Hello, my name is Max Phleger and recently I received a large envelope in the mail from George Mason University. When I opened it, there was a very large invitation with an embossed silver seal on it, and when I opened it, it said that I had been nominated to attend a National Youth Leadership Forum in Washington D.C, focusing on National Security: Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Defense.  Frankly, I was blown away by this. One of my ideas for a career path ever since I was little was to work for the government to protect this country which I love so much, and with this nomination, I have a massive possibility to make that into a reality. 

The forum is a six day event in our nation´s capitol focusing on the diplomatic sectors of our government such as: The Pentagon, The CIA headquarters, The White House, The U.S. Department of State, and many more. There will be many distinguished guest speakers. Some past speakers include: U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Former Director of the CIA George J. Tenet, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen. We will also take part in a true to life national security simulation where our quick thinking skills and our ability to analyze information and  effectively act, will be tested.

The reason I am asking for financial support is because this program costs $1895 dollars. This includes all room and board and local transportation, but it still leaves me with air fare to pay. Round trip from San Diego to Washington D.C. costs a minimum of $330 dollars. All totalled up, the price will be approximately $2250 dollars. Although I work as much as possible at a local pizza restaurant and I try to save my money, even a small donation would be greatly appreciated. Accounting for the percentage that GoFundMe takes out of user donations, I would like to raise $2500 dollars in order to make this trip happen.

Thank you for your consideration. I am really excited to make this happen!

Sincerely,
-Max Phleger