STARRS to host free faith, family and freedom forum in Scottsdale

STARRS and Arizona State University's Center for American Institutions will host a free national forum Oct. 10 in Scottsdale, Arizona, with retired military leaders, scholars and community advocates. The event will also stream nationwide as the groups focus on civic responsibility, constitutional institutions and American founding principles.

Why it matters: - The forum aims to draw attention to debates over the military, constitutional governance and civic responsibility. - STARRS says the event is meant to examine how Americans preserve faith, family and freedom while sustaining national institutions. - The discussion comes as national conversation continues over the role of the armed forces in civilian life.

What happened: - STARRS, in partnership with Arizona State University's Center for American Institutions, will host "America at a Crossroads: Preserving Faith, Family and Freedom" on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Dream City Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. - The free event runs from 9 a.m. to noon Mountain time. - The program will be available in person and through a nationwide livestream. - Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, retired, former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, is among the featured speakers.

The details: - Confirmed speakers include Kendall and Sheila Qualls, Col. Rob Maness, retired, Donald Critchlow and Kim Miller. - Kendall Qualls is a former Army captain, businessman and president of TakeCharge. - Sheila Qualls is director of the Washington Academy, a Christ-centered classical school. - Rob Maness is a STARRS advisor, a 32-year Air Force combat veteran, a host of the Rob Maness Show and an author. - Donald Critchlow directs ASU's Center for American Institutions. - Kim Miller represents America's Women. - STARRS Chairman retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Bentley Rayburn will deliver opening remarks. - Retired Army Maj. Gen. Joe Arbuckle and retired Air Force Col. Ron Scott, Ph.D., STARRS president and CEO, will present the American Creed. - STARRS Director Dr. Martha Ostrom will serve as emcee. - Participating sponsors include the MacArthur Society of West Point Graduates, Calvert Task Group, Dream City Church's Vets Helping Vets and America's Women. - The event is free, and advance registration is encouraged for both in-person attendance and online participation. - Registration is available here. - A promotional video is available here.

Between the lines: - STARRS is using the forum to connect cultural and political concerns with questions about military readiness and institutional trust. - Scott tied the event to broader national debate over the role of the military and the responsibilities of American citizens. - The release also cites a Sept. 24 commentary by legal scholar Jonathan Turley that discussed polling on hypothetical military intervention in civilian government. - The cited polling statement reflects responses from survey participants and is not presented as a claim about all Democrats. - The event's framing suggests an effort to merge a policy discussion with a values-focused civic message.

What's next: - STARRS says the Oct. 10 forum will focus on America's founding principles, constitutional responsibilities and the role of citizens in sustaining the nation's institutions. - Organizers will open the event to both local attendees and a national online audience. - Additional public participation will depend on advance registration.

The bottom line: - STARRS is turning a Scottsdale church event into a national platform for conservative debate over faith, family, freedom and the future of American institutions.