March 7, 2026 Rally Sold Out!
This is a historic, statewide event that brought our entire community together.
Thank you for joining us as we shone a spotlight on the charities making a real difference and supporting the people of Rhode Island. We heard from faith leaders and elected officials as we celebrated leadership, service, and the Rhode Island spirit.
We enjoyed an unforgettable night of entertainment as world-renowned Struggle Jennings and Caitlynne Curtis brought down the house.
This was a powerful night of entertainment, education, and inspiration.
Lt. General Michael Flynn is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General and a highly decorated intelligence officer with over 33 years of service. He served as the 18th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) from 2012 to 2014 and briefly as National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump in 2017. Flynn is known for his expertise in counterterrorism, national security, and foreign policy, as well as his outspoken views on election integrity, military affairs, and American sovereignty. Since retiring, he has become a prominent speaker and commentator at conservative rallies and events, often focusing on threats to freedom and the need for strong leadership. He is a frequent guest at “America First” gatherings and co-founded the ReAwaken America Tour.
Matt Light is a former professional football player and three-time Super Bowl champion who spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the New England Patriots. A standout offensive tackle, he was an integral part of multiple championship teams and was later voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame by fans.
Off the field, Matt is a dedicated philanthropist and leader. With his wife Susie, he co-founded The Light Foundation, a nonprofit focused on developing confidence, character, and leadership in young people through outdoor and hands-on experiences. He is also a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing insights on teamwork, resilience, leadership, and personal growth.
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny is an American osteopathic medical doctor and founder of the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center in Ohio, where she focuses on holistic and integrative health approaches. She trained at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and has lectured and spoken nationally and internationally on topics related to health and wellness.
Dr. Tenpenny has authored several books and is known for her public commentary and speaking engagements. She has been a prominent figure in discussions about vaccines and medical choice.
Victor Mellor is a business leader and principled grassroots advocate running to bring accountability, transparency, and common-sense solutions back to government. With a strong background in business, Victor understands firsthand what it takes to create jobs, manage budgets, and make responsible decisions that strengthen local communities. He believes government should operate with the same discipline, efficiency, and results-driven focus that successful businesses require.
Driven by a deep commitment to Rhode Island families, small businesses, and constitutional freedoms, Victor is focused on restoring trust in leadership, strengthening the state’s economy, and putting citizens — not political insiders — first.
Joseph Flynn, the steadfast younger brother of retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, is a passionate conservative activist and political strategist rooted in Rhode Island’s storied Flynn family legacy of service and patriotism. Growing up in the Ocean State amid a large, opinionated Irish-American household, Joe channeled that fighting spirit into high-stakes advocacy, co-leading initiatives like The America Project and serving as a director at America’s Future to defend election integrity and American sovereignty. Now, as campaign consultant for congressional hopeful Vic Mellor, he continues to amplify voices for common-sense change, and he is slated to serve as master of ceremonies for the Rhode Island First Rallies on March 7th, where he’ll rally the crowd in a powerful showcase of unity and resolve for the state’s future.
Struggle Jennings is an American country-rap artist and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, known for blending hip-hop energy with outlaw country roots.
Coming from a legendary musical family as the grandson of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, and the nephew of Shooter Jennings, Struggle carries forward a powerful musical legacy while carving out his own distinctive sound.
He has also collaborated extensively with longtime friend and fellow artist Jelly Roll, creating music that resonates with audiences across genres. His songs explore themes of resilience, faith, family, and perseverance, earning him a devoted fanbase and recognition for his unique fusion of country, rap, and rock influences.
Caitlynne Curtis is a Nashville-based country-rock singer-songwriter signed to Angels & Outlaws. Born in Lawrence, MA, she moved to Nashville at 12, became a single mom at 19, and built her career via social media covers.
Her breakthrough was the 2020 RIAA Gold hit “God We Need You Now” with Struggle Jennings (Billboard #1). She released debut album Sad Girl Energy (2021) and recent singles like “Devil You Made” (2025), “Life for Love”, and “Black Widow”. With 392K monthly Spotify listeners and 210K IG followers, her music blends country, rock, and soul, drawing from faith, motherhood, and resilience.
Alexa Picillo is an 18-year-old pop-country singer-songwriter from North Smithfield, Rhode Island. Performing across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, she has built a strong local following with her heartfelt originals and dynamic live performances.
Alexa brings a powerful and expressive vocal style to every stage, and she will be performing “God Bless America,” delivering a moving and patriotic moment for the audience.
Pastor John Cerce serves at The Way Ministries in North Providence, where he faithfully preaches and leads with a heart for service and community. Known for his encouraging and faith-centered message, Pastor Cerce is dedicated to bringing people together through prayer and purpose.
He will be delivering the blessing and convocation, offering words of reflection and inspiration to open the event and set a meaningful, unified tone for the gathering.
Normand Champigny is a Rhode Island native from Woonsocket and a long-time New England small-business and community advocate. He is a passionate US Constitutional Conservative and a 1983 graduate of Woonsocket High School, he now serves as Clerk of the Select Board in neighboring Sutton, Massachusetts. Through his public service, Champigny focuses on protecting local decision-making, responsible spending, and maintaining the character of small towns. He has been an active voice on issues affecting municipal government, including zoning, education policy, and the relationship between state mandates and local communities. Champigny supports strong family involvement in education, individual liberties, and accountable government. He speaks frequently about the importance of civic participation, transparency, and effective government. He continues to advocate for fiscal responsibility and community safety, encouraging residents to stay engaged in their local government and to have a voice in the decisions that shape their livelihood.
Robert J. Chiaradio Jr., a Westerly, Rhode Island resident and former Brown University football player (1980–1983) who coached girls’ sports, is a leading conservative activist championing education reform and parental rights in Rhode Island’s public schools, inspired by his own children’s experiences there. Since 2021, he has challenged Critical Race Theory elements in curricula, campaigned against books he considers inappropriate or obscene for minors, and since mid-2024, toured all 39 school committees to oppose the state’s transgender student guidelines as unlawful violations of Title IX, advocating biological sex-based policies for sports, privacy, and fairness.
Describing his efforts as a “father’s mission,” he has delivered General Assembly testimony, issued legal notices, and made media appearances. Aligning with the RI GOP and the Center for Freedom and Prosperity, he is praised by supporters for advocating on behalf of children and remains a central figure in the state’s education debates.
Ramona Bessinger is a veteran English teacher with over 20 years of experience in the Providence Public School District in Rhode Island. She gained national attention in 2021 as a whistleblower after publicly criticizing what she described as anti-American and divisive curricula, including elements of Critical Race Theory (CRT), being introduced in Rhode Island schools. Bessinger has spoken out on issues of parental rights, educational transparency, and opposition to ideological indoctrination. She has faced professional repercussions, including a pre-disciplinary hearing, and is currently involved in a lawsuit against Rhode Island health officials, alleging she was denied a seat on the state’s Commission for Health Advocacy & Equity due to her race and sex. She is an active conservative advocate and community organizer in Rhode Island.
Dillin Degnan is a Rhode Island-based real estate investment analyst at Insight Investment Advisers and a prominent health freedom activist. He serves as the founder and lead volunteer for Make the Ocean State Healthy Again (MOSHA), a local chapter of the national Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement inspired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Degnan was the state director for RFK Jr.’s 2024 presidential campaign in Rhode Island. He advocates for issues like reducing exposure to toxins in food, water, and the environment, and promoting healthier policies at the state level. Degnan is also a musician who performs at events and is deeply involved in grassroots organizing conservative and health-focused causes in the Ocean State.
Holly Sullivan is a New England conservative advocate deeply involved in the fight to preserve our Second Amendment rights. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, one of the oldest national second amendment advocacy organizations in the United States. Holly is also President of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and has held the position of treasurer for the NRA Political Victory Fund and an Advisory Board member of Women For Gun Rights. Over the past decade, she has been at the forefront of the 2A fight, whether it’s challenging local ordinances or testifying before Congress in Washington DC. She holds a key role in Grant v Lamont, a federal lawsuit currently pending before the United States Supreme Court seeking to restore access to commonly owned sporting rifles which may impact all Americans currently living under a ban. She is also actively serving as a Selectman in her hometown.
Harlenys is a 19‑year‑old from Cranston, Rhode Island, and a full‑time student at Johnson & Wales University, where she is majoring in Baking & Pastry and Business Administration. Her commitment to leadership and discipline began in high school through Junior ROTC, and she further advanced her education by completing the Running Start program during her senior year. Harlenys is also a licensed Notary Public, reflecting her professionalism and dedication to serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys creating business plans for small businesses, combining her creativity, business knowledge, and passion for helping others succeed.
For the safety of all attendees, speakers, and staff, strict security procedures will be in place.
Backpacks are not permitted.
Only clear bags are allowed. Clear bags must be fully transparent.
Guests may carry a small clutch or purse no larger than 6” x 9”, with or without a strap.
All bags are subject to inspection upon entry. Guests arriving with prohibited items will be required to return them to their vehicle before entering the venue.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and secure environment for this event.
