About
Richard H. Stewart Jr. Charitable Foundation is named after the namesake for the Richard H. Stewart, Jr. American Legion Post 543, based in St. James, North Carolina.
Our Story, how it began…
Richie was one of the first victims of the War on Terror on 11 September, 2001. At the request of the Stewart family and the NC July 4th Festival Committee,
the American Flag that flew over the North Tower was brought to Southport to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the catastrophe.
The devotion and patriotism surrounding the transport of the flag from NYC, through Raleigh, across I-40, and finally to Southport won the hearts of all involved.
The local and statewide firefighters, police, first responders, and Southport Community participated and stepped up to make this effort unforgettable.
Those involved realized that Richie had drawn people together and that was the catalyst to name a new American Legion Post in his memory. His father Dick Stewart became an American Legion Post 543 member after its formation in 2011 as the Richard H. Stewart, Jr. American Legion Post 543.
Foundation Directors
Four directors with significant background and experience are leading the way to achieve the Foundation’s mission and purpose.
Michael Carton USAF (Ret.)
Director
Michael Carton is a retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant; retiring from the Manpower & Personnel career field in 1995 after serving for 27+years. He ultimately retired from Civil Service in 2015. He also served as the Manpower Career Field Functional Manager and Training Manager.
Carton holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Science in Operational Arts and Sciences from the USAF Air University. He had the honor and privilege of serving as the Air Force Sergeants Association International President in 2009 and again from 2108-2021.He oversaw the organization’s efforts to secure and maintain Quality of Life benefits for enlisted Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Veterans, and their family members.
Carton has served on the Board of Directors of six different veteran focused non-profit charity organizations. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Richard H. Stewart Jr. Charitable Foundation, and the Finance Officer for American Legion Post 543, St. James NC.
Arthur “Doc” Liberty DSc, MS, JD
Director, Secretary
Arthur “Doc” Liberty is an 8-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and served for 2 years in the California Army National Guard. Dr. Liberty retired in January 2017 following 20 years as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge and judicial executive (chief judge) and five years as a federal prosecutor. He was also employed part-time as a university professor for Boston University School of Medicine and the University of Maryland. Before law school, Dr. Liberty held positions in federal and city law enforcement and as a trauma and critical care nurse and paramedic.
Liberty holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security Management) from University of Maryland Global Campus, received his Law Degree (JD) from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Kent College of Law and received his Doctorate (DSc) in Civil Security Leadership, Management, and Policy from New Jersey City University.
Liberty previously volunteered with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and with the Southport Fire Department. He serves as a director on the boards of four 501 (c)(3) charitable organizations. He has served as a director of his community’s Property Owners Association Board and was a member of the Architectural Review Committee.
Liberty is a member of America’s largest Veteran Service Organization, the American Legion. He is an active member of Post 543 providing advice and guidance on numerous issues.
Steven H. Ratti USCG (Ret.)
Director, President
Steve Ratti served over 40 years in uniform, managing and leading in the U.S. Coast Guard. He retired from active service as a Rear Admiral (Upper Half) in 2014. As an Active Duty Officer, Ratti commanded four ships, with time in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean and Bering Seas, and the Gulfs of Mexico and Alaska. He is a specialist in Operations, Training, and Joint and Interagency work.
He seized many tons of illicit drugs, arrested dozens of smugglers, interdicted thousands of migrants, rescued hundreds of mariners, successfully seized and aided in the prosecution of three foreign vessels who illegally dumped pollutants into U.S. waters, and seized or cited numerous foreign and domestic vessels illegally fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.
Ratti holds a Bachelor of Science (Economics and Management) from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Science (Human Resources Management) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master of Science (Instructional Technology) from Florida State University.
Ratti was a gubernatorial appointee to the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission from 2015 thru 2019. He volunteers with the non-profit “Mission: Readiness”, focused on improving the number of young Americans eligible for military service.
Ratti is a member of America’s largest Veteran Service Organization, the American Legion, and served as Commander of Post 543 from 2021 to 2023.
John Orem USN (Ret.)
Director, Treasurer
John Orem is a native of the Washington, DC area and lives in Southport, NC. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 2007 and as a member of the DoD Senior Executive Service from 2007 to 2017. He has been active in American Legion Post 543 in St James for several years.
John is a 1979 graduate (BS Physics) of The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1990 he completed an MA in International Affairs and World Politics from Catholic University in Washington, DC. In 1993 he completed a second MA in National Security Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
John spent 28 years as a Naval Officer and aviator with flying tours in EP-3E’s and Special Projects P-3C’s accumulating over 5000 hours flight time. He commanded Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) from 1995 to 1996, and Naval Station Rota, Spain from 2002 to 2005.
From 2009 to 2017 John led the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Programs Division within the Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation Directorate (formerly PA&E) of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He and his team provided independent assessments and recommendations for program and funding decisions to the Secretary of Defense for an annual $100B portfolio.
Today, John and his wife, Vicki (of nearly 42 years) enjoy golf, boating, travel, and nearly any leisure activity that doesn’t include physical danger. They have lived in the Southport area full time since January 1st, 2018.