The Foundation was represented across the country throughout May, driving the importance of the national Global War on Terrorism Memorial as a place for all Americans to honor, heal, be empowered, and unite.
Launch of the Jawbreaker Fellowship Program
At the beginning of May, we launched the Foundation’s Jawbreaker Fellowship Program, named in honor of the CIA heroes who were the first Americans behind enemy lines after 9/11 as part of Operation Jawbreaker. We welcomed our inaugural Gold Star Child Fellow Megan Taylor, who joins our Gold Star Fellow Krista Simpson Anderson. Be sure to watch this stirring video of Megan discussing the importance of the Memorial to Gold Star children of GWOT heroes.
From Sorinex’s SummerStrong to Fort Liberty’s All American Week
Our President and CEO Michael “Rod” Rodríguez participated in Sorinex’s SummerStrong two-day event in Lexington, SC—“the Woodstock of strength.” We are grateful for Sorinex Co-Owner and GWOTMF ambassador Bert Sorin’s longtime support for the Foundation’s mission.
At All American Week at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, service members came together in a spirit of camaraderie and support for the military community. We joined them to celebrate their service and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our team shared about the Memorial and how it will honor all who served in the GWOT.
On the Cover of American Legion Magazine
We were honored to be featured on the cover of American Legion Magazine to discuss how the Memorial’s design will be informed by 20,000 pieces of public suggestions and the input of our Design Advisory Council members. We continue to push toward unveiling a design and breaking ground in 2025, and we are thankful for the American Legion as one of our indispensable allies in helping us reach that goal.
Remembering Those We Have Lost on Memorial Day
Memorial Day also brought a host of activities in which we were proud to participate:
On May 23rd, members of the bipartisan For Country Caucus spoke at the future site of the Memorial to commemorate the sacrifices made in the Global War on Terrorism and show support for our work. The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps.”
On May 25th, we joined our allies from the Travis Manion Foundation in carrying out #TheHonorProject at Arlington National Cemetery. As part of this initiative, thousands of volunteers laid tokens on the headstones of our nation’s fallen heroes nationwide, and we were proud to join their commitment to honor our nation’s finest. The Travis Manion Foundation has also been an unshakable ally in the Memorial’s construction.
On Memorial Day, we returned to the GWOT Memorial site for the playing of “Taps” and solemn commemoration of the more than 7,000 Americans in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice during the GWOT. As Michael Rodríguez stated in his Memorial Day message, “As we do every Memorial Day, today we pause to give thanks for all the valorous men and women who have given their lives in combat on behalf of our blessed nation. We solemnly contemplate their blood that was shed for freedom. And we mourn alongside Gold Star family members, loved ones and friends who continue to grieve their tremendous loss.”
Our mission to honor GWOT veterans continues every day. We will not rest until we complete our sacred mission of building the Memorial. If you would like to join our mission, and pledge some of your time, talent, or treasure to the Foundation, please contact us.
Follow us on social media to find out where we’ll be next. We look forward to seeing you at various events we’ll participate in this summer!
