Why a Fund?

Membership is the lifeblood of our organization.  The funding of ROA Departments and Chapters by ROA National has historically been based on membership numbers. The ROA National organization reimburses funds back to the Department organizations based on member headcount.

After much internal discussion Major Dan Anderson, USAFR, a member of the 934^th Airlift Wing and Department President, 2000-2001, led the effort driven by the concept that if greater professional development opportunities were to be provided locally the Department and Chapters of Minnesota would not only benefit from better trained officers but both organizations would also benefit with increased membership.

This type of fundraising has been popular in ROA nationwide. A number of ROA Departments have established some sort of endowment, foundation or fund. In many cases funds are invested so that the dividends are used for program development while protecting the principal. 

The Freedom Fund was started by the Department of Minnesota as an endowment fund in the year 2000 during Major Anderson’s term as President.

Major Anderson passed away in November 2001 after a battle with cancer.  After his passing the Department of Minnesota renamed the Freedom Fund in his honor. 

The Freedom Fund Charter and By-Laws have formally existed since April 2002. Since that time the fund has grown by the generous contributions of members. Disbursements from the fund in significant amounts began in 2005.

Donations can be made using the web site using a secure method. Donations can also be made using the mail-in form. Mail donations to:

MAJOR DAN ANDERSON FREEDOM FUND, Department of Minnesota, ROA, PO Box 11769, St Paul, MN 55111-0769. 

Rev. 07-2007