History

Hardison-Hill & Swartz-Weaver Family Foundation, Gaylord William Swartz, Edity Mary Weaver, Frances Lorrain Swartz (Child) family portrait, Circa 1940's.

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Hardison-Hill & Swartz-Weaver Family Foundation

Cpt. Hardison

Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

2007

History

Founded by Captain E. Hardison in 2008 after serving his second tour of active duty with the United States Army Reserves and preparing for his third deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. Cpt. Hardison, contemplating how to best distribute and apply the sums of his life insurance for the good of his family, anguished over events of recent years, when a portion of the families farm was lost due to the lack of appreciation given its intrinsic value and symbolic nature, being sold for a short term financial gain and lost to future generation forever. Cpt. Hardison had wondered how vast the wealth of his family might currently be had present generation not so readily and unwisely spent the lifetime efforts of their forefathers to provide a short duration of comfort for a few. Had his grandparents 200 acre farm been held in trust till the current day and beyond, how great a value could have been shared with all if managed properly.

Cpt. Hardison was influenced by the scriptural philosophy of honoring one’s parents … of representing the name of one’s father for good. Eric was also realistic and pragmatic: keenly aware through historical examples and life experiences of how money can corrupt the best of initially good intentions; thereby destroying family unity and individuals. Eric believed in “teaching a man to fish” and that money alone was an empty gift. He, thus, pondered how best to both avoid the common problems resulting from the division of ones estate among family members of which the divisive nature of property had divided previous generations of his fathers.

Cpt. Hardison embarked on a quest to establish a foundation which would of its very nature discourage a sense of entitlement while promoting the best of personal characters in those who would follow him. The question was, “How”? It was hoped to deterred the negative effects of money and property inheritances given without regard to stewardship to family heritage and traditions by heirs who may or may not appreciate the years of sacrifice such wealth represents. Yet, still, contemplating how best to improve the character, strength, unity, productivity and social responsibility of his family, which he believed to be the core of a quality inheritance, but difficult to encourage outside of the efforts of the home. Two things seemed clear … education had the highest potential for improving his families stability and positive family associations had the best potential for family success and happiness.

Influenced by the many philanthropic and religious organizations of the day, taking from the examples of some of the largest, most effective and successful organizations of the times, Cpt. Hardison set the ambitious goal to unite all his family through there common past, encouraging present day activities and education to strengthen the overall success of future generation.

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