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A NOT-FOR-PROFIT, NON-PARTISAN ORGANIZATION
TED STEWART
United States District Court Judge
Biography
Ted Stewart is a Senior United States District Court Judge for the District of Utah. He was appointed to the Federal Bench in 1999 by President Bill Clinton. Previously, he practiced law, served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Jim Hansen and Governor Mike Leavitt, and led several agencies of the Utah State Government. He has taught university classes on the Constitution and the Supreme Court and is the author of six books.
Speaking Topics
Mr. Stewart enjoys speaking on those subjects which he has researched and written about, including the Seven Miracles That Saved America, and A World Without America: What Would Your Life Be Like If the American Revolution Had Failed?
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GARY HERBERT
Biography
Former Governor of Utah
Gary R. Herbert served as both the Lt. Governor and the Governor of Utah. He also served as Chair of the Western Governors Association, Chair of the National Governors Association, President of the Utah Association of Realtors and served six years in the Utah National Guard as Staff Sergeant. He founded the Utah Valley University Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy which helps to develop future policy leaders, informs the community, and promotes public involvement in government operations and policymaking.
Speaking Topics
Federalism/State Rights, Utah and Its Successes, The Proper Role of Government in Our Lives, The Challenges Facing America Today, The Miracle of the Founding of America and Its Constitution, How to Build Consensus and Working With the Loyal Opposition, Election Process and Integrity.
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JENNIE TAYLOR
Gold Star Widow and Community Activist
Biography
Jennie Taylor is the Gold Star Widow of Major Brent Taylor who was Mayor of North Ogden when killed in Afghanistan. Jennie was invested as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Utah. She is an advocate for the Gold Star/Military Survivor Community, a Co host of the Relentlessly Resilient Podcast, and is an adjunct professor at USU. Jennie serves as an Ambassador for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and sits on the Board of Advisors for the Woody Williams Foundation, Weber State University’s Walker Institute, the Weber School Foundation, and the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation.
Speaking Topics
Patriotism, Military Service, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Armed Forces Day, 4th ofJuly, September 11th, Veterans Day, The Price of Freedom, Service and Sacrifice, Resilience, Community Engagement, Supporting Those Who Serve Us, Widowhood/Parenting in Unexpected Circumstances, Faith & Freedom, Civic Education, The Rising Generation.
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CARLOS MORENO
US Immigrant
Biography
Carlos was declared an enemy of the state of Venezuela, his assets were frozen and he was threatened on Venezuelan national TV. He became a man without a home or a country. He states that when we allow God to be involved in our lives, miracles occur and suddenly our lives are changed forever. America gave him a new life, new hope, and a chance to be free. He has since dedicated his life to serving the state of Utah. He is known for saying "America is not a dream; America is a miracle!"
Speaking Topics
Carlos loves speaking about true freedom, immigration, opportunity, and would love to speak to groups of all ages.
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DAVE HARMER
National Director, Former CEO
Biography
David Harmer is National Director of Founding Forward. He previously served as chief executive officer of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. An attorney by training and teacher by temperament, he has litigated, published, and spoken in defense of personal and economic freedoms recognized by the U.S. Constitution. A graduate of Brigham Young University, David was counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee. After private practice at one of the nation’s largest law firms, he was an executive of several major financial institutions. David twice won nomination to the U.S. House of Representatives, turning previously uncompetitive districts into hotly contested battlegrounds.
Speaking Topics
The American Revolution generally, and the Winter in Valley Forge Specifically; The Character and Leadership of General Washington from the Revolution through the Constitutional Convention.
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ROSEMARY WIXOM
Former Primary General President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Biography
Rosemary M. Wixom was born in Ogden, Utah. She grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from USU in Elementary Education. She is married to B. Jackson Wixom. They have six children and 26 grandchildren. She has served in both the community (PTSA President at Skyline High School) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Mission Leader with her husband in the Washington DC South Mission, Primary General President, Salt Lake Temple Matron and as a My Hometown Missionary in West Valley City.
Speaking Topics
Patriotism and the Sacrifices that Have Been Made for our Country; Our Nation’s Motto: In God We Trust; If We Don’t Teach our Children the World Will; The Power of Understanding our United States Constitution - the Inspired Document that United Us in 1787 and Unites Us Today!
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DOUG OWENS
Utah House of Representatives
Biography
Doug Owens represents District 33. He serves on the Natural Resources, the Agriculture and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Standing Committee, as well as the House Revenue and Taxation Standing Committee. He has been appointed to the Justice Court Reform Task Force and the Legislative Water Development Commission. Representative Owens serves as the co-chair of the Great Salt Lake Caucus and the Bipartisan Clean Air Caucus. Owens is an attorney and graduate of Yale Law School.
Speaking Topics
The importance of working together to ensure the U.S. Constitution and its promises are put into effect for everyone in our country, and not just for some of us.
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CHUCK BEICKEL
Senior Pastor at Faith Baptist Church
Biography
Pastor Chuck Beickel is the Senior Pastor of the Faith Baptist Church in Layton, Utah and attended Bible college in Florida. He served for 11 years in Summerville, Oregon before becoming the Pastor of the Faith Baptist Church here in Utah. Many years ago he began hosting an annual patriotic service each June where many elected officials attend. To prepare these messages, the Pastor studied the Biblical foundations of our nation in depth. Pastor Beickel loves our nation and is concerned at the lack of education being taught about our true biblical heritage.
Speaking Topics
The Bible in the Founding of Our Nation, Biblical Quotes of Our Founding Fathers, The Sacrifices of Our Founding Fathers, Pastors and Churches in the Founding of Our Nation, There is Still Hope for Our Nation.
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JEN BROWN
Dentist, Mother and Community Activist
Speaking Topics
Federalism; Division of Powers; Enumerated powers; The Constitution; and State sovereignty.
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Biography
Jen Brown is a Dentist and a mother to 5 boys. She began her community work protecting children from pornography and worked on several bills including the resolution that declared pornography to be a public health crisis. Jen’s paper regarding the unique impact sexually explicit material has on the adolescent brain was published in the Journal of Adolescents and she presented her paper at the World Congress of Neurology in Switzerland. She has served as the director of the Safe Internet for Utah Kid’s campaign and has been the president of both the United Women’s Forum and the Davis County Republican Women. She is a member of the Davis Chamber of Commerce and participates in the Legislative Affairs Committee. Jen organized the Utah Citizens for the Constitution and the Why I Love America organization to preserve liberty for the next generation.
JEFF MCKENNA
Attorney, Author, Youth Instructor and Liberty Village Advisor
Biography
Jeff McKenna is an estate planning attorney in St. George, Utah. He graduated from BYU Law School as an Edwin M. Thomas Scholar. After being introduced to a largely forgotten Boston patriot, Joseph Warren, Jeff spent 20 years researching and writing the young adult historical fiction novel, “Saving Dr. Warren, A True Patriot.” He has served as a keynote speaker at state conventions for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Jeff has also taught youth at EFY/FSY conferences, and is currently serving as an advisor for the Liberty Village in Southern Utah.
Speaking Topics
Celebrating America for 250 years, Sharing patriotism with the next generation, Remembering the life and death of a founding father who signed his name on the Declaration of Independence with his blood.
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MAX STITZER
Former Brigadier General, USAF
Speaking Topics
America’s inspired Founding and Rightful Exceptionalism; America: The Land of Opportunity and Freedom Because of the Brave; American Industrial and Scientific Power; The Social Contract Between the US Armed Forces and Its Citizens; Living and Serving in the USA Capitol.
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Biography
Max served four decades in uniform in the United States Air Force, rising from high-school graduate Airman Basic to Brigadier General, and serving and commanding at every echelon including two tours totaling seven years in Washington DC at The Pentagon, serving at HQ USAF and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Max was stationed with his family all over the continental United States and served operational and deployed tours worldwide including combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Max is a native of Ogden, Utah, and graduated from Weber State University where he now serves on WSU’s President’s National Advisory Council; as Executive-in-Residence and adjunct professor in their MBA program; and on the Board of Advisors of the Supply Chain Management undergraduate program. He also completed graduate and post-graduate studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Georgetown University, and University of North Carolina. Additionally, Max serves as an advisor and consultant to several organizations and corporations in defense, aerospace, technology, and industry; and on the boards of directors of three non-profit charities.
GABRIELA PUCKETT
Cuban Immigrant, Small Business Owner
Biography
Gabriela Puckett is originally from Cuba, where she lived a life under communism/socialism, a form of government that controlled her freedoms and most aspects of her life. she left Cuba when she was 18 years old. She moved to Spain and later on to the United States. In 2020 she obtained her bachelor’s degree in international relations from BYU-Idaho. She is a small business owner and stays active in politics as much as possible. She always finds opportunities to speak from her experience about how terrible communism is and why it is important to preserve our freedoms in America. To her, this beautiful country represents ''life''. She loves America for allowing her to live in freedom and to accomplish all her dreams.
Speaking Topics
Freedom of Speech, Religion, and the Press. The right to own property, to own guns, and to engage in commerce. Her journey as an immigrant.
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BENSON L PORTER
Constitutionalist, Student of the Founding Fathers, Son of an Immigrant
Biography
Ben served as vice-chair during the creation and implementation of the “Why I Love America” Committee, chaired by Tad R. Callister. He is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LeaderWorks, Inc. He has over 35 years of leadership development experience in executive roles at Fortune 50 companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Amoco, PepsiCo and AlliedSignal (Honeywell). He has also served as Managing Director of Global Human Resources for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Brigham Young University. Ben is also the co-author of Family360, a nationally recognized approach for strengthening family relationships. Ben has served as bishop and stake president. In 2008, he and his wife Kerry were called as mission leaders for the New Zealand Auckland Mission. In 2021, they were called to serve at the Provo Missionary Training Center where Ben was the President of the MTC.
Speaking Topics
One Nation Under God, Inspired Contributions of the Founding Fathers, Freedoms of the Constitution, The Role of Families in Preserving the Constitution.
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LANDON BEESTON
High School Freedom Festival Winner
Biography
Landon Beeston is 13 years old. His hobbies are speech and debate, playing sports, and hanging out with friends. He is an avid reader and especially loves history. Landon has competed in many statewide and national writing and speech competitions and tournaments and loves to share his passion for patriotism and America’s Founding Fathers and principles.
Speaking Topics
American History and policies.
Contact (Landon's Mother)
TANNER BEESTON
High School Freedom Festival Winner
Biography
Tanner Beeston is 9 years old. He gave his first speech at the age of 8 and will be entering his first essay competition this year. He loves learning about countries, cultures, food, languages and traveling. Tanner is currently learning Spanish and Mandarin. He is excited to start on a Lego Robotics team next year and loves coding and building with Legos.
Speaking Topics
First amendment rights specifically freedom of religion, The American Revolution, WWII, or any aspect of American history
Contact (Tanner's Mother)
JOY MOORE
High School Freedom Festival Winner
Biography
Joy lived in China for about ten years before moving back to the USA. As the oldest of five children, Joy loves being outside in nature, writing stories, dancing, and occasionally wrestling with her brothers. She won third place in the Utah State Championship Wrestling Tournament several years ago and was the first-place winner of the Freedom Festival Speech Contest and the First Amendment contest in 2024.
Speaking Topics
First amendment rights, America’s Freedoms
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