Freedom Flyer Sep/Oct Celebrate Freedom Foundation Newsletter 2020
“HIDDEN WOUNDS”: The documentary
Volume 3 Issue3 Is being filmed in part at the CFF hanger. It is being produced by Amelio Media LLC which received a series of national awards for their
previous documentary, titled “The Journey Back to Normal”. Inside this Edition An overwhelming 20% of military veterans experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD. These veterans are wounded with injuries that we • Press Release pg. 1 cannot see, a tragic 20 veterans commit suicide every day. • Sponsor Highlight “Hidden Wounds” will chronicle the impetus behind creating impactful pg. 2 organizations like Celebrate Freedom Foundation, and how they have grown • Chairman's Corner and what they are accomplishing everyday. pg.3 CFF is recognized for it’s highly effective program for veterans to help • President’s Press heal from PTSD and TBI outside the four walls of a therapist’s office and pg. 3 several of our veteran members, individually and in a group setting, will be • Unit History Highlight interviewed for “The Hidden Wounds Documentary”. pg. 4
• STEM Team Report and schedule pg. 5
• Meet our staff pg. 6
• CFF Special News pg. 7—9
• CFF Contact Information pg. 10
• Sponsors pg. 11
Nicole Amelio-Casper at the Universal Film Festival,2019.
Page 2 Sponsor Highlight
Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative
THE MISSION OF MID-CAROLINA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., A NOT-FOR-PROFIT MEMBER-OWNED ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION UTILITY, IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR MEMBERS BY PROVIDING QUALITY ELECTRIC SERVICES AT COMPETITIVE COSTS WITH A COMMITMENT TO MEMBER SATISFACTION.
We are owned by more than 40,000 member-owners who reside in Lexington, Richland, Newberry, Saluda and Aiken counties of SC. MCEC is the fifth largest of the twenty electric cooperatives in South Carolina. Together these cooperatives serve more than 500,000 members in over 70% of our state. Electric cooperative members in South Carolina enjoy some of the lowest rates and highest quality electric service to be found anywhere in the country - and MCEC is proud to be a part of that equation. Mid-Carolina is a member of the South Carolina Power Team, a unique electric marketing alliance created expressly to provide service to the businesses of South Carolina.
The Power Team consists of Santee Cooper, a state-owned electric generating utility; Central Electric Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative and twenty distribution electric cooperatives. With electric service in every county, Central Electric Power Cooperative has the largest transmission system and service area of any electric utility in the state and serves more than half its population. The generation capacity is predominantly coal and nuclear power. The Power Team is connected throughout South Carolina with Dominion, Duke and the Southeastern Power Administration. Santee Cooper is also a member of the Southeastern Electric Reliability Council, which includes all power suppliers in the region with a generating capacity of 25 mega- watts or greater.
MCEC offers a variety of information and incentives, from scholarships, donations, youth tours and summits, solar energy , and how to save money concerning your electric bill. MCEC is a strong supporter of the Celebrate Freedom Foundation’s education and veterans programs.
For more information visit MCEC on the web at; mcecoop.com
Page 3
Chairman's Corner
A few comments in these extraordinaries times. CFF is managing to move forward all be it at a significantly slower pace. The STEM outreach program for K-12 is suspended due to Covid-19. Of course , this impacts our short term revenue.
However, we are modifying our volunteer work effort to exercise the CFF expertise in a contract helicopter refurbishment. Currently, under the leadership of our executive director Stephen Seymour, we are restoring a Vietnam era HU-1 “Huey” that is privately owned. This job will help enable us to pay the bills into 2021. This will be our fourth restoration in the past two years.
A final word of thanks and appreciation to all our volunteers and program managers whose dedication helps to keep the doors open. Stay safe and we’ll eventually ride out this Pandemic.
President’s Press
CFF Soldiers on!
The Celebrate Freedom Foundation with a twenty-one year success record remains strong and solvent during this Covid-19 situation. While adhering to the government mandated business shut down earlier in the year our professional staff met by telephone, text, and email to establish clear Foundation priorities and they were given autonomy to implement them.
Our number one priority is the safety of our personnel and the constant communications with our sponsors. Podcasts are conducted weekly with the business community and schools to learn of their plans and to develop and offer our supporting options.
Team cohesion and innovation has been a tangible positive outcome from dealing with the Covis-19 which will further strengthen the Foundation going forward.
Unit History Highlight Page 4 Marine Corps Aviation
Marine Corps Aviation is Born Marine Corps aviation officially began on 22 May 1912 It was a couple years earlier in 1910 that Captain Washington Irving Chambers of the United States Navy would push the Navy forward toward pursuing aviation. Chambers built relationships within both the Navy Department and an aircraft builder named Glenn Curtiss. Using those connections, he worked to get a Curtiss test pilot to become the first recorded takeoff from a ship’s deck, the USS Birmingham, on November 14, 1910. Curtiss offered to train a Naval officer how to fly one of his aircraft at no cost and the Navy accepted. The Navy Department sent Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellyson to Curtiss’ flying school. He soon qualified as the U.S. Navy’s first officer pilot. In 1911, the Navy Department purchased two planes from Curtiss and one from the Wright Brothers. Each manufacturer trained a pilot and a mechanic, who would then return to their units to train other pilots and mechanics. In 1912, two Marine officers would arrive to train to become pilots, the first of them being A.A. Cunningham.
Marine Aviation 1917 and WWI In early 1917 the Marine Corps had five officers and 18 enlisted men in the Marine section of Naval Flying School. By February 26, 1917, upon orders of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, that number was bumped up to 10 officers and 40 enlisted to outfit the new Marine Corps Aviation Company. That date would also include Cunningham being promoted to Captain and tasked with organizing the company. WWI would see the Marine Corps expanding to a company size unit in the Azores hunting German U-boats and a squadron in France, which provided bomber and fighter support. By the end of the war, the Marines had 8 squadrons consisting of 282 officers and 2,180 enlisted men. In 1919, the Marine’s first aviation squadron was established from these officers and men and still exists today as VMA-231, the oldest USMC active fighter/attack squadron.
WWII and Marine Aviation During World War II, the Marine Corps would reach a peak of five air wings consisting of 145 flying squadrons. The air arm of the Marine Corps would greatly develop and refine their mission of close-air- support of the Marine’s fighting on the ground in the Pacific campaign. Marine pilots were credited with shooting down 2,355 Japanese aircraft, had 120 aces, and 11 Medal of Honor recipients. Following WWII, the Marine Corps air wings were reduced to 21 active duty squadrons and 30 reserve squadrons.
Jets and helicopters After World War II, most propeller aircraft were gradually phased out as jet aircraft improved and helicopters were developed for use in amphibious operations. The Korean and Vietnam Wars saw the size of Marine Aviation rebound from its post-WWII lows, emerging as the force that exists today.
Marine Aviators deployed to the Middle East for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, then to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. 2006 saw Marine Aviation at its highest operational level since the Vietnam War, flying more than 120,000 combat hours to support operations in and near Afghanistan and Iraq. Despite their aging aircraft and high operating tempo, Marine Aviation has maintained a 74.5-percent mission-capable rate.
Marine One – call sign for any U.S. Marine Corps aircraft carrying the President of the United States. Most often it is associated with the Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King belonging to Marine Helicopter Squadron One, also know as HMX-1 Nighthawks. Any Marine Corps aircraft carrying the Vice President has a call sign of Marine Two.
FIXED WING AIRCRAFT ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT TILT ROTOR AV-8B Harrier AH - 1W Cobra V-22 Osprey EA-6B Prowler CH-46 Sea Knight F/A-18 Hornet CH-53 Stallion F-35 Joint Strike Fighter UH-1N Huey KC-130 Hercules
STEM Team Report Page 5
Celebrate Freedom Foundation’s exciting STEM Outreach Program visits dozens of schools across the Southeastern US every year with more than 10,0000 students participating annually. CFF’s STEM Outreach Program, emphasizes the necessity of STEM Subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in middle schools and high schools. It connects the classroom with real world jobs and career fields. The program’s mission is to help build a workforce that can compete globally for jobs in the future, and to ensure America’s technological advantage in a global environment. STEM subjects provide skills and competencies greatly needed here in the Southeast, across the nation and globally.
How can you help the CFF STEM Outreach Program? We are always looking for volunteers to assist in these visits and if you have a school that you want us to visit, let us know. You can reach out to Lori Wicker our Director of STEM Education by email at [email protected] or a phone call at (803) 882-8812
STEM Education Outreach Program visit with “Lena”
2020 SCHEDULE
Currently all CFF STEM Education Outreach Program School visits are on hold until Further notice. With the Covid 19 pandemic still in play it will be up to the schools to schedule their visits. We are still actively reaching out to schools across SC., NC., and Ga. to keep updated on their potential visit dates. We will post those dates as they are approved.
Page 6 Meet the Staff
Reginald (Reggie) Hall Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief
Reggie was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He joined the Army in March of 1975 and took basic training at Ft. Ord California with his AIT at Ft. Rucker Alabama for the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) of 67N - Aircraft Repairman. He was stationed with the 193rd Infantry Brigade in the Panama Canal zone as a helicopter crew chief. After this assignment he was stationed at Ft. Jackson SC with a Medivac unit but reported to duty at the Doolittle Airfield (now Columbia Metro Airport) to a MAST unit (Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic). There his unit was attached to the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment at Camp Merrill, Ga and served as a Crew Chief/EMT. His unit also responded to emergency calls for assistance to Fire/EMS and Law Enforcement. After completing his Army service, Reggie stayed in South Carolina began working with Lexington County EMS as an EMT, he later attended Paramedic School and received his EMT certification. He also received his Basic Firefighter certification with the Cayce Department of Public Safety and served as a volunteer firefighter. He also worked for the American Red Cross as a CPR/First aid Instructor, Homeland Security/FEMA as a Disaster Specialist and as a Park Ranger with the City of West Columbia until he retired in April 2016.
CFF Is proud to have Reggie on our helicopter maintenance team and as a STEM Education Outreach Program instructor. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a great enthusiasm with him every time he is involved in any of our activities.
Page 7 CFF Special News
CFF Board Member receives prestigious Award
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster presented the Order of the Palmetto, the states highest civilian honor to CFF Board Member Dan Hennigan.
Governor McMaster made the presentation at the city of Columbia 9/11 memorial ceremony this year and recognized Dan’s significate work to honor the sacrifice of firefighters who died to save others on Sept. 11, 2001 along with the military and other first responders. The Governor also praised the work of Celebrate Freedom Foundation at the public ceremony.
Mr. Hennigan is a long serving member of the CFF Board of Directors and we congratulate him upon receipt of the highest SC award.
Dan Hennigan receiving the Order of the Palmetto award from SC Governor Henry McMaster
Page 8 CFF Special News cont.
Recent donations
The following organizations and individuals have recently made generous donations to CFF to help with the STEM Education Outreach Program or for the cost of daily operations during this Covid 19 pandemic. We are greatly appreciative of their support in our organization and thank them.
Mr. & Mrs. R. Barry Lockwood—In memory H. Buford Goff (Father who flew on one of our Freedom Flights)
State Farm/ Libby Hagins Randy Birchmore/ Birchmore Paint and Body Dominque Thomason/LulaRoe Walter Turbyfill/Café Strudel Terry & John Scheper/Next Home Specialists Yvette Thomas/Mia Bella Candles Grace Weller/Rumsey Construction & Restoration Lauren McClain/Express Employment Keith Harris/ Marketing Technology Zachary Hopkins/ Palmetto State Renovations Matthew Boyeson/ Midlands Family Chiropractic Jason Shuler/ Baine Termite & Pest Control Matthew Belyus/Valet Technologies' Karen McGrady/ Boisset Collection Sam Huddleston/Carolina Conditions Mark Smith/ Five Star Painting Matt Lord /Premier Auto Detailing John McCartha/Mid-State Heating and Air Mary Hook/Palmetto Cafe James Brennan/Seawright Roofing Michael Lutz/ All Around Flooring Rhonda Hunsinger/ SC Philharmonic Richard Wilson/ Performance Customized Graphics and Promotions Summer Lee/Lane 313 Designs Kate Floyd / Veterinary Care Center Bill Danielson/ Datapay SC INC JB Beckett/Beckett Financial Group Mirjam Jeter/ Zilis Patti Shannon/ Patti Nan Monogram Wayne Kanipe /K&K Printing Paul Erickson/ Full Cycle Wireless Marilyn Gray/ GMM Insurance Jason Thomason/ Palmetto Pressure Clean Kirk Luther/ Linc INC
Page 9 CFF Special News cont.
CFF Huey Takes to the Air
The Foundations historic UH-1H Huey helicopter, is named “Kathi”, in memory of Kathi Free, our long serving CFF Business Manager, but most importantly, “our Mom”, to the many veterans and volunteers who she inspired.
Kathi performing a test run up recently
The CFF Huey was one of only 4 specially produced “SOTAS” helicopters with a retractable landing gear, long range radar and air-to-ground data telemetry. She was stationed at Ft. Meade Maryland on Set. 11,2001 and is believed to be one of the responding helicopters to the Pentagon after it was struck by an aircraft that day. We are doing extensive research on this to have the correct historical information and will keep you posted. “Kathi” will support the Foundations education programs.
Page 10 To Contact the Celebrate Celebrate Freedom would like to give a special Freedom Foundation: thanks to all of the volunteers that have given their National Headquarters and time and effort to the renovation of the CFF STEM Education Center Headquarters and to our Board of Directors for their
Celebrate Freedom Foundation continued pursuit of progress. Without the countless 2533 B Airport Blvd. hours of help, CFF wouldn’t be where we are today. West Columbia, SC 29170 Thank you! Phone: (803) 822-8812 Email: [email protected] website: www.GoCFF.org
Educating the Public, Promoting Patriotism and Honoring the Military - Past, Present and Future
Any questions or suggestions about the newsletter, please contact Tom Robbins at the phone number above or by email - [email protected]
Donation or Membership Mail In Slip
If you would like to make a donation or become a member of CFF you can fill in your information below, cut it out and mail it to CFF at the address listed above or visit our website and use PayPal.
Mail in donation and or membership slip
Please Print
Name: ______Date of Birth: ______
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Student: $25.00 x ____ General: $50.00 x ____ Lifetime: $250.00 x ___ Sponsor: $______
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Page 11
The Celebrate Freedom Foundation would like to thank all of our sponsors who have given donations in order to ensure the education of STEM and to honor our military - past, present and future.