28/03/2026
Dear Friend of Lafayette,
On behalf of the AFL Board of Governors, it is my great pleasure to announce that, by presidential decree, the French Government will award the title of Knight (Chevalier) of the National Order of Merit (Ordre national du Mérite) to Executive Director Chuck Schwam and Vice President Robert Kelly.
Established in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle, the National Order of Merit recognizes both civilian and military achievements by French citizens and foreign nationals whose contributions are significant to France and its interests. The President of the French Republic serves as Grand Master of the order and appoints its members, who are organized in several ranks, beginning with Knight (Chevalier) and rising through Officer, Commander, Grand Officer, and Grand Cross. Administered by the Grand Chancery, the order plays a key role in encouraging the country’s civic, cultural, economic, and military vitality.
As Knights, Chuck and Robert will be entitled to wear the associated medal on the left chest. As Ambassador Laurent Bili will bestow the awards at his residence in Washington, D.C. on June 10, 2026, we hope to see one or both of our Knights wear their medals in New Orleans at the AFL annual meeting starting on June 11th!
Both Chuck and Robert richly deserve this award. Chuck has demonstrated his commitment to the cause of Franco-American friendship since he became an officer of the AFL more than 15 years ago. Of his many talents, event planning is his specialty. His management of the AFL’s incredible 24-state Farewell Tour extravaganza in 2024-2025—including his stewardship of our 40 state, local, and subject matter committees—was a tour de force and worthy of this award in and of itself. In addition, Chuck played a significant role in raising the funds for and installing the Lafayette and Rochambeau statues in Yorktown, Virginia. More recently, he organized the very popular (and free) AFL Speaker Series and helped develop the Lafayette in France travel program.
Over 25% of our 1500 members reside in Virginia, and Robert Kelly immerses himself in our “Virginia Campaigns.” An AFL member since 2014, Robert has served as Vice President since 2019 and has been deeply involved in planning annual events such as Virginia Lafayette Day as well as coordinating numerous special events during our Bicentennial in Virginia. Among other things, Robert was principally responsible for the creation of our wonderful AFL Lafayette Traveling Exhibit which crisscrossed the 24 states that Lafayette visited during our Bicentennial. He has also nurtured and enhanced the AFL’s relationship with the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. and has served as the AFL’s representative to France’s NATO forces serving in Norfolk.
Please join me in congratulating Chuck and Robert!!!
Sincerely,
Alan R. Hoffman
President, American Friends of Lafayette
