In Honor of all Servicemen and Servicewomen

Past, Present, Future

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.

Cost of Freedom was honored to receive a $10,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation’s Community Service Award (CSA) program in May of 2025.  Nominated by COF Board Member, Deanna Filosa, this grant will allow us to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of service men and women

Bob Madden

President​​

Click to Download the 2025 Cost of Freedom Calendar

2024 COST OF FREEDOM WEEKEND

​December 13th - December 15th

A Message from our President

Cost of Freedom Family,

Thank you for celebrating our 18th Annual Cost of Freedom Weekend at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, MD, from December 13-15. This year, we were honored to host 101 guests, including representatives from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and even the Space Force. Among our attendees were three Gold Star families and a total of 15 children.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with a meet-and-greet, featuring an open toast to God, family, country, and the shared pride of serving our fellow man. The Suffolk County Police Piping Band ushered us into the ballroom, where the festivities began with a moving tribute to our nation’s flag. Medal of Honor recipient Jim “Doc” McCloughan sang the National Anthem, Delaney Madden led the Pledge of Allegiance with future cyberspace warriors, and Rob Madden ’97 performed “Ragged Old Flag.” The Fort Meade Color Guard presented the colors and conducted a special flag-folding ceremony, setting the tone for a heartfelt evening of respect and remembrance.

Our 2024 theme, “Honor the Sacrifice; Empower the Future,” was carried through the entire weekend. Following a “Cost of Freedom-style family Italian buffet” dinner, “Doc” McCloughan shared inspiring words about the values that make our nation great: courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism. The evening reinforced the bonds of love and camaraderie among attendees, a group united by shared sacrifices—where all had given some, and some had given all.

Bestselling author Jack McLean spoke about his journey of healing from guilt and PTSD through writing his books, Loon: A Marine Story and Loon: A Veteran Story, encouraging us all to embrace opportunities to change our paths.

The Army-Navy Game
Saturday’s highlight was the much-anticipated Army-Navy game, a bucket-list event for many. Though the Navy emerged victorious with a 31-13 win, Army’s nine combat-wounded veteran families stood shoulder to shoulder with everyone throughout the game, embodying the spirit of mutual respect. We were blessed with a sheriff's escort to the stadium and enjoyed a VIP tailgate hosted by the Travis Manion Foundation. Meanwhile, 30 guests opted to watch the game from the warmth of the hospitality suite, graciously hosted by Cindy Coyle, spouse of Gary Coyle ’72.

Although securing football tickets remains a challenge, we managed to provide 71 seats, ensuring all honored guests and their families could witness America’s game. One poignant moment in the suite came when Ron Stowell and Paul Huck assisted Bob Zimmerman to stand and join in singing “Navy Blue and Gold” — a beautiful act of selfless love.

Saturday Night Tributes
The evening included a heartfelt tribute to the USS Cole, led by Command Master Chief James Parlier, USN (Ret), and Gold Star mom Patty Wibberley, with a special video message from Rear Admiral Stanley Bryant ’69, USN (Ret). During our annual candle ceremony, the core values of honor, courage, and commitment were passed from a serviceman to selected children, ensuring the next generation understands and embodies these principles.

Poet Laureate Rodney Harmon, USA, shared his piece, “Baton,” which encouraged reflection on the present, past, and future.

Sunday Morning Farewell
The weekend concluded with a fabulous Sunday morning breakfast in the hospitality suite, lovingly prepared by ’72 spouses. Guests enjoyed home-baked goodies, healthy treats, and warm hugs before departing. The gathering was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our veterans make and the importance of showing appreciation for their service.

For the ’72ers, the celebration extended into Sunday evening, as they gathered for a special dinner to reminisce about their plebe year and share cherished memories.

We are deeply grateful for everyone who participated in making this event a success. This weekend was a testament to the power of love, sacrifice, and patriotism. As we journey forward, may this calendar, the event and its memories serve as encouragement and inspiration.

Go Navy, Go Army, Go America!
Visit us at CostofFreedomInc.org.

Warm regards,
Bob Madden and The Cost of Freedom Team

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*

Sgt Christine Collier, USAF (Ret)

​*USNA Class of 1972

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​Click for Slideshow

Pictured: Bob Madden, Deanna Filosa and Robert S. Madden

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

"Empowered Women Empower Women" Program