Patriots Pack the House for AMAC’s Long Island Bootcamp

As America approached its 250th birthday, patriots from across the country gathered in Ronkonkoma, New York, for AMAC’s “Saving the Nation: Bootcamp for Patriots” – A two-day celebration of America’s founding principles, civic engagement, and the enduring responsibility of preserving liberty for future generations.

Held June 19-20 at the America First Warehouse, the event featured a lineup of influential speakers, interactive exhibits, live entertainment, and discussions on some of the most pressing issues facing the country today. From election integrity and border security to constitutional rights and citizen activism, attendees left inspired to play an active role in shaping America’s next chapter.

The event notably featured a White House Freedom Truck – a one-of-a-kind mobile museum that brought America’s founding era to life through interactive exhibits and historical displays. Attendees conversed with an AI-powered George Washington, viewed replicas of founding documents and artifacts, signed a digital Declaration of Independence, and explored the Wall of 50 American Heroes.  

Guests also enjoyed an all-American barbecue and live music from the American Ride Band on Friday evening, creating a festive atmosphere to kick off the bootcamp’s main programming. Day one concluded with a live broadcast of Live from Studio 6B, where hosts Damon Roberts, Rick Ammirati, and Rick Del Gato welcomed special guests and gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the show.

The second day began with a keynote address from AMAC CEO Rebecca Weber, who reflected on the sacrifices that secured America’s freedom and urged attendees to embrace their role as stewards of the legacy our Founders fought for 250 years ago.

“250 years after our nation’s founding, we are the beneficiaries of [their] sacrifice,” Weber said. “And just as importantly, we are the stewards of that inheritance.”

She reminded attendees that America’s story is still being written: “If we remain faithful to the principles that made this nation great, then America’s greatest days are not behind us. They are still ahead of us.”

Weber also emphasized AMAC’s role in carrying forward the nation’s founding ideals.

“The question remains: will enough patriots answer the call?” she said. “We take that very seriously at AMAC and meeting that challenge remains a core part of our mission.”

The bootcamp’s first panel, “Immigration & Sovereignty through 250 Years,” discussed the critical importance of border security to national security and ongoing concerns about illegal immigration. Moderated by Breaking Point host David Zere, the discussion featured Chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association Phil Kline, Center for Security Policy founder Frank Gaffney, Live from Studio 6B co-host Vincent Butta, and Real America’s Voice national correspondent Ben Bergquam.

Drawing from his reporting along the border and overseas, Bergquam shared firsthand accounts and video footage documenting the consequences of illegal immigration, while panelists discussed the importance of enforcing immigration law and securing our borders.

Kline argued that the debate over immigration ultimately reflects broader questions about American identity. “[Illegal immigrants] don’t believe America is exceptional. They believe America is the problem,” he said.

Butta encouraged attendees to remain active in the political process, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

“The best way forward is for us to be activists,” he said. “The midterms are [some] of the most important elections in our lifetimes.”

The second panel, “The Ballot and the Republic: 250 Years of Self-Governance,” focused on election integrity and the future of American elections. Moderated by AMAC Newsline Editor-in-Chief Shane Harris, the panel featured Project Civica Co-Founder & Director of Political Affairs Steve Gillian, New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, Managing Director of the James Wilson Institute Michael Maibach, and Honest Elections Project Vice President Chad Ennis.

Maibach offered historical insight into the Electoral College and the Founders’ vision for representative government, while other panelists added insights on the need for stronger election safeguards, including voter identification requirements and proof of citizenship for voter registration.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of the SAVE America Act, legislation requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

Gillan stressed that meaningful change begins with citizen involvement. As he explained, “the solution is not to tear down the [Republican] Party. It’s to reclaim it. It is up to ordinary citizens to get involved.”

Ennis echoed concerns about election security, particularly regarding mail-in voting. “Every step in the mail-in process is a step where failure can happen,” he said.

Attendees later heard a patriotic address from Micheal Maibach on the history and significance of the Declaration of Independence. Describing the Declaration as “our creed,” Maibach reflected on the principles that have guided our nation since its founding.

“We are a country about doing things, not having things done to us,” he said.

He concluded with a message of optimism: “I suspect everyone is here today because you are worried about our country. And as long as we are worried about our country, we will be fine because we have providence and our Creator.”

Between sessions, attendees explored a bustling Vendor Village featuring local Long Island businesses and organizations. Throughout the venue, members connected with fellow patriots from across the country, exchanging stories and discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the nation. A strong sense of camaraderie underscored one of the event’s central themes: preserving America’s future requires engaged citizens and strong communities.

Another highlight of the afternoon was a conversation between Gun Owners of America Director of State and Local Affairs Chris Stone and AMAC President David Weber on the enduring importance of the Second Amendment.

Stone argued that protecting the constitutional right to bear arms remains essential to preserving individual liberty and public safety.

“Gun control never keeps people safe,” Stone said. “It only emboldens criminals.”

The day’s final presentations came from Vince Butta and Phil Kline.

Butta examined what he described as the political and cultural radicalization of the American left, blending humor with broader discussion of culture’s role in shaping society.

Butta explained, “Culture does matter. It tells people they still belong.”

He concluded by encouraging attendees to honor the legacy of the generations who helped build and preserve the American experiment.

Kline rounded out the speakers with a passionate reflection on the origins of American freedom and the responsibilities that accompany it.

“There is a difference between America and other nations,” he shared, pointing to the United States’s commitment to protecting God-given rights and freedoms for all citizens.

He also emphasized the importance of defending constitutional freedoms regardless of political differences.

He continued, “We must be a people who are willing to defend the freedom of speech of those with whom we disagree.”

His remarks closed with a challenge to attendees: “We have inherited our freedoms. They were purchased at a great cost in blood. What are we going to do about it?”

The event concluded with an AMAC Action Panel featuring Rebecca Weber and AMAC Vice President of Operations & Advocacy Jennifer Bengston, who outlined ways members can become more involved in civic engagement efforts.

During the discussion, Weber announced two upcoming initiatives: the AMAC Election Integrity Effort and the AMAC FAITH First Alliance, a partnership with Christian gaming website TruPlay. The Election Integrity Effort aims to educate citizens about candidates and election issues, while the FAITH First Alliance seeks to address censorship of Christian content by major technology platforms.

As the Bootcamp came to a close, attendees departed with renewed optimism and deeper appreciation for the responsibilities that come with American citizenship. Throughout the two-day event, speakers returned to a common message: preserving liberty requires active participation, informed voters, and citizens willing to defend the principles that have sustained the nation for 250 years.

With America’s semiquincentennial on the horizon, the Bootcamp served as both a celebration of the country’s remarkable history and a call to help shape its future.

*Burgquam also shared shocking videos of his travels around the globe, documenting the reality of illegal immigration and the rampant crime, hostility, and dangers that illegally crossing the border poses to both American citizens and undocumented immigrants.

Lillian Ferrell is a senior at Hillsdale College studying English and music. She has experience in journalism and podcasting as the host of the Grace Over Grind podcast. Her written work focuses on American politics, culture, and public policy.