the Commanding General as Federal Womens Program Manager, and worked extensively on the Posts Equal Employment Opportunity efforts, counseling and offering assistance to both military and civilian managers and employees. Active in the National Federation of Federal Employees for many years, she helped negotiate two Labor-Management contracts.
Experience in both protocol and community relations provided specific insight into detailed, special events planning. She assisted in the coordination and execution of itineraries for Department of Defense military and civilians, foreign dignitaries, and Office of Personnel Management, and State and local leaders. She was invited to participate in Special Olympics planning, and Carolina Marathon Associations events at Fort Jackson
She was a friend of Soldiers. In addition to building a large military support network for the provision of military resources and the Army Band, she obtained and distributed complimentary tickets for groups to attend venues such as hockey games, USC football games, and NASCAR events
As the installation Community Relations Officer, she grew Fort Jacksons visibility and role throughout the State of SC. Mrs. Avery worked as the civilian liaison between all commands and tenant components at Fort Jackson to prepare for visits for civilian and retired military personnel. She was a resource for the Columbia Recruiting Battalion, and worked closely with Junior ROTC groups from throughout SC, NC and parts of GA.
She was the hands-on point of contact for groups such as the Battle of the Bulge reunion, and developed a personal association with groups such as the American Ex-POWs, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Korean Veterans Association, Combat Veterans (Vietnam), and Military Order of World Wars to provide support and host special events.
Locally, Mrs. Avery assisted the Chamber of Commerce, Mayors Office, Columbia Action Council, and leaders of the Visitors and Convention Bureau on special projects and outreach activities. She was a valuable resource in planning Columbias annual Veterans Day Parades, (recognized as one of the Top Ten parades in the country), the Celebration of Liberty sponsored each year by the First Baptist Church, and early Celebrate Freedom Foundation Festivals. She was key in support of dedication ceremonies at Columbias Veterans Park for the Holocaust, Korean War, and Pearl Harbor Survivors monuments.
In worldwide competition, Mrs. Avery was recognized as the Department of Army Public Affairs award as the #1 Army Community Relations Officer. Throughout the years, she received multiple awards of the DA Superior Civilian Service Award, Achievement Medals for Civilian Service, and the Commanding Generals Award for Civilian Service. She is a graduate of Leadership Columbia.
Upon her retirement in 2008, she received the Order of the Silver Crescent -- South Carolinas highest honor for volunteer and community service. She was recognized by Governor Mark Sanford as a tireless ambassador for the State, and setting a standard of excellence second to none, and making a difference to Fort Jackson and others.
Mrs. Avery is married to LTC Wesley Avery, (Army Retired).
Hobbies: Mrs. Avery completed studies at the St. Louis Institute of Music, St. Louis, Missouri, and has taught piano in the Columbia area since 1965. She is a big fan of Beach Music and southern shagging.
About Project SOaR™
Student/School Opportunities and Rewards
Celebrate Freedom Foundation's Project SOaR™ is an academic outreach program that supports the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics courses in the middle and high schools and provides skills and competencies greatly needed in the global workplace. Project SOaR™ stimulates career choices and the development of critical skills that our youth and nation require in order to maintain the U.S. technological advantage which is essential to assuring the health of our nations industry and ultimately Americas freedom.
Project SOaR™ incorporates a fast-paced curriculum of hands-on activities, experiments, and simulations using high technology industrial and U. S. Army aviation and transportation resources as a platform.
The Celebrate Freedom Foundation is a non-profit organization and Project SOaR™ is based at the Metropolitan Airport in Columbia, South Carolina, from which it will deploy throughout the state and nation.
SOaR™ enhances the performance and success of students who have been identified as educationally and/or economically "at risk" or non-motivated. In addition, those students who perform well in the classroom but are looking for career options and guidance will be focal points of the SOaR™ experience. The program actively involves students in hands-on, real-world learning experiences that for the student will:
"An educational outreach program focusing on
science, technology, engineering and mathematics,
and dedicated to enhancing the performance,
success, and personal growth of youth."
The Celebrate Freedom Foundation, in conjunction with the West Point Society of Columbia, sponsors scholarships each year for young leaders identified by High School counselors as having leadership potential. The scholarships are for attendance at the Strong Leader Academy (SLA). The SLA is a one week summer program, normally held in the month of July on the Fort Jackson reservation.
The Strong Leader Academy is intended for rising juniors with college-bound aspirations and how have exhibited latent leadership abilities as identified by their respective schools.
The Strong Leader Academy is an innovative youth leadership program dedicated to help build our nations next generation of leaders. The program was started by West Point graduates and is an extension of the community outreach of the West Point Society of Columbia. The Celebrate Freedom Foundation partners with the West Point Society and the Strong Leader Academy to ensure that the nation has a strong group of emerging leaders for future generations.
For scholarship information see: www.strongleaderacademy.org or your high school guidance counselor.
The SC Aviation Aerospace Summer Camp is a week long (July 15th- 20th 2012) residency program in Columbia, SC that will focus on the physics and principles of flight, meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems, leadership development, and aviation careers. The curriculum used is based on the Celebrate Freedom Foundation's SOaRTM program. The campus is designed for 50 high school students; each student will complete a cross-country flight and will be awarded their First Flight certificate, flight bag, pilots log book, and a set of student pilot's wings. Students will go on field trips during the day to Eagle Aviation, SC Aeronautics Commission, McEntire Base, Owens Field, Challenger Learning Center and University of South Carolina's Engineering Department.
The camp is provided free of charge to students. Any interested students can complete the application, located on this page, and email it to CelebrateFreedom_Earthlink.Net. The camp will include housing and meals for the week. For more information, please contact us via email or by phone at 803.708.4752.
Summer camp application.docx
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a Federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the United States. The program was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and later expanded under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization Act.
JROTC Award Instruction Entry
Celebrate Freedom Foundation Award. The Celebrate Freedom Foundation-sponsored award consists of a certificate and ribbon and is presented annually to the outstanding first or second-year (in a 3-year program or 4year program) cadet. The award consists of a ribbon and a certificate.
The award recipient must possess/meet the following personal characteristics and eligibility criteria:
JROTC Award Info Revised 021512.pdf
Award Consent Form.pdf
Membership benefits include:
2012 Festival
Theme: Women in Service to our Nation
April 21st, 2012 9am-6pm
Free Admission, Finlay Park
Early Ray will play at 2pm, opening for Marshall Tucker Band coming on at4pm!
This year's theme is to include all women in both traditional and non-traditional roles such as military, politics, medicine, business, and first responders. CFF believes women are often overlooked in their service and desires to show them national recognition and appreciation for their service.
The festival will include:
Heroes of Freedom Dinner
April 20th, 2012
Each year we select a group that has made a significant impact in fighting for our freedom. This year our Heroes of Freedom are Rosie the Riveters.
Our keynote speaker for 2012 is Tracey Lloyd. Tracey was a West Pointe graduate and Army Captain who was recruited by Wal-Mart's Junior Military Officer Program and is currently working as Wal-Mart's director of innovations. She has recently been featured on the cover of Fortune magazine here .
Our keynote speaker for 2012 is Tracey Lloyd. Tracey was a West Pointe graduate and Army Captain who was recruited by Wal-Mart's Junior Military Officer Program and is currently working as Wal-Mart's director of innovations. She has recently been featured on the cover of Fortune magazine.
