The Joe Foss Institute is a nonprofit organization in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

that aims to promote an appreciation among students for the American tradition of

liberty Liberty is the ability to do as one pleases, or a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant (i.e. privilege). It is a synonym for the word freedom. In modern politics, liberty is understood as the state of being free within society fr ...

, the country's military history, and

patriotic Patriotism is the feeling of love, devotion, and sense of attachment to one's country. This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings, language relating to one's own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or histor ...

values. It was founded in 2001 by

flying ace A flying ace, fighter ace or air ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The exact number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an ace is varied, but is usually co ...

and politician

Joe Foss Joseph Jacob Foss (April 17, 1915January 1, 2003) was a United States Marine Corps major and a leading Marine fighter ace in World War II. He received the Medal of Honor in recognition of his role in air combat during the Guadalcanal Campaign. In ...

, and is headquartered in

Scottsdale, Arizona , settlement_type = City , named_for = Winfield Scott , image_skyline = , image_seal = Seal of Scottsdale (Arizona).svg , image_blank_emblem = City of Scottsdale Script Logo.svg , nick ...

. The institute lists its five values as ''freedom, patriotism, integrity, service, and character'', and targets its programs at military veterans, students, and teachers. The Joe Foss Institute states that its mission is simply “promoting an emphasis on civic education in schools”. Since its founding in 2001, the Institute has served nearly 1.5 million students through in-classroom presentations, educational materials and scholarships.

Stated Goals

The Institute engages veterans and teachers across America to educate the country's youth on history and civics, and inspire them to become responsible and engaged citizens. History The Institute was founded in 2001 by

Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valo ...

recipient General

Joseph J. Foss Joseph Jacob Foss (April 17, 1915January 1, 2003) was a United States Marine Corps Major (rank), major and a leading Marine Flying ace, fighter ace in World War II. He received the Medal of Honor in recognition of his role in air combat during the ...

and his wife Donna Foss. Throughout his high profile career, General Foss always made time to visit classrooms and speak with the students – America's future leaders. His goal was to ensure the children understand America's freedoms and the importance of public service, integrity and patriotism. The Joe Foss Institute was created to carry on that vision by offering free educational programs and curriculum for schools and youth groups nationwide. General Foss recognized the importance of preparing our children to be informed and engaged citizens.

Organization Operations

The Joe Foss Institute offers free educational programs for teachers around the country. Currently, the Institute offers three primary programs; Veterans Inspiring Patriotism, "You are America" Civics Series and the Joe Foss Institute Scholarship Program. The Institute has co-sponsored programs with the

Bill of Rights Institute Bill(s) may refer to: Common meanings * Banknote, paper cash (especially in the United States) * Bill (law), a proposed law put before a legislature * Invoice, commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer * Bill, a bird or animal's beak Plac ...

and the

Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America (BSA, colloquially the Boy Scouts) is one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with about 1.2 million youth participants. The BSA was founded ...

Stars in Service

The Institute holds an annual Stars in Service event to honor national heroes, educators and public servants. Traditionally held in Arizona, honorees, presenters and speakers have included; Dr. Charles Krauthammer, Carl Bernstein,

Tom Brokaw Thomas John Brokaw (; born February 6, 1940) is an American retired network television journalist and author. He first served as the co-anchor of ''The Today Show'' from 1976 to 1981 with Jane Pauley, then as the anchor and managing editor of '' ...

, Richard Dreyfuss,

Gary Sinise Gary Alan Sinise (; born March 17, 1955) is an American actor, humanitarian, and musician. Among other awards, he has won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. He has also received a sta ...

Joe Mantegna Joseph Anthony Mantegna (, ; born November 13, 1947) is an American actor. Mantegna began his career on stage in 1969 in the Chicago production of the musical ''Hair''. He earned a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and a Joseph Jeff ...

, General Jerry Boykin, General Michael Moseley, Dr. Craig Barrett, Ross Perot, Jr., and Medal of Honor recipients Sammy L. Davis and Mike Thornton.

References

{{cite book, last1=Lewis, first1=Jim, title=Invisible Heroes: Footsteps to the Cros, date=October 27, 2010, publisher=AuthorHouse, isbn=978-1452095066, page=110

External links

Joe Foss Institute
501(c)(3) organizations Organizations established in 2001