We are pleased to annouce that Russ Meade, founder of Operation Freedom Ballot, will be our Master of Ceremonies for this year's conference.
Russ enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school, and served from 1988-1996 in the following capacities: Communications, Public Affairs and Infantry. In 2004, he enlisted again and volunteered to deploy to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.
After returning from active duty, Russ was compelled to remind the families of service members killed in Iraq that their loss what not in vain. He chose to honor Gold Star families with an official Iraqi ballot, which was created for the first democratic election in the nation's history. The ballot signifies freedom, and reminds us that freedom was bought at a price. "My hope and prayer," proclaims Russ, "is that this ballot may give each family a small feeling of peace in knowing that their son or daughter’s death gave others a chance at freedom, which we as Americans take for granted."
Below is a brief video proudly showing Operation Freedom Ballot's mission. It's a moving and compassionate video sure to instill pride and remind viewers of the reasons for our soldiers dedication to service and freedom.
We are pleased to annouce that Russ Meade, founder of Operation Freedom Ballot, will be our Master of Ceremonies for this year's conference.
After returning from active duty, Russ was compelled to remind the families of service members killed in Iraq that their loss what not in vain. He chose to honor Gold Star families with an official Iraqi ballot, which was created for the first democratic election in the nation's history. 
The ballot signifies freedom, and reminds us that freedom was bought at a price. "My hope and prayer," proclaims Russ, "is that this ballot may give each family a small feeling of peace in knowing that their son or daughter’s death gave others a chance at freedom, which we as Americans take for granted."
