Freedoms Foundation recognizes local heroes
The Valley Forge Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation hosted its annual Local Hero Reception, recognizing two area heroes for their service at a public reception last weekend.
The Local Hero Reception was highlighted by “An Evening with the Medal of Honor.” This multi-media program fosters the distinguished legacy of the Medal of Honor through the stories of two very unique recipients, World War II signalman Douglas A. Munro, United States Coast Guard and Vietnam War hero, Richard Etchberger, the Air Force’smost recent Medal of Honor recipient. GaryWilliams and Cory Etchberger, Academic Directors for the Medal of Honor Legacy Program at Freedoms Foundation, presented this dynamic event.
Following “An Evening with the Medal of Honor,” the 2017 LocalHero Awards were presented to two 2017 recipients: Chief Mark E. Talbot Sr. and Richard Williams III, a student at Motivation (Magnet) High School.
Chief Talbot spearheaded the effort to transformthe Norristown Police Department into amore focused and community oriented agency which has resulted in a substantial reduction of both Part 1 offenses and violent crime. He has led the way in building trust between the local community and the police, creating an innovative and progressive policing method worthy of emulation.
Richard Williams, a student at Motivation (Magnet) High School, put his personal safety on the line when he defended his personal finance teacher in the midst of a fight on school grounds, resulting in five breaks to his jawbone and other injuries. The teacher was attempting to diffuse tensions between two neighboring schools, but the situation quickly escalated and focused on the teacher. Ricky and classmates selflessly and courageously stepped in and protected the teacher.
About the Freedoms Foundation and the Valley Forge Chapter
The Freedoms Foundation is a not-for-profit national organization based in Valley Forge, PA. Its mission is to educate about American rights and responsibilities, honor acts of civic virtue, and challenge all to reject apathy and get involved. The Freedoms Foundation is a civic education organization with both teacher and student programs that focus on leadership, character development, American history and our nation’s founding documents. The Valley Forge Chapter is one of 27 chapters located all over the United States that support this mission through local programs and fundraising efforts. To learn more visit www.freedomsfoundation.org.
Teacher Scholarships
Local teachers and administrators are encouraged to learn about available scholarships for educators to attend the 2017 Graduate Teacher Professional Development Program. To learn more about this program, go to www. freedomsfoundation.org/ Grad-Classes.