About the Foundation

The Carolinas Freedom Foundation was founded in 1995 in response to former prisoner of war and retired Air Force Col. Quincy Collins' concerns about the lack of an organization in the area to promote patriotism and honor veterans. Working with then Mayor Richard Vinroot and former Mayor John Belk, a blue ribbon committee recommended that an organization be established for these specific purposes.

Our mission is to inspire patriotism and leadership in our community, especially in our youth. Our Values: Honoring our veterans and men and women in uniform. Character development. Patriotism. Selfless Service. Teach love of country and our freedoms.

Over the years, the Foundation has grown to become recognized as the "go to" organization in the community where promoting patriotism and honoring those who serve are concerned. The Foundation also now has an active part in working with the schools in the area sponsoring character development programs.

The foundation was chartered in 1995 as a 501 (c ) (3) corporation, originally as the Charlotte Veterans Association. As the scope of the programs grew, the name was changed to the Carolinas Freedom Foundation to better reflect the initiatives in which the Foundation is involved. These range from Honoring our Veterans to Character Development programs within the schools.