To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter of support on behalf of Rory Fanning as a presenter and public speaker. I had the great fortune of meeting Rory through the “Walk for Pat” event to support the Pat Tillman Foundation. Rory made numerous appearances to schools and community organizations at my request.
The feedback from teachers, program leaders and students was that Rory’s message was inspiring, relevant and impactful. He clearly understood the various audiences and altered his message to fit the specific audience.
I would strongly recommend Rory as a speaker. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 719-866-2032.
Amazing Awaits,
Charlie Huebner
Chief of Paralympics
Secretary General, Paralympics
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To Whom it May Concern,
Rory Fanning gave a forty - five minute presentation on his Walk for Pat to the Northridge Prep high school students in September, 2009. He explained the importance of Pat Tillman as an example of living for ideals of service rather than just material concerns and as an extraordinary athlete who was a reader and deep thinker. Rory also chronicled his own quest for renewed faith in ideals and people through his fund-raising walk across the US. His PowerPoint presentation and commentary stressed the many generous ordinary people he discovered on his journey and the advantages of taking in nature and historical sites slowly and reflectively.
Rory's presentation was very well-organized and grade-appropriate. By turns moving and amusing, it kept the attention of a young audience and led them to ask many questions during the Q and A. Students commented afterwards that they really enjoyed the presentation and learned much from it.
We recommend Rory's presentation to any school. In fact, we plan to have him come back to give an age-adjusted version of it to our middle-school students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gerard W. Shepherd
Director of Guidance
Northridge Prep. high school
847.375.0600
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To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great honor that I write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Rory Fanning. He came to our school last spring to speak to our students about his journey across America as he raised awareness and money for the Pat Tillman Foundation. He shared photos on a powerpoint presentation that represented the great states and people he encountered on his way.
Rory made a connection with all the children as he shared anecdotes about the challenges and triumphs he experienced. Today, children often look to athletes/entertainers as their heroes and the values they live are often questionable. Rory spoke of Pat Tillman’s core values that made him a true American hero. Rory is also a man children can look up to as he committed nine months of his life to a cause that was much greater than himself. His message was one of determination, courage, commitment, and passion. Children and adults can learn a great deal from Rory’s message.
Therefore, I strongly recommend you to invite Rory to speak to your group and listen to his message of selflessness and courage.
If I can be of further assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me at lfronczke@d84.org or by phone at 847-455-7960.
Sincerely,
Lois Fronczke, Principal
Pietrini Elementary School
Franklin Park, IL
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To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of Rory Fanning, a former Army Ranger who walked across the United States in 2008 to honor the life of Pat Tillman. Rory's extraordinary efforts raised funds for the nonprofit Pat Tillman Foundation - but perhaps even more importantly, his efforts shined a bright light on Pat Tillman's life and motivated countless people to become a better person.
Throughout his journey across the country, Rory spoke to a wide range of communities and audiences, ranging from schoolchildren of all ages, community leaders and service organizations. Besides speaking about Pat's leadership model, Rory spoke about finding true freedom, living in peace, and the goodness of the American people he met along the way.
I had the opportunity to listen to several of Rory's presentations while he traversed through Arizona, and I can tell you first-hand that he motivated and inspired each audience.
The website for his walk is www.walkforpat.org. The Pat Tillman Foundation carries forward Pat's inspiring legacy through several "leadership through action" programs, including scholarships for Veterans and their families, and a Tillman Scholars program for college students.
Rory is an engaging speaker, with a truly motivating message. I hope that you are able to share his message with your organization.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Pendergast
Pendergast Marketing and Communications
cpender4@cox.net
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Rory came to our school after his walk dressed in the same clothes he wore during his long journey, carrying the same staff and rucksack which served him so well. He painted such vivid pictures in the minds of our kindergarten through fifth grade students that each was able to "see" the people and experience the events Rory encountered along his long walk. Our students came to know a little about the America in which they all live, but few of them will ever get to experience. Rory's stories, which were full of humor, told of an America far from the corrupt, violent, jaded America we see on the news or read about in the papers each day. He spoke of a country filled with compassionate, intelligent and hardworking people who are always willing to help a neighbor. All of us left that assembly with renewed pride and respect in ourselves for just being Americans.Rory's dedication to his friend and to the task he set for himself makes him a wonderful role model for all students who often have so few strong men in their lives. His humor, compassion and strong love of his country should inspire all of us who listened to his talk to become better people. Rory's talk was a wonderful experience for our students as well as for our faculty.Sincerely,Dianne Larsen
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To Whom It May Concern:
It is a pleasure to write this letter on behalf of Rory Fanning. I am a fourth grade teacher at Sunset Canyon Elementary School in Phoenix, AZ. Last year our school had the unique opportunity to have Mr. Rory Fanning come speak to our students and share his story. Mr.Fanning stopped at our school on his way through Arizona, as he made his way across the country on foot, in honor of Pat Tillman. Rory's presence and story is one that the students and staff at Sunset Canyon will never forget.
Our school has a great focus on helping students to be good citizens. Rory's presentation to the students was relevant, inspiring, and real. The students were exposed to a story of determination, selflessness, commitment, and courage. Rory told of his reasons for giving back and doing something to honor a man who was a hero to many. He also told of the goodness he
found in people across the country. He opened up his heart and answered the students' questions, adding humor along the way.
The response after Mr. Fanning's presentation was overwhelming. Students and staff were left motivated and inspired. The students walked away with a positive message with which to use in their own lives.
I strongly recommend Rory Fanning as a speaker. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 480-25I-5912.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cindv LeBlanc
4th Grade Teacher
Sunset Canyon Elementary School
Phoenix, AZ