Presenters

 Rod L. Meldrum is a researcher, author and national lecturer on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, its historical efficacy and the scriptural and physical evidences that have recently been discovered indicating North America as the location where its epic history may have played out. His highly referenced and comprehensive research, as shared in live presentations and educational materials, has created a “swelling movement within the Church” according to Seth Perry of the Martin Mary Center which is the institute for advanced research in all fields of the study of religion at the University of Chicago Divinity School as published in their publication, Sightings 4/29/10. Click HERE to read the article.   

Brother Meldrum served as senior scientific researcher for 7 years on a natural sciences book, was President and CEO of High Country Gourmet, Inc. in Orem, Utah, and more recently was Director of Business Development for Interact Medical, a leading LMS (Learning Management System) developer for surgeons and patients in the medical device industry.  He and his wife, Tonya, are the parents of four teenage children. Brother Meldrum is a third generation member of the church, served a mission in Milan, Italy and has served faithfully in many church leadership callings, most recently Young Men’s President of his Provo, Utah ward.

He began his study of issues surrounding the controversy over DNA and the Book of Mormon in 2003 which lead to questioning the origins of proposed geographical settings of the Book of Mormon. In addition he completed intensive study of the Book of Mormon itself and the historical background and documents associated with it. In 2007 he began sharing his research in numerous free presentations done at his own expense within the Intermountain Region of the United States.

Interest in the research reached a point that it was no longer possible to accommodate all those who wanted to learn more and combined with the tremendous amount of information to share, it was suggested that the presentation be recorded, resulting in creation of a DVD titled “DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography.  Brother Meldrum has since given presentations across the United States and has spoken to many thousands of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on his findings in support of the truthfulness of Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

His original four-hour DVD, DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography, has now been seen by many tens of thousands of members of the Church across the country and around the world, receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews.  Recently an entirely new 5 disk DVD series was released which is the most comprehensive work ever assembled on the subject of Book of Mormon geography in North America.  With over 9 hours of information, 14 interviews with such noted icons as Elder Hartman Rector Jr (Emeritus General Authority), and Kieth Merrill (Award Winning Film Maker, including The Testaments and Legacy), together with hours of on-location high-definition video footage and stunning graphics, this new DVD series, titled simply Book of Mormon Evidence, has become the new standard in Book of Mormon geography research.  Brother Meldrum invited Dr. Bruce Porter, one of the foremost experts in the Church on ancient Semitic languages, to co-author a critically important book which contains the first systematic analysis of the 36 prophecies within the text of the Book of Mormon.  These prophecies clearly identify its ‘Promised Land’ as the United States of America.  The book, titled Prophecies and Promises; The Book of Mormon and the United States of America, forms the basis of this incredibly compelling new research.  The need for scholarly information relating to DNA or genetics and the Book of Mormon was expressed by thousands who have encountered anti-Mormon claims that have been made that DNA proves the Book of Mormon ‘false.’ Addressing this need, the new book Rediscovering the Book of Mormon Remnant through DNA demonstrates through scholarly scientific journals that the latest genetics research not only doesn’t refute the Book of Mormon, it may actually validate its historical efficacy.  Nearly all who have seen this new research have expressed tremendous excitement about the information stating that it “just makes sense” intellectually as well as spiritually.

Hartman Rector, Jr. (born August 20, 1924) was one of the first converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to become a general authority of the church during the second half of the 20th century. He served as a member of the First Council of the Seventy from 1968 to 1976 and as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy from 1976 to 1994. He was born in Moberly, Randolph County, Missouri and joined the United States Navy in 1943. He married Constance (Connie) Kirk Daniel and while serving in the Navy became converted to the Church and was baptized February 24, 1952 in Japan. He spent a total of 26 years as a navy pilot.

In 1968, Elder Rector was called as a member of the Church's First Council of the Seventy. From February to March 1969, he served as the president of the Italian Mission of the church. Beginning in 1971, Elder Rector was the first president of the Alabama–Florida (later the Florida Tallahassee) Mission of the church. He became a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1976.  In the late 1970s, he served as president of the church's San Diego Mission. In 1994, he was made an emeritus general authority and released from his full-time ecclesiastical duties.

Testimony from No More Strangers

I am a witness before God that he lives and he hears and answers prayers, for he has heard and answered mine. I bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ, and that he lives; that he has re-established his true Church upon the earth in modern times through the Prophet Joseph Smith—great, great prophet that he was; and that the true Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth today, presided over by a living prophet who has been chosen by the Lord for this particular purpose. These things I do not merely believe; I know with that sure witness which can come only from the Holy Ghost, through which all gospel truths can be known.

Wayne N. May was born and raised in Wisconsin.  He is a 36 year convert to the LDS Church and has served in four Branch Presidencies, three Elder Quorum Presidencies, Seminary Instructor, Gospel Doctrine Instructor, Veil worker at the St. Paul Minnesota Temple, and currently is serving as Gospel Doctrine Teacher of the Menomonie Wisconsin Branch, Oakdale, Minnesota Stake. His wife Kristine is active with Wayne in the archaeological discoveries of the Midwest. Together they publish the quarterly magazine Ancient American which has been in continuous print for sixteen years and covers the pre-Columbian Americas. Wayne and Kristine are the parents of seven children, and grandparents to sixteen.

Wayne is author of four books on the subject of Book of Mormon Archaeology in North America. They are entitled; This Land: Zarahemla and the Nephite Nation; This Land: Only One Cumorah; This Land: They Came from the EAST: and book four is This Land: America 2,000 B.C. to 500 A.D. Wayne gives firesides to members and non-members alike, wherever he is invited to present. He has been presenting information on the topic of North America's archaeological data since 1994 which demonstrates how it applies to the Book of Mormon timeline.

 Roger K. Young is the #1 selling LDS author & lecturer on the Signs of the Times and the Events of the Last Days over the last 20 years.  His books; As a Thief in the Night, Behold the Fig Tree, When Ye Shall See All These Things, And There Shall Be Signs, Zion the Holy City of New Jerusalem, Dreams and Visions of the Last Days, To Your Tents O Israel, They Must Needs Be Chastened and Tried, and his newest book: Escape From Babylon, have become essential LDS gospel library materials and his lectures are often standing room only. 

Roger will be speaking on the subject ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF ZION, including its history, prophecies, requirements to live in it, preparations for, and what it will be like to live in it. Establishing the city and preparing a people to live in it was the main goal of the prophet Joseph Smith during his mortal ministry. Join Roger in a fascinating presentation and discussion about one of the greatest events in the history of the world.

 Amberli Nelson received a B.S. in sociology from Brigham Young University. A busy wife and mother of seven, Amberli has a deep and abiding love of truth, knowledge and greater understanding and therefore she thoroughly enjoys reading about and researching subjects she is most passionate about which include: sacred symbology, The Book of Mormon, early LDS church history, and Jewish religious customs, beliefs and traditions. She delights in sharing this knowledge with all those around her and does so with enthusiasm.  Amberli is also very involved in preparedness endeavors as well and loves to cycle and quilt in her free time, she is married to David Nelson and they live in Boise Idaho.

Howard Carlos Smith holds a B.S. Degree in Engineering from Utah State University and an M.S. Degree from Brigham Young University.  As a teacher and trainer he taught over 15,000 students spanning a period of forty-five years.  He was one of three missionaries to open the Island of Puerto Rico for missionary work.

Howard Carlos Smith learned of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s Nauvoo Legion Lieutenant General’s sword through his Uncle Delbert Nobel, a direct descendent of Joseph Bates Noble who was a personal friend and bodyguard to the Prophet.  On their way to fateful Carthage, the Prophet asked Brother Noble to return to Nauvoo with a letter for his wife Emma and a pistol for Porter Rockwell.  He also removed his sword and gave it as a gift to his trusted bodyguard who had served him while on Zion’s Camp and beyond his death. The sword has been kept hidden away, being passed from generation to generation of the Noble family for 165 years.  This legendary sword of the Prophet, Joseph Smith has never been displayed publicly…until now.

Howard visited his Uncle Delbert son LaMar who allowed him to hold the sword. Howard recalls “Holding the sword, I felt a spirit like I’ve never felt before…almost like grasping the hand of the Prophet himself” he said. Howard presents his historical research and findings as he discovered the secrets of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s legendary sword.

 Scott Bradley is the owner of Scott Bradley and Associates, an educational telecommunications consulting organization. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science from Westminster College and a Masters of Public Administration from Brigham Young University.

Scott is Founder and Chairman of The Constitutional Commemoration Foundation, Inc., a non-profit educational organization which seeks to foster increased understanding of the United States Constitution “in the tradition of the Founding Fathers,” and also encourages a return to the original intent of proper government as understood and practiced at the time of America’s founding.

Scott is a former Executive Board member of the Trapper Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America and a former Board member of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Utah Chapter. Scott is married and has five children and five grandchildren.

America's Freedom Education Week presentation title:

Title: The Founding of the United States and the Restoration of the Gospel

Steven Edgar Smoot is the oldest son of Stanley M. and Mary Ellen Smoot. Steven is married to Kathleen Reid of Bountiful, Utah and they are the parents of nine children.  Steven’s business interests include, President of Excel Investment Corporation, Owner and Broker of Sky Properties, a commercial and residential real estate development and brokerage company.

He is also the developer and managing partner of the Palmyra Inn which houses the Ancient North America Artifact Exhibit.   Steve is President of The Family First Foundation an organization whose mission is to educate, strengthen and fortify the natural family, addressing family policy around the world. He is a past Chairman of the Davis County Republican Party and is the Executive Producer of two documentaries; Demographic Winter, the decline of the human family, and the Demographic Bomb, demography is destiny. He is the Executive and Co-Producer of the soon to be released documentary, The Lost Civilization of North America.

Inter-twined through each of these three documentaries is a common thread that shows that society cannot always rely on today’s scientific and academic communities for scholarly truths. One would think that by using scientific methods that scientists would be encouraged to follow the evidences where ever they may lead and in time come to a truthful conclusion.  But since the mid 1800’s as these documentaries reveal,  Social Engineers have learned that they can use the sciences and their influential political positions as a powerful tool to crush dissent on the origin and evolution of man and on a myriad of other social and political issues.

Demographic Winter, the decline of the human family" and the newly released "Demographic Bomb, Demography is Destiny" shows the dynamic balance that demographics play in the fate and future of society. It shows that children are the lifeblood and the human capital needed for a countries continued growth and economic prosperity. Scholars worldwide are concerned with the aging population, plummeting fertility rates and the decline of the family and its economic affect it will have on the global economy.  These ground breaking films tell of an ominous drama that is quietly unfolding around the world which is leading the world into a Demographic Winter which threatens serious social and economic consequences. 

Lawrence Cerenzie has been involved in high tech Research & Development since he was a young boy in Louisiana with his father managing NASA’s Stennis Space Flight Center Materials and Chemistry Lab during NASA’s “glory days” in the late 1960’s – arguably the most modern lab in the world at that time. Since the beginning of his chemical engineering career in 1974 with ARCO Oil & Gas and ARCO Alaska, Mr. Cerenzie has been involved with many different disciplines and industries centering on the production and use of energy. These projects range from breakthrough combustion engineering research for improved engine designs to military “signature reduction projects” to evaluating large scale alternative energy projects of various types to overseeing the design & startup of some of the largest Oil & Gas projects in the United States and around the world. This broad range of experience has exposed him to the positive impacts of “world class” project development on economic growth and jobs; to the negative impact of regulatory issues and the current competitive restraints faced by Made in USA product manufacturers. 

Since 1986, Larry has served as President and co-founder of FSC Coatings, Inc and Cerenzie Engineering Consulting.  FSC has specialized in developing “Coatings Engineered For Ultimate Performance” for military, commercial, marine and residential applications.

He and his wife Cyndi have three children, two of which are in college. 

Alan Rudd began his career as a Tax Attorney with State Farm Insurance. He later became U.S. Operations Legal Counsel to Prime Computer, a $1.2B NYSE Company headquartered in Boston.  He then returned to Utah in 1986 to join Novell’s newly formed in-house Legal Department.  In 1997 Rudd was appointed President and CEO of Vinca Corporation which provided data mirroring and protection products to the Fortune 2000 companies. In 1999 he was named Entrepreneur of the year by Ernst & Young for his leadership at Vinca.

In 2000 he co-founded Arkona, Inc, a public company and provider of turnkey technology products and services for the retail automotive marketplace. In 2004, he was again recognized by Ernst & Young and the Microsoft Corporation as Entrepreneur of the year for his adaption of technology to the needs of business.

Alan is a founder and currently is President of the Beit Lehi Foundation which is conducting archaeological studies of several very important ancient sites in Israel with strong possible correlations to the Book of Mormon prophet, Lehi.  He, along with Elder Hartman Rector Jr. and Dr. Glenn Kimber have spearheaded these efforts which has caught the attention of the Israeli Department of Antiquities.

Cal Nez, Navajo, Tachiinii Clan born for the Tanaszanii Clan originally from Tocito New Mexico. He was raised by Grandparents, of the late Bitonie and Mary B. Nez from infancy. He only spoke Navajo until he entered Bureau of Indian Affairs Boarding School operated in nearby Sanostee, New Mexico. Cal takes pride in being a Navajo person bridging the gap between cultures. He gives special thanks to the support of his loving wife, Yolanda.

Cal Nez believes he is an artist first. All of Cal's art is original art work. He believes if one looks closely at his work you will begin to touch his soul and understand what he means by cross-cultural communication. In 1973, Cal left his homeland and traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah with the approval of his grandparents and graduated from South High School where he studied fine arts and graphic design.

  After completing a Church mission, Timothy Ballard graduated Cum Laude from Brigham Young University in Spanish and Political Science, then went on to receive a MA (Summa Cum Laude) in International Politics from the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
 
Tim has worked for the Central Intelligence Agency and as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security, where he spends a significant amount of time working as an overseas operative to dismantle crime rings threatening the United States. Ballard currently teaches American and International Politics at Imperial Valley College.

A frequent and highly sought-after youth and fireside speaker in matters dealing with national and spiritual security, Ballard lives in Southern California with his wife and six children.

 Mr. Mangelson is a nationally recognized speaker and has spent over 30 years traveling across America lecturing to thousands of attendees at scores of conventions, conferences and seminars across the country with rave reviews.

During years of extensive travel throughout America Mr. Mangelson has become a true patriot.   He has seen this country in a way that most Americans have never seen it and is unabashed in declaring that America is the greatest country in the history of the world.  However, he proclaims that one of the most challenging threats facing America today is the loss of our freedoms.  He is bold in raising the alarm that the Constitution of the United States of America is under siege like never before.  Mr. Mangelson is now dedicating his time, talents and career to training and enlightening audiences everywhere on how to protect and save our constitution and America’s future.

 America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline:

Title: Independence Forever

Outline: 1) What is (was) America's formula to success and how did the Founding Fathers arrive at the ingredients to that formula?  
2)  What happened to cause the problems we are having today?  Did America slip away from the Founder's formula or did the Founders just not understand our present day issues?
3)  What can Americans do to heal our country and restore America's greatness?

Kieth Merrill is a writer, producer and director of motion pictures. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences  and Director’s Guild of America. He is a two-time Oscar Nominee and winner of an Academy Award for his film, The Great American Cowboy. His films have received numerous festival honors and other awards including an Emmy nomination. Most members of the Church are familiar with Kieth's work—if not his name—because of the First Presidency Project Films he created for the Legacy Theater on Temple Square in Salt Lake City titled LEGACY and THE TESTAMENTS. He also directed Mr. Krueger's Christmas, a church classic familiar to many. Kieth confesses that "there is no such thing as retirement for moviemakers" and he remains active in creating motion pictures. He is the chief creative officer and co-founder of Audience Alliance Motion Picture Studios,  a film company dedicated to the production of highly entertaining films in all genre's that embrace virtues and values.

 David L. Buckner is the President of Bottom Line Training and Consulting Inc. which specializes in executive and management development.  For over 20 years Mr. Buckner has been a keynote speaker, author, and featured trainer at business conferences and conventions throughout the world.  Mr. Buckner provides economic analysis for the Fox Business Network and is a frequent guest on Fox’s The Glenn Beck Program.  Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor at Teachers College – Columbia University where he teaches courses in economics and business.

 David Buckner was a professional ski instructor for six years at Deer Valley Ski Resort and was a faculty member at Brigham Young University. A certified emergency medical technician (EMT), David enjoys scuba diving and mountain biking as well as traveling and attending Broadway theater productions. He particularly enjoys working with and speaking to youth groups.

 David Buckner's America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline:

Title: Permission to Think

Outline: “David has a way of breaking things down into the language of common sense.  He was the first academic to list my lack of formal university “training” as a positive because he knows that we must be taught how to think, but not what to think.  Our personal and national survival depends on thinking outside of the box and writing outside the lines.  David Buckner does both.”  Glenn Beck

With Permission to Think, author David L. Buckner helps us recognize that carelessly relying on precedent to justify irrational behavior removes the very gift we have all been given… the ability to THINK.  In his new book, Buckner analyzes the neglected principles that have led us to our current economic crisis, while providing key insights on how to reestablish the critical economic fundamentals needed to find our footing in the world again.  Now more than ever, you not only have “permission” to think, but a mandate to do so! 

 Scott Swain is a family man. He and his wife, Leann, have seven children, one dog and two cats. Scott has been self-employed for many years. He owned a mortgage company and a title company. For the past ten years his full-time work has been to promote an educational approach to patriotism as was exemplified by our founding fathers.

 While Scott owned the mortgage company, he had a powerful feeling that he wanted to display images of American history that would add a feeling of patriotism to his office. Acquiring the images were harder than he ever imagined as it took him nearly four years to obtain framable images of our founding documents and pictures depicting America’s founding. After that experience he vowed to make them more accessible to the public at some time in the future. That was over 15 years ago. Since that time he has founded several companies to help spread information and inspiration to Americans concerning our Founding Fathers, our fundamental documents, and the necessity of freedom.

Today the images have grown to a gallery, and the educational programs and products are well underway to educating and inspiring the children of America. The products include the Freedom Gallery, freedom bowls, a full curriculum and simulated experiences. Today there is a great dearth in understanding who we are as Americans and what we represent to the world. Very few of us have the same quality of patriotism that existed just a few generations ago. We must know more and do more to protect our hard-earned freedoms against aggressors. In its own way, Roots of Freedom hopes to do this.

America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline:

Title: Milestones of Freedom

Imagine being an immigrant at Ellis Island. You are determined and willing to commit to all of the citizenship commitments needed to become a True American! Imagine passing a ten-question citizenship test and then raising your arm to the square and taking the oath of citizenship! Imagine signing your citizenship papers, which are then notarized by Ellis Island Officials and receiving your citizenship certificate as a "True American" as evidence of your commitment! This is the experience you will have as you participate in this presentation!

Jon McNaughton is an established artist from Utah whose paintings have attracted the attention of collectors from across the country.  Breathtaking landscapes, nostalgic country scenes, and highly detailed religious subjects are the focus of his paintings.  His experiences are the inspiration for his work.  “I have traveled to many places around the world to know my subjects” he states, adding that “I choose to paint from the heart and evoke my personal vision into each painting.”  His roots trace back to rural Utah where he developed a deep love for his pioneer heritage which translates to his art.  Jon and his wife, Tammy are parents of eight children.  A McNaughton painting has the timelessness of the masters of the past and yet speaks to the sensitivity of the modern observer. 

Jon has specific goals for what he hopes to accomplish with his artistic talent.  “It is my hope that my paintings will reach the viewer on more than a superficial level: to touch something inside them which may not be easily reached,” he says. “I want to leave a feeling with them they will never forget because what they have seen has become a part of them.”  This is certainly the case with his latest work, One Nation Under God, which elicits strong emotions of patriotism wrapped in a knowledge of the Christian influences that established this nation.

Jon McNaughton speaks about his new painting, "One Nation Under God."  This painting depicts Christ holding the U.S. Constitution while behind him stand over forty patriots including the Founding Fathers, Eleven Presidents, and other important figures from U.S. history.  Standing before Christ are the living Americans.  Considering the times we live in, this work is sure to spark conversation among those who are concerned with the plight of our country.  The painting is rich with over 60 points of symbolism.  Jon explains some of the symbolism and talks about his inspiration for this amazing painting. 

 Andy Biggs is a member of the Arizona State House of Representatives representing the Southeast part of the Phoenix Metro area. He was first elected in November of 2002. He is the Chairman of the House Transportation committee and the vice-chairman of the Appropriations committee. He has been repeatedly recognized for his efforts to reduce the size and scope of government. He wrote the Biggs Amendment which facilitated the passage of HB1070 (illegal immigration) in the Arizona Legislature in 2010. He has served as a policy advisor for United Families International and additional organizations. In those capacities he worked on behalf of pro-life, pro-family causes at international institutions

He has a BA in Asian Studies, minor in Japanese from Brigham Young University. His JD is from the University of Arizona College of Law. He has an MA from Arizona State University in International Relations, and has done additional post-graduate work.

Andy has served as a Scout leader and as a girl’s fastpitch softball coach. With his wife he is a co-founder of The American Founder’s Library, a research library focusing on documents pertinent to the American founding.

Andy is an Arizona native. He and his wife Cindy have six children and three grandchildren and make Gilbert, AZ their home.

 This is Andy’s America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline. 

Title: "How We Lost the Constitution, and If We Can Get It Back"—

 Outline: Andy will examine the various ways that the Constitution has been attacked and also discuss whether we can return to our constitution's roots and meaning. Is total collapse of American constitutional government imminent? If so, what can be done about it. Can we prevent a total destruction of the American constitution?

 Chris Stewart served fourteen years as a pilot in the United States Air Force. On June 3, 1995, he led a flight of two B-1s on a nonstop flight around the world, setting three world-speed records in the process, including the fastest non-stop flight around the world. For this achievement he was awarded the MacKay trophy by the International Aeronautical Association for the "most significant aerial achievement of the year." (The MacKay trophy is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.)

Chris is a national best-selling author whose books have been published in six different countries. He has appeared multiple times on national television and radio, is a sought after public speaker and has been a guest editorialist for the Detroit Free Press, among other publications, commenting on matters of national security and military affairs. 

Chris and his wife Evie are the parents of six children. He considers being a father the most important and enjoyable job in the world. 

Chris Stewart's America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and summary: 

 TITLE: Seven Miracles That Saved America. Why They Matter and Why We Should Have Hope.

OUTLINE:  “When the odds were stacked against us – and there have been many times when the great experiment we call America could have and should have failed – did God intervene to save us?”  This question is the foundation for national bestselling authors Chris and Ted Stewart’s most recent book. In this presentation, Chris will explore some of the historical miracles that saved this nation, then answer the most important questions:  Do they matter any longer? Do we still have reason for hope?  And are we still, as Abraham Lincoln called us, the “last best hope of earth.”

Dr. Robert L. Fuller was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1948 and received a degree in Medical Biology from the University of Utah in 1972, going on to complete his D.D.S. at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in1975.  He married Colleen Oyler of San Francisco, California in 1974 and is the father of six grown children.

His dental practice brought many special recognitions and elected positions.  He served as the Western Regional Coordinator of the American Association of Dental Schools, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Salt Lake District Dental Society, received the “Outstanding Young Men of America” award in 1978, and envisioned, built and developed the fabulous Zermatt Resort and Conference Center.  He has affiliations with the Utah State Board of Realtors, Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sons of the Utah Pioneers the Brigham Young University Legacy Cougar Club. 

Dr. Fuller took his family to the LDS Historic sites and pre-historic antiquities of North America, which reveals dramatic and documented civilizations which coincide with Book of Mormon history, archaeology, architecture and sociology.  He has experienced first-hand the mighty ruins of ancient North America and has studied intensively this culture that has so many correlations with the Book of Mormon.

Paul B. Skousen is former CIA intelligence officer, and worked for President Reagan at the White House. He is a professional journalist and communications specialist and has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines around the country. He has also published two world record books, a bathroom reader, and is currently editing the unpublished political works of his father, W. Cleon Skousen.

Paul was on the staff of Senator Orrin Hatch, has been an interview guest on FOX News, and was featured on Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story” about his role in smuggling Oliver North’s shredded secrets out of the White House. He was educated at Georgetown University and BYU. Paul and Kathy are the parents of 10 children and live in Alpine, Utah.

Kay Godfrey is a graduate of Brigham Young University, holding degrees in Historic Archaeology and Anthropology. His Archaeological degree has an emphasis on biblical archaeology. He speaks Hebrew and has conducted religious related research in the Holy Lands. Kay has spent the better part of twenty-eight years researching the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He has authored many articles in LDS church related magazines on a variety of themes singular to the Prophet. Kay has spoken at a Deseret Book symposium in Nauvoo on the "trials of the Prophet Joseph in Missouri" and lectures regularly on the topic of modern day restoration to zones of full-time missionaries. Kay has lectured extensively through-out the United States and Canada, and is dedicated to sharing with others his testimony of the significance of the Prophet and Man - Joseph Smith.

Kay authored a four-part DVD series in cooperation with Digital Memories entitled, "Following The Footsteps of Joseph”, "The Early Years" (1805-1830), "The Echo Of A Beating Heart" (1830-1838), "The Silver Lined Clouds Of War" (1838-1839) and "The Passport To Heaven" (1840-1844). Kay shares in his presentations a portion of his tremendous lifetime of study of the life and times of the Prophet, Joseph Smith.  He brings a unique perspective and many unique and original church history artifacts that will bring each listener to a deeper and richer understanding of the divine role of the first prophet of this dispensation. This incredibly powerful message is one that will leave you with a renewed and stronger testimony of Joseph Smith, The Prophet.

Professionally, Boyd J. Tuttle spent more than 20 years in the corporate world of engineering, product design and production printing with the Xerox Corporation. Based in Rochester, New York, Boyd worked a variety of assignments for 10 years. Being fluent in Japanese as a result of serving an LDS mission, he received an assignment that took him and his family to Tokyo Japan for a tour of nearly 5 years. Upon returning to Rochester in 2001, Boyd took up new assignments in the Digital Production Print division Strategy office and was assigned as focus executive to several major accounts for Xerox.

With all the dynamic changes that ‘On Demand’ Digital Production print was creating in the industry, Boyd could not resist his entrepreneurial interests. So in November of 2006, Boyd took early retirement from Xerox to start his own publishing venture. His business, Digital Legend Press (www.digitalegend.com), was organized and now has over 67 titles in print and expanding at 30% per year!

Boyd recently moved back to his roots in Salt Lake City near the original home of his father, A. Theodore Tuttle (former General Authority of the LDS Church).  Boyd and his wife Holly are the parents of nine children.

Boyd offered Rod Meldrum and his family a stay at his beautiful home while visiting during the Hill Cumorah pageant.  Their friendship and mutual interest in exploring the possibilities of the North American setting for the Book of Mormon has brought them together in publishing and within the FIRM Foundation, where he serves as Executive Vice-President. 

Glenn J. Kimber was born and raised in northern Utah.  He attended Weber State College and married Julianne Skousen, a daughter of W. Cleon Skousen, before serving in the Air Force.  He earned a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University in 1971 and joined Dr. Skousen in establishing the Freemen Institute, which was organized for the purpose of teaching American History and Constitutional studies.  He continued his education, receiving two Doctorate degrees, one in Constitutional studies in 1992 from Coral Ridge Baptist University , and the second from  George Wythe College, after consulted on their initial curriculum.  Dr. Kimber is an American author and educator. He founded Kimber Academy, a network of private schools called the Benjamin Franklin Academies, and is a prominent figure among U.S. homeschooling families.

Dr. Kimber is past president of the National Center for Constitutional Studies (NCCS), a conservative constitutionalist institution.  He joined William H. Doughty in building the Institute for Constitutional Education after it broke from the NCCS. He was also a board member at Doughty's Meadeau View Institute in the early 1990s. Dr. Kimber and his wife have authored over 100 textbooks and guides which emphasize the U.S. Constitution, America's Founding Fathers, and moral and religious values in all five core subjects. He was instrumental in developing a program for television called "The Miracle of America," which was presented in numerous states.  Currently Dr. Kimber is the president of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Studies, and conducts seminars throughout the United States called "The Healing of America."

Bruce H. Porter earned his bachelor’s degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from B.Y.U. and went on to receive his master’s degree in Middle East Studies with an emphasis in Semitic languages, Hebrew Aramaic, Akkadian, Coptic, and Hieroglyphics, with a minor in ancient Near Eastern Religions. His Ph.D. was acquired in the History of Religions, with emphasis in Egyptian religion and textual studies, with a minor in Anthropology.

Brother Porter has done extensive research for the Religious Studies Center, on the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Abraham.  He has done research in the major museums and libraries of Europe, and the United States. He has also presented papers for the Society for Early Historic Archaeology, and the Journal of Egyptian Archeology. Brother Porter has also co-authored a paper with Stephen Ricks that was published in By Study and also by Faith, a two volume work honoring Hugh Nibley.  During his graduate work he assisted in the writing of a documentary on Egyptian archeology for the BBC and worked as a technical director on the film.

Born in Mesa Arizona, Brother Porter has lived in Utah, Israel, and California while working for CES (Church Education System).  He also served a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in England.  Now semi-retired he teaches adult religion classes for BYU Continuing Education, and continues his passion of scriptural research. He has served in many capacities within the church.  He is the father of 10 children and grandfather to 10.

 Earl Taylor, Jr.  has taught The Making of America Constitutional Study course to thousands of people over the past twenty years throughout the nation.  He has developed other study courses for a wide range of participants, from high school students to state legislators.

Mr. Taylor graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in corporate finance. He built a real estate and development business over a period of eighteen years in Arizona. In 1978, he attended a series of lectures by Dr. W. Cleon Skousen on the subject of the Constitution in the tradition of our Founding Fathers. Mr. Taylor eventually chose to work closely with Dr. Skousen and has had the privilege of being privately tutored by him over a period of 20 years.  He was asked to serve as President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies in 1995, an organization founded by Dr. Skousen in 1971 as the Freemen Institute.  The purpose of the NCCS is to teach Americans the exciting message of the Founding Fathers – where they got their great ideas and how they put them all together into a Constitution for the establishment of the first free people in modern times. 

In his desire to begin to train young people in this most important area, Mr. Taylor established one of the first charter high schools in Arizona, Heritage Academy,  where he has developed a special curriculum for the teaching of hundreds of students the exciting message of the Founding Fathers. Mr. Taylor and his wife Ruth are the parents of ten children and reside in Mesa, Arizona.

 Howard Ruff has been a fixture in the financial-advice world for 34 years. His book

How to Prosper During the Coming Bad Years, published in 1977, is still the world champion. It is the biggest-selling financial book in history with over 2.6 million copies sold and was on the top of the New York Times best-seller list for two years in both hard cover and paperback. His newsletter, The Ruff Times, has had over 600,000 subscribers and counting.

Howard released his latest book How to Prosper in the Age of Obamanomics in April, 2010. He’s a maverick who often strays from the usual Wall-Street crowd resulting in tremendous success. Howard is giving the first 500 people to register for America's Freedom Education Week a FREE copy this powerful new book!

Howard has been a charming and engaging fixture on every major talk show, including Oprah, Good Morning America, the Today Show, Regis and Kathy Lee, Donahue, NightLine, Wall Street Week, Crossfire, and others – often multiple times.

Howard lives with his wife (Kay) in Utah. They have fourteen children (five were adopted), eighteen foster children, seventy-six grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. You can learn more on his website, www.rufftimes.com.

 America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline:

Title: Galloping Socialism Destroying the Constitution and your Pocketbook

Outline: The dictionary defines socialism as government owning or controlling the means of production. That is exactly what is happening in America today. There is no example in history of galloping socialism not causing galloping inflation. Not only is this administration moving in the direction of controlling various industries, but they are also creating the conditions for a perfect storm of run-away hyperinflation.

Government has seized control of the automobile industry, the banking industry, Wall Street and 1/6 of the American economy with Obamacare. They have also been creating paper money at the greatest rate in history. I never thought we would be thinking in terms of trillions.

Your pocketbook will be destroyed if you invest in most traditional investments -- especially those recommended by traditional conservative financial advisers. Those who survive financially will be the maverick investors who stray away from the herd off the beaten path because the herd will be turned into hamburger.

I will list investment categories that are cinch losers and the maverick investment categories that will help you preserve your assets and protect your family.

 Joel Skousen is publisher of the World Affairs Brief--a weekly internet news analysis service. He is a political scientist, by training, specializing in foreign policy, as well as the philosophy of law and US Constitutional theory. His main area of research focuses on helping his readers understand the hidden globalist agenda behind US foreign and domestic policy.  He has developed a working theory to explain the West’s conflicting policies of both supporting and attacking, at different times and places, seemingly contradictory positions on terrorism, Communist-backed revolutions, drugs, money laundering, and organized crime.  His unique point of view is widely quoted each week on Internet news sites and chat rooms.  Website: www.worldaffairsbrief.com 

Mr. Skousen possesses a broad background in various disciplines which allows him to analyze geopolitical issues from personal experience. He is a former Marine officer and fighter pilot and is intimately familiar with security and defense issues. From 1983-84 he served as the Chairman of the Conservative National Committee in Washington DC, a coalition of conservative organizations opposed to political compromise that undermines US sovereignty and security. He knows how the political process works and the dangers it presents to the preservation of liberty. While in Washington he also served as the Executive Editor of Conservative Digest where he developed numerous sources around the world that feed him primary information that rarely is seen in established media sources. Mr. Skousen travels widely and reads multiple foreign languages--enabling him to access a wide range of foreign reports.

 America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline:

Title: Why the Constitution is Essentially Dead and How to Fix It

Outline: The top political and legal Powers That Be [PTB] in the country routinely disregard the constitution whenever they deem it necessary and the courts refuse to hold them accountable to it. Constitutional oaths are a form of lip service paid to the founding document in order to deceive the public into thinking it is still in force, but the core essence of the limitations on government are already gone.  The PTB have long learned that as long as they let conservatives have religious freedom and move about relatively unimpeded, they will still think they are "free" no matter how much more the noose of tyranny tightens on the few who object and resist.  The Fix is not as simple as going back to the original, which they have ample experience in interpreting away and subverting.

 John Yves Bizimana was born in Kigali, Rwanda, and lived there until the Rwandan genocide in 1994. He then moved with his family to Harare, Zimbabwe, where he lived for eight years before relocating to Brussels, Belgium. Because of his Rwandan, Zimbabwean, and Belgian heritage, he considers himself a citizen of the world.

John resides in Provo, Utah, where he attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a degree in economics in August 2010. He enjoys performing African cultural dances, songs, and traditions with his friends in Voice of Africa, a Utah Valley performing group. He enjoys playing all kinds of sport – especially basketball – and learning about other cultures and languages.

"I was but 10 years old when I first heard of America and its glorious legends. I could not believe my eyes when I read the story of a poor boy born in a log cabin who rose to become one of America's greatest presidents. I heard about the American dream. I heard that a man could come to this country with nothing but the shirt on his back, but with toil, ascend to the status of a millionaire and live out the dreams he could never achieve in his native homeland.  From that early age my biggest dream became to one day come to America and pursue this legend. 10 years later, I finally got my chance to come and I did, only I was wearing my heart on my sleeve about my love for this country and the opportunities it offered -  opportunities I had not experienced yet. 

There is so much that is wrong with America but the good is overwhelming. The American dream is still alive ladies and gentleman, for those who are willing to toil. The opportunities that exist in no other country sit waiting to be ceased. In times of great trial, heroes have heeded the call of duty and prevailed against all odds. This is the story of America. It is my hope that when your day comes to bear testimony of this great country, be it in word or action, you will find yourself ready and willing to rise to the occasion and soar into the heavens of greatness. I love this country, and God bless America."

 John will be speaking at America's Freedom Education Week.  A summary of his presentation is below.

Many parts of the world only dream of the freedoms Americans enjoy. A summary of John's perceptions of America having lived in other different and interesting places such as Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Belgium, France, Switzerland and a few more.

 Bill Norton has been volunteering with the National Center for Constitutional Studies, or NCCS, for 8 years updating educational material related to the Constitution. He has been a presenter for the organization for 3 years.

 He was briefly mentored by Dr. W. Cleon Skousen, founder of NCCS, and Earl Taylor JR., the current president of NCCS.

He is the chairman of the Arizona State Constitutional Commemoration Committee and the founder of Constitution Week USA, the largest celebration on the Constitution in the nation.

He is a recipient of the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

Bill has owned a contracting company in Arizona for 21 years and currently resides in Gilbert, Arizona with his wife Ingra and four small children.

 Bill Norton’s America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline: 

Title: Principles of Liberty, the 28 principles that changed the world.

Outline: Discover the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Founding Fathers which they said must be understood and perpetuated by every people who desire peace, prosperity, and freedom. These beliefs have made possible more progress in 200 years than was made previously in over 5,000 years. Also included is a special expanded presentation on principles 7 & 14 relating to delegated powers, property, and the redistribution of wealth. This positive, exciting message will give you a lasting understanding of the Principles of Liberty. The seminar will follow The 5000 Year Leap text written by author and master teacher Dr. W. Cleon Skousen.

 Jerome Horowitz was raised in the Jewish faith in New York City.  He learned about the restored gospel while serving in the US Army during World War II.  After a year of serious study and prayer, he became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  With his acceptance of the gospel he reoriented his thinking about freedom and the Constitution to conform to his new understanding of eternal realities.  He started practicing law in 1947 and retired in 2003. 

Mr. Horowitz has done much writing and speaking about the Constitution including writing The Elders of Israel and the Constitution mentioned favorably by Ezra Taft Benson in his April 1972 General Conference address.  He is also the author of The United States Has Two Constitutions pointing out the difference between the Framers’ Constitution and the Supreme Court’s constitution, and The Constitution of the Founding Fathers that examines all the provisions of the Constitution and the Amendments from a gospel perspective. 

 America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline:

Title: Forgotten Fundamentals of the Constitution

Outline:  Today many people misunderstand the Constitution because they focus on its specific technical provisions without understanding the philosophy and intention behind those provisions.  Yet it is that philosophy and intention that illuminate the true meaning of the detailed provisions of the Constitution.   

In this talk entitled “Forgotten Fundamentals of the Constitution” Mr. Horowitz discusses the great principles underlying the detailed technical provisions of the Constitution.  Understanding those principles makes the Constitution a living document, not by reinterpreting it to fit modern times but by understanding the timeless realities of human nature underlying its detailed provisions

Born and raised on the Lac Courte Oreilles Indian reservation that is located in Northern Wisconsin.  She lived her teenage years in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area.  She attended Weber State College and Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College.  She married Derwin Lewis and they are the parents of 13 children. Of these 13 children, 10 are adopted, and all are Indian children from Wisconsin Native American tribes. 

Becky shares the incredible story of the coming together of such a diverse family. She tells of incredible experiences growing up in the north woods of Wisconsin during the 50’s and 60’s on the reservation, living in a tar paper shack with no plumbing, electricity and only wood for heating. Becky shares her unique conversion story of the Book of Mormon along with some traditional Indian teachings that correspond amazingly to the Book of Mormon.  She and her husband, returned to the reservation where they raised most of their children and during that 13 year tenure Becky served in many positions in her tribe, including serving on the Tribal Governing Board and in the office of Vice-Chair for the tribe. 

Becky & Derwin now live in Liberty, UT with their two youngest daughters; Autumn Rose and Starr Mamie Lewis. 

 Title: Constitutionally Speaking - One Ojibwe Woman's Experience

 Summary: Becky Lewis, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Indian Woman, former Vice Chair of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Band of Ojibwe Indians,  speaks of her experiences as she served as one of the first women elected to the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Indian Reservation  Tribal Governing Board, dealing with Ojibwe Indian Treaty Rights and being catapulted into mainstream US American politics during the 80's and 90's.

 Sharon Slater has dedicated the past ten years of her life to defending marriage, family and life.  Whether in a remote village in Africa, addressing 1.5 million people at a pro-marriage rally in Spain, or opposing challenges to family values in the United States, Canada or at the United Nations, Sharon is an internationally recognized leader in the effort to protect and promote the family and family values at the international, national and local level. 

In 1999, Sharon co-founded Family Watch International (FWI), a nonprofit organization in consultative status with the United Nations, and she currently serves as its president.  Among other activities, Sharon writes a biweekly column for The Family Watch a free e-newsletter with readers in over 160 countries around the world. 

Sharon holds a Bachelors degree in Family Sciences.  Before becoming involved in family issues, Sharon was a certified interpreter for the deaf and an instructor of American Sign Language at the university level.  She is also fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. 

 America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline:

Title: The International and National Threats to our Families and our Fundamental Freedoms

Outline: Questions that will be answered during this presentation:

Can our current form of government survive if the institution of the family fails or is drastically altered?

Does the morality of a nation’s people determine the degree to which a nation’s people are free?

Can our Constitution adequately govern a nation of immoral people?

Where same-sex marriage has been legalized, what has happened to religious freedom and parental rights?

 How does what happens at the United Nations impact our laws and our families?

What can we do to protect our families?

 David W. Allan was born in Mapleton, Utah on September 25, 1936. He received a B.S. degree in physics from Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, in 1960, and an M.S. degree in physics from the University of Colorado in 1965.

In 1960 he joined the Atomic Frequency and Time Standards Section of the National Bureau of Standards (later renamed the National Institute of Standards and Technology -- NIST), Boulder, Colorado, where he worked with ammonia beam masers and related quantum electronic devices.

Mr. Allan has published well over a 100 technical papers and written chapters in several books. During the development of the USA's Department of Defense Global Positioning System (GPS), he was a consultant for the DoD for characterizing and using atomic clocks in space.

David Allan’s mottos are "Truth is Light and Light is Love." To know and understand the TRUTH is his primary quest. His love of people and the history they have carved out in the context of "What makes us free?" are motivating to him, and he is active in promoting the freedoms provided by the founding fathers. He loves the mountains, and keeps himself fit by biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Over the years he has been an avid white-water river guide and photographer.

 America's Freedom Education Week presentation title and outline:

Title: Love - The First Law of Heaven; Helping it be on earth as it is in heaven makes all the difference.

Outline: Life is filled with hope as you glorify God and help His children come out of darkness into the light of His love.  Love helps you rejoice in the signs of the times that Christ is Coming. Science and Religion come together in harmony as with the Nephites – as demonstrated in the Hopewell’s “Land Bountiful” – who were filled with Christ’s love. Liberty was protected by our inspired Constitution; we will regain it in its fullness with His Coming, which is the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (THE BEST NEWS!) – leading to perfect love, which casts out all fear. PREPAREDNESS takes on a whole new meaning as we anticipate the days ahead through the eyes of love and the Lord’s perspective.  We have every reason to rejoice in the Lord.

 Hans Ancersen is the son of LDS General Authority H. Verlan Andersen who wrote many books upholding and sustaining the Constitution and good governance.  His fathers book, The Book of Mormon and the Constitution, is a masterpeice of insights into the importance of the founding of this nation and adherance to its founding documents. Hans graduated in accounting with a minor in economics from BYU in 1970 and has been operating his own accounting practise since 1972.  In 1981 and 1982 he served as the foreman of a federal grand jury in Salt Lake which indicted the Federal Reserve for violation of US Currency Laws.  He is also a radio talk show host on KSRR radio in Orem, Utah weekly which he has done for over three years. He has been a Constitutional volunteer lecturer at youth summer camps for the past 15 years.

Title: The Book of Mormon and the Constitution

Summary: The Founding Fathers Challenges in creating our Constitution and  our challenges to keep our Constitution.  The political philosophy of the Gadianton Robbers and today’s socialists.  16 prophets have rejected socialism/redistribution of wealth.

Jared Law is a pro-liberty researcher, writer, organizer, and activist, whose fight to help restore America's Constitutional Republic is relatively young, compared to many of the speakers at this week-long event. Jared Law has studied the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the founding documents of this nation, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, and other original sources, and has read dozens of books on politics, history, and ideology. Mr. Law was raised in a very conservative home, and learned the laws of nature and of nature's God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Principles of Freedom which are enshrined in the Constitution in his youth.

Mr. Law is the Utah State Volunteer Coordinator for Glenn Beck's 9.12 Project, and the founder of The 9.12 Project Network, a private social network for those who agree with the Nine Principles & 12 Values of The 9.12 Project. 

When Glenn Beck began talking about how "We Surround Them" on January 27th, 2009, during the second hour of his talk radio show, in response to a phone call from Ed of New Haven, CT, Mr. Law knew he had to do more than simply comment on news stories on Facebook. By the time that a month had passed, Jared had already built, and had started recruiting members for a social network he had created and dedicated to whatever it was that Glenn Beck was going to do. When Glenn Beck disclosed The 9.12 Project name to insiders listening to him during a commercial break on his talk radio show, the morning of Friday the 13th of March, 2009, Jared had already invested over 300 hours recruiting well over 3,000 members to The 9.12 Project Network. He immediately purchased the current domain name, 'the912project.us,' and renamed the network from 'We Surround Them USA' to 'The 9.12 Project Network." Since that time, Jared's social network has experienced growth of well over 1,200%, and will surpass 40,000 members nationwide during America's Freedom Education Week. Jared has organized what we believe to be the largest political rally of Principled Patriots in Utah history, with over 3,500 9.12'ers attending his 9/12/2009 rally at the Utah State Capitol.

Title: The Covenant of Freedom

Summary: A sacred covenant exists between God & the inhabitants of the United States of America. In multiple ancient civilizations, those who failed to honor the covenant were annihilated from off the face of the Earth. Jared will discuss the covenant, including quotes from prophets and other notable individuals, applying it to American history through the present day. Americans must know that if we wish to remain free, we MUST honor the Covenant of Freedom!

Part II: Applying the Covenant of Freedom to Our Day: Our Patriotic Duties and Applied Constitutionalism

In addition to honoring the Covenant of Freedom in a spiritual sense, in addition to learning about it in a historical sense, we must also honor it in a practical, immediate sense if we wish to survive as a nation. 'God helps those who help themselves.' We know we can't just be good people; we must be informed, involved citizens armed with principles AND knowledge. Jared offers a practical guide for restoring America, from education to elections and activism. If we do our part, honor ourselves and God, then ask for His help, we can restore America!

Imagine …feeling the peace of the gospel while hearing messages from the Lord delivered through the voice of a “new Karen Carpenter.”  Even at an early age, Michele Baer’s rich, war tone captivated audiences causing this comparison.  She has performed in musical theater, and benefit concerts…composed music for youth conferences, directed choirs, and participated regularly as a speaker at “Especially for Youth.”  Her first two releases “Out of the Dust” and “Never Give Up: Songs of Faith and Family” have brought peace and hope to listeners everywhere.

With a degree from Brigham Young University and American Mothers Nat’l Vocal award for her ability to balance family, music and community service, Michele recently made the top 6 finalists out of 700 for the Deseret Book Dodgers National Anthem Contest.  Michele is very excited to introduce her latest album titled “You’re Worth it All”. After many impressions, she decided to write and record a compilation of special songs to lift and comfort those going through difficult trials. This is her best work yet in collaboration with renowned arrangers Merrill Jenson and Michael Dowdle, and duets with the talented tenor Jordan Bluth.

Kurt Bestor, renowned composer and performer, opined “Michele Baer is more than just a good singer. She possesses a rare gift for melody and an ability to capture the deepest emotions in song and verse.”

Jaden Bliss wrote her first song when she was in the fifth grade titled “I Can Be A Hero.” Since then she has co-written many patriotic songs to pay tribute to our Veterans and all of our brave men and women who protect our freedoms. At the age of twelve she began selling herself produced CD door to door to raise money for the children of fallen soldiers.  She raised $1,520 and donated 100% of those proceeds to the “Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund” and the “National Freedom Alliance”. Her song “God Bless Our Soldiers Tonight” first aired on the Bob Lonsberry Show and has touched many lives including our soldiers overseas. Jaden has sent over 350 copies of her CD to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, including 100 last Christmas.  She continues to donate her time to local charities benefiting Military families.

With the help of “Mike’s Guardian Eagle Foundation” Jaden has had the opportunity to perform at numerous military events and present her patriotic program to children at elementary schools across the Country.   She was also a recipient of the prestigious “Freedom Award” at the 2008 Freedom Festival; the first time they have ever given the award to someone so young.

Jaden recently returned home from her second trip to Washington DC where she performed at the Pentagon for “Rolling Thunder” as well as in the National Parade. She was also invited to take part in a wreath laying ceremony and place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Three years ago Jaden signed a publishing and distribution deal for her CD “God Bless Our Soldiers” with Cedar Fort Publishing.  Her newest CD, “I Want To Thank You”  includes 11 of Jaden’s  original patriotic songs, with arrangements by award winning musicians/composers Ron Saltmarsh, Michael Dowdle and Robert Allen Elliott.  It is available at local LDS book stores as well as Jaden’s web site www.blessoursoldiers.com 

 Gregg Hardy founded the Colonial Heritage Foundation that displayed prominently in the Freedom Festival, Provo, Utah.  He is a 'ringer' for Benjamin Franklin when he dawns his old style regalia along with his wife and son and caused folks to take double and triple takes!  He is a true patriot as well. 

The  Fab Five from NBC’s  "America's Got Talent" are power tap dancers from a dairy farm in Morgan, Utah where life consisted of raising wheat, cows, and family. From these Utah roots came five fabulous sisters who could accomplish daily dairy chores in the morning and dance like wildfire at dusk. Nearly three decades of dancing has brought tours, trophies, husbands, and kids. The Whitear sisters are impressing audiences across America not only because of their fancy footwork, but because the sisters — better known as the "Fab Five" — are all Mormon wives and mothers with 17 children collectively.

The Whitear sisters who billed themselves as the Fab Five made it to the 2009 finals of NBC's "America's Got Talent" and will be performing throughout our Friday July 9th fundraising event. Shaundalee Morgan, who lives in Burley, Idaho, said "We've all been dancing since we were kids. Veva the youngest has been dancing since she could walk and I've been dancing since I was eight."

The Fab Five sisters' lives have been filled with smiles and tears: their father lost his farm to economic hardships, a child with severe cerebral palsy, and another child with kidney disease, but through it all, family and dancing were there. The Fab Five, made up of Veva Ahlstrom (age 24), Cambria Gibson (age 28), Ayrion Myers (age 31), Shaundalee Morgan (age 33) and LaChere Vawdrey (age 35), are forever family strong. Click HERE to watch their "America's Got Talent" week 8 performance!

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch proudly shows everyone who visits him a painting of his great-grandfather, Jeremiah Hatch, entering Utah's Uintah Basin on horseback. Jeremiah founded what is now Vernal in 1878, and left a great legacy.

Hatch has carried the torch of his great-grandfather’s frontiersman spirit all his life, from his working-class upbringing in Pittsburgh to a successful Utah law practice, and eventually to representing the Beehive State in Washington.

Hatch reached his full height of 6’2” his junior year of high school. His height gave him considerable advantage on his school’s basketball team – but he weighed only 118 pounds. Despite his scrawny build, Hatch became a scrappy boxer and came to pack a jarring punch for a youngster his size. Hatch balanced his athletic pursuits with scholarly discipline and a passion for music. He learned to play the piano, organ, and violin. While in high school, Hatch was elected to the student Senate, and later as student body president.

As a young man, Hatch learned the value of hard work as a metal lather and a card-carrying member of the AFL-CIO. As a student, he struggled to provide for a growing family as a janitor, lather, and all-night desk attendant in a dormitory. He earned a bachelor’s in history from Brigham Young University and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

In 1954, Hatch served a mission for his church to the Great Lakes . After returning, he married Elaine Hansen of Newton, Utah , on August 28, 1957. The two had met in an astronomy class at BYU thanks to an alphabetical seating chart. The two have six children and a growing brood of grand- and great-grandchildren, sometimes called “Hatchlings.”

Hatch is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, where he serves on the subcommittees on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure and Taxation and IRS Oversight. Hatch is also on the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, as well as the Joint Committee on Taxation. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Through local newspapers Lincoln read extensively of the Mormon persecutions in Missouri and then, as a young Illinois State Legislator watched with interest as some 6,000 homeless Mormons entered his state for Nauvoo. Learn about the Mormons he knew and see how his political views were nearly identical to Joseph Smith’s, as were Lincoln’s doctrinal beliefs.  Lincoln joined no Protestant church because he believed they misinterpreted the Bible.

Brother Andersen holds a master’s of education degree in guidance and counseling. He has conducted extensive research on the admirable life and character traits of Abraham Lincoln along with his perceptions of and contacts with the early Mormon Church and Joseph Smith.  He is the founder of the Lincoln Leadership Society. He works for the LDS Church and serves on the Young Men General Board. He is a member of the Foundation for the National Archives and the Abraham Lincoln Association.

Brother Andersen is the author of  Abraham Lincoln- God’s Humble Instrument. (Released 2009). His book brings to life Lincoln’s principled character and faith.  He is a member of the Foundation for the National Archives, The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of Utah, the Abraham Lincoln Association, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.  Having given hundreds of presentations to groups, large and small, Mr. Andersen will intrigue audiences with a mirthful and inspiring presentation from the Lincoln Leadership Society Lecture Series called:  We Can Learn A Lot From Lincoln.  Lecture Syllabus

Douglas E. Brinley is a retired professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University.  He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Utah State University and a Ph.D. from BYU.  The author or coauthor of 10 books, including Between Husband and Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy, he is also a popular speaker at BYU Education Week.  He has served as the president of the Texas Dallas Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he and his wife, Geri, are the parents of six children.

Douglas speaks of his newly released book, America in Peril; Ten Stages in the Destruction of a Promised Land.  There have been 4 civilizations that have inhabited this land from its creation.  The first three were destroyed by the Lord because of their wickedness.  They all began well, only to disintegrate and violate covenants with Deity. His presentation follows their rise and demise through ten stages so that those of us now living on this land can see what Mormon and Moroni, who saw our day, felt we needed to know in order to avoid the same fate. What Latter-day Saints can do to prevent the same ending as the former civilizations will become clear.

David Lindsley exhibited artistic talent at an early age. At age 11, he studied with legendary artist Jon Gnagy and later received art scholarships for college and university training. David has also studied with artists Daniel Greene and Tom Browning. From 8x10-inch miniatures to 8x10-foot murals, he works exclusively in oils and has created commissioned works for private collections, colleges, publications, and corporations, including the LDS Church.  His portrait of Joseph Smith standing before the Kirtland, Ohio Temple holding the Book of Mormon in his outstretched hand was chosen to depict the Prophet Joseph on the front cover of the church’s manual “Teachings of Presidents of the Church; Joseph Smith” being studied this year. 

David tells the story behind his incredible painting of the prophet and his desire to create on canvas the historic reality of events, people and places from the scriptures and Church history.  He unveiled for the first time a newly completed masterful original art piece of the tender scene from the Book of Mormon wherein the Savior takes the little children into his arms for a very special moment in history.  This scene, depicted in a backdrop from an ancient culture that once flourished in the Heartland of America, gives the viewer a profound sense of the Savior’s love and compassion as well as the beauty and hope of innocent children.

Jason is a Utah Valley artist who specializes in traditional, figurative sculpture.  As a missionary for the LDS church in Paris, France, he was able to observe and appreciate the vast tradition of classical art.  Upon return, he learned the fundamentals of casting while working at a bronze foundry. As an apprentice to renowned sculptor, Kraig Varner, he learned the foundation of figurative sculpture.  He observed and incorporated creativity and imagination while working for local artist, James Christensen.  Jason returned to France to continue his education under internationally famed sculptor, Martine Vaugel.  On his own, Jason has undertaken many public and private commissions including two pieces for the Atlanta and Salt Lake Olympics as well as various public monuments for groups and private business.  He is currently the lead sculptor at Luna Bronze, LLC in Heber City where his work can be seen locally. As a member of the LDS Church, he has a strong testimony and the deep desire to portray scenes from the Book of Mormon. 

Jason speaks, as an LDS artist, about the challenge of portraying Book of Mormon scenes in sculpture.  He unveiled his recently created bas-relief depicting Joseph Smith's discovery of Zelph titled “Visions of the past” at the FIRM Foundations Book of Mormon Prophecies Conference, Oct. 2009.  He utilized church history, private journal accounts, as well as archaeological facts surrounding the Zelph accounts before making this masterpiece.  Always busy creating, he also talks about future art commissions related to the Book of Mormon.

Mary Ellen Wood was born in Ogden, Utah and raised in Clearfield, Utah.  She was a natural born leader and  held many positions in student government. In 1952 Mary Ellen married Stanley Millard Smoot.  They have seven children and fostered five children.  Family History is Mary Ellen’s passion.  Every 24th of July she and her sisters organize the Wood Family Reunion.  This reunion is very elaborate with guest speakers, dances, competitions, parades and of course, family histories made available to family.

In 1975 Mary Ellen co-authored, The City In-Between, a history of Centerville, with Marilyn Sheriff.  She also organized the Centerville Historical Society.  In 1983, Mary Ellen accompanied her husband to Ohio, where her husband presided over the Ohio Columbus Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints, and later the Ohio Akron Mission.  The Smoots later served as the head of Church hosting for VIPs that visited Temple Square and LDS Church headquarters in Salt Lake City.  They hosted many world leaders, including Mikhail Gorbachav and Lady Margaret Thatcher. 

From 1997 to 2002 Mary Ellen served as the thirteenth General President of the Relief Society of the LDS Church.  In 1998 Mary Ellen went to Rome to help plan World Congress of Families held in Geneva, Switzerland in 1999.  She spoke at the Congress on “Suggestions to Strengthen Families” and received a standing ovation.  She and her husband currently serve on the advisory board of the West Ridge Academy.   

Kimberly Smith and son Bryan Davis from Nauvoo, Illinois share their amazing conversion story and baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and perform moving and uplifting original music inspired by their ancestor's lives.

Kimberly, as an adult, visited the Osmond Family Theater in Branson, Missouri where she met Merrill Osmond.  Merrill invited her to take the missionary discussions at his home.  Kimberly had no knowledge of her great-great-grandfather, Joseph Smith Jr.'s history or accomplishments before meeting with Merrill, and she gained her testimony of the restoration of the gospel, and the granduer of her renowned ancestor, in the same way as all must do who seek after truth.  Shortly thereafter Merrill Osmond baptized Kimberly into the Church.

Kimberly is the great-great-granddaughter of the Prophet Joseph Smith and Emma Smith.  Her son Bryan Davis is the great-great-great-grandson to Joseph and Emma.

 Vicki Jo Anderson has dedicated over 10 years of her life researching the great eminent men and women who appeared to Wilford Woodruff in 1877 in the St. George, Utah temple.  Vicki graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.S. degree in Sociology then went on to earn a M.A. degree in History form Coral Ridge Baptist University (George Wythe Campus).  She was awarded four grants from BYU to assist in the research project.  She is a former home schooler, past president of Arizona Charter School Association and owner of Zichron Historical Research Institute.  Prior to her marriage to Steve Anderson and subsequent eight children she served a mission in Paraguay/Uruguay.  She has lectured extensively throughout the Southwestern United States.