Josiah (Jo) Robins Bonner, Jr. is Vice Chancellor for Economic Development at The University of Alabama System.

He began his work in August 2013. As Vice Chancellor, Bonner works with the senior leadership on all three campuses that make up The UA System – The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham and The University of Alabama in Huntsville, as well as the highly acclaimed UAB Health System.

Additionally, Bonner works on a daily basis with state, local and national leaders – in government, business and higher education – to advance The System’s strategic mission, building on existing relationships and developing new ones that will enhance the overarching mission of the state’s largest enterprise of higher education, helping to grow Alabama’s economy. The UA System has more than 100,000 students, faculty and staff and an annual economic impact upwards of $8 billion; without question, it is a powerful engine for economic development, job creation and breakthrough scientific research. For more than a decade, Jo Bonner represented Alabama’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected to 108th Congress in November 2002, and was successfully reelected to five additional terms. As a student at The University of Alabama, Bonner worked on Capitol Hill as an intern for Congressman Jack Edwards. After graduation, he returned to Washington as press secretary and later chief of staff to Congressman Sonny Callahan. He parlayed his almost 18-years-experience as a staffer into a convincing win in a crowded Republican primary during the summer of 2002. Bonner never lost an election and ran unopposed in the November 2012 general election. In Congress, Bonner was an influential voice of reason in both Washington and Alabama. He was a member of the House Appropriations Committee, where he served on three key subcommittees, as well as the House Ethics Committee. Widely respected on both sides of the aisle, Bonner was selected by House Speaker John Boehner to serve as Ethics Committee chairman during the 112th Congress. While Bonner and his staff were well-known for having the state’s best constituent services, he devoted a significant amount of time to help turn around the sluggish economy of South Alabama. In 2012, the Mobile Press-Register called Bonner “a champion for South Alabama” and he is credited with playing a major role in helping land several significant economic development projects, including the $5 billion ThyssenKrupp project to Alabama in 2007, as well as helping secure $5 billion in contracts in 2010 for Austal to build 20 new ships for the U.S. Navy. His crowning accomplishment came in 2012 when Airbus announced plans to build their first U.S. Final Assembly Line in Mobile. Over the years, Congressman Bonner developed friendships and strategic partnerships with the top corporate leaders at Airbus, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies. The Airbus project is valued at more than $600 million and is bringing more than 1,000 new jobs to Mobile alone. Jo Bonner has received numerous awards including the Distinguished Public Service Award in 2013, the highest honor the U.S. Navy bestows on a civilian. In 2016, the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) created the inaugural “Congressman Jo Bonner Spirit of Leadership Award” and honored Bonner as its first recipient. He also received the 2012 “Governor Bob Riley Building a Better Alabama Award” by the BCA. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from The University of South Alabama for his distinguished record of public service in 2012. He serves on numerous boards around the state including the American Village Citizenship Trust, the Business Council of Alabama, the AlabamaGermany Partnership and is chairman of the Alabama School of Math and Science Foundation Board. He also co-chairs, along with former Governor Jim Folsom, the Alabama Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. In May 2017, Governor Kay Ivey appointed Bonner to serve as her designee to the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council. This group is tasked with restoring and protecting one of Alabama’s greatest natural resources, the Alabama Gulf Coast. Bonner earned a B.A. degree in Journalism from The University of Alabama in 1982. He is married to the former Janée Lambert, of Mobile, and they are the parents of a daughter, Lee, age 21, and a son, Robins, age 19.

For over forty years, Sandy Stimpson has dedicated his life to leading and serving others focusing his efforts on the pillars of faith, family, and education. His successful career in the private sector and his decades of experience serving on countless boards laid the foundation for him to serve as the 108th Mayor of Mobile, Alabama. Sandy’s mission is for Mobile to become the safest, most business and family friendly city in America by 2020. His visionary goal, known as “One Mobile,” has empowered every person to have a voice. A culture of transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency is being cultivated at City Hall, allowing each stakeholder to invest in the advancement of Mobile.  During his short time in office, the Mayor has worked hard to address issues of public safety, fiscal responsibility, downtown revitalization, and blight eradication.   Upon graduating from the University of Alabama in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Sandy returned to his hometown of Mobile, and began a nearly 40-year career in his family’s lumber manufacturing business. Starting at an early age, he worked his way up through virtually every position in the family business including serving as its CFO and ultimately its Executive Vice President. Sandy’s mark on Mobile is most evident in his selfless and passionate dedication to improving education and equipping children with the life skills they need to succeed. He has been the chairman and a long serving board member of both UMS-Wright Preparatory School and Prichard Preparatory School. He is a member of the University of Alabama’s President’s Cabinet and a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Alabama. Sandy’s business and civic endeavors are numerous and varied. He has served on the board of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Governor’s Conservation Advisory Board, Partners for Environmental Progress, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Chair in 2009, the Business Council of Alabama, where he served as chair in 2010. Sandy and his wife Jean have been married since 1975 and have four grown, married children and ten grandchildren. They are longtime, active members of Ashland Place United Methodist Church.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. with Company M, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces. During the afternoon hours, Company M was moving to join the remainder of the 3d Battalion in Quang Tri Province. After treating and evacuating 2 heat casualties, HC2c. Ballard was returning to his platoon from the evacuation landing zone when the company was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army unit employing automatic weapons and mortars, and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded marine, HC2c. Ballard unhesitatingly moved across the fire swept terrain to the injured man and swiftly rendered medical assistance to his comrade. HC2c. Ballard then directed 4 marines to carry the casualty to a position of relative safety. As the 4 men prepared to move the wounded marine, an enemy soldier suddenly left his concealed position and, after hurling a hand grenade which landed near the casualty, commenced firing upon the small group of men. Instantly shouting a warning to the marines, HC2c. Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast. When the grenade failed to detonate, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other marine casualties. HC2c. Ballard’s heroic actions and selfless concern for the welfare of his companions served to inspire all who observed him and prevented possible injury or death to his fellow marines. His courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Patterson (then Sp4c.) distinguished himself while serving as a fire team leader of the 3d Platoon, Troop B, during an assault against a North Vietnamese Army battalion which was entrenched in a heavily fortified position. When the leading squad of the 3d Platoon was pinned down by heavy interlocking automatic weapon and rocket propelled grenade fire from 2 enemy bunkers, Sgt. Patterson and the 2 other members of his assault team moved forward under a hail of enemy fire to destroy the bunkers with grenade and machinegun fire. Observing that his comrades were being fired on from a third enemy bunker covered by enemy gunners in l-man spider holes, Sgt. Patterson, with complete disregard for his safety and ignoring the warning of his comrades that he was moving into a bunker complex, assaulted and destroyed the position. Although exposed to intensive small arm and grenade fire from the bunkers and their mutually supporting emplacements. Sgt. Patterson continued his assault upon the bunkers which were impeding the advance of his unit. Sgt. Patterson single-handedly destroyed by rifle and grenade fire 5 enemy bunkers, killed 8 enemy soldiers and captured 7 weapons. His dauntless courage and heroism inspired his platoon to resume the attack and to penetrate the enemy defensive position. Sgt. Patterson’s action at the risk of his life has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Daniel is an advocate for public education and he believes that his purpose in life is to inspire youth of all ages to lead significant and purpose driven lives! He is an author, professional speaker, and professional athlete, all of which play a key role in his unique approach to working alongside youth, parents, educators, community members and business leaders in order to provide long term and sustainable results within our schools and communities. He travels around the world leading school assemblies, workshops, training seminars and keynote speaking presentations that focus on providing adults with the tools and resources needed to be effective mentors to their students and their own children. He currently serves as the Executive Director of his 501(c)3 Non-Profit that he founded in 2010 called, My Life My Power (MLMP), which provides an evidence-based curriculum to schools and after-school programs who have a desire to impact and transform their student’s lives through mentoring. While Daniel’s background is that of a professional athlete (Undefeated Mixed Martial Arts Fighter and Champion of WWE’s Tough Enough Competition), he goes on to tell his story of overcoming challenges and adversity when he was younger. While growing up, he was bullied and harassed almost daily by his peers because he was overweight and had learning disabilities. Over a decade later, and after much success, he decided to use his celebrity title in a way that could truly make a difference for children and teenagers who themselves are facing challenges – not just bullying. Thus, My Life My Power began and since then, Daniel has made it his life’s mission to be build the next generation of mentors that can impact millions of children and teenagers! Daniel is also the Co-CEO of The International Red Ribbon Movement (IRRM), which was founded in 2015 and is evidence-based for youth K-12. Unlike other campaigns which take place over the course of a week and urge students to “say no to drugs”, IRRM takes a more proactive and preventative approach to helping youth stay committed to being drug free by helping them to discover their mission, vision and purpose in life over the course of the entire school year! Because of Daniel’s dedication to youth, he has received numerous awards such as Humanitarian of the Year Award for the Golden Badge Foundation, Honorary Service Award from the California Parent Teacher Association, and was sworn into the United States Marine Corp League in 2015.

Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins was drafted into the Army Dec. 5, 1956, at the age of 22, from Waurika, Oklahoma. Upon completion of initial training at Fort Bliss, Texas, he was assigned as an Administrative Clerk-Typist to a garrison unit in Giessen, Germany, with a follow-on assignment to the 2nd Infantry Division, at Fort Benning, Georgia. After attending Airborne School, he volunteered for Special Forces, in 1961. He served with the Special Forces for more than 13 years with the 7th, 3rd, 6th and 5th Special Forces Groups (Airborne). While in the Special Forces, he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam for three non-consecutive tours. His first tour in the Republic of Vietnam lasted from February 1963 to August 1963. His second tour of duty in Vietnam lasted from September 1965 to September 1966. His final Vietnam tour lasted from January 1971 through December 1971. After Vietnam, Adkins served as First Sergeant for the Army Garrison Communications Command in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He then joined Class #3 of the Army Sergeants Major Academy in El Paso, Texas. After graduation, Adkins served with the Special Forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and then led training at Fort Sherman’s Jungle School in the Panama Canal Zone. He retired from the Army, in 1978. Adkins earned his bachelor’s degree from Troy State University, in 1979. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education, in 1982, and then, a second Master’s Degree in Management, in 1988, all from Troy State University. Simultaneous to pursuing his degree programs, he established the Adkins Accounting Service, Inc., in Auburn, Alabama, serving as its CEO for 22 years. He also taught night classes at Alabama’s Southern Union Junior College, for 10 years, and at Auburn University, for six years. Adkins has been married to his wife, Mary, for 59 years, and together they have raised five children. Adkins’ previous awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” Device, the Purple Heart with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and Five Loops, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star and one Bronze Service Star, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, the Republic of Vietnam Bravery Medal with Brass Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the U.S. Army Master Parachutist Badge, the Vietnamese Parachutist Badge – Two Awards, the Expert Badge with Rifle and Pistol Bars, the Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar, and the Marksman Badge with Machinegun Bar.

Col. Glenn Frazier joined the U.S. Army in July 1941 and was assigned to the 75th Ordinance Company in the Philippines. On the island of Luzon, Colonel Frazier was part of one of the largest surrenders in the history of the U.S. Army. On April 9th, 1942, he was captured in Bataan, and after enduring the brutal Bataan Death March spent three and a half years in Japanese Prison Camps. His remarkable story is one that cannot be forgotten.

On April 1, 1942, Desmond Doss joined the United States Army. Little did he realize that three and a half years later, he would be standing on the White House lawn, receiving the nation’s highest award for his bravery and courage under fire. Of the 16 million men in uniform during World War II, only 431 received the Congressional Medal of Honor. One of these was placed around the neck of a young Seventh-day Adventist, who during combat had not killed a single enemy soldier. In fact, he refused to carry a gun. His only weapons were his Bible and his faith in God. President Harry S. Truman warmly shook the hand of Corporal Desmond Thomas Doss, and then held it the entire time his citation was read aloud to those gathered outside the White House on October 12, 1945. “I’m proud of you,” Truman said. “You really deserve this. I consider this a greater honor than being president.” The journey that had brought young Desmond to this day had been a challenging one. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was working at the Newport News Naval shipyard and could have requested a deferment—but he wanted to do more for his country. He was willing to risk his life on the front lines in order to preserve freedom. When he joined the Army, Desmond assumed that his classification as a conscientious objector would not require him to carry a weapon. He wanted to be an Army combat medic. As luck would have it, he was assigned to an infantry rifle company. His refusal to carry a gun caused a lot of trouble among his fellow soldiers. They viewed him with distain and called him a misfit. One man in the barracks warned him, “Doss, as soon as we get into combat, I’ll make sure you won’t come back alive.” His commanding officers also wanted to get rid of the skinny Virginian who spoke with a gentle southern drawl. They saw him as a liability. Nobody believed a soldier without a weapon was worthwhile. They tried to intimidate him, scold him, assign him extra tough duties, and declared him mentally unfit for the Army. Then they attempted to court martial him for refusing a direct order—to carry a gun. But they failed to find a way to toss him out, and he refused to leave. He believed his duty was to obey God and serve his country. But it had to be in that order. His unwavering convictions were most important. Desmond had been raised with a fervent belief in the Bible. When it came to the Ten Commandments, he applied them personally. During childhood his father had purchased a large framed picture at an auction. It portrayed the Ten Commandments with colorful illustrations. Next to the words, “Thou shalt not kill” was a drawing of Cain holding a club and standing over the body of his dead brother Abel. Little Desmond would look at that picture and ask, “Why did Cain kill Abel? How in the world could a brother do such a thing?” In Desmond’s mind, God said, “If you love me, you won’t kill.” With that picture firmly embedded in his mind, he determined that he would never take life. However, there was another commandment that Desmond took just as seriously as the sixth. It was the fourth commandment. His religious upbringing included weekly church attendance, on the seventh day. The Army was exasperated to discover that he had yet another personal requirement. He asked for a weekly pass so he could attend church every Saturday. This meant two strikes against him. His fellow soldiers saw this Bible reading puritan, as being totally out of sync with the rest of the Army. So they ostracized him, bullied him, called him awful names, and cursed at him. His commanding officers also made his life difficult. Things began turning around when the men discovered that this quiet unassuming medic had a way to heal the blisters on their march-weary feet. And if someone fainted from heat stroke, this medic was at his side, offering his own canteen. Desmond never held a grudge. With kindness and gentle courtesy, he treated those who had mistreated him. He lived the golden rule, “…do to others what you would have them do to you…” (Matthew 7:12 NIV). Desmond served in combat on the islands of Guam, Leyte, and Okinawa. In each military operation he exhibited extraordinary dedication to his fellow men. While others were taking life, he was busy saving life. When the cry, “medic” rang out on the battlefield, he never considered his own safety. He repeatedly ran into the heat of battle to treat a fallen comrade and carry him back to safety. All this, while enemy bullets whizzed past and mortar shells exploded around him. Several times, while treating a wounded soldier, Desmond was so close to enemy lines, he could hear the whispering of Japanese voices. In May, 1945, as German troops were surrendering on the other side of the world, Japanese troops were fiercely defending, to their last man, the only remaining barrier (Okinawa and the Maeda Escarpment) to an allied invasion of their homeland. The men in Desmond’s division were repeatedly trying to capture the Maeda Escarpment, an imposing rock face the soldiers called Hacksaw Ridge. After the company had secured the top of the cliff, the Americans were stunned when suddenly enemy forces rushed them in a vicious counterattack. Officers ordered an immediate retreat. Soldiers rushed to climb back down the steep cliff. All the soldiers except one. Less than one third of the men made it back down. The rest lay wounded, scattered across enemy soil—abandoned and left for dead, if they weren’t already. One lone soldier disobeyed orders and charged back into the firefight to rescue as many of his men as he could, before he either collapsed or died trying. His iron determination and unflagging courage resulted in at least 75 lives saved that day, May 5, 1945, his Sabbath. Eventually, the Americans took Hacksaw Ridge. Okinawa was captured inch by bloody inch. Several days later, during an unsuccessful night raid, Desmond was severely wounded. Hiding in a shell hole with two riflemen, a Japanese grenade landed at his feet. The explosion sent him flying. The shrapnel tore into his leg and up to his hip. He treated his own wounds as best he could. While attempting to reach safety, he was hit by a sniper’s bullet that shattered his arm. His brave actions as a combat medic were done. But not before insisting that his litter-bearers take another man first before rescuing him. Wounded, in pain, and losing blood, he still put others ahead of his own safety. He would choose to die so another could live. After all, that’s what he read in his Bible. Such was the character demonstrated by Jesus Christ. In addition to his Medal of Honor, Desmond Doss received a Bronze Star for valor with one Oak Leaf cluster (signifying he received 2 Bronze Stars); a Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf clusters (signifying he received 3 Purple Hearts); the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, and beachhead arrowhead (signifying he served in 4 combat campaigns including an amphibious landing under combat conditions); the Good Conduct Medal; the American Defense Campaign; and the not so common, Presidential Unit Citation given to the 1st Battalion, 307Inf, 77th Infantry Division for securing the Maeda Escarpment. The Medal of Honor was established during the Civil War under President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. At the one hundredth anniversary in 1962, the other recipients of that award selected Desmond Doss to represent them at a White House ceremony. He had a pleasant chat with President John F. Kennedy. Before being discharged from the Army in 1946, Desmond developed tuberculosis. He would spend most of the next six years in hospitals. Cold, wet, sleepless nights, shivering in a muddy foxhole on the islands of the Pacific, had taken their toll. As the illness progressed his left lung had to be surgically removed along with five ribs. For the rest of his life, he survived on a single lung, until it too failed. At the age of 87, Corporal Desmond Thomas Doss died on March 23, 2006, after being hospitalized with difficulty breathing. He is buried in the National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

As a former Military Sergeant and Infantry Squad Leader, John applied his military training as a Security Protection contractor for Blackwater Security on missions in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. His work as part of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Global Response Staff would change his life forever. An integral team member, taking part in over 40 overseas deployments providing low profile security in high-threat environments throughout the world, cumulated in unexpected recognition on a global scale. As the most experienced Annex Security Team member for CIA’s GRS, he was an essential part of the rapid response to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2012, when Islamic militants attacked the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, killing four Americans, Ambassador J. Christophe Stevens, Information Officer Sean Smith, and two CIA operatives, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, both former Navy SEALs. In motivational, riveting, and inspirational presentations, John shares his intense story relaying his own actions, which directly saved the lives of many of his own team, and the combined heroic efforts of his team in saving over two dozen lives while fighting off terrorists for over 13 hours. John received the Award for Heroism and Valor in recognition of his bravery. John is co-author of 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi in collaboration with members of the Annex Security Team and New York Times’ best-selling author, Mitchell Zuckoff. He was instrumental in providing real-life experiences as a consultant on the movie 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. John also assisted with the movie script and set design. Having ‘retired’ from contract work, the married father of twins enjoys being at home in Colorado. His hobbies are camping, shooting, visiting with friends and enjoying time with his family. John continues to share his knowledge and skill with organizations and the military community as a consultant, trainer, and professional speaker.

General Leroy Sisco is currently retired from the military, after completing a forty-two year career in the Military.  Prior to retirement, he commanded the TXSG and was Deputy Commander of the 49^th Armored Division and also Assistant Adjutant General of Texas over the M-Day force.  Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, he moved at the age of fourteen with his family to Abilene, Texas. Close to the end of his senior year in High School, he joined the Texas Army National Guard, Company C-142 Infantry 36^th Division, in April of 1961.  During his first three years as an enlisted soldier he rose to the rank of E-5 and was selected to attend OCS.  He graduated and was commissioned in June of 1965. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1967 from Abilene Christian University. General Sisco’s military experience span command positions from company to Deputy Commander 49^th Armored Division and Commander of the TXSG.  His other commands include the 231^st Engineer Company, the 386^th Engineer Battalion, and 111^th Area Support Group, which required a lot of his time in Germany working with the 21^st TAACOM.  He has served in a variety of joint and combined assignments that included major staff positions with the 71^st troop command.  General Sisco served on the National Guard Association of Texas Board for six years, five of which he served on the executive board.  He held various offices during this time and served as President in 1996.  This organization has over 65,000 members. In his business and private community activities, he has received many awards for his support, performance and dedication.  He has several business interests from Texas Trophy Hunters TV Show, Ranching, Military Warriors Support Foundation (helping our Wounded Heroes with homes, jobs, activities and scholarships) and is part owner of several other companies.  He has an honorary doctorate of military arts and science from TMA.  He has also been made the honorary President of the Republic of the Rio Grande by the city of Laredo, Texas.  Abilene Christian University honored him with Distinguished Alumni of the year Citation.  The Texas Legislature has honored him twice with a joint resolution on the House floor, from the Senate and House, for his duty and dedication to the State of Texas and this Country.  The State of Texas inducted him into the Texas Infantry OCS Hall of Fame.  Currently he serves on the board of the Code Talkers Association for the Choctaw Nation and on the Texas Military Forces Support Foundation Board.  Recently he has been nominated to serve on the board of the NRA.  He is serving on one of the advisory boards for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Board.  Additionally he is serving on an advisory board for the Texas Veterans Commission. General Sisco’s awards include, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Adjutant Generals Individual Award, Texas Outstanding Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievements Medal (4^th Award), National Defense Medal, Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4^th Award), Reserve Service Medal (2^nd Award), Army Service Ribbons, and Engineer Regimental Affiliation Badge.  The National Infantryman’s Association has honored him with the Martyrdom of St. Maurice award at the highest level of Primicerius.  The Adjutant General of Texas honored him with the Order of the Iron Cross Award.  Governor Rick Perry honored him by commissioning him an Admiral in the Texas Navy. General Sisco is married to the former Frances Wiseman.  They have two sons, Brandon and Trevor, and a daughter Shae.  They have five grandchildren Blake, Alexia, Ty, Jayden and Trenton. General Sisco and his family reside outside of San Antonio, Texas and are in their new home at Estancia in Boerne, Texas.

Joe Adams stands out as a true patriot. A former Marine, Adams has three decades of work as a contract operative with various government agencies including the FBI, DEA, and the Central Intelligence Agency as well as with foreign militaries friendly to the United States.  Adams deployed five times on four continents to those foreign armies fighting totalitarian governments and communism around the world. In 2005, Adams traveled to Arizona to view first hand the dangerous, porous, and crime ridden border with Mexico.  He went to work with the Minute Man Project and in 2008 went on to found Project Bluelight. Project Bluelight is a privately funded anti-terrorist intelligence operation in support of Homeland Security personnel in the field. Adams is in the eleventh year of this war on our southern border with no end in sight.  The Project Bluelight Scouts, under his command, are directly responsible for coordinating the apprehension of almost 10,000 persons entering this country illegally from 126 foreign countries including eleven terrorist states, tons of narcotics, and countless weapons and explosive devices.

Ashton Hayward was elected mayor of Pensacola in 2010 after the city passed a new “strong mayor” chartered government in 2009. Hayward is a native of Pensacola, attended local schools, and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in political science. Prior to his election as mayor, Hayward worked in New York City for the AT&T Corporation and the Financial Times. In 2003, Hayward returned to Pensacola with his wife, An, and started a real estate firm, which he managed until taking office in 2011. As mayor, Hayward manages a city staff of almost 800, a budget of over $200 million, and works with members of the City Council to set policy and the city budget. In addition to managerial and policy duties, the mayor directs local economic initiatives and advocates pro-Pensacola legislation to state and federal agencies. Mayor Hayward has been a board member of the Florida League of Mayors since 2014 and currently serves on the FLM Strategic Planning committee. In 2015, Governor Rick Scott appointed Mayor Hayward as a commissioner with Florida’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service, Volunteer Florida. Mayor Hayward is also a board member for Achieve Escambia and is a member of the Escambia County Infant Mortality Task Force. Ashton and his wife, An, have one son, Aiden.

Rocky Sickmann is  Account Manager for Folds of Honor and the former Director of Military Sales for Anheuser-Busch. Marine Sergeant Rocky Sickmann, then just 21, was one of 65 Americans taken hostage. Sickmann remained a hostage for 444 days before being released on Jan. 21, 1981. Three months later, Sickmann retired after six years in the U.S. Marine Corps and entered the private sector, where his military experience made him a valuable contributor at Anheuser-Busch for nearly 26 years. As Director of Military Sales, Sickmann was responsible for increasing Anheuser-Busch’s market penetration among the Military by training wholesalers, coordinating marketing and publicity, executing national sales promotions, and planning special military events. Sickmann helped coordinate the “Here’s to the Heroes Tour” which salutes the men and women of the armed forces which allowed Americans to show their support for the troops via recorded messages filmed on location at community events, celebrations and festivals nationwide this during the summer of 2005 which were widely distributed to the U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Williams joined the 3rd Marine Division at Guadalcanal. During July and August 1944, he participated in action against the Japanese at Guam. His next campaign was at Iwo Jima where he distinguished himself with actions “above and beyond the call of duty”, for which he would be awarded the Medal of Honor. Landing on February 21, 1945, Corporal Williams distinguished himself two days later when American tanks, trying to open a lane for infantry, encountered a network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried miles and black volcanic sands. Williams went forward alone with his 70-pound (32 kg) flamethrower to attempt the reduction of devastating machine gun fire from the unyielding positions.  Covered by only four riflemen, he fought for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flame throwers. He returned to the front, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one position after another. These actions occurred on the same day as the raising of the U.S. flag on the island’s Mount Suribachi, although Williams was not able to witness the event. He fought through the remainder of the five-week-long battle and was wounded on March 6, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.  In September 1945, he returned to the United States and was presented the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman 1945, at the White House. Since that time Mr. Williams has been active in community and veterans activities. He founded the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation that builds Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments and Scholarships to honor the military who sacrificed their lives and their families who endured their loss. He stresses the importance of patriotism and supporting the military, the veterans and the families of those who serve.

Jeffrey “Skunk” Baxter is currently a consultant/contractor for a number of US Government agencies and advises top military, government,  defense contractors and civilian groups on missile defense, terrorism & counter-terrorism, cyber-warfare, intelligence, virtual reality, war gaming, next-generation technology and unconventional strategies. He is a Senior Fellow and member of the Board of Regents at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, a member of the Director’s Strategic Red Team at MIT/ Lincoln Laboratories, a consultant for the Global Security Sector of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and a Senior Thinker for the Institute For Human & Machine Cognition.  He was a Specialist Reserve Officer with the Anti-Terrorist Division of the Los Angeles Police Dept for 15 years and a founding member of the Terrorism Early Warning Group, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. He has also had a long and successful career in the music and entertainment field as a founding member of the group Steely Dan, Grammy winning guitarist with the Doobie Brothers and as a record producer for such artists as Carl Wilson, Nazareth and The Stray Cats.  He has toured with such bands as The Stray Cats, Elton John, Julian Lennon and Linda Ronstadt.  He has been a studio musician for 50 years, recording with Donna Summer, Dolly Parton, Ringo Starr, Carly Simon, Roy Orbison, Joni Mitchell, The Beach Boys, Harry Nilsson and Rod Stewart, among many others and has composed music for movies and television including the original theme for “Beverly Hill 90210”, music for “King of the Hill” and scoring for movies like “Bull Durham” and “Roxanne.”  He has been a design engineer/consultant for Akai, Roland, Audio-Technica, Allen & Heath, Gibson and Fender and still actively involved as a guitarist, composer, producer and engineer.

AraDona began his art education at the age of fifteen, and it was immediately apparent to art scholars and critics that he was an “Art Prodigy.”As a teenager, AraDona was awarded a two-year, full-scholarship with Disney Imagineering and the “The Herbert Ryman Scholarship,” studying a traditional art curriculum. As a high school student, AraDona was already working on portrait paintings that were commissioned by parents, teachers, and board members. During his senior year at Glendale High School, he acquired sixty-five-thousand-dollars in academic scholarships towards his art education, and began selling paintings. Several celebrities have purchased his early paintings. In 2006, AraDona had his first one-man show at the Pasadena Art Club held in Cal-tech’s Dabney Hall, where more than twenty mid to life-size paintings were exhibited. AraDona graduated at the age of seventeen, receiving much recognition and more than sixteen scholarships from all over the United States, such as the California Art Alliance Award (The highest award that can be bestowed upon a student of art from the State of California). After graduating high school, AraDona went to Italy, where he studied classical drawing and painting at the Florence Academy of Art. After three years of training, AraDona graduated from the academy and returned to the states to continue his career as a portrait and figurative painter. AraDona and his wife Julia Stjernstrom met each other while studying at the Florence Academy of Art. AraDona and Julia’s Studio of Classical Art has exhibited and hosted many private shows in the recent years.  They are currently based in Las Vegas. In May 2016, both artists AraDona and Julia were presented as Honorable Kentucky Colonals by Governor Matthew Bevin at the Heroes and Freedom Gala in Louisville, Kentucky. AraDona has painted numerous commissions of celebrities, public figures, and philanthropists in the US and his paintings are now hanging in some of the most prestigious homes and public locations nation-wide.

Music has always been a major part of Eric Horner’s life. Born and raised in Paducah KY, he grew up with a guitar in his hands playing and singing Gospel music all over Western KY, Southern IL and Southeast MO. Eric’s first big musical influence was a young man by the name of Steven Curtis Chapman. The two met when Steven became Eric’s first guitar teacher in the 6th grade. Learning the “Chapman Method” of guitar playing prepared Eric well for what the Lord had in store down the road. Eric moved to Nashville TN at the age of 19 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional songwriter and musician. It didn’t take long for the doors to open and over the next 17 years Eric toured the world playing with such artists as Lee Greenwood, Shania Twain, Wynonna Judd and Brad Paisley. In 2002, all of that changed. Eric began to feel a call on his life to return to his Gospel music roots and to use his talents for a higher purpose. Rolling back the clock…..Eric accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in the third grade. Raised in a family of believers, the seeds of faith were planted in his heart very early on. Those seeds began to grow and he knew at a young age that the words Jesus spoke were true when He said “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father except through Me”. (John 14:6) The foundation was in place….but… As Eric began his career in Nashville he did like so many have done. He wandered away from the things he knew in his heart to be true and walked the path of a prodigal child during many of his years in the country music industry. As Eric describes it, “the cross was in my rear view mirror as I walked farther and farther away from it in pursuit of my dreams for fame and fortune”. God had a plan….. He began to place people in Eric’s path that said or did things that made a profound difference in his heart. He experienced many “divine appointments”.  In Eric’s words, “the Lord used a whole lot of people to draw me back unto Himself and His will for my life, especially my praying Mother”. Eric enjoys teasing his Mother from time to time about “praying him in to the ministry”. He surrendered to full time music ministry in the Fall of 2002 and hasn’t looked back since. Eric and his wife Debby spend well over 250 days a year on the road ministering in churches and military bases all across America. God has given them the unique opportunity to encourage and minister to the newest members of our military as they go through basic training. To date Eric has been put in front of over 300,000 of them. Early on in Eric’s ministry, God put a burden on his heart for America. He’s written many songs that speak to the need for our nation to return to God. One song that seemed to capture the attention of many Americans was a joint effort with the American Family Association entitled “In God We Trust”.  AFA produced a video to go with the song and it received several hundred thousand views in 2010 and 2011. Although known for a God and Country message, Eric started placing a big emphasis on the family in his 2012 tour dates and continues to write and record musical messages with the family theme today.  “The enemy seeks to destroy our nation by destroying our backbone, our families. With the many attacks on the family, there’s never been a more important time to give them a word of encouragement. With the release of his 2015/2016 c.d. project “Home”, Eric offers more messages of hope for the family combined with a call for the church to “leave the building” and be the “Hands and Feet” of Jesus in their communities. “So many worry and complain about the condition of our nation” says Eric. “The way to change our course is to simply live what we believe outside the church walls, be bold with our faith, love people, and shine the light of Christ to everyone we meet”.

Papa T laughingly tells people, “I may be an ol’’ rocker, but at least I’’ve been refinished.” Far from being finished, Papa T is committed to making the second half of his life the best half. Being part musician, songwriter, producer, promoter and visionary allows him to create various projects with a whole lot of talent and heart. This ol’ rocker sees himself as “ringleader” of his latest project, a new musical circus he calls “PapaGottaGroove.”  www.papagottagroove.com He lets his guitar do the talking, bringing back smiles and miles of memories to those of us who grew up when rock n’ roll had us movin’ and groovin’ all night long. Never one to rest on his laurels, he’’ll also throw in some of his new material, songs with positive messages written in the classic rock spirit. Nothing pleases him more than to introduce the younger generation to music they can enjoy along with their parents. Utilizing the latest audio and visual technology, he may throw in some surprises along the way. Also, Papa T’’s stage is often open to new talent in the areas where he performs. He believes in the power of music to stir the fire and bring people together. The year 2002 found Papa T and Christian Turner opening for the Bad Company Reunion Tour. Handpicked by Paul Rodgers (currently lead singer with Queen) for an acoustical set, the twosome brought down the house in Denver. In 2006, the ol’ rocker found a kindred spirit in Gregg Hamm, legendary engineer from the glory days of soul and rock music in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. When you heard the names Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett attached to a record, it was a pretty sure bet that Gregg Hamm was in the mix as well. The walls of his home studio with their myriad of gold records belie the humble demeanor of this craftsman who engineered sessions with the likes of Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Wilson Pickett, Willie Nelson, Dire Straits, Canned Heat, Levon Helm, Sam & Dave, Millie Jackson, Dr. Hook, Sister Sledge, and many more. They all attest to the fact that when a song has been “Hammered,” it’s like giving it the Midas Touch. The national anthem of rock ‘n roll, Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock ‘n Roll,” was “Hammered” in the first degree! Papa T and Hamm co-produced “Twelve Steps From the Tip Jar” by Christian Turner in 2006, and the duo were partners in 2ndHalf Studio in Sheffield, Al. Many of the tunes you’ll hear in Papa T’’s repertoire were hits “Hammered” by Gregg Hamm. In 2010 Steve “Papa T” Turner founded MuscleShoalsRadio.com, an internet radio station that features all Muscle Shoals music, interviews and updates on new artists and their performance schedules.  MuscleShoalsRadio.com has now expanded into what Papa T calls “AudioVision.”  AudioVision simply offers listeners to become viewers as well as listeners.  Visit the www.muscleshoalsradio.com to explore all the new features being offered there. More recently Steve “Papa T” Turner produced his latest project called “Playin’ In Bands “ by Tremayne Turner  at his SoulSpring Studio located in the heart of Muscle Shoals, Alabama.  Teaming up with friend and guitar player Mike “Tremayne” Mayhall, this collection of tunes was co-written with hit songwriter and partner Cris Moore. Among his many accomplishments, one of the projects that means the most to him is the “Papa T Project” DVD-CD honoring the Screaming Eagles of the 101st AirBorne Division. Entitled “”Livin’’ on the Line”,” this project benefiting the “Wings of Liberty Museum,” is co-written by Papa T along with Christian Turner and Cris Moore. Moore, who currently has a cut on the new George Strait “It Just Comes Natural” release, also had a couple of number one country hits (“Tender Moment” and “Heart’s Desire”) with Lee Roy Parnell, and is a consistent writing compadre on many of Papa T’s projects. Papa T also plays guitar and sings on this tribute DVD (www.livinontheline.com).  Papa T plans to tour the country, performing at RV Campgrounds, military fundraisers and youth and church groups as well.  His hope is to raise awareness of various opportunities for everyone to support as they choose.   He will place focus on his passion for the Wings Of Liberty Museum project, which will be located in Ft. Campbell, Ky.   For more information visit:   http://fortcampbell.com/museums/wings-liberty/ With a dream to further the creative community as a whole, Papa T is about utilizing his gifts to allow others to find the best in themselves. Some folks think of retirement as a time to take it easy, but Papa’’s gotta groove, and he just keeps on rockin’!

This Russian equivalent of the American NRA has over 70 chapters and 10,000 members. Maria is a special assistant to the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Russia and owns and operates her own public relations firm in Moscow. She received twin Masters Degrees (“Specialist Degrees” in Russian parlance) in political science and education from The Altai State University in 2010 in her hometown of Barnaul, Altai Region, Russian Federation. She is a candidate for a PhD in 2016 with her dissertation focused on the challenges of political organizations as alternatives to traditional political parties.

Mr. Davis enlisted in the U.S. Army from Indiana during the Vietnam War, in 1965.  In March 1967, Davis was sent to Vietnam and was assigned to Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4^th Artillery Regiment, 9^th Infantry Division.  On November 18, 1967, his unit at “Fire Support Base Cudgel” west of Cai Lay fell under machine gun fire and heavy mortar attack by an estimated three companies of Vietcong from the 261st Viet Cong Main Force Battalion who swarmed the area from the south and then west. Upon detecting an enemy position, Davis manned a machine gun to give his comrades covering fire so they could fire artillery in response. Davis was wounded, but ignored warnings to take cover, taking over the unit’s burning howitzer and firing several shells himself. He also disregarded his inability to swim due to a broken back, and crossed a river there on an air mattress to help rescue three wounded American soldiers. He ultimately found his way to another howitzer site to continue fighting the NVA attack until they fled. The battle lasted two hours.  Davis was promoted to sergeant and received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson. During the White House ceremony, Davis

Mr. Wilson is 90 years old, from Carlisle, Kentucky and a Veteran of World War II.  He was sent to England and assigned to the 4^th Infantry Division five days before D-Day invasion of Europe. After clearing Utah Beach in Normandy he was sent on to liberate Cherbourg in the front as a forward observer to help keep the infantry safe by directing artillery.  Near Cherbourg he was injured by German shells.  After a painful recover he took over as a tank driver for the rest of the war when the regular driver had both of his legs blown off by a mine.  He continued to serve with distinction during World War II and recently was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal, the highest military distinction handed out by the French Government.

Served as the 52nd Lieutenant Governor for the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 1995 through 2003. As an orthopedic surgeon, Henry won international acclaim. He played an instrumental role in the research, development, and use of breakthrough techniques using antibiotic beads. Henry and his innovative techniques received international recognition on CNN during the Persian Gulf War, when the beads were used to treat wounded soldiers. His work was widely reported by several other national new organizations and won him personal recognition from General Norman Schwarzkopf.

Served as the 52nd Lieutenant Governor for the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 1995 through 2003. As an orthopedic surgeon, Henry won international acclaim. He played an instrumental role in the research, development, and use of breakthrough techniques using antibiotic beads. Henry and his innovative techniques received international recognition on CNN during the Persian Gulf War, when the beads were used to treat wounded soldiers. His work was widely reported by several other national new organizations and won him personal recognition from General Norman Schwarzkopf.

Rocky Sickmann is  Account Manager for Folds of Honor and the former Director of Military Sales for Anheuser-Busch.

Marine Sergeant Rocky Sickmann, then just 21, was one of 65 Americans taken hostage. Sickmann remained a hostage for 444 days before being released on Jan. 21, 1981. Three months later, Sickmann retired after six years in the U.S. Marine Corps and entered the private sector, where his military experience made him a valuable contributor at Anheuser-Busch for nearly 26 years. As Director of Military Sales, Sickmann was responsible for increasing Anheuser-Busch’s market penetration among the Military by training wholesalers, coordinating marketing and publicity, executing national sales promotions, and planning special military events. Sickmann helped coordinate the “Here’s to the Heroes Tour” which salutes the men and women of the armed forces which allowed Americans to show their support for the troops via recorded messages filmed on location at community events, celebrations and festivals nationwide this during the summer of 2005 which were widely distributed to the U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Joe Adams stands out as a true patriot. A former Marine, Adams has three decades of work as a contract operative with various government agencies including the FBI, DEA, and the Central Intelligence Agency as well as with foreign militaries friendly to the United States.  Adams deployed five times on four continents to those foreign armies fighting totalitarian governments and communism around the world. In 2005, Adams traveled to Arizona to view first hand the dangerous, porous, and crime ridden border with Mexico.  He went to work with the Minute Man Project and in 2008 went on to found Project Bluelight. Project Bluelight is a privately funded anti-terrorist intelligence operation in support of Homeland Security personnel in the field. Adams is in the eleventh year of this war on our southern border with no end in sight.  The Project Bluelight Scouts, under his command, are directly responsible for coordinating the apprehension of almost 10,000 persons entering this country illegally from 126 foreign countries including eleven terrorist states, tons of narcotics, and countless weapons and explosive devices.

Mr. Ring is a 28-year-old former Navy SEAL and veteran who served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Chris honored Gold Star Families of fallen troops by swimming the entire length of the Mississippi River. He accomplished the incredible feat on a journey across 10 states and more than 2,300 miles and shared time with Gold Star Families on the journey. His effort increased awareness about Gold Star Families and the sacrifices they many for our country.

Mr. Williams joined the 3rd Marine Division at Guadalcanal. During July and August 1944, he participated in action against the Japanese at Guam. His next campaign was at Iwo Jima where he distinguished himself with actions “above and beyond the call of duty”, for which he would be awarded the Medal of Honor. Landing on February 21, 1945, Corporal Williams distinguished himself two days later when American tanks, trying to open a lane for infantry, encountered a network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried miles and black volcanic sands. Williams went forward alone with his 70-pound (32 kg) flamethrower to attempt the reduction of devastating machine gun fire from the unyielding positions.  Covered by only four riflemen, he fought for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flame throwers. He returned to the front, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one position after another. These actions occurred on the same day as the raising of the U.S. flag on the island’s Mount Suribachi, although Williams was not able to witness the event. He fought through the remainder of the five-week-long battle and was wounded on March 6, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.  In September 1945, he returned to the United States and was presented the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman 1945, at the White House. Since that time Mr. Williams has been active in community and veterans activities. He founded the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation that builds Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments and Scholarships to honor the military who sacrificed their lives and their families who endured their loss. He stresses the importance of patriotism and supporting the military, the veterans and the families of those who serve.

We are pleased to have the Honorable William A. Chatfield as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. He was the 11th Director of the Selective Service, directly responsible to President George H.W. Bush for managing the Selective Service System. He began public service in the U.S. House of Representatives and served in several appointed positions in both terms of the Reagan Administration at the Department of Defense, Civil Aeronautics Board, Office of Personnel Management, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Department of the Interior, the Interstate Commerce Commission. Following his public service, he has been engaged in government relations and public affairs consulting with his Washington, D.C. firm. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, with 35 years of active duty and reserve service. He was also a black belt martial arts instructor in civilian life and recently inducted into the Masters Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Ms. Mullins from Owensboro, Kentucky, has been active in Gold Star events and recently spoke at the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument dedication in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Greenup, Kentucky and has contributed and carried the Gold Star Flag during tonight’s Patriotic Salute to continuously fly over the Fort Knox Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.

Henry took the title of Miss Kentucky in 1999 and went on to claim title as the first from Kentucky to earn the Miss America title in 2000. Her father was a wounded veteran from the Vietnam war inspiring her to create a platform raising awareness for homeless veterans. She was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Henry was raised in Maysville, Kentucky and graduated from the University School of Design, Art and Architecture. She has two daughters, Harper Renee and Taylor Augusta, with her husband, former  Lt. Gov. Steve Henry.

Mr. Stump served as an Infantryman in The U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  He is a 19-year member of The American Legion, as well as a life member of The V.F.W. The Heroes for Freedom and Liberty Event acknowledges and congratulates the veterans of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm Gulf War during this 25^th anniversary of the conflict. While many in Washington, D.C. have forgotten, we remember and thank them for their sacrifices and send best wishes for the development and building of the memorial.