The American Friends of Lafayette and The Doughboy Foundation will host an event honoring the Marquis de Lafayette on his 268th birthday. We will also commemorate the bicentennial of his tour through the United States (1824- 1825).
The Maryland Military Band will play music heard by Lafayette during his visit to America from 1924 through 1825. The band will also play the National Anthem of France and the United States.
The afternoon program will include notable speakers and descendants of pilots from the Lafayette Escadrille. The ceremony will conclude with a wreath ceremonty and the sounding of Aux Morts and Taps.
The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Speaker-Charles Schwam, Executive Director, American Friends of Lafayette & National Sales Executive, Guernsey, Inc.
Charles Schwam works as an account executive and runs day-to-day activities for a non-profit association simultaneously. Chuck, as he is known, came to the greater Washington DC area from Philadelphia to attend American University in 1978 to study sports journalism. Shortly thereafter, he found his skills better suited as an account executive instead of a broadcaster. For over forty years, he has been the leader in his industry, managing national and local accounts while maintaining the top position in sales and new business.
Chuck’s unwavering passion for both his professional career and his work with The American Friends of Lafayette has been a driving force in the organization’s transformation. From the moment he discovered the association in 2009, he became deeply engaged. By 2011, he had already joined the Board of Governors as Treasurer, and over time, his leadership role expanded to Executive Director, where he also took on the responsibilities of Event Planning for the annual conference and publishing the quarterly Gazette.
What began as a personal interest in history soon evolved into a profound appreciation for the Marquis de Lafayette and his embodiment of the enduring, positive relationship between France and America. This admiration resonated deeply with Chuck, and over the past 15 years, he has dedicated himself to sharing Lafayette’s legacy and the importance of Franco-American friendship with the broader public. His commitment to education and advocacy has fostered a sense of community and passion among fellow members of the association.
Chuck’s extensive experience in account management played a pivotal role in the association’s growth. Together with the President, Chuck helped expand the organization from a niche historical group into a nationally recognized institution. His strategic vision, coupled with his leadership and tireless dedication, has helped the club reach schools, other associations, and communities across the country, bringing the story of Lafayette and the Franco-American relationship to a wider audience.
Currently, Chuck is the Chairperson of the AFL’s Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour 2024-2025. There are currently 40+ committees comprised of over members across 24 states working actively to plan events, learning engagements, and experiences designed to bring awareness and education to the public of the legacy of General Lafayette and the French involvement in the American Revolution.
This role as Chairperson of the Tour has provided him the opportunity to lecture to significant audiences such as the. Independence Hall in Philadelphia, University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, and the Embassy of France in Washington, DC. Chuck’s most impactful speeches took place on December 10, 2024, when he was given the honor to address members of Congress in Statuary Hall at the US Capitol in Washington DC and then being given the distinction of speaking at French Ambassador Bili’s Residence later that evening.
Because educating the public is a main priority for Chuck and the association he has engaged in and hosted hundreds of public facing free educational events around the county. Chuck has played a part in every single event the American Friends of Lafayette have hosted, both in the United States and France. Whether it be the annual flag changing ceremony at Cimetière de Picpus in Paris or the arrival of the Hermione in the United States, or all 250 Lafayette Bicentennial events in 2024 and 2025, Chuck has had a hand in it all.
When it comes to getting things done, Chuck is the go-to person. Whether it’s fundraising, designing promotional materials (from websites to scarves and pins), or handling complex logistics, he excels at it all. His talent for connecting people and fostering collaboration is unparalleled, turning ideas into powerful initiatives that make a lasting, positive impact on the world around us.
Speaker – Jari Villanueva, Executive Director, The Doughboy Foundation
Jari Villanueva retired from the U.S. Air Force after spending 23 years with The U.S. Air Force Band in Washington, DC. He is regarded as the country’s foremost expert on military bugle calls, particularly the call of Taps. He served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the USAF’s band State Funeral Plans and held the position of NCOIC at the command post at Andrews AFB, overseeing the arrival and departure ceremonies for late Presidents Reagan and Ford. As a ceremonial trumpeter, Villanueva participated in more than 5,000 ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetary and served as an assistant drum major, leading the USAF Ceremonial Brass in funerals. Between 2009 and 2017, Villanueva worked for the Maryland Military Department, serving as the Director of Veterans Affairs, Maryland National Guard Honor Guard, which provides funeral honors to more than 3,500 veterans each year. He also served as conductor/commander of the Maryland Defense Force Band and retired in 2017 at the rank of Lt. Colonel.
In August 2023, Villanueva was appointed Executive Director of The Doughboy Foundation, which supports programs, projects and activities that educate the public about America’s participation in World War 1. Villanueva has received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1978 from the Peabody Conservatory of John Hopkins University. In 1984, he received a Master of Music degree from Kent State.
Schedule of Events
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