Libertas - Summer 2016 (Issue 37.2) by Young America's Foundation

Summer 2016

In This Issue: YAF Alumni—Where Are They Now?

Vol. 37

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No. 2

August 22, 2016 Dear Friends,

here are bookcases in the lobby of Young America’s Foundation’s headquarters that contain more than 200 volumes written by graduates of our programs. Among them are numerous New York Times bestsellers, including the recent, mega-impact book, Clinton Cash, by Peter Schweizer. I walk by those bookcases every day and marvel at the intellectual diversity of the writers who came though Young America’s Foundation, the Reagan Ranch programs, the National Journalism Center, and Young Americans for Freedom. And yet, those are just the writers among our graduates. The young men and women whose lives were changed by our programs include Members of Congress, talk show hosts, leaders of numerous conservative organizations, military officers, Foreign Service officers, Party leaders, professors and school administrators, attorneys, clergy, speech writers, Capitol Hill staffers, bloggers, webcasters, graphic designers, entrepreneurs, and home makers, among others. This special issue of Libertas highlights a sampling of some of our rising graduates. An owner of one of the nation’s leading sports franchises recently asked me, “What surprises you the most about your students?” I didn’t hesitate to say how unpredictable it is to foresee exactly which students with us today will become the superstars of tomorrow. Yet, we know we help produce these prodigies every year, year-after-year. President Ronald Reagan suggested there was a path out of the dark days of socialism in Eastern Europe. In his famed Brandenburg Gate speech, he noted, “There is no better way to establish hope for the future than to enlighten young minds.” You should enjoy reading of the progress of some of the leaders whose minds your support helped to enlighten.

Sincerely,

Ron Robinson President

L IBE RTAS Summer 2016

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Volume 37

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Number 2

Special Feature: YAF Alumni — Leading the Movement This issue of Libertas highlights Young America’s Foundation alumni who are rising stars in the Conservative Movement and in their respective fields.

Young America’s Foundation Board Of Directors Ron Robinson President of the Board Ronald Pearson Vice President of the Board Frank Donatelli Secretary and Treasurer of the Board T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr. Wynton C. Hall Peter Schweizer James B. Taylor Thomas L. Phillips Director Emeritus

John Tamny — Political Economy Editor, Forbes

Sergio Gor — Communications Director, Senator Rand Paul

Andrew McIndoe — Director of Donor Relations, The Heritage Foundation

Laurel Conrad — Program Director, Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute

Michelle Taylor — Executive Vice President, A.C. Fitzgerald & Associates

Reagan Ranch Board Of Governors

Calvin Coolidge — Executive Director, Freedom Alliance

Leah Campos — Senior Advisor, Committee on Foreign Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives

Tom Barrett — U.S. Army Veteran and Michigan State Representative

Tom Robinson — Development Officer, Young America’s Foundation

Sarah Westwood — Investigative Reporter, Washington Examiner

Frank Donatelli Chairman Edwin Meese Co-Chairman Robert F. Agostinelli Governor George Allen Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar John Barletta Dr. Suzanne Becker Lisa M. Buestrin Robert Cummins George & Becky Norton Dunlop Richard Gaby & Barbara Van Andel-Gaby Robert Giuffra, Jr. Timothy S. Goeglein Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold Eric & Nicole Hoplin Marty Irving Harold Knapheide Mark Larson Rebekah Mercer Al Moore Doug & Pat Perry Thomas L. Phillips Rear Admiral JJ Quinn Fred & Ruth Sacher Richard & Jane Schwartz Lee Shannon Craig Shirley Owen & Bernadette Casey Smith Barbara S. Waddell Jay Webber

Nashville Freedom Conference Features Schweizer, Laffer, Duffy, and Campbell

By Jolie Ballantyne, Conference Director

YAF Campus Lectures Reach Millions By Patrick Coyle, Vice President

Walker, Forbes, Meese, and Allen Headline 2016 Rawhide Circle Retreat By Colin Monaghan, Development Officer

President Reagan’s Military Aides Share Their Reflections Amy Brooker, Assistant to the Director of the Reagan Ranch

Also in This Issue:

On the Cover: VOL. 37

SUMMER 2016

In This Issue: YAF

They Now? Alumni—Where Are

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NO. 2

The Foundation alumni featured in this issue got their start in the Conservative Movement as young leaders in the Foundation’s programs. Top row (L to R): Laurel Conrad, John Tamny, Michelle Taylor. Middle row (L to R): Andrew McIndoe, Tom Barrett, Leah Campos, Calvin Coolidge. Bottom row (L to R): Laurel Conrad, Sergio Gor, Tom Robinson

4 Secretary Rumsfeld Addresses New Jersey Reagan Day 5 President Reagan’s Jeep Travels to Washington, D.C. 6 Fox News’s James Rosen Speaks at YAF Headquarters 7 The Bradley Foundation Sponsors Dr. Charles Krauthammer at the Reagan Ranch Center 22 Senator Rand Paul Visits Rancho del Cielo

Libertas, the Latin word for liberty, is a publication of Young America’s Foundation which highlights the programs, events, students, staff, and supporters of the Foundation. You may contact Libertas and Young America’s Foundation by writing to: Young America’s Foundation, National Headquarters, 11480 Commerce Park Drive, Sixth Floor, Reston, Virginia 20191; calling 800-USA-1776; or visiting yaf.org. Editor: Jessica Jensen; Publisher: Ron Robinson; Publication Design: Jonathan Briggs; Assistant Editors: Jolie Ballantyne, Spencer Brown, Patrick Coyle, Nick Frase, Clare Hinshaw, Nicole Hoplin, Haley Jones, Katrina Lautenschlager, Madeleine Lucas, Matt Masino, Lauren McCue, Katie McMenamin, hris Miranda, Colin Monaghan, Tom Robinson, Haley Smith; Washington, D.C. event photographer: Jeffrey Marshall, Jensen Sutta, and Bob Updegrove; California event photographer: Jacqueline Pilar. This document and all herein contents, images, stories, graphics, and design, fall unto copyright © 2005 to 2016 Young America’s Foundation, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Any use of Libertas’ content without the written permission of Young America’s Foundation is prohibited.

National Journalism Center Board Of Governors T. Kenneth Cribb Jr. Chairman Kellyanne Conway Terry Eastland Rich Lowry Alex Marlow The Honorable Alex Mooney Katie Pavlich Ronald Pearson Matt Robinson Tom Winter Thomas L. Phillips Chairman Emeritus

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Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Headlines Largest Conservative Gathering in New Jersey Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addressed more than 730 people at the 13th annual New Jersey Reagan Day. Young America’s Foundation is proud to sponsor this event, which has become the largest annual gathering of conservatives in the state and one of the largest Reagan Day celebrations in the country. It has also become an important recruiting resource for the Foundation’s programs. Praising Ronald Reagan’s philosophy of “peace through strength,” Secretary Rumsfeld, who is also a member of the Foundation’s Rawhide Circle of supporters, explained, “Our goal should not be to win a war but to prevent war.” New Jersey Assemblyman Jay Webber, the founder and organizer of New Jersey Reagan Day, emceed the event. Webber is a member of Young America’s Foundation’s Reagan Ranch Board of Governors. Kimberly Martin Begg, Esq., vice president and general counsel of Young America’s Foundation, provided an

(Above) Foundation supporters Tom & Joan Streiff (left and right) and Foundation Vice President and General Counsel Kimberly Begg meet Rev. Rafael Cruz who delivered the invocation at the dinner.

(Right) New Jersey Assemblyman Jay Webber, event founder and organizer, emcees the annual dinner sponsored by Young America’s Foundation.

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

Secretary Rumsfeld addresses more than 730 guests at New Jersey Reagan Day, one of the largest Reagan Day gatherings in the country.

overview of the Foundation’s youth outreach programs at the Reagan Ranch and across the country. Esteemed guests included Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, Rev. Rafael Cruz, Johanna Webber, Governor Tom Kean, Tom & Joan Streiff, Alfred Angelo, Wade & Linda Kirby, John & Gayle Scirocco, Sean Hannity Show producer and YAF alumna Lauren Scirocco, and other distinguished YAF supporters and alumni. One of the highlights of the evening was Webber’s presentation of a special flag depicting the names of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to Secretary Rumsfeld. The flag was made by Annin Flagmakers, America’s oldest and largest flagmaker which made the flag that draped Abraham Lincoln’s coffin on its journey from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois.

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President Reagan’s Jeep Travels to Washington, D.C. Ronald Reagan’s 1962 red Willys Jeep was recognized as an important artifact of American history and displayed prominently on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in April. The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA), in conjunction with the National Historic Vehicle Register of the Library of Congress, featured the Jeep, once called “the scroungiest” by Barbara Walters. The process of registering the vehicle with the HVA includes a photographic record, 3-D scans, and 2-D line drawings of the Jeep along with an historic narrative and a brief documentary film produced by HVA—all of which will be archived with the Library of Congress. After making the journey from the Reagan Ranch in California to Washington, D.C., via private transport, the President’s red Jeep was rolled out onto the National Mall for a special ceremony. Several members of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors, including Chairman Frank Donatelli, Nicole and Eric Hoplin, Governor George Allen, Craig Shirley, Attorney General Edwin Meese, and Becky Norton Dunlop, joined Reagan Ranch Curator Marilyn Fisher for the day’s events. Attorney General Meese also addressed a special luncheon hosted by the HVA following the ceremony on the Mall. While placed inside a protective jewel-box display from April 20 to 26, President Reagan’s Jeep became a centerpiece on the National Mall, a highlight for an estimated 500,000 visitors. In addition to signs describing the vehicle’s history, large banners with the story of the Jeep, President Reagan’s life, Rancho del Cielo, and Young America’s Foundation surrounded the display. Sharing this Jeep is an important part of keeping President

The 1962 red Willys Jeep begins the cross-country journey from the Reagan Ranch to Washington, D.C.

President Reagan’s Jeep is illuminated at night with the U.S. Capitol serving as its backdrop while on temporary display in Washington, D.C.

Reagan’s love of freedom alive for younger generations. The opportunity to see one of President Reagan’s most beloved possessions, especially his work-worn Jeep, imparts a sense of the humility that made Ronald Reagan one of our nation’s greatest leaders. All it takes is one look at the brushscratched and horse-gnawed body of this legendary vehicle to understand Ronald Reagan’s priorities and values.

Members of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors attend the special ceremony celebrating President Reagan’s Jeep on the National Mall. (From left: Nicole Hoplin, Eric Hoplin, Governor George Allen, Craig Shirley, Attorney General Edwin Meese, Becky Norton Dunlop, and Chairman Frank Donatelli.) Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Fox News’s James Rosen Discusses New Book at YAF Headquarters Nearly 100 Young America’s Foundation supporters, students, and friends gathered at YAF’s National Headquarters in Reston, Virginia, to hear from James Rosen, Fox News’s chief Washington correspondent. Author and Fox News’s Chief Washington Correspondent James Rosen delivers an insightful address on Rosen shared insights from his the topic of his book, Cheney One on One. book, Cheney One on One: A Candid in Cheney One on One. These include: Cheney’s first-hand Conversation with America’s Most Controversial Statesman. account of the immediate response to the 9/11 terrorist The book, published by Regnery in November 2015, attacks; the controversial “shoot down” order on the plane presents the complete transcripts of ten hours of oral history believed to be targeting Washington, D.C.; his conviction interviews that Rosen conducted with Vice President Dick that the world is safer with Saddam Hussein out of power; Cheney in his home in December 2014. Cheney, Rosen said, his deep interest in history and the lessons it can teach is a singular figure in American history, as “he was at or near current policy leaders; and even some of the Vice President’s the pinnacle of American power for four decades.” most personal thoughts on the role of faith in his life. Throughout his remarks, Rosen highlighted some of the Cheney described the overwhelming sense of unique stories and insights that are revealed for the first time “shock and awe” in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and how he relied on his top secret “continuity of government” training from his days as a U.S. Representative to advise President George W. Bush in “fog of war conditions.” Because Dick Cheney’s career was so singular and his time as Vice President so influential, he is simply too important a historical figure to have his accomplishments distorted. Thus, part of Rosen’s goal and contribution to the record of our time was “to rescue this man—the most influential Vice President in American history—from the realm of caricature.” In closing, Rosen announced that he will be editing a soon-to-be-published anthology of eulogies written by William F. Buckley Jr., whom he had the privilege of interviewing at his Manhattan home in 2000 and who published Rosen’s first article in National Review. “We live in an age of routinely fantastical events,” Rosen said. Americans can be thankful that James Rosen will continue to chronicle these events for future generations. Following his remarks, Rosen answered questions from the audience and signed copies of Cheney One on Foundation alumna Kate Obenshain and her daughter, Lucy, meet with James Rosen One for all attendees.

following his remarks at Young America’s Foundation’s headquarters.

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Charles Krauthammer Headlines Dinner Sponsored by the Bradley Foundation In a special dinner for key Young America’s Foundation stakeholders, Dr. Charles Krauthammer led a spirited discussion on the future of the Conservative Movement, public policy, and our country. The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, a longstanding source of financial support for Young America’s Foundation, sponsored his appearance at the Reagan Ranch Center. The Bradley Foundation, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is devoted to strengthening American democratic capitalism and the institutions, principles, and values that sustain and nurture it. One of its most visible and important accomplishments is the naming of annual Bradley Prizes. These prizes formally recognize individuals of extraordinary talent and dedication who have made contributions of excellence in areas consistent with the Bradley Foundation’s mission. Charles Krauthammer received the Bradley Prize in 2004 for his writing and work on foreign policy, national defense, bioethics, and other topics of broad interest. During the dinner, Foundation President Ron Robinson conveyed more about the importance of the loyal support of the Bradley Foundation and the work it has done to promote freedom’s virtues nationally. He also introduced President and CEO of the Bradley Foundation Michael W. Grebe; Senior Program Officer Dianne Sehler; and Vice President for External Affairs Jessica Dean. Mr. Grebe shared how Young America’s Foundation was one of the first recipients of a Bradley Foundation grant upon its inception. He commented on the Bradley Foundation’s belief in the mission of Young America’s Foundation and our success in reaching young people. Mr. Grebe also segued into an introduction of Dr. Charles Krauthammer who was eager to be at the Reagan Ranch Center for the first time. Dr. Krauthammer discussed the importance he places on being involved with Young America’s Foundation: “I’m very happy to be speaking for the Young America’s Foundation. We’ve done this a few times in other parts of the country... You are doing God’s work, particularly with young people, where it matters most, so I am very happy to be associated with that.” Dr. Krauthammer provided candid thoughts on those representing the various sides of today’s public policy debates. “I am here to talk to you about what is without a doubt the craziest political season that I have seen in my days and I

Dr. Charles Krauthammer addresses supporters and friends gathered at the Reagan Ranch Center for a special dinner sponsored by the Bradley Foundation.

Dr. Charles Krauthammer meets with Young America’s Foundation supporter Barbara Cameron.

suspect you have seen in yours,” Dr. Krauthammer shared. In discussing Hillary’s likely nomination, he said she “already came in as one of the weakest Presidential candidates ever…She has more baggage than Delta Airlines. Her numbers are simply awful.” Dr. Krauthammer wondered how conservatives could possibly lose in November with this situation under President Obama: “Weak candidate, terrible recovery—the worst since World War II, the country utterly embarrassed and in retreat abroad to the point where nobody respects us.” Krauthammer said had conservatives run any regular leader from the initial group of 12—most of them traditional Movement conservatives—he thinks November would have been a “slam-dunk.” He then talked about the weaknesses, in his view, of Donald Trump, including many of his controversial statements. Dr. Krauthammer’s presentation provoked deep discussion and strong opinions within the audience, showcasing our Movement’s wide appeal to many differing viewpoints. Young America’s Foundation is honored to work with the Bradley Foundation and is deeply grateful for its longstanding and important support. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

Nashville Freedom Conference Features Schweizer, Laffer, Campos Duffy, and Country Music Artist Craig Campbell

Foundation alumnus and director Peter Schweizer discusses his New York Times bestseller, Clinton Cash.

By Jolie Ballantyne, Conference Director

ore than 320 participants from 30 states and 76 different college and high school campuses converged on Music City: Nashville, Tennessee, for Young America’s Foundation’s Freedom Conference. Student demand to attend was so high that the conference sold out three times, and a second hotel was added to accommodate everyone who was eager to take part in this impactful event. In addition, a majority of the students attended their very first Young America’s Foundation conference—hearing from Conservative Movement leaders for the first time. During the opening dinner banquet, Foundation director, alumnus, and New York Times bestselling author Peter Schweizer reflected on his more than 30 years in the Conservative Movement: “I look out in this room, and I see these young students, and I can’t help but be optimistic.” Top ten country music star Craig Campbell took the stage later in the evening to play a special acoustic set of his hits, rounding out the true Music City experience for our Freedom Conference attendees’ first night in Nashville. Campbell also opened the dinner with a stirring performance of the National Anthem. Saturday morning began with another memorable experience for students: a breakfast meet-and-greet with renowned economist Dr. Art Laffer, the father of supplyside economics, who discussed the importance of free markets and the dangers of excessive taxation. Author and professor Dr. Burt Folsom followed with (Continued on page 11) 8

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

Students from around the country enjoy the weekend-long program in downtown Nashville.

Young leaders from Southern Methodist University meet with economist Dr. Art Laffer prior to his engaging address at the Freedom Conference. (From left: Grant Wolf, Dr. Laffer, Isabelle Carlin, and Drew Wicker.)

Top ten country music artist Craig Campbell kicks off the weekend with a lively acoustic performance featuring some of his latest hits.

Young Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

Activist and television personality Rachel Campos Duffy encourages the students to stand up for freedom and educate their peers on the dangers of socialism.

Lt. Col. Allen West underscores the importance of adhering to individual values and advancing freedom for future generations.

Students from coast-to-coast gather in Nashville, Tennessee, for Young America’s Foundation’s Freedom Conference featuring top conservative speakers and a leading country music artist.

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

Writer and attorney David French explains why young people need to stand up for their First Amendment rights on campus.

Louis Bertolotti from the University of Notre Dame and Breyer Hillegas from the University of Maryland get into the spirit of the Freedom Conference in “Music City.”

(Continued from page 8) a riveting speech on the real history lessons ignored by liberal teachers and professors. Author and Foundation alumna Kate Obenshain closed out the morning session with an inspiring lesson on why we must fight for what we believe and defend free enterprise, traditional values, and individual freedom. “Once you give away freedom, you never get it back,” Obenshain warned the young audience. The Freedom Conference luncheon featured author and patriot Lt. Col. Allen West, who led students in a rousing version of one of Tennessee’s state songs, “Rocky Top,” before presenting a powerful critique of political correctness’ incompatibility with foreign policy. Of his time at this conference, Lt. Col. Allen West, who also served in Congress from 2011 to 2013, noted: I have not lost hope in America’s young people because this past Saturday I was in Nashville, Tennessee, for the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) Freedom Conference. I was with…college and high school students from across the country who are constitutional conservatives and free market believers who are on campuses fighting the good fight. After lunch, television personality and LIBRE Initiative National Spokesperson Rachel Campos Duffy spoke on what conservative students must do to ensure their peers reject socialist leaders and policies. “Too many young people don’t seem to connect the dots between America’s unmatched history of economic prosperity and its system of government and free market economics,” remarked Campos Duffy. Top YAF activists and alumni led a panel discussion, titled “Winning on Campus,” and addressed the challenges conservative students often face at their liberal colleges. Prominent First Amendment attorney and National Review writer David French explained the vital importance of being both informed and active. He told the students, “Courage without knowledge can be utterly destructive; knowledge without courage is utterly useless.” French also reminded the audience of their constitutional rights and discussed recent actions by leftists to stifle free speech on campuses nationwide. An interactive evening training session closed out the Nashville Freedom Conference, providing practical steps for students who want to take their campus activism to the next level. At the conclusion of the weekend, the students shared their enthusiasm for all they learned and left eager to bring conservatism back to their campuses. Bellarmine College Prep student Diego Rebollar remarked, “It was an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am so glad to have been a part of… I can’t wait to get back to school and put what I learned in Nashville to work!” Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Campus Lectures Reach Millions, Inspiring a New Generation of Conservative Activists By Patrick X. Coyle, Vice President

he mainstream media would have you believe students are enthralled with socialism and the leaders that advocate this failed ideology. Young America’s Foundation has seen quite the opposite as students have waited in lines, fought through faculty-led protests, and navigated around numerous leftist dirty tricks to hear from just one conservative speaker on their campuses. From Ivy League institutions to state schools and from New York to California, America’s young people are eager to hear prominent conservative leaders. In fact, Young America’s Foundation organized 25% more campus lectures in 2016 than the previous spring quarter. In April, we held more Foundation-sponsored campus lectures than there were days of the month. Students’ excitement to hear from conservative leaders did

little to stop school administrations from doing all they could to prevent these speakers from coming to their campuses. Schools, including California State University, Los Angeles; Gonzaga University; Wingate University; and others created barriers to make it difficult for students to host a Foundation speaker. In each case, the Foundation successfully exposed the censorship, holding the schools’ administrators and professors accountable for their divisive tactics.

Providing All The Resources Students Need Young America’s Foundation specializes in sending prominent leaders of the Conservative Movement to college and high school campuses. These are the newsmakers and policymakers from whom students want to hear. Young America’s Foundation will also work with any student,

As part of the Foundation’s Ken and Janice Shengold Advancing Freedom Lecture Series, John Stossel discusses the importance of the free market and how increased government intervention does not empower the individual.

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Popular Foundation lecturer Lt. Col. Allen West debates former Obama spokesman Jay Carney at The George Washington University.

campus, or university organization willing to organize a program. Our experienced team helps students throughout the entire process, and Foundation team members often provide on-the-ground assistance in advance of select events to energize the young conservatives and ensure successful lectures. With the help of our supporters, Young America’s Foundation also helps students fund their programs, as most schools do not allocate funding for conservative groups and their activities. Several key lecture series were made possible in 2015 and 2016 by generous donations from Wendy P. McCaw, Fred R. Allen, and Janice Shengold, who provided substantial grants for our named lecture programs. These important lecture series featured leading conservatives, including Steve Forbes, Lt. Col. Allen West, Senator Rick Santorum, Dinesh D’Souza, Ben Shapiro, Star Parker, and many others who addressed capacity crowds of young people.

Steve Forbes meets with students at UCLA following his remarks—part of the Foundation’s Wendy P. McCaw Freedom Lecture Series.

Maximizing Our Speakers’ Messages Online Throughout the school year, Young America’s Foundation live-streamed many of our breakthrough campus events, expanding our reach to millions. National audiences tuned in

to watch Dinesh D’Souza debate Bill Ayers at the University of Michigan, and millions have viewed Ben Shapiro’s address at the University of Missouri. More than 34,000 watched Dinesh D’Souza at Gonzaga University after the community was initially banned from hearing the bestselling author’s lecture because his views (Continued on page 15) Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Senator Rick Santorum speaks on the importance of traditional values at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

New York Times bestselling author Dinesh Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Souza debates Bill Ayers at the University of Michigan.

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2015-2016 Campus Lectures Speaker School

didn’t fit with the school’s “social justice mission.” These live streams expand the Foundation’s reach and inform other students and parents about how they can work with the Foundation to advance freedom at their schools. As William F. Buckley Jr. noted about the Foundation’s breakthrough lecture program: On the matter of your lecture series, these are experiences of infinite importance. As recently as last night, a 42-yearold affluent influential conservative told an audience of 400 people that his orientation came from hearing such a talk (yes, by me) at Cornell when he was a sophomore. So I do hope that your important Foundation will be able to continue to support such appearances in the years ahead. Young America’s Foundation will build on its momentum to ensure more students hear the conservative ideas sadly missing from their classrooms and lecture halls. We want more students to share Harvard University student Cameron Khansarinia’s enthusiasm following the lecture he organized featuring Steve Forbes: Thank you so much for your support and generosity in getting Mr. Forbes...He was a great speaker and he had the audience laughing, thinking, and ready to take action. Thank you, again.

T.W. Shannon Amherst College Travis Mills Amherst College Lt. Col. Allen West Bloomfield Christian School Dinesh D’Souza Bucknell University Steven Crowder Bucknell University Bill Whittle Cal Poly State University Ben Shapiro California State University, Los Angeles Larry Reed & George Harbison California State University, Riverside Larry Reed & George Harbison Clemson University Rich Lowry Columbia University Senator Rick Santorum DePaul University Speaker Newt Gingrich East Tennessee State University Katie Pavlich Florida Atlantic University Star Parker Florida Atlantic University Steve Forbes Fordham University Quin Hillyer Georgetown University Sonnie Johnson Gettysburg College Dinesh D’Souza Gonzaga University Lt. Col. Allen West Grand Valley State University Steve Forbes Harvard University Lt. Col. Allen West Hillsdale College Dinesh D’Souza Iowa State University Bill Whittle Kehillah Jewish High School Dinesh D’Souza Liberty University Star Parker Liberty University Jedediah Bila New York Univeristy John Stossel Northwestern University Katie Pavlich Northwestern University Steve Moore Ohio Christian University Ben Shapiro Penn State University Karl Rove Penn State University Speaker Newt Gingrich Purdue University Speaker Newt Gingrich Providence Academy Ben Shapiro Salisbury University Star Parker Smith College Steve Forbes Southern Methodist Univeristy Matt Walsh Texas A&M University Lt. Col. Allen West The George Washington University Ben Shapiro The George Washington University Bay Buchanan The King’s College Star Parker Trinity Classical Academy Bay Buchanan Unity Christian School Ben Shapiro University of California, Berkeley Steve Forbes University of California, Los Angeles Matt Walsh University of California, Santa Barbara Erick Erickson University of Connecticut Dr. Burt Folsom University of Detroit, Mercy Christina Sommers University of Massachusetts, Amherst Steven Crowder University of Massachusetts, Amherst Ben Shapiro University of Michigan Dinesh D’Souza University of Michigan David Horowitz University of Minnesota Ben Shapiro University of North Carolina Ben Shapiro University of Rochester David Horowitz University of Southern California Ann McElhinney University of Tennessee Arthur Milikh University of Virginia Dinesh D’Souza University of Wisconsin, Madison Senator Rick Santorum Vanderbilt University Ben Shapiro Virginia Tech Dr. Art Laffer Western Kentucky Univeristy Ben Shapiro Westmont College Nonie Darwish Wingate University Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

Walker, Forbes, Meese, and Allen Address Rawhide Circle Retreat By Colin Monaghan, Development Officer

embers of Young America’s Foundation’s Rawhide Circle traveled to Santa Barbara and the Reagan Ranch for the 2016 Rawhide Circle retreat. The event coincided with Young America’s Foundation’s Club 100 retreat, which brought 25 of the nation’s most successful conservative youth activists to Santa Barbara for a weekend of networking with their peers and an introduction to the generous supporters who help to make their work on campuses possible. The Rawhide Circle retreat began with an optional trolley tour of Santa Barbara followed by a welcome from Foundation President Ron Robinson, who thanked supporters and stressed the need for continued support of young conservatives throughout this critical year. Several of the student activists then participated in a panel discussion moderated by Foundation Vice President Patrick Coyle. Young leaders Grant Strobl, Frank Pray, Grant Wolf, Skyler Roundtree, Lauren McCue, and Emily Hensler shared their many campus activism success stories and emphasized that the encouragement and generosity of contributors to the Foundation have been vital to their accomplishments. Reagan Ranch Board of Governors Chairman Frank Donatelli emceed the opening dinner banquet featuring Steve Forbes, who discussed free markets and other issues currently trending in the national debate.

Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member Al Moore (left) meets with CEO Steve Forbes prior to Forbes’ speech at the Rawhide Circle retreat’s opening dinner banquet.

Forbes was emphatic: “Capitalism is moral. Big government is not moral.” He added, “The morality of free markets is that you don’t succeed unless you meet the needs and wants of other people. They move us into being very concerned about our fellow human beings.” Saturday’s events began with an address by Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member Governor George Allen who discussed the importance of preserving Presidential homes, including Rancho del Cielo. The Foundation also introduced a new element to the Rawhide Circle retreat with a special panel featuring Foundation supporters. Reagan Ranch Board of Governors members Richard & Jane Schwartz; Rawhide Circle members Paul & Pam Jepson and Roy Billings; and Ranch in the Sky Legacy Members Curtis & Joan Patrick discussed their long-standing involvement with the Foundation, shared some of their most memorable experiences as supporters, and offered their thoughts on why supporting the Foundation is so important for the future of our country. Rawhide Circle members then departed for Rancho del Cielo where supporters and students gathered for a special ceremony to unveil Freedom Sanctuary, which was made possible by the generous support of Ray & Susie Screbant. The Screbant family cut the ceremonial ribbon to open Freedom Sanctuary and Freedom Lake, which completes Ronald

Governor Scott Walker delivers an inspiring luncheon address during the 2016 Rawhide Circle retreat at Rancho del Cielo.

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

Attorney General Ed Meese and his wife, Ursula, enjoy conversations with Rawhide Circle supporters following his closing dinner remarks.

Members of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors and guests gather for their annual meeting held in conjunction with the Rawhide Circle retreat. Pictured back row (left to right): Dennis Moore, Andrew Coffin, Richard Schwartz, Jane Schwartz, Richard Gaby, Barbara Van Andel-Gaby, John Barletta, Rear Admiral JJ Quinn, Eric Hoplin, Governor George Allen, Jay Webber, Robert Agostinelli, Mark Larson, and Ron Robinson. Pictured front row (left to right): Al Moore, Nicole Hoplin, Attorney General Edwin Meese, Chairman Frank Donatelli, Murph Burke, Governor Scott Walker, and John Burke.

Reagan’s final ranch project (Freedom Lake) and will forever memorialize all those who have contributed to the preservation of the Ranch. The day continued with a barbeque lunch on the front lawn of the Ranch with Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, whose speech emphasized “growth, reform, and freedom,” which have been vital to his success as governor of Wisconsin. Governor Walker advised the young people in the audience to use stories to show the positive impact that conservative ideas have on people’s lives. “We need to think with our heads but talk with our hearts,” he explained. Governor Walker, who spent the previous day as a guest at the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors’ annual meeting, thanked the Foundation’s supporters, noting, “What you’re doing for these students and young leaders is so important for our country.” The weekend concluded with a dinner emceed by Reagan

University of Michigan student Grant Strobl shares his experiences as a campus activist with Foundation supporters.

Ranch Board of Governors member Mark Larson and remarks from Attorney General and Reagan Ranch Board of Governors Co-Chairman Edwin Meese. The Attorney General said that President Reagan’s best qualities were his “optimism and cheerfulness.” Attorney General Meese added, “He could rise above any situation, no matter how dire, and find a way to go forward.” He also addressed those who question whether Ronald Reagan is still relevant today, noting, “The conservative principles that were the hallmark of Ronald Reagan’s leadership for America are exactly the answer to the serious problems that are plaguing our country and are as relevant today as they were in the 1980s.” Supporters left Santa Barbara inspired by the speeches of these great conservative leaders and more hopeful for the future because of the promise shown by Young America’s Foundation’s students.

Ray and Susie Screbant gather with their children and grandchildren during a special ceremony at Rancho del Cielo celebrating the unveiling of the Freedom Sanctuary acre, which the Screbants sponsored in 2015.

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ALUMNI PROFILES S P E C I A L

John Tamny

Political Economy Editor, Forbes By Jessica Jensen, editor

Libertas: How did you first hear about Young america’s foundation? ————————————————————————————————

John Tamny: I saw an ad in National Review. After that, I was excited to hear the alternative point of view on all policy matters. I figured (correctly) that there was a lot I didn’t know. L: You attended Young america’s foundation’s 1988 national Conservative student Conference. What do you recall from that experience? What did you most enjoy? ———————————————————

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JT: I was working at Goldman Sachs around intensely talented people, and in watching them I could see their passion for equities. Even then, that’s how I felt about economic policy and writing. I was already writing economics pieces for clients on the sly, gradually forcing my way into the field. It was, quite simply, something that I really wanted to do. My advice for young people is to think about what it would pain them not to do. It would be agony for me not to comment on policy matters for the public. In that case, writing is a good thing for me. The young people who feel as I do about writing should pursue it. L: You have spoken to foundation audiences on the topic of your book, Popular Economics. Why did you write this book, and what do you most enjoy about speaking to young audiences? ———————————————————

JT: I wrote Popular Economics and write policy pieces in general because I like to, but also because I think today’s conventional explanations are so lousy. That’s the best part about speaking to audiences— young and old. They are, in many instances, hearing new arguments for the first time, not to mention new ways of presenting arguments. Inequality is regularly described as bad by conservatives, liberals, and libertarians alike, yet here’s someone saying that life would be brutal without inequality.

JT: I have many good memories. I was set to begin college at the University of Texas, Austin right after, so it was exciting to be armed with all this good information from Dr. Burt Folsom about the actual causes of the Great Depression. Traditional explanations—even on the right— blame a stock market crash or an Author and Forbes Political Economy Editor John Tamny alleged decline in money supply. Dr. addresses the 2015 National Conservative Student Folsom reminded us that all of the Conference. traditional explanations were an effect L: What are one or two points you hope your readers take of lousy policy, not a driver of the long downturn. away from this book? We also visited the South African embassy. In 1988, South ———————————————————————————————— Africa was, by all media accounts, an evil country that deserved JT: The first main point of Popular Economics is that our intense hatred. It surely had some ugly weaknesses. Still, economics is easy. If readers can observe the world around YAF made sure that we heard both sides of the story. It was them, then they have economics down cold. enlightening to learn that this much-criticized country was a Second, recessions, despite what we hear, are beautiful. magnet for Africans in search of economic opportunity; that Recessions are merely a sign of an economy on the South Africa actually had a border problem owing to citizens mend: one cleansing itself of all the labor mismatches, of other African countries rushing to get into South Africa. bad investments, and poorly run companies holding the I came away from the week a lot more knowledgeable. economy down in the first place. Recessions, when left alone, signal the raging economic boom on the way. Sadly, many L: What led you to become a writer, and what advice conservatives and liberals see it as the government’s job to would offer other young people looking to pursue a career fight recessions. This means that our government is fighting in writing? economic rebounds. ————————————————————————————————

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L: Can you share a little about your new book, Who Needs the Fed? ——————————————————

JT: Who Needs the Fed? is the logical successor to Popular Economics. The Federal Reserve is all over the news, so I say a book was necessary to shrink it down to size. It’s accepted, once again, that the Fed should fight recessions. I show that the Fed can do no such thing, but its interventions can surely blunt the cleansing aspects of recessions on the way to slower recoveries than would otherwise be the case. Taylor Swift and Uber are featured to show why the Fed’s models are completely backwards, while collegefootball recruiting, Silicon Valley, and Tamny speaks on his book, Popular Economics, at the 2015 National High School Leadership Conference. Donald Trump’s struggles to attain bank loans as early as the early 1990s are L: Which economists would you recommend students study? featured to show how the Fed happily has little control over ———————————————————————————————— who can get credit. The impoverished city of Baltimore is JT: Frédéric Bastiat for sure. His books from the 19th century discussed to show why the Fed couldn’t stimulate economic are essential. Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson is activity on its very best day, while another chapter shows something I read annually. It’s a cliché, but very few people why quantitative easing had nothing to do with a stockhave actually read Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations. It’s market rally that continues to this day. better than advertised. What I can’t stress Ludwig von Mises has influenced me a great deal, and so enough is that the book is have the writings of John Stuart Mill. Of modern very optimistic. It shows writers Thomas Sowell was an early inspiration. I’d say readers why the Fed’s days I quote George Gilder’s Wealth and Poverty along with as a relevant entity are Knowledge and Power more than any other writer. For numbered no matter what. monetary policy, Nathan Lewis. I’m also partial toward my books for synthesizing L: Which writers have all of this… influenced you the most? ——————————————

JT: Robert Bartley, the late editor of the Wall Street Journal’s editorial page, stands out for me. His wonderful book, The Seven Fat Years, rarely leaves my side. I’d give up a lot to have his style and knowledge. Steve Forbes continues to influence me a great deal. I wish I could have met Warren Brookes. His book, The Economy In Mind, was and is a huge influence on me. It shatters so much conventional wisdom from both sides. Bartley was the same way, and Forbes still is. That’s what I try to do.

L: Who are your mentors? ———————————————————————————

JT: Steve Forbes discovered me and gave me the time of day when no one else would. He could easily be so distant, but instead he’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I’d like to write like him and, more importantly, act like him. Cato Institute Co-Founder Ed Crane has similarly been a huge influence. His iconoclastic clarity is something to marvel at. Ed constantly reminds people that deficits don’t matter, but the level of federal spending does. That’s the truest signal of all the resources being consumed by politicians to the detriment of our freedom and prosperity. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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some conservatives. The top tax rate in the 1970s was 70%, and both parties thought the latter was the correct rate. You were an oddball if you said otherwise. It was illegal to own a landline telephone, and cellphones weren’t even invented yet. The Civil Aeronautics Board, in Soviet fashion, planned airline routes. In California where I grew up, it was literally illegal John Tamny (circled) attends the 1988 National Conservative Student Conference. to get in line for hours to buy gas on an evenL: How should free market principles be conveyed to youth calendar day if your license plate ended in an odd number. who are, it seems, easily persuaded by socialists like Bernie What Reagan overcame was exponentially worse than what sanders? has us down today. We need to start talking optimistically ———————————————————————————————— about how much greater we can be. JT: My response is that I don’t buy the question. Are young people persuaded by Sanders, or do we live in a very L: What workplace advice do you have for today’s young prosperous country that allows the young to be silly? I think people? it’s the latter. Sanders is a creation of the immense wealth ———————————————————————————————— that he despises. I’m just not buying this popular notion JT: The best advice I can offer is for young people to find work that students failed by lousy schools are migrating toward that animates their talents. If not, their negativity will pervade collectivism. the workplace. We live in a country where people can actually The same was said about the children of the 1960s and choose what they’ll do when they grow up. We’re incredibly 1970s, about my Generation X (we were the “slackers” lucky in that sense. Because we are, people owe it to themselves doomed to a life of shirt-folding at the Gap), and now it’s the to find the work that’s most commensurate with their talents. turn of the Millennials to be criticized as being entitled and confused. History will show this to be very untrue. L: What is the most interesting place you have visited? Each generation in the U.S. outperforms the previous one. ———————————————————————————————— The Millennials will be the richest generation in the history of JT: The natural beauty of Stockholm, Sweden, and St. Moritz the richest nation in the history of the world. The generation in Switzerland is quite something. Hong Kong and India also that follows them will eclipse them. had a huge impact. One has long been free economically; the other is still relatively unfree. I would endorse spending L: To follow up on that, you (and many) have said that one government funds to send public officials to New Delhi first, of ronald reagan’s greatest attributes was his optimism. then Hong Kong second. It might open a few eyes. How can today’s conservative leaders channel that optimism and advance our cause of freedom and prosperity? L: What do you do when you’re not working? ————————————————————————————————

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JT: Yes, I’ll admit to being offended when conservatives talk of American decline. Shame on them. People around the world would give anything to be here. With the U.S. we’re talking about something great that could be even more spectacular. Ronald Reagan was up against much bigger odds but didn’t buy into all this declinist nonsense so popular among

JT: I live at the movie theater. I crave good dialogue and am ever in search of it. Reading is also a lot of fun. College football remains my favorite spectator sport, so a hobby is to visit campuses. I’ve still got Auburn at Alabama on my list, along with South Carolina at Clemson. There’s nothing like seeing college campuses in the U.S. We truly live in a great country.

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Sergio Gor

But it is his work leading Senator Paul’s communications shop, where he helps spread the conservative message, that really drives Sergio today. “The most rewarding part has been having a front row seat to this year’s Presidential election— from traveling to more than 35 states and attending the Presidential debates to meeting thousands of dedicated supporters and hearing their personal stories along the way.” By Colin monaghan, Development Officer Sergio has certainly accomplished a great deal during his career in Washington and New York, and he is doing great work for the Conservative Movement. However, he Movement conservatives across the country have got started on his current path during his days as a student endured their fair share of frustration in recent years. They activist at The George Washington University (GW), where wonder if anyone in the halls of Congress is listening to them. he started the first officially sanctioned Young America’s They feel betrayed by those they see as having abandoned Foundation student chapter in the country. conservative principles and Like so many students today, adherence to the Constitution. Sergio faced significant adversity However, alumni of Young in starting the YAF chapter at GW. America’s Foundation’s programs “We always faced challenges from can be found in House and Senate the administration, including offices and are just as dedicated being threatened with expulsion, as they were during their student but we persevered in spreading the activist days to advancing the message of conservatism.” conservative ideas they learned Through Young America’s through the Foundation and the Foundation, conservative students Reagan Ranch. on campus build an intellectual Young America’s Foundation foundation for their conservative alumnus Sergio Gor has the ideas and also learn the best privilege of serving in one of strategies and tactics to use to push Capitol Hill’s most prominent back against hostile administrators, offices—the office of U.S. Senator professors, or other student Rand Paul of Kentucky—where groups. Just as importantly, young he works as the Senator’s conservatives gain the confidence communications director. He to fight back because they know was side by side with Senator that Young America’s Foundation’s Paul throughout his Presidential experienced team will be there to Foundation alumnus Sergio Gor joins his boss, Senator Rand Paul, campaign, and Sergio cherishes support them. at the 2015 Kentucky Derby. this experience “because of all This support was critical, the extraordinary people we got to meet every day on the Sergio says, when he was a student. YAF “was always there to campaign trail—dedicated and principled conservatives who support our endeavors on campus. When liberal university just wanted to be left alone by the federal government!” administrators refused to fully fund our conservative speaking Prior to joining Senator Paul’s communications team, program, YAF stepped in.” Sergio interned at the White House for George W. Bush, Sergio adds, “YAF gave us a voice to stand up, not only worked for the Republican National Committee in 2008, to fellow liberal students but also to the entire University and produced for Fox News Channel in New York. During administration. It emboldened us in spreading our his career, he’s met multiple U.S Presidents, countless conservative message and was our mentor on campus.” elected officials and foreign leaders, and numerous actors With the Foundation’s support, GW YAF grew into one of and artists. Sergio adds, “The most interesting leader I have the most active and successful conservative student groups in met in person has got to be Pope Benedict XVI during an the country. Sergio helped his chapter bring prominent speakers audience in the Vatican.” including Speaker Newt Gingrich, Attorney General John

Communications Director, Senator Rand Paul

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Gor’s work has brought him face-to-face with many leaders, but he says the most interesting person has been Pope Benedict XVI during an audience in the Vatican.

Visiting the Majestic Reagan Ranch By senator rand paul, mD

s we drove up the winding road towards rancho del Cielo, I wondered what president reagan was thinking about each time he made the trip up this same path. The reagan ranch is truly a majestic place, not only because of its natural beauty but also because of the role the ranch played in ronald reagan’s life. When I met ronald reagan as a teenager at the 1976

Senator Rand Paul (right) and his family—including his father, Congressman Ron Paul—meet with Ronald Reagan in 1976.

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

Ashcroft, and other top conservatives to campus. Visiting Ronald Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo also left an indelible impression on Sergio, as it has for thousands of students who have walked in Ronald Reagan’s footsteps at his beloved Ranch. Sergio recently returned to the Ranch with Senator Paul, who spoke to students and supporters during a Wendy P. McCaw Reagan Ranch Roundtable dinner at the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara (see below). Every visit to the Ranch is awe-inspiring and allows one to gain an understanding of Ronald Reagan the man, his values, and his beliefs. As Sergio says, “You truly get a sense of President Ronald Reagan’s vision of America when you visit the Ranch. It’s as far away from Big Government as possible!”

national Convention, I knew it was a special moment. my father was one of only four members of Congress who supported reagan in his bid for the nomination that year against then-president Gerald ford. my family supported him because he was the grassroots candidate and embodied the conservative values that we cared about. as president, he put those values into action and retained that sense of humility and grace that powered his grassroots movement. He cherished individual freedom, limited government, and the preeminence of the Constitution. It came as no surprise to me that our nation flourished under his watch. reagan used to say, “I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism.” He cared deeply about freedom from government control over our lives, and the ranch provides a perfect illustration of his reverence for personal liberty. The reagan ranch is about as far from Washington as you can get in the contiguous united states. He was at his best, as a husband and as a president, when he was removed from the Washington machine and away from federal bureaucrats. The ranch exudes a feeling of incredible grace, just as president reagan himself did. after visiting the ranch, I understand why president reagan was so eager to invite dignitaries and heads of state to his “Western White House.” rancho del Cielo exhibits the magnificence of our great land, exemplifies limited government, and continues to honor president reagan’s lasting accomplishments. all of us should be thankful for the work Young america’s foundation has done to preserve this national treasure.

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Despite his busy schedule on Capitol Hill, Sergio continues to stay involved with YAF, remains connected with his network of conservative activists, and encourages young people to become involved in YAF’s programs. To the current generation of young conservatives, he offers these words of advice: Engage your fellow students. You would be surprised how many you can win over or how many are conservatives but might not know it. And, don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo, including the leftist bent of most professors. Words of wisdom from a proud YAF alumnus and a stalwart defender of freedom on Capitol Hill.

Sergio Gor (second rom left), then a leader of the Foundation’s YAF chapter at The George Washington University, participates in the Foundation’s Club 100 Reagan Ranch retreat for top student activists in 2008.

Gor, serving as Senator Paul’s communications director, visits the Reagan Ranch with the Senator and the Senator’s friend, actor Kelsey Grammer. (From left: Foundation Vice President and Reagan Ranch Director Andrew Coffin, Senator Rand Paul, Kelsey Grammer, and Sergio Gor.) Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Andrew McIndoe

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“The most life-changing experience was meeting and interacting with the supporters while giving them tours of the Ranch property,” Andrew explains. “With each visitor I helped host, I saw the excitement in their eyes as we drove up the windy roads to the Ranch. I would watch people’s expressions as we drove through the gate. They were in awe of the natural beauty and the humility of Ronald Reagan’s By Haley Jones, Development Officer adobe-style ranch home.” That summer, Andrew discovered his true passion for connecting people with President Reagan the missions and causes said of his ranch, they wish to invest in and Rancho del Cielo, support. “If not Heaven itself, “I realized that it was probably has the same because of the generosity zip code.” For Andrew of Young America’s McIndoe, interning at Foundation’s supporters the Reagan Ranch in the that I was privileged to have summer of 2008 was these experiences, and the both life changing and importance of development the inspiration for his really sunk in.” professional career. In addition to interning Andrew McIndoe grew at the Reagan Ranch, up in a conservative home Andrew attended the where his parents instilled Foundation’s Road to in him the importance of Freedom seminar and the civics and statesmanship National Conservative at a young age. As he Student Conference, which took an interest in he said was a “booster shot” government, his parents propelling his campus Foundation alumnus Andrew McIndoe meets conservative columnist George Will while were supportive of his activism at Grove City. attending the Foundation’s 2008 National Conservative Student Conference as part of his internship at the Reagan Ranch. passion and taught him Andrew also pursued the importance of hard his newfound passion for work, integrity, and individual responsibility. conservatism and development through internships for other While attending Grove City College, one of Andrew’s conservative organizations, including the Leadership Institute favorite professors, Dr. Paul Kengor—who is also a frequent and The Heritage Foundation. and popular speaker for Young America’s Foundation— “My internship experiences did more to guide me and introduced Andrew to the Foundation’s programs, which equip me for success after graduation than anything else,” eventually led him to his Reagan Ranch internship. Andrew notes. Andrew has many memories from that summer working Through his summers at the Reagan Ranch and in at Rancho del Cielo, but he says a favorite is having the chance Washington, D.C., Andrew says he benefitted from exposure to clear brush for a day with the ranch manager. to great leaders, meaningful work, leadership training, first “Each time I visited Rancho del Cielo, I gained a deeper principles education, and opportunities to network. Today, he understanding of what President Reagan meant when he said, encourages the young people he meets to make the most of ‘I look to the hills from whence cometh my strength.’” their summers with similar experiences and internships. But it wasn’t clearing brush or walking through President Andrew is currently director of donor relations at The Reagan’s adobe home that most inspired Andrew during his Heritage Foundation where he oversees the entire major gifts time in Santa Barbara. It was the opportunity to work with team. He previously served as the director of development Young America’s Foundation’s supporters. for the Bill of Rights Institute and development director for

Director of Donor Relations, The Heritage Foundation

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Heritage Action for America. While at Heritage Action, he helped grow the organization’s annual revenue from $4 million to $10 million. In his current role, he is a key leader in The Heritage Foundation’s development department. “I couldn’t think of a better job: helping generous Americans leave the country better off for their grandchildren,” he explains. Andrew says he is humbled by his experiences of helping supporters realize conservative policy victories by giving to The Heritage Foundation. “Conservatives are goodhearted by nature,” he explains. “They believe in giving back, being generous, and leaving things better than they found them. The passion they have

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McIndoe and his wife, Haley, experience a “Steps of Paul” tour during their honeymoon, exploring Greece and Turkey through the Apostle Paul’s eyes.

Today, Andrew McIndoe is a rising star at The Heritage Foundation, serving as director of donor relations and overseeing the organization’s entire major gifts team.

for securing the blessings of liberty for future generations is contagious. It fires me up every day and keeps me motivated to do my part.” Through his work, Andrew has met many great supporters and conservative leaders, but the most interesting person he has met is 75th U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese, who also serves as co-chairman of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors. “Mr. Meese commands more respect and admiration than anyone else I have encountered,” says Andrew, “and it is because of his unwavering integrity and caring demeanor.” Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with friends, golfing, cooking, and staying active through CrossFit. On top of all of that, this Foundation alumnus is continuing his education with an executive MBA program through the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business this fall. Andrew McIndoe is certainly a rising leader in his field and the Conservative Movement, and Young America’s Foundation is proud to call him an alumnus. His advice to young people underscores the values he has espoused throughout his career thus far: “Don’t compromise your integrity. Work hard. Treat people well. Be quick to say thank you and equally quick to apologize…Discover what you are good at and strive to be the best possible version of that. And remain humble.” Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Laurel Conrad

Program Director, Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute By emily Hensler, national Journalism Center Intern

For many young people, current events and the direction that our country is heading are not on their radar. This was not true for Young America’s Foundation alumna Laurel Conrad, who, in high school, stood up for her conservative beliefs—even when it was uncool to do so. Her passion for the Conservative Movement led her to a Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute event honoring Phyllis Schlafly—a program which greatly inspired Laurel and reaﬃrmed her values. “In Schlafly’s speech, she gave the young women in the audience some tough love. She told us that it was up to us to advocate for our beliefs. Her speech was the catalyst for my decision to major in government in college,” Conrad notes.

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Soon after, she attended Cornell University, and with increased confidence in her ability to boldly advocate for her beliefs, she joined a conservative publication on campus, the Cornell Review, her sophomore year. Writing for the Cornell Review enabled Conrad to learn how to eﬀectively reach students on campus through honest and fair reporting. She says the Cornell Review was her way of “coming out” as a conservative at her university. In the summer of 2012, Conrad accepted an internship with the very organization that had inspired her in high school to stand her ground when defending conservative values: the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute. It was during this internship that she was first introduced to Young America’s Foundation and attended the National Conservative Student Conference for the first time. At this conference, Conrad heard from some of the nation’s top conservative leaders and also connected with like-minded students from all over the country. Apart from the networking opportunities at the National Conservative Student Conference, this weeklong program opened the door for her to grow as a conservative journalist, as she learned of the National Journalism Center, a project of Young America’s Foundation.

Foundation alumna Laurel Conrad speaks at Young America’s Foundation’s 2015 National Conservative Student Conference.

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“The Ranch seems to reinvigorate those who visit” Conrad explains. “I’ve seen girls return to campus after our summit and advocate for conservative principles in a bold way.” Many young women who attend Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute’s programs often struggle with attracting other women at their universities to the Conservative Movement. Conrad shares her advice for these bold activists: When talking about the conservative message, don’t paint a cookie-cutter image of how women are supposed to live. Some conservative women are more traditional. Other conservative women dream of becoming corporate executives. There is no one right way to be a conservative woman. The beauty of conservatism is that we promote freedom and choosing the life you wish to live. That is what we should be focusing on: freedom to choose how to live your life.

Conrad, program director at the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute, offers insights on advancing conservative ideas to young women gathered at the Foundation’s National Conservative Student Conference.

Conrad applied to and was accepted into NJC’s 12-week internship program, where she was placed at the Daily Caller. The opportunity to work at a prominent news outlet in our nation’s capital and to strengthen her skills as a journalist through the National Journalism Center’s training helped Conrad magnify the voice and influence of the Cornell Review when she returned to campus. The Intercollegiate Studies Institute recognized the success and credibility of the Cornell Review, and under Conrad’s leadership, awarded the Cornell Review the William F. Buckley Award for Campus Reporting. Conrad’s active involvement has not ceased since graduating from college. She is currently the program director at the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute. There she works with the organization’s interns, plans summer programs, assists students in hosting conservative speakers on their college campuses, and recruits students for regional summits. At Clare Boothe Luce’s Western Women’s Summit, hosted at the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, young women from around the country walk in the footsteps of a humble and courageous leader. Conrad notes how just one visit to President Reagan’s beloved home, Rancho Del Cielo, changes the hearts and minds of our country’s youth.

Her involvement with Young America’s Foundation has come full circle, as she now addresses students attending the same conference she experienced as a student. And, with years of championing for the Conservative Movement, Conrad, too, motivates high school and college students to be bold and defend their beliefs, just as Phyllis Schlafly had inspired her to do while she was a student.

Through her work at Clare Boothe Luce, Conrad hopes to inspire the next generation of young conservative women. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Michelle Taylor

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gain inspiration. With four floors of classrooms, conference space, a theater, interactive exhibits, historic Ranch-related artifacts, and a library of conservative resources, the Center is where conservative ideas thrive and Ronald Reagan’s ideas are brought to life. “It was exciting to know that such a large building honoring Ronald Reagan’s life and lasting accomplishments By emily Hensler, national Journalism Center Intern was being built in such a high-profile area of Santa Barbara,” Michelle recalls. Throughout her two years at Upon graduating from the Reagan Ranch Center, Michelle California Baptist University, also hosted many Foundation Michelle Taylor had her mind set supporters, friends, and students on on working in Washington, D.C. tours of President Reagan’s ranch, However, a close friend, who had Rancho del Cielo. She says she talked to Michelle about Young most enjoyed the reactions of the America’s Foundation throughout supporters—many of whom knew college, alerted her to a job opening or worked with Ronald Reagan— at the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa when they saw how humbly the Barbara. Instantly, Michelle was President lived during his time in curious about this position because, office. According to Michelle, giving like many young conservatives, she tours of the Ranch allowed those considered Ronald Reagan to be one who loved Ronald Reagan to see a of her heroes. new, rarely observed side of him. “As soon as I returned home Just as Michelle was never from interviewing for jobs in expecting to work in Santa Barbara, Washington, I sent an application California, she also never expected for the job opening in Santa her first job out of college to lead Barbara,” notes Michelle. “After to a career in fundraising and interviewing for the position and development. visiting the Reagan Ranch, I knew I Following her time in really wanted to work there. I was so California, Michelle made her way grateful to be offered the position. to Washington, D.C., where she I turned down the job openings in worked as director of development Michelle Taylor, executive vice president at A.C. Fitzgerald Washington, D.C., and moved to for Citizens United. While at CU, & Associates, launched her career as a member of the Santa Barbara.” Michelle increased revenue and Foundation’s staff in Santa Barbara, California. In Santa Barbara, Michelle expanded the major gift donor base served as the assistant to the executive director of the at the conservative nonprofit. Reagan Ranch Center, Floyd Brown, where she played a key These experiences set Michelle up for success in her role in overseeing the construction and build-out of the current position as the executive vice president of A.C. 22,000-square-foot Reagan Ranch Center, which serves as an Fitzgerald & Associates. There, she assists other conservative essential complement to the Reagan Ranch. nonprofits from across the country in achieving their goals, Today, the Reagan Ranch Center—celebrating its tenth growing their programs, and enhancing their impact. anniversary this summer—helps Young America’s Foundation “I work with five to six different clients—of varying sizes share the story of the Ranch and its place in history with and budgets—at any given time to help them with everything, visitors of all ages from around the world. Not only is it home from developing outreach and communication plans and to the Foundation’s California-based staff and programs, writing requests for support to working with their board but the facility is also utilized by like-minded organizations members and training their staff,” Michelle notes. from around the country as a place to meet, share ideas, and She says that the nonprofits with well-run fundraising

Executive Vice President, A.C. Fitzgerald & Associates

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operations are those that prioritize planning for the present and for the future, which includes the organization’s long-term goals. “Conservative nonprofits have been improving their ability to not only communicate their impact but also communicate their vision and why their work is important. I think this is key because it helps nonprofits think through their missions and how they can engage and communicate with the world around them,” Michelle explains. Michelle says her Michelle and her husband Matthew, who has helped produce ads and films for Young America’s Foundation, visit Egypt in 2010. proudest accomplishment at A.C Fitzgerald & for coffee and ask them to tell you about what they do,” she Associates is not anything she personally has done but what says. “Attend local events where you have an opportunity to her clients have achieved. “Seeing a client set a goal and then meet people from a variety of nonprofits and organizations.” helping them achieve it is the one thing I love most about For a primer in conservatism, she suggests students read my job.” The Road to Serfdom, one of her favorite books. “It offers such Michelle a clear description about why free markets and individual encourages those freedom are important and showcases the danger of central who have a desire planning and government control.” to work in the Apart from helping organizations grow and strengthen Conservative their effectiveness through good development, Michelle also Movement to learn works with her husband, Matthew, to build their production about and explore company, Electrolift Creative, which has produced several the many different award-winning documentaries. organizations In her spare time, Michelle enjoys exploring New York within the City, where she and Matthew live and work. They have also Movement. She enjoyed traveling the world for work and leisure, taking in advises young history, landscapes, and architecture from Iceland to Egypt conservatives to to China. intern, network, While her work and travels have taken her far from and build the Reagan Ranch, Michelle remains in touch with the relationships with Foundation’s staff—visiting the facility she helped build, others and become attending Foundation gatherings, and offering her insights knowledgeable on the Conservative Movement. She played a key role at an about the important time in the Foundation’s history, and we look Movement in As assistant to the director of the Reagan Ranch forward to her continued success as she advances our shared general. in 2004, Michelle hosted many Foundation cause of freedom through her work today. supporters and friends at Rancho del Cielo. “Take people out Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Calvin Coolidge Executive Director, Freedom Alliance By madeleine Lucas, William & Berniece Grewcock Intern scholar

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, once said, “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Young America’s Foundation alumnus Calvin Coolidge proudly shares his name and a common ancestry with Ronald Reagan’s favorite President. Calvin also takes to heart the words of his namesake, dedicating his life to serving Coolidge attends Young America’s Foundation’s Thomas Phillips Student Luncheon at the 1999 CPAC those who give the ultimate sacrifice: our in Washington, D.C. nation’s military and their families. Calvin’s involvement with Young America’s Foundation began when his freshman year political science professor gave him a brochure for the 1998 National Conservative Student Conference. Inspired by the speakers and the fire of the Conservative Movement, he went on to intern for the Foundation during the summer of 1999—an experience that proved invaluable to his future work. “I was surprised at how much responsibility was given to us as interns,” comments Coolidge. “We were a key part of making events a success, and that type of experience prepares you for your future.” Calvin enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with many of the Foundation’s speakers. He retains vivid memories of the events, especially Speaker Newt Gingrich addressing a packed room of enthusiastic, young students at a large dinner gala. In addition, Calvin’s internship coincided with the Foundation’s efforts to save the Reagan Ranch. Working to preserve this significant historical landmark was “surreal to be a part of.” With these priceless experiences to guide him, Calvin went to work for Freedom Alliance, an organization that seeks to effectively meet the needs of our troops and their families. As executive director of Freedom Alliance, Calvin addresses the ever-changing needs of the military community. Freedom Alliance provides more than one million dollars per year Coolidge and his son, David, take a moment to enjoy the canopy of trees while in scholarships to children of permanently disabled service hiking along the Appalachian Trail. 30

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members and those killed in the line of duty. Wounded veterans also receive help with their recovery and support for their families. Calvin is particularly focused on administering to the new problems facing our troops after 15 years at war. Freedom Alliance hosts retreats to offer peer-to-peer counseling for victims of Post-Traumatic Stress and traumatic brain injuries. The nonprofit also organizes vacation opportunities helping military families spend quality time with their loved ones. “There is no greater joy for me than to see a wounded service member overcome grave injuries and begin to thrive,” expresses Calvin. “And I particularly enjoy finding new and innovative ways to make that happen.” While Calvin takes great joy in serving those who serve our nation, he also laments many young people’s disconnection from members of the military. “Many young Americans don’t know anyone who has served. Their knowledge of the military has come from cable television or the news, both of which provide woefully incorrect information about military service.” He recommends young people hear directly from those who have served in combat. Interacting with those who exemplify self-sacrifice will impart the importance of our military and national defense to each generation. Calvin also encourages college students who want to be involved in the Conservative Movement to reach out to Young America’s Foundation. Freedom Alliance has co-hosted events and activities with YAF, and he sees both organizations as working for the fight which he joined in 1998: the cause of freedom. Outside of his work, Calvin thoroughly enjoys nature. He lives with his wife and son in the Shenandoah Valley where they hike the Coolidge, once a Foundation intern, speaks at YAF’s 1999 National Conservative Student Conference. Appalachian Trail and bike the river. He is also passionate about the space industry and follows the progress of new private sector companies. Calvin has certainly worked hard and succeeded in He offers this advice to young people looking to join the providing incredible services for our military members and Movement: “Get to know the people who are working in the their families. His Presidential namesake stated, “The nation particular area in which you are interested. Take the time and which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.” Through effort to learn how to be great at the job you want and be his passion and hard work, Calvin Coolidge strives to ensure prepared and willing to work very hard. You also have to be that our defenders and what they do to preserve our freedom flexible and adapt to changing circumstances.” will never be forgotten. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Leah Campos

Senior Advisor, Committee on Foreign Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives By Jessica Jensen, editor

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LC: My first conference in 1990 was an amazing experience because I realized that there were so many young people around the country who understood their conservative views and were able to defend them. At the time, I was living with my family on a remote Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert in California, and I was such an outlier with my strong interest in public policy and my unabashed conservative views! Attending the conference made me realize that I definitely wasn’t alone, and it reinforced my interest in conservative thought, specifically.

Libertas: How did you first learn about Young america’s foundation?

L: You had a lengthy career with the CIa as an operations officer in the national Clandestine service. What led you to this career?

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Leah Campos: I saw an ad for Young America’s Foundation’s summer conference in National Review (this was before the internet). I had never traveled alone, and my parents were pretty strict, but they were very supportive of me taking the trip. I had a summer job at an avionics testing facility (where the U.S. Air Force and the defense industry tested jet avionics systems), and my boss was a Knight of Columbus. When he learned I was going to try to fly out to Washington, D.C., to go to the conference, he surprised me by awarding me a small scholarship from the Knights of Columbus to offset the cost of the trip. That was very humbling.

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Following her career with the CIA, YAF alumna Leah Campos moved to Washington. D.C., to serve as a senior advisor for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

LC: I always knew I wanted to serve my country somehow. As a military brat—my dad served in the Air Force and my two brothers were U.S. Marine Corps officers—I figured I would join the USMC after college. My mentor as an undergrad was a former OSS officer (the OSS is the precursor of the CIA). We would chat often about my interest in the intelligence business and about his experience serving our country during WWII. We spoke often about the importance of strategic intelligence, and that led me to pursue a career with the CIA.

L: You interned with the foundation in the early 1990s. What did you most enjoy about that experience?

L: What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in the CIa or similar agencies?

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LC: The experience was great! The Foundation’s staff was a “who’s who” of great conservative minds, and I was able to learn from them: Kate Obenshain, Cecilia Kirk, Peter Schweizer, Marc Short, and of course, Ron Robinson. I was surrounded by proud conservatives who believed strongly in promoting and defending the principles upon which our country was founded.

LC: There is no glamour or massive paycheck when you serve in the Clandestine Service, but it is vital work in defense of our country. Good intelligence is our first line of defense! Travel, learn foreign languages, and be well-rounded. That is the best advice I can give. Intellectual curiosity and a deep love of our great country are a must, too.

L: You also attended the foundation’s national Conservative student Conference in the early 1990s. What was most memorable from your time at these programs? ————————————————————————————————

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L: During your time with the CIa, you worked in Western europe and Latin american where statist governments and economies, like that of Venezuela, are imploding. What are some of your key takeaways from working in these countries?

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LC: I saw the real effects of statism living and traveling around the world. As Margaret Thatcher once said, “The trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.” I saw that borne out in many countries. Statist governments make false promises—just like Bernie Sanders—free everything! Labor laws discourage work ethic, and entrepreneurship is strangled by the over-regulation of an over-bearing state. I saw how these policies sap young people’s drive as they expect to be given everything, and they never experience the great feeling of earning and building their own success.

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Hemisphere and advise Committee Chairman Ed Royce, helping him conduct oversight of the administration’s foreign policy activity in the region. Right now, I am working with Chairman Royce to challenge and expose the Administration’s reckless policy regarding Guantanamo detainees. Obama’s political goal to close the detention center down is putting American lives at risk by sending these terrorists to countries that cannot ensure they don’t return to the terrorist fight. L: Your father is an american of mexican descent and your mother is an immigrant from spain. How did their experiences influence you and your siblings? ————————————————————————————————

L: How has the Obama administration’s approach to foreign policy (or lack thereof) affected these nations in particular? ————————————————————————————————

LC: I am not in favor of us getting involved in every corner of the world unless it is in our vital national interests. But, I also recognize the importance and value of the United States’ leadership in the world. I’ve been completely disappointed by President Obama’s approach to foreign policy because it has been guided by political correctness and an unwillingness to accept our leadership role in the world. Even worse, this administration has not taken seriously the threats that confront us, and this has emboldened terrorists and disappointed our allies.

LC: My parents are the most patriotic people I know. They raised my siblings and me to be proud Americans. It is no surprise that my brothers were both Marines and that we all found a way to serve our country. My parents wouldn’t have had it any other way.

L: Today, you are a senior advisor on the House Committee on foreign affairs. Can you share a little bit about your day-to-day work on Capitol Hill? ———————————————

LC: I keep up with everything going on in the Western

Leah Campos meets Congressman Bob Dornan at the 1992 National Conservative Student Conference. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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lie and how it is affecting their ability to open businesses and earn their success. L: You ran for Congress in arizona in 2012. Do you have any plans to run for public office down the road? ————————————————————————————————

LC: I won’t rule it out, but right now I’m focused on the scary reality that two of my children are in high school—Christian (16) and Isabela (14)—and the other two—Soledad (12) and Xavier (9)—will follow before I know it! I hope they will be future Young America’s Foundation conference attendees! L: What one book would you recommend to a student interested in learning more about conservative ideas? ————————————————————————————————

LC: While a student attending a YAF conference in 1990, I received Russell Kirk’s The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot. I found this to be a very important first read in understanding conservative thought and philosophy. L: What is the most interesting place you have visited? ————————————————————————————————

Campos, who also interned at the Foundation’s headquarters, introduces a speaker at Young America’s Foundation’s annual summer conference in 1992.

LC: This is a tough question, since I’ve traveled so much and have seen so many wonderful places. As a child I lived in Turkey, and we visited Ephesus and the last home where the Virgin Mary lived, and that was truly amazing. I love vibrant cities. Madrid and Buenos Aires stand out to me. My fourth child was born in Buenos Aires, so that city has a special place in my heart.

L: You and your sister, rachel Campos Duffy, are both active in promoting your values and ideas to a wider audience. What do you think conservatives should be doing to reach more minorities, particularly young Hispanics? ————————————————————————————————

LC: Hispanics are generally very conservative, and Hispanics in this country start small businesses at three times the rate of any other demographic. Those who are recent immigrants know how great this country is because they saw the alternative in their native countries. Hispanics tend to be profamily, pro-life, and pro-business. We need to figure out a way to reach out to them, because the liberals have used their “community organizing” to get into Hispanic communities and convince them that big government is the key. My sister, Rachel, is national spokesperson for a group called The LIBRE Initiative, which seeks to reach out to Hispanics across the country and explain the big government

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Young America’s Foundation alumna Leah Campos is joined by her children during her 2012 campaign to represent Arizona’s ninth congressional district.

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Tom Barrett

U.S. Army Veteran and Michigan State Representative By Jessica Jensen, editor

Libertas: How did you first learn about Young america’s foundation?

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TB: YAF really inspired me to stay active in public policy, which I believe really matters. I appreciate YAF inspiring young people to consider conservative perspectives. L: You helped organize several campus lectures while you were a student at Western michigan university, including events featuring ann Coulter, attorney General John ashcroft, and pat Buchanan. What challenges did you face from school administrators or others when organizing these events? ————————————————

TB: We faced many challenges from the administration when we scheduled events on campus. The liberal bias was prominent, and we were constantly pushing back against that. The university administration threatened to cancel our events at different times or tried to place impossible restrictions on us. However, our network of conservative activists on campus grew as we became more successful, and we banded together. We ended up hosting some of the most widely attended events on campus.

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Tom Barrett: I became familiar with YAF when I was a student at Western Michigan University. We partnered together to bring conservative speakers to campus and to spread the conservative message. L: You participated in a weekend-long program with other top conservative activists at the reagan ranch Center in 2007. Do you have any specific memories from that weekend? —————————————————

TB: Absolutely! I still believe that it was one of the most enriching Foundation alumna, Army veteran, and Michigan State Representative experiences I had in college. The Tom Barrett speaks on the steps of the Michigan state capitol to bring ability to visit the Reagan Ranch awareness and outreach to the veteran community suffering from post traumatic stress injury. and to brainstorm ideas with other conservative students from across the country was a great opportunity for me.

L: You joined the u.s. army right after high school and have served for more than 15 years. What compelled you to serve your country at such a young age?

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L: Do you keep in touch with any of the students you met through Young america’s foundation? ————————————————————————————————

TB: Yes. I met my wife, Ashley, while we were both involved in YAF, and many of the students I connected with through YAF are now involved in public policy in Michigan and throughout the country. We still have a strong social and friend network, and we try to partner together as much as possible whenever we can. I always enjoy reconnecting with friends from college who were part of our conservative network. L: What impact did Young america’s foundation have on your college career and beyond?

TB: I joined the Army out of a sense of purpose and patriotism. I also was young and did not know what I wanted to do with my life after high school, so I decided to join the Army to build on my life experience, earn some benefits to help pay for my education, and also serve my country at the same time. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. L: What would you say to today’s high school students who are considering enlisting in the military after graduation? ————————————————————————————————

TB: I would encourage anyone considering the military to talk to a recruiter and have an honest conversation about Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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the Michigan Land Bank board as the designee of the state treasurer, and I was able to look at ways to eliminate blight in some of our most distressed cities, such as Detroit and Flint. I have continued some of those priorities as a state legislator and have tried to bring together partnerships between the State of Michigan, local governments, and even the Michigan National Guard to see if we can come up with cooperative solutions to eliminate blight in some of our urban communities. L: What issues have been your priorities since being elected to represent michigan’s 71st District? ————————————————————

TB: Veterans issues have been my largest focus. I am the only Iraq War veteran in Following high school, Barrett enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for 15 years “out of a sense of purpose and patriotism.” the Michigan House of Representatives, and I was appointed chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee last year. We have themselves and their goals. The military is hard work, but many challenges as a country and as a state with how we care there are a lot of rewards as well. for our veterans. In fact, Michigan had the second highest veteran unemployment rate in the nation just a couple of years L: You have served in the u.s. army under two different ago. presidents. What, if any, differences have you noticed in the I feel a special obligation to pay it forward for my battle army under presidents Obama and George W. Bush? buddies, who do not have the opportunity to serve in the ———————————————————————————————— legislature, to do my best, and to represent their needs in our TB: Speaking as a public official and not as a soldier, I can say state capitol. We actually lose more veterans to suicide than that I have grave concerns about the direction we are heading combat right now, and that is unacceptable. with our military. Winning a war means we have to destroy the will of the enemy to resist as well as destroying the will of L: Historically, some leaders have said those in the military the people to harbor the enemy. should not get too involved in political life. What are your Unfortunately, good people as well as bad people die thoughts on this? in war. Our wars are too political, and folks back home ———————————————————————————————— expect that we have a “bad guy only” switch on our bombs. TB: I serve as a citizen-soldier as well as a citizen-legislator. I We need to fight wars with the intent to win, knowing the think that serving in the Army National Guard makes me a consequences and risks. If not, we are not truly committed to better legislator because I am continuously reminded of the the effort, and we should not be involved. challenges veterans face when they come back home. Also, the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, L: When you returned from Iraq, you worked for the Integrity, and Personal Courage are great examples for what michigan Department of Treasury. How did this position help we need in our public officials. prepare you for your current service in the michigan House of representatives? L: What has surprised you the most about serving as a state ———————————————————————————————— representative? TB: I served as an analyst in the State Treasurer’s office, which ———————————————————————————————— gave me valuable perspective and allowed me to see the effects TB: I would say I am most surprised by the fact that of legislation enacted by our state. In addition, I served on

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legislators can have very firm differences but still build friendships with one another. I have several friends with whom I have strong disagreements but they are still good people hoping to represent their districts. One of my closest friends in the legislature is actually a state senator and a Democrat. He is a Marine who also served in Iraq. We disagree on a host of issues, but we work together on improving veterans issues in Michigan in a bipartisan, bicameral way. L: What do you find most rewarding about your work? ————————————————————

TB: The most rewarding part of my job is when we can help someone State Representative Barrett meets with school children in the Michigan state capitol. who is facing a hardship or problem. Thousands of people have contacted Reagan had a great sense of optimism about our country, my office for help, and, although we cannot fix every and our nation today could really benefit from a leader with problem, it feels good when we are able to do so. sincere optimism. L: What resources or books would you recommend to a L: Who do you think are some of today’s most effective student interested in learning more about conservative ideas? conservative leaders? ———————————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————————— TB: I would recommend young people interested in TB: Senator Rand Paul is one of my favorites. I think he conservative ideas read about our 40th President. President inspires a younger generation of conservatives who will, hopefully, become our leaders someday. L: What is the most interesting place you have visited? ————————————————————————————————

TB: Guantanamo Bay. It was really challenging to face the Taliban and Al Qaeda detainees there every day. There is so much misinformation and confusion about the conditions there. Many people confuse the Abu Ghraib detainee scandal, which was in Iraq, with Guantanamo Bay, which is thousands of miles away. L: What do you do when you are not working? ————————————————————————————————

Tom Barrett visits the Reagan Ranch Center in 2007, joining Foundation student leaders from across the country for a weekend retreat on campus activism.

TB: My wife, Ashley, and I have two toddlers. My son, Patrick, is three, and my daughter, Eleanora, is about to turn two. I try to spend as much time with them as possible when I am not working, and sometimes I even bring them to work with me. My kids are a constant reminder to do the right thing, so they can have opportunities for success when they grow up. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Tom Robinson

Development Officer, Young America’s Foundation By madeleine Lucas, William & Berniece Grewock Intern scholar

Growing up with Young America’s Foundation President Ron Robinson and Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute President Michelle Easton for parents meant that discussions of conservative principles were inevitable, especially at the dinner table. Tom Robinson, development officer for Young America’s Foundation, received his strong conservative beliefs in this personal manner: hearing from the leaders of the Conservative Movement within the walls of this own house. “It was a tremendous opportunity to grow up in a home where many of the Conservative Movement’s most significant leaders would come over for dinner,” recalls Tom. “Hearing from Tom Phillips, David Horowitz, Russell and Annette Kirk, Congressman Tom Tancredo, and Henry and Al Regnery at our dinner table had a huge impact on my thinking and intellectual development.” Young America’s Foundation alumnus Tom Robinson now serves as a development Attending his first YAF conferences as a middle officer at the Foundation’s national headquarters. school student, Tom began building on his experiences in the home at a young age. “Dr. Burt Folsom would speak at the YAF high school history but, simply, the primary sources. The emphasis on conferences every summer and was an articulate leader the Constitution and the Federalist papers added to the whom I looked up to,” notes Tom. “I realized there was a solid conservative intellectual foundation that I had gained disconnect between what my school taught and how Dr. through many YAF conferences.” Folsom explained history. My high school history teachers Having completed his education with a solid intellectual taught about the great benefits of big government and understanding of conservative principles, Tom joined the attacked entrepreneurs as ‘robber barons.’ Dr. Folsom, with non-profit world and discovered his calling in fundraising his compelling teaching style, helped me learn the truth and development. about free enterprise and freedom and how to approach Tom sees development as the driving force behind all the these principles in the classroom.” important work done by non-profit organizations. “There When the time came for him to choose a college, Tom are lots of good ideas and causes to advance in this world,” he decided on Hillsdale College—home to Dr. Folsom and a explains, “but the only way that can happen is with support place where Tom knew his education would be grounded in from those blessed enough to provide it.” the timeless principles he espoused. His experience spans multiple organizations, including “Hillsdale teaches classic ideas,” Tom says of his alma HSP Direct, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, and the mater. “Their history books are not a leftist narration of American Conservative Union. Tom is proud of many 38

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causes he has worked to support throughout his career in of Presidential personnel for President Reagan, vice development. He is especially proud of the work he did with president at The Heritage Foundation, and president of the Diocese of Arlington to help raise funds for aspiring Capitol Research. Her friendship and guidance has been priests to attend seminary without the cost burden. tremendous,” notes Tom. At the American Conservative Union (ACU)—which In 2015, after gaining a wealth of experience from his organizes the Conservative Movement’s largest gathering, previous jobs, Tom returned to the organization which CPAC—Tom served as director of development, helping helped form his conservative principles at an early age: start a major gift program for the group. He also helped Young America’s Foundation. increase regular monthly contributors to ACU and worked As a development officer, Tom works with our supporters to establish lasting relationships with the organization’s most to help Young America’s Foundation achieve our mission significant supporters. and goals. “Supporters are the lifeblood for any non-profit, and to “I keep the Foundation’s supporters up-to-date on communicate and update them on the work of your group what their gifts are accomplishing. In particular, I visit with is of upmost importance,” Tom says about the experience. them in person to share how the students they support “Communication builds trust, and once you have trust, are advancing our shared ideas and how Young America’s together with your supporters, you can achieve mutually Foundation is protecting Ronald Reagan’s beloved Rancho held goals.” del Cielo,” Tom explains. Through his work with these organizations, Tom has He also acknowledges the special aspects of supporter benefited from the example and support of many mentors. relations at the Foundation. “The unique part of being Jamie Hogan at HSP Direct, who gave Tom his first job, has a development officer at Young America’s Foundation is been an instrumental guide, as have many of his past cothat we are not just asking supporters for gifts for the next workers. He also admires Jeanne Combos at the Diocese of project. Instead, we ask them to invest in causes they value Arlington, noting, “She is a great leader with a top-notch which align with our mission.” ability to communicate the mission.” Tom acknowledges the incredible examples and invaluable influences he had at home. “Both of my parents are my mentors,” he explains. “I look up to my mom, Michelle Easton, for many things. She always has the best advice and a great sense of humor. But her work ethic was something that I always admired.” His father, Ron Robinson, was also a key role model. “I’ve always admired his loyalty, honesty, discipline, and sense of humor.” Tom says his friend, Willa Johnson, is also an important mentor. “Willa and I meet once a week to talk about a range of issues. Her listening ear has been very important in my growth in development. A young Tom Robinson and his dad, Foundation President Ron Robinson, visit the Reagan Ranch in 1998. She was the deputy director Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

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Robinson joins Foundation supporters Nancy Bauerle and Don Dick at the 2016 Rawhide Circle retreat in Santa Barbara, California.

Tom gives much credit to those who give their time and resources to the Foundation. “Our supporters are the best in the country, and it’s an honor to update them on what their investments make possible,” he says. When not visiting supporters, Tom enjoys cheering for Washington, D.C., sports teams, especially the Redskins and the Capitals. He also takes pleasure in reading and studying Catholic theology and spending time with his niece and nephews. “Faith and family are two of the most important things in this world. I like to spend as much time with both as I can,” notes Tom. From the lessons he has learned from his family and career thus far, Tom offers this advice: “Follow the simple Golden Rule. Treat others how you’d want to be treated. A respectful tone and an honest approach with integrity is the best way to achieve your goals.” While working for HSP Direct, Robinson meets Senator Rick Santorum during the 2011 CPAC.

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Sarah Westwood Investigative Reporter, Washington Examiner By Emily Jashinsky, Spokeswoman

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is a good thing. With watchdog reporting, we try to focus on waste, fraud, and abuse in the government. Drawing attention to all that, even in such a small way, helps hold officials accountable for their actions.” The NJC alumna clearly has great enthusiasm for reporting, particularly the pursuit of investigative journalism. “Watchdog reporting is among the most important types of reporting, but it is done too little,” she notes. “It can be time-consuming and often has nothing to do with the current news cycle, so the challenge is finding a way to make stories about corruption relevant to readers who might be focused on other issues.” Today, Westwood regularly returns to the National Journalism Center to mentor current interns—many of whom are only one year younger. Her advice to those college conservatives interested in pursuing careers in journalism? “Create value for yourself. Anyone can churn out content, but fewer and fewer journalists can come up with unique story ideas or pursue original reporting. If you are able to

At 23 years old, Sarah Westwood is already a respected reporter with a strong reputation for producing top-notch work. Just two years after graduating from Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center (NJC) she is responsible for breaking a number of critical stories on important policy issues as a watchdog reporter at the Washington Examiner. Sarah is also a regular voice on highprofile cable news programs. Despite her youth, she speaks with the wisdom of a veteran journalist, answering questions about her trade in a way that underscores the responsibility she feels to expose government abuse. “A good journalist is not always chasing whatever is going to get them the most clicks or a link on Drudge Report,” Westwood explains. “Good journalists stick to traditional methods of reporting on and advancing stories whenever time permits, which is not always easy given the pace of most newsrooms, but it is important.” Many Beltway journalists are known for their selfpromotional attitudes. Not Westwood. Her motivations remain genuine. Asked to name her proudest achievement as a professional journalist, she notes, “Anytime one of my stories can encourage National Journalism Center alumna Sarah Westwood puts her interview skills to work. some action or reform, that

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make yourself valuable to a news outlet by providing it with stories no one else has, you can be successful.” With a dose of optimism uncommon in the oftenpessimistic world of journalism, Westwood explained why she believes the moment is ripe for young people to enter the field, commenting, “It’s a great time to be young and working in news. All the old rules of politics and media were just broken…” When asked to name the writers who have most influenced her, Westwood remains humble, remarking, “I don’t even pretend to be in the same league as these people, but many conservative journalists will probably tell you they read and admire Charles Krauthammer’s weekly

Today, Westwood appears frequently on cable news to discuss the many topics she writes about as an investigative reporter with the Washington Examiner.

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Westwood returns to Young America’s Foundation’s national headquarters to speak to National Journalism Center interns participating in the same program which helped launch her career in the media just a few years ago.

column. I also enjoy reading Donovan Slack, who reports on the Department of Veterans Affairs (among other topics) for USA Today, Matt Viser of the Boston Globe, and Nick Confessore of the New York Times. They are all very good storytellers, which is just as important as being good reporters.” She named NJC alumus Tim Carney as a mentor as well, referring to her colleague at the Washington Examiner as “an enormous help.” Reflecting on her participation in the National Journalism Center, Westwood recalls, “I became involved with NJC my senior year of college. I was applying to every journalism internship I could find hoping to get some newsroom experience before I finished school.” Upon acceptance into NJC, Westwood was placed at the Washington Examiner for her 12-week internship. Westwood says her NJC experience dramatically impacted her, and she continues to benefit from her involvement in the program. “I made some incredible

friends in NJC who are still a big part of my life,” she notes. “But beyond that, NJC exposed me to so many different kinds of reporters and types of journalism that I may never have gotten to encounter otherwise. We learned about local broadcast journalism, data-driven journalism, video journalism—and all from people who were really engaged with us interns and who were committed to helping us learn new skills.” Westwood’s rapid rise to the top of the conservative media sphere underscores the importance of reaching and inspiring young conservatives. We hope every student who participates in Young America’s Foundation’s programs will catapult into successful careers as seamlessly as she did. “Being a graduate of NJC instantly connects me with so many people working in media,” she says. “The program creates a network of talented people who genuinely want to help each other succeed, which is a great thing to be a part of in such a competitive industry.” Sarah Westwood exemplifies that spirit as well as anyone. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

FREEDOM... ...is never more than one generation away from extinction. —PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

The Left controls our schools, but the future belongs to young people. Young America’s Foundation is the largest, most effective youth outreach organization in the Conservative Movement. We recruit and inspire America’s most promising young leaders to spread a love for freedom on their campuses. By reaching increasing numbers of impressionable young people, we will eliminate the Left’s advantage at our schools. You can make a gift through your estate that will change lives, control what young people learn about America and freedom, and define your legacy on your terms. Please contact Kimberly Begg, Esq., vice president and general counsel, at 800-USA-1776 or kbegg@yaf.org to request a free, noobligation copy of Young America’s Foundation’s popular Investing in the Future estate planning guide and workbook. Supplies are limited and will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis. BO WorEstate NU kb Plan S: ook ni Incl ng ud ed

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Rawhide Declassified: President Reagan’s Military Aides Offer Reflections at the Reagan Ranch Center By Amy Brooker, Assistant to the Director of the Reagan Ranch

n February 6, Young America’s Foundation celebrated what would have been Ronald Reagan’s 105th birthday with a full day of events at the Reagan Ranch Center. The keynote event of the day was a unique panel discussion, moderated by Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member Mark Larson, entitled “Rawhide Declassified,” featuring six of the military aides who served President Reagan. Reflecting on his life after the Presidency, Ronald Reagan wrote in his autobiography: There was one person noticeably absent: the military aide, the person who, since twelve noon on January 20, 1981, had been at my side with the information I would need in case of a nuclear strike. The primary duties of a military aide are threefold: carrying the nuclear football, assisting the President in the execution of hosting state dinners and arrivals, and

coordinating the use of Department of Defense assets. And, unofficially, doing whatever the President wanted. Serving at Reagan’s side each waking minute during all eight years of the Presidency, the military aides came to know Ronald Reagan through their unique roles. Throughout the program, Rear Admiral JJ Quinn, Colonel Ron Thomas, Commander Woody Lee, Major General Tom Carter, Colonel José Muratti, and Lieutenant Colonel Pete Peterson recounted stories of their time spent as aides under President Reagan. Most of the stories were lighthearted, illuminating the friendly, generous personality of the President. Col. Muratti recalled that when he was first assigned to Ranch duty, he knew nothing about horses. The Commander in Chief and expert horseman Ronald Reagan took it upon himself to teach Muratti not only how to ride but also how to prepare a horse for the ride. (Muratti confided that he thought horses all “came saddled!”)

President Ronald Reagan meets with military aides in the Oval Office in 1985, including (from far right) Pete Peterson and Tom Carter. Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

President Reagan’s military aides and their families enjoy a tour of the Reagan Ranch. Pictured from left to right: Dana Lee, Commander Woody Lee, Jo Muratti, Colonel José Muratti, Debby Peterson, Lieutenant Colonel Pete Peterson, Kim Quinn, Rear Admiral JJ Quinn, Kate Steel, Colleen Toussaint, Colonel Ron Thomas, and Major General Tom Carter.

Lt. Col. Peterson said his favorite memories were of his time at the Ranch. Away from the White House staff, after an afternoon clearing brush, President Reagan would often join the aide in the cabin and tell stories and jokes for hours on end. Those were “the best times,” Peterson recalled. Rear Admiral Quinn added that the President, always considering the comfort of others, would often bring the aides a bottle of wine to go with their dinners. In the midst of their humorous stories, the six panelists also shared insights about Ronald Reagan’s role as Commander in Chief. They unanimously agreed that he held utmost respect for the military, had a deep understanding of national security issues, and had the moral courage to act in defense of the country. Maj. Gen. Carter said, “This President took his role as Commander in Chief very, very seriously.” He understood that the nuclear football was “the pointy end of the sword,” and was very conscientious to ensure that he understood and followed protocol to the letter. Each time the aides would collect his daily briefing paperwork, without exception, the pages were marked up with a check mark or a question next to nearly each line,

indicating that the President had read and understood what the packet contained. Lt. Col. Peterson recalled, “There was no doubt in our military minds that he was right on top of things, understood it, and accepted responsibility for his role as Commander in Chief.” The aides also reflected on their visit to the Reagan Ranch the day before. Lt. Col. Peterson thanked the supporters who make ranch preservation possible:

They unanimously agreed that he held utmost respect for the military.

Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2016

This organization that has maintained the Ranch…this is one of the greatest things, I think, the six of us have seen in a long, long time. All of you who are donors and helpful to Young America’s Foundation. Thank you for what you have done.

Young America’s Foundation is grateful for Reagan Ranch Board of Governors member Rear Admiral JJ Quinn for his work in organizing this special program. All in attendance left with a greater understanding of President Reagan’s character. The military aides to the President had a front row seat to history. They met dignitaries and world leaders but, in the end, as Col. Muratti noted, Ronald Reagan, “of course, was the nicest of them all.”

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Summer 2016 Volume 37 • Number 2

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arlier this year, the Historic Vehicles Association recognized Ronald Reagan’s 1962 red Willys Jeep as an important artifact of American history and arranged for its prominent display on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. While placed inside a protective jewel-box display, the Jeep became a centerpiece on the National Mall, a highlight for an estimated 500,000 visitors, before returning to the Reagan Ranch.