2009 Festival

6th Annual American Freedom Festival
November 7, 2009
Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA

The American Freedom Foundation presented the 6th Annual American Freedom Festival once again at the Patriot Center at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA on November 7, 2009  American Freedom Foundation co-founder, Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley (retired) hosted the event, which pays tribute to the men and women of America's Armed Forces.  More than 6,000 enthusiastic music fans packed the Patriot Center to hear country music stars Montgomery Gentry, Lee Ann Womack and Phil Vassar.  Artist, Rachel Kice, who painted a canvas to the music throughout the evening, treated us to a special performance.  The event was broadcast for the 4th time to over 350 military bases in over 170 countries around the world on The Pentagon Channel.

In keeping with tradition, various presentations and acknowledgements to those who fight to keep us free were made throughout the evening.  After a stunning performance by Phil Vassar, SMA Tilley welcomed Jack Leonard, Adjutant of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, who inducted wounded warriors, SPC Anthony Landowski and SPC Chris "Kit" Lowe as lifetime members.  It was a moving ceremony!  After an entertaining set by one of the greatest vocalist in country music, Lee Ann Womack, Shane Moore, President of our Platinum Sponsor, YRCI, joined SMA Tilley on stage to present a $50,000 check to Ms. Lisa Reeves, President and CEO of Easter Seals GWBR.  The AFF grant will be used to support the Easter Seals GWBR Community OneSource program, which provides tools to veterans and wounded service members and their families that will result in successful community reintegration.

John Haggai, joint venture partner of Outback Steakhouse, Co- Presenting Sponsor, presented SMA Tilley with a check for $65,000 representing the proceeds from the17th Annual Outback Steakhouse Charity Golf Tournament.  The American Freedom Foundation was the beneficiary for the 2nd year!  The crowd went completely crazy with appreciation for Outback.

SMA asked John to join him as the final presentation of the evening was made.  Ms. Karen Mathis, President and CEO of Big Brother Big Sisters of America was asked to come on stage to accept a contribution from the American Freedom Foundation in the amount of $75,000!  It has been the mission of the foundation to help our wounded warriors and their families in as direct a way as possible.  Through their Mentoring Military Children program, Big Brothers Big Sisters will direct this contribution to pilot programs being establishing in San Diego and Dallas.   A hush came over the audience as Ms. Mathis gave her moving remarks about our military and their families and what they meant to all of us.

In wild anticipation, country music superstars, Montgomery Gentry, took the stage and put an exclamation mark on the evening with an exciting and high energetic performance featuring many of their hits.

Earlier in the evening at the Sponsors' Reception, SMA Tilley announced that grants would be made to Fox Center for Vision Restoration, Homes for our Troops, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), VET Foundation, Still Serving Vets, Strong Bonds, Project Healing Waters and North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).  In all the American Freedom Foundation gave away over $200,000 in support of our wounded warriors and service members everywhere.

It was an amazing event and evening with great entertainment, moving tributes to our military and recognition of the many fine organizations and causes that do such unbelievable work on behalf of our veterans, military service members and their families.