"On January 19, 1998, the Working Group held a joint session with Valparaiso University in conjunction with the observance of Martin Luther King Day, and over 350 people were in attendance. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, another 150 university students had to be turned away. The presentations…were extremely informative, exciting and well received, and made the event a great success. I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation…to Mr. Leyden, for helping the FBI accomplish the goal of increasing public awareness of the issues surrounding hate crimes and discrimination in the United States."
-Wayne R. Alford
Special Agent in Charge
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigations
Indianapolis, Indiana
"Thank you so very much for scheduling T.J. Leyden's trip to Challenger Middle School and allowing our students to share his powerful, dynamic, and riveting presentation regarding the dangers of hate crime recruitment to our 8th grade students and staff. How could anyone that experiences his memorable presentation not be touched and affected in a very positive way for the rest of their lives?"
-Bruce Galler
Coordinator "Increase the Peace Day"
Challenger Middle School
Lancaster, California
-Kevin Wassner
Principal
"I sincerely appreciate your powerful presentation to Fort Bragg's soldiers and leaders on August 4th and 5th highlighting the different forms of Hate Groups and Extremism. The information you presented undoubtedly created an impact on our soldiers at every level. Based on your informative message, leaders are better equipped to educate their soldiers and families. As you made so very clear, we are all at risk in some way. Again, thanks for your outstanding presentation."
-William F. Kernan
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army
Commanding Officer
HQ XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
"Please convey to T.J. Leyden our profound gratitude for addressing our Command… In the small time allotted this former Marine, he opened the eyes of many of our personnel to the level of intensity Hate groups or 'Separatist groups' place on filling their ranks with innocent children and disillusioned young people of all races. Their goal of creating anarchy within this nation could only be halted when we all understand the methods they are attempting to achieve their goals. We are so armed and are vigilant. For that we are grateful."
-R.M. Ehnow
Major, U.S. Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
San Diego, California
"On behalf of the Secretary of the Army, I would like to express my appreciation for the instruction you provided members of our agency. The keen insight and analysis you provided to members of the 'Secretary of the Army's Task Force on Extremism' will be of great assistance to our team members as they travel the country in the performance of their duties. The time and energy you displayed are of great benefit to us individually and collectively."
-Larry R. Jordan
Major General, U.S. Army
Department of the Army
Office of the Inspector General
Washington D.C.
"Just a brief note on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to thank you for your recent presentations. I have received nothing but positive feedback from the many citizens and law enforcement officials you addressed."
-David V. Ries
Special Agent in Charge
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Knoxville, Tennessee
"…Thank you for your contribution to our … COPPS Problem Analysis Advisory Committee meeting… The topic of Hate Crimes was a timely and much needed area for community discussion. My first hand observations and the positive feedback from my staff were proof of the power and the benefits of your presentation. Please accept my personal appreciation for your willingness to share your knowledge and experiences. I realize that you make this sacrifice at great risk to your own safety for the protection of our children from the indoctrination of hate ideologies. I am pleased that we can work together to protect our community and reduce the negative impacts of hate groups and their violent propensities towards our children of all races."
-William B. Kolender
Sheriff
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
San Diego, California
"On behalf of the Marines and Sailors of 1st Force Service Support Group, I want to thank you for your outstanding presentation on Tolerance and the Dangers of Hatred. I think it was a tremendous success and will support and enhance our mission and our goal of taking care of our troops. Your efforts will have a positive impact on the Marines and Sailors who serve our Country and protect our Nation's value."
-B.M. Lott
Brigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding General
1st Force Service Support Group, MARFORPAC
Camp Pendleton, California
"We want to thank you, on behalf of students and staff here at Palisades Charter High School, for a powerful and thought-provoking presentation. Your high-energy account of your own experience as a Neo-Nazi/White Supremacist held our attention in a way that no 'academic' approach could. Thank you very much for so generously sharing your very personal account with our students. Their lives are most definitely enriched."
-Don Savarese
Principal
Palisades Charter High School and
Math, Science & Technology Magnet
Pacific Palisades, California
-Russell Kitagawa
Human Relations Coordinator
"On behalf of the Houston Area Hate Crimes Working Group, thank you for your keynote address at the Hate Crimes Summit. We are extremely pleased that you were willing to share your powerful story with us and with the more than 400 teenagers that were in the audience. The way in which the kids flocked to you after your talk is proof that you accomplished your goal and reached many of them."
-Juliette La Chapelle
Assistant United States Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
Southern District of Texas
Houston, Texas
"On behalf of the Shasta County Office of Education, the Shasta County Citizens Against Racism, and the Youth Violence Prevention Council, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your…presentation… We are in many ways still cleaning up (in a good way) from 'Hurricane T.J.,' which hit our town and has left a lasting positive impact.
It turns out that our earlier reports were wrong, and in fact approximately 150 people were locked outside from the evening presentation at Shasta College. Counting an estimated 550 inside, this makes nearly 700 people hear you. Those lucky enough to get inside were not disappointed, and we have received numerous phone calls, faxes, and personal testimonies about the impact of your presentation(s). It is perhaps not overstepping to call this a landmark event in the history of our county.
I also made a point of going to Crystal Creek Regional Boys Camp and meeting with the 24 youth from there who attended. I asked them a number of specific questions about your presentation, and their answers showed how much they were listening. As young men at a crossroads in their own lives, I also feel it was important for them to see someone had the courage to change, and spoke about how and why he did it. We estimate that there were 300 or more youth in attendance for the evening session, and I know that they likewise took much from the event.
My emphasis on these numbers can perhaps be explained by the fact that we rarely get more than 200 to attend any event we put on here. The fact that a presentation of such quality and importance was seen by so many therefore is doubly impactful."
-Alice Wilkinson
Shasta County Office of Education
School/Law Enforcement Partnership Cadre
Shasta County Office of Education
Redding, California
-Tom O'Mara
Executive Director
Youth Violence Prevention Council
"…Thank you for the excellent job you did in presenting over 3,000 high school and middle school students in Calaveras County in March. Your message and delivery impressed the teachers, students, and parents who attended the evening community presentation… Some requested additional information and thanked us for having you come to alert our students to the threat the skinhead movement presents. The fact that you could hear a pin drop during the one hour and fifteen minute presentation you made for up to 1100 students at a time, speaks of the impact of your message."
-John C. Brophy
County Superintendent of Schools
Calaveras County Office of Education
Angels Camp, California |
