How the Foundation Began

The Mission:

The Enduring Freedom Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by the procurement and placement of patriotic artworks for permanent display in prominent public places.

The Activities:

The Enduring Freedom Foundation began placing patriotic art in 1990 when two of the organizations founding members, James Knuppe and Gary Koeppel, donated an American Bald Eagle sculpture to Captain Doyle Borchers, Captain of the USS Carl Vinson Carrier (CVN 70) for permanent display aboard the ship.

The Foundation's second project is the procurement and placement of the "Enduring Freedom Tribute" for permanent display in the lobby of the Pentagon in Washington DC.

"Enduring Freedom" is a tribute to the members of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces who have ensured enduring freedom for America and have secured it for other nations.

The Founders:

Gary M. Koeppel, Emma K. Koeppel, Jeannette K. Witten, Esq., Doyle J. Borchers
H. James Knuppe, Barbara J. Knuppe, Jerome A. Blaha, Eeq., Richard A. Hewitt

Enduring Freedom at the Pentagon

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, officially accepted the Enduring Freedom Tribute to be installed for permanent display in the lobby of the Pentagon in Washington DC.

This tribute pays homage to the valor of the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who protect and preserve America's enduring freedom.

History of Enduring Freedom

Jim and Barbara Knuppe and Gary and Emma Koeppel donated an American Bald Eagle sculpture to the USS Carl Vinson as a symbol of the carrier's strength and eternal vigilance.

The Koeppel's then commissioned "Enduring Freedom" as a tribute to the men and women of the five Armed Forces for their valor in protecting freedom for all Americans.

The Artist of Enduring Freedom

Robert Signorella has created eagle sculptures for 25 years and has captured the strength and beauty of America's national symbol. His eagles are in art collections worldwide.