Longtime Conservative Leader David Keene Headlines Young Americans for Freedom Alumni Luncheon

By

newguardstaff

March 9, 2017

More than 80 Young Americans for Freedom alumni, students, and guests gathered at the Gaylord Resort in National Harbor, Maryland, on February 23, for the third annual Young Americans for Freedom Alumni Luncheon.

Hosted by Young America’s Foundation in conjunction with YAF alumni Mike Thompson and Pat Korten, the luncheon is one of the largest gatherings of YAF alumni and current YAF students. Thompson and, Ron Pearson, vice president of Young America’s Foundation’s board of directors, shared remarks with the audience. YAF National Chairman Grant Strobl and his fellow YAF activists Clare McKinney, Daniel Weldon, Adam Ochs, and Kara Bell gave updates on the current state of affairs on their college campuses.

Pat Korten introduced former YAF National Chairman and Washington Times Opinion Editor David Keene as the keynote speaker. Keene spoke on “Conservatism in the Trump Era” and enlightened the crowd with his analysis.

Keene challenged conservatives to question the administration when necessary. “Support them when they’re right, oppose them when they’re wrong, and don’t let expediency or a desire for a job change your principles.”

Keene also shared stories of his and Pat Korten’s YAF days as activists at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the early days of the Badger Herald, the campus conservative newspaper that is still in circulation today.

During the luncheon, alumni caught up with old friends, and current students had the opportunity to share their stories, ask for advice, and get to know the conservative leaders who got their start in the Movement as YAF activists.

Following the luncheon, YAF alumnus and author Wayne Thorburn signed copies of his new book, Igniting a Movement, which chronicles the history of Young Americans for Freedom.