PHILADELPHIA, PA – In case you missed it, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and its sister organizations The LIBRE Initiative and Concerned Veterans for America kicked off its yearlong “One Small Step” celebration of America’s 250th anniversary on Thursday with a live podcast event featuring Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
The event featured a live taping of the “RUTHLESS” podcast that included Garrity, Fox News political analyst Guy Benson, and former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski at the National Constitution Center focused on reconnecting with the founding principles that made America and how every American can take “one small step” to advance the cause of liberty.
“We’re celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary with a call to action,” said AFP’s Pennsylvania state director Emily Greene Brey to introduce the show. “Two hundred and fifty years is a rare milestone—one worth celebrating, reflecting on, and building upon. Will you take your first step? Will you join us in the fight for freedom?”
“Freedom doesn’t defend itself – people have to defend freedom,” said Emily Seidel, CEO of AFP. “Events like these are an invitation for people to pause for a second and reflect on our shared history as a country and recommit to the founding principles that make our country so exceptional and then take meaningful action together.”
Sandra Benitez, Executive Director of the LIBRE Initiative, shared what freedom and opportunity mean for the Hispanic American community, drawing from her own life story. “This is not something abstract for the Hispanic community,” she said. “Only in this country could the daughter of a single mother go on to achieve her version of the American Dream. And now I’m leading the largest Hispanic organization in the country.”
John Vick, CVA Executive Director and Reserve Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, explained that for himself and many other veterans, the decision to serve in the military or advocate for their communities at home comes from the same love of freedom. “You do your duty because you care about the American way of life, you care about the American Dream… and your community’s ability to prosper.”
Reflecting on her unlikely journey from rural Pennsylvania to the U.S. Army to becoming state Treasurer, Garrity encouraged the audience to find their place in America’s story, even against seemingly impossible odds. “If I can do it, they can do anything. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it, especially yourself.”
Listen to the podcast here: How to save America – America 250 kickoff with Ron Jaworksi, Guy Benson and more
Photos from the event below:
About One Small Step: As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans for Prosperity and its sister organizations – Concerned Veterans for America and The LIBRE Initiative – is taking advantage of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unite Americans behind a single, powerful narrative. One Small Step is our shared call to action: advancing freedom and opportunity by connecting America’s founding ideals to the challenges of today.
About RUTHLESS: “Smug, Holmes, Duncan, and Ashbrook bring next generation conservative talk to the next level with RUTHLESS. There is no shelter for anyone as the fellas provide a lighter analysis of the news (and fake news) of the day.”
© 2026 AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. | PRIVACY POLICY
Receive email alerts to learn how to get involved
