Bob Madden

2023 President's Message​​

2023 COST OF FREEDOM WEEKEND

A Message from our President

It continues to be both an honor and a privilege to serve as President of Cost of Freedom, Inc. for the past 18 years.  Our mission remains to honor our servicemen and servicewomen, those that defend our borders and protect our nation’s greatest treasure – freedom.  As our theme last year was “Autograph a Heart,” we are continually reminded that our actions have a “butterfly effect” on all those around us.  Making a small difference in the life of one can have a lasting impact on the lives of many. The purpose of each year’s theme is to remind ourselves that we need to fight the daily battles to become better, not bitter, and to be encouraged by the acts of others, or to be the encourager, moving forward with optimism toward higher ground.  This year’s theme is “Honor the Sacrifice; Empower the Future,” inspired by our Medal of Honor recipients that have paved a pathway for all of us to empowerment.

Our Cost of Freedom weekend, which includes the Army-Navy game at Commanders Field in Washington, DC is represented by the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, SEALs, Special Forces, and other organizations that love our Veterans – we are a family of Patriots known as the “Cost of Freedom family” for not only the weekend, but for the days ahead as well.  We are ‘rope teams” or “swim buddies” or a “band of brothers and sisters” that have each other’s back when the going gets tough.

We are honored to have several special guests this year who exemplified “honor, courage, and/or commitment” and share with us how their “sacrifice” empowered them to move forward.  For example, MCS James Parlier, USN (Ret) brings us through the perils of being on board a ship, USS Cole (DDG-67), which sustained death and injury to its crew because of a terrorist attack.  Lessons learned cannot be undone, but benefits the future, if taken to improvement.  Our honored guests share their journeys, giving us a greater appreciation of how to overcome adversity with the help of others.

In addition to celebrating with approximately 100 Servicemen and women guests in Turf Valley, Maryland, an effort to teach the values of courage, patriotism, citizenship, sacrifice, and integrity to the 15 children that attended is an investment in our future.  Our actions speak louder than our words, and the Cost of Freedom team again engaged in a reach out programs to Veterans in need, coordinated by Deanna Filosa.

Cost of Freedom has also sponsored a total of 15 puppies with a purpose through America’s VetDogs in memory of or in honor of those that have served their country or have made an impact on the lives of others.  This year we sponsored Bomilcar, in memory of Stephen Miller, a USNA ’72 classmate, who was an integral part of our Cost of Freedom family.

2024 was represented by three Gold Star families, ensuring we must never forget those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Marianna Winchester, mother of 1st Lt Ron Winchester, USMC (KIA,) Cpl Albert Gettings, USMC (KIA,) son of Dave and Julie Gettings, and SA Craig B. Wibberley, US, (KIA,) son of Tom and Patty Wibberley, represented those that gave all. Part of our mission is to never forget them (a soldier is not dead until he is forgotten) and to carry forward the ideals and values that Ronnie. Albert, and Craig lived by – honor, courage, and commitment.

Thank you for your continued support of those that served us – it is our turn to serve them. 

Our Board of Directors

Bob Madden, Co-Founder and President*
Ron Stowell, Co-Founder and Treasurer*
Paul Huck, Secretary*
Sgt Adam Kisielewski, USMC (Ret)

Robert S. Madden II
Deanna Filosa

​Bob Zimmerman, Director Emeritus*
Hugh Blomeke, Director Emeritus*

Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret) Gretchen Evans, Director Emeritas

​*USNA Class of 1972

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Click for Slideshow

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Honoring Female Veterans

Atlanta Drive Thru Baby Shower

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COF Board Member, Deanna Filosa, was awarded a $20,000 grant by Invest in Others for the 

"Empowered Women Empower Women" Program

Cost of Freedom, Inc. 

Donors who make charitable contributions will receive an acknowledgement from Cost of Freedom, Inc. and may be eligible for a tax deduction on their income tax return.

In Honor of all Servicemen and Servicewomen

Past, Present, Future