Today marks a significant milestone in our journey. We are thrilled to celebrate the 10th birthday of our mission and the 9th anniversary of our status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the past decade, we have been dedicated to making a positive impact in our Gold Star and Veteran community and beyond, and this anniversary is a testament to the hard work, passion, and commitment of everyone involved.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Ten years ago today, on Gold Star Mother's Day, our organization was founded on the inaugural Ironman Chattanooga course in 2014. Our Founder, Amy Cotta, ran the 26.2 mile IM run course wearing combat boots and a weighted pack adorned with the photos of 21 fallen heroes and in memory of SGT Anthony Petterson. What started as a heartfelt vision to honor our fallen
service members and show support to their surviving families has grown into a strong movement of compassion and resilience. Our journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, each representing unwavering dedication and love.
From the beginning, we believed in the power of community and the strength that comes from standing together. Becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit nine years ago was a transformative moment, opening doors to new opportunities and allowing us to extend our reach even further. Through every obstacle, we have remained steadfast in our mission, driven by the stories of those we serve and the impact we strive to make.
Our journey is a testament to the incredible spirit of our volunteers, supporters, and partners. Together, we have created a legacy of hope, touching countless lives and making a difference that will be felt for generations. As we reflect on our past, we are filled with gratitude and inspiration, ready to embrace the future with renewed energy and determination.
Our Achievements
We have achieved so much together over the years. We have sent thousands of remembrance packages to families of our fallen heroes, and tens of thousands of Fallen Hero Memorial Bibs containing the names of our nation's fallen heroes have been worn by athletic participants from all across the country and Europe. Through our social and grassroots activations, we have shared the names and faces of our fallen heroes with a grateful nation. We have honored their memory by sharing their stories through sports, entertainment, and special events while also providing unwavering support to surviving families. Additionally, our dedicated volunteers have saved our mission hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages each year, allowing us to allocate more resources to our programs and initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these milestones, we look to the future with hope and determination. There is still much work to be done, and we are more committed than ever to continuing our mission. We are excited to build on our successes, explore new opportunities, and make an even greater difference in the years to come.
Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our community, volunteers, donors, and partners. Your belief in our mission and your generous contributions have been the driving force behind our success. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and look forward to achieving even more together.
Join Us in Celebrating
We invite you to join us in celebrating this special occasion. Whether you have been with us from the beginning or are just learning about our work, we welcome you to join our journey. Together, we can continue to positively impact and create a brighter future for all.
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