What is Freedom?
The most fundamental meaning of freedom is the ability to live your life as you choose. To think, act and express yourself as you desire, as long as you don’t harm others.
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Individual liberty and freedom of expression are at the core of American values. We may not always agree with others, but we respect the right to act freely as others choose.
Why Are We Free?
We all know that “Freedom Isn’t Free”. It’s earned through the action and sacrifice of previous, current and future generations to defend our democracy ahead of their own self-interest because freedom is everybody’s interest. We call these people patriots. Among our greatest patriots are the members of the US Military, men and women who endure hardship at home and abroad so that we can enjoy safety, security and freedom. The greatest act of patriotism is to sacrifice one’s life defending our freedom, and our debt of gratitude for these patriots has no end.
Defenders of Freedom
Our speaker series, Faces of Freedom, recognizes our Defenders of Freedom who went above and beyond in face of danger to themselves for the benefit of others
Nick Sanza
United States Army Vietnam 'Tunnel Rat' and Special Operator
James Warren
United States Army Air Forces Colonel Fighter Pilot One of the Original Tuskegee Airmen
Tom Brames
United States Navy crewman and nuclear engineer on the USS Nautilus, the first Nuclear submarine
Jeanne Gibson
'Rosie the Riveter' Welder and Shipyard worker during World War II
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors are instrumental in the success of the Rowland Freedom Center, embodying our mission statement through and through.
Herm Rowland
Herman G. Rowland Sr., Co-Founder and current Co-Chair of the Rowland Freedom Center. He is the great-grandson of Gustav Goelitz, who began a candy business in 1869. Herman started working in the family’s Oakland-based confection company at age 13 and rose through the ranks becoming president in 1975. He was instrumental in creating the Jelly Belly jelly bean in 1976, which gained worldwide fame when President Ronald Reagan brought them to the White House.
After over 65 years of dedication, Herman and his family sold Jelly Belly Candy Company in 2023. Now enjoying life with his large family, Herman continues to champion the values of hard work, perseverance, and American freedom—principles that also inspire the mission of the Rowland Freedom Center.
Kelly Nice
Kelly Nice is a Founding Partner at Nice & Company, a leading Bay Area ad agency. His involvement with the Rowland Freedom Center began in 2010 when he joined the Board of what was then the Jimmy Doolittle Air & Space Museum. Inspired by all things related to aviation, Kelly earned his pilot's wings in 1992. His logbook includes Pilot in Command time in airplanes large and small, from the Piper J-3 Cub, Pitts S2C, and P-51 Mustang to the DC-3, Beech 18 and B-25. With his feet now planted firmly on the ground, Kelly serves as the Secretary of the Rowland Freedom Center.
Jim Dunbar
James Dunbar is the General Manager for Lystek International in Fairfield, California. Jim is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Civil & Environmental Engineering) and St. Xavier University (MBA) and a Professional Engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in the management of solid waste and treatment of liquid wastes in the United States and Europe. Jim’s responsibilities include overall site operations, engineering, and business development for Lystek in the US market. He developed the first commercial-scale, regional biosolids facility in California. Jim also serves as the current Board President for the Northwest Biosolids Association and Secretary/Treasurer of the Scholarship Fund for the California Association of Sanitation Agencies.
Len Augustine
Len Augustine is a well-known civic leader, serving the area as an elected official and a military commander. As mayor of Vacaville, he worked closely with the City Council and city management to develop policy in all areas of local government, including the city budget, public safety, and community development. Len served as vice mayor, city councilmember, and city planning commissioner. He also chaired the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee and the Travis Community Consortium and has led the effort to retain Travis Air Force Base within Solano County. He helped develop a strategic plan for the city, which included the renewal of Downtown Vacaville. Len retired as a colonel in the Air Force and was the commander for the 89th Military Airlift Wing Command, responsible for all operations, maintenance, and transportation of the Presidential Wing of the U.S. Air Force, including the safe, reliable operation of Air Force One. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University. Len was on the Board of Directors of Travis Credit Union for 14 years and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Rowland Freedom Center.
Bob Hampton
Bob has had an enthusiasm for history since he was a youngster. His uncle, a decorated WW1 veteran, would share life stories with Bob while overlooking large ships entering the Columbia River basin, inspiring that passion. Those stories encouraged him to pursue multiple degrees and teach History. Bob spent 23 years in the Vacaville Unified School District as a teacher, central office administrator, and founding high school principal of Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy (Elsie P. Buckingham Charter Academy). He went on to become a School Superintendent in San Diego. His distinguished career led to many local, state, and national recognitions. After retirement, he returned to the community where he raised his family and engaged in community service. Bob holds a B.A. degree in History and Behavioral Science from California Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary's College of Moraga. He has spoken statewide and nationally on educational reform, appointed to various state and local Boards and Commissions, co-founded Kairos Public Schools, and has authored a non-fiction book, "The Millennials' Dilemma."
Sandy Person
Sandy Person brings over 35 years of economic development
experience to the countywide economic development organization. Sandy has worked for
Solano EDC for over 20 years and served as its President and CEO from 2011-2018. She
transitioned into her current role as Executive Director for the Travis Community
Consortium in 2018 to focus on Travis AFB advocacy and Defense Industry Initiatives for
Travis AFB and the Air Force.
Staff
Our staff are instrumental in the success of the Rowland Freedom Center, embodying our mission statement through and through.
Paul Mirich
Paul Mirich was born and raised in the Youngstown, Ohio area. He graduated in 1975 and enlisted in the Air Force, spending 10 years in Security Police and Radio and TV Broadcasting. In 1986, he began to work with the California Department of Corrections, retiring in 2013 as a Correctional Lieutenant. During that time, he also worked as the Community Resources Manager for the California Medical Facility. In 2014, he began working at the Rowland Freedom Center as a volunteer, then took positions as the Volunteer Coordinator, the Store Manager, and Facility Manager. He is now the General Manager of the Rowland Freedom Center.
Shaina Whaley
Shaina Whaley was born and raised in Vacaville, CA, where she graduated from Will C. Wood High School. She is a graduate of Solano Community College and UC Davis with a BA in Design and a BA in Art History. She started volunteering at Rowland Freedom Center to gain experience in the museum field; however was hired as a full-time employee shortly thereafter. She holds the position of Project Manager.
Diego Rodriguez
Paul Mirich was born and raised in the Youngstown, Ohio area. He graduated in 1975 and enlisted in the Air Force, spending 10 years in Security Police and Radio and TV Broadcasting. In 1986, he began to work with the California Department of Corrections, retiring in 2013 as a Correctional Lieutenant. During that time, he also worked as the Community Resources Manager for the California Medical Facility. In 2014, he began working at the Rowland Freedom Center as a volunteer, then took positions as the Volunteer Coordinator, the Store Manager, and Facility Manager. He is now the General Manager of the Rowland Freedom Center.