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Uniting for a Noble Cause: The 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle in Support of Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation

Monday, May 6th, 2024

In the heart of every Special Operations mission lies a support network extending far beyond the battlefield. Behind the courage and valor of our Nation’s warfighters are organizations like the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation, which provide critical assistance and unwavering support to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Who We Are and What We Do

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation is a beacon of hope and resilience for wounded, ill, or injured US Special Operations Command members, veterans, and their families. Our mission is clear: to respond to immediate needs, organize Rehabilitative Adaptive Events (RAE), and pioneer education and next-generation health solutions for the issues facing our service members.

As a nonprofit founded and operated by Special Operations veterans, we deeply understand the unique challenges the Special Operations Forces community faces. Our programs are meticulously designed to heal, rebuild, and strengthen veterans, service members, and their families, providing them with a renewed sense of mission, purpose, and focus.

Our Impact in 2023: A Testament to Support

In 2023, your support through Task Force Dagger made a tangible difference. We provided $842,539 in assistance, directly supporting 1686 warfighters and family members. This assistance covered SOF health initiatives and immediate needs like medical treatment reimbursements, travel expenses, medical device reimbursements, emergency assistance, holiday support, and rehabilitative adaptive events.

Your Support in Action: The 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle

The 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, enabling us to continue our vital mission of supporting our Nation’s warfighters and their families. The auction kicked off on April 29th and concludes with an in-person reception generously sponsored by Cubic on Tuesday, May 7th at the Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center in the Skyway Meeting Room. With 95% of donor dollars directly supporting our programs and initiatives, your contributions make an immediate and tangible impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

By participating in the auction, attending our events, and spreading awareness, you join us in our mission to honor and uplift our Special Operations community. Together, we can ensure that no warfighter or family member faces their challenges alone.

Highlighted Auction Items

• Donated by Arsenal: Limited Edition – IZHMASH Jubilee Series Silver Edition 5.45x39mm Semi-Automatic AK74 Rifle

• Winchester NILO Farms Hunting & Shooting 2 day Trip for 2

• Spartan Race Passes

• Maxim MD11 Rifle – .308 caliber, 16″ Stainless Barrel, Arid color

• Geissele Super Duty Rifle, 16″, 5.56MM

• Huxwrx 556K FLOW Suppressor

• 2024 PGA Championship Week Passes for Two

• Limited Horse Soldier Gift Box featuring a Rare 80th D-Day Anniversary Bottle of Select Bourbon

• Foursome @ Trump International Golf Club

Raffle Items: $20 Tickets for Great Prizes

• Gentex AMP Headset (Color: Tan)

• FN 509 Pistol 9mm

• Proof Research Stainless Steel Barrel

• Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Pistol Sight

• Mossberg Patriot .300 WinMag Rifle

• $500 JP Rifles Gift Certificate

• Black Rifle Coffee Package (Pour Over Set/Mugs/Coffee)

• Steiner 8×24 Tactical Binocular

• Oakley Standard Issue Fuel Cell Armed Forces

• LBT MG Origins Day Pack

• 2 Pack of Spartan Race Passes Exp 12/31/2023

• Oakley SI Fuel Cell Sunglasses

• Oakley SI GasCan Sunglasses

• Hornday Range Bag & Gift Items

• Magpul Bipod for Picatinny Rail

• Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling Gen 2 w. Magpul QD MOE Sling Attachment

In the face of adversity, the strength of our Nation’s warfighters shines brightly, buoyed by the unwavering support of organizations like Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation. As we forge ahead into the future, let us stand united in our commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Join us in the 2024 SOF Auction & Raffle, and together, let’s make a difference that truly matters.

View the SOF Auction & Raffle items here: bit.ly/3KHzVDj.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, SOF Week, Veterans | No Comments »

SOF Select Happy Hour to Support Veteran and Industry Professional Battling for His Life

Monday, May 6th, 2024

42-YEAR-OLD FATHER OF TWO NEEDS YOUR HELP

Please join us at SOF Select happy hour on Wednesday, May 8 at 3:30 in the Oasis Ballroom at the Westin Tampa Waterside to support our friend and colleague, Erlend Gray. SOF Select is a two-minute walk from the Convention Center, over the bridge and next to Jackson’s.

Erlend is a Norwegian MJK veteran, defense industry professional and eternal optimist. In February 2024, his doctors gave him 12 months to live as the available treatments in Norway were no longer stopping the spread of his malignant melanoma.

With a lifetime of experience in overcoming challenges in ominous situations, Erlend did what comes naturally – he kept going. His Norwegian medical team told him a new treatment was recently approved by the FDA in the United States and is his last hope for overcoming cancer. Erlend and a close team of family and former teammates are working to get him access to this lifesaving treatment in the U.S.

The treatment, Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, is a new cellular immunotherapy that is only offered at a few U.S. hospitals. Like many new medical treatments, the groundbreaking treatment is cost-prohibitive. Out of pocket expenses are estimated to exceed $500,000 for Erlend and his family. And time is of the essence.

Erlend’s kindness, generosity and professionalism have touched many throughout the defense industry. Since retirement he has representedArc’Teryx, Knight’s Armament and Team Wendy among other top tier brands.

Erlend is the definition of “solid through-and-through.” He has always been known for sacrificing his own time and energy to support those around him in difficult situations, without expecting anything in return. He has helped many out of tough situations, and now we all have a chance to contribute so that he can receive the lifesaving treatment before it’s too late.

Please consider making a donation here:

gofund.me/2b97bd01

100% of all contributions to this Go Fund Me will go to Erlend via the HunterSeven Foundation.

All contributions will be greatly appreciated, and donations can be made anonymously if desired.

Your support will have an immediate impact on Erlend and his young family.

Gratefully,

Team Erlend

Bjørg, Viljar, Alma, Erlend, family, and friends!

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, SOF Select, Veterans | 1 Comment »

Register to Support the Sterling Promise Foundation Fundraiser

Monday, May 6th, 2024

The Sterling Promise Foundation fundraiser is Tuesday evening from 1630 to 1930 at the Channelside Room in the Westin Tampa Waterside. There is also an online charity auction.

For those of you who will be in Tampa, below is the link to register for the event. This link is also the live link to the auction, raffles, and commemorative items they will have at the event.

onecau.se/sterling24

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, SOF Week, Veterans | No Comments »

B.E. Meyers & Co. Supports the Sterling Promise Foundation as a Gold Sponsor During SOF Week 2024 (Tampa, FL)

Friday, May 3rd, 2024

02 May 2024 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., via The Brad and Nancy Meyers Family Fund, is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Sterling Promise Foundation’s annual fundraising event. The Sterling Promise Foundation Fundraiser will be held at The Westin Tampa Waterside, on May 7th from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. during SOF Week 2024.

The Sterling Promise Foundation exists to honor the life of Staff Sergeant Scott Sterling, who passed away in April 2021 after a heroic battle with colorectal cancer. Scott served in the 75th Ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (1SFOD-D). sterlingpromisefoundation.org

Funds are being used to provide blood screening tests directly to Active Duty personnel as well as Veterans of the SOF community to ensure early detection.

The May 7th event includes a silent auction, live music, an open bar, and light appetizers. The Guardant Health Team will be on-site to continue screening in person. Do learn more or donate to this amazing cause, please visit One Cause – Sterling Promise Foundation Fundraiser

The Brad and Nancy Meyers Family Fund is a philanthropic entity designed to provide sponsorship to causes in support of Veterans, first responders, religious freedom, animal welfare, and nature conservancy in the US and around the world.

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.:
B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is a US Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced laser solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications. Our Redmond, WA facility supports our ISO 9001:2015 production operations of premier visible, near infrared, and out-of-band laser marking and illumination systems, as well as range finding and warfighter solutions products, all of which serve our nation as well as allies in 38 nations worldwide.

As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 50th Year in Business, we are a true Made in America story, from the initial sketch to the final product out the door happening at our Redmond, WA headquarters. We appreciate your support as we work to evolve critical defense technology and reenergize American Manufacturing. Learn more about our defense and optoelectronic products, our capabilities, and how we are evolving critical defense technology and reenergizing American Manufacturing at www.bemeyers.com

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Press Release, SOF Week, Veterans | No Comments »

B.E. Meyers & Co. Hosts SOF Week 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Event (Tampa, FL)

Saturday, April 27th, 2024

26 April 2024 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Company, Inc., a US defense technology manufacturer in its 50th year, is proud to partner with the US Vietnam War Commemorative Office as a Commemorative Partner.

On Tuesday, 07 May 2024 from 5pm to 6pm, B.E. Meyers & Co. will host the SOF Week 50th Anniversary Recognition of Vietnam Veterans at the Sail Outdoor Pavilion next to the Tampa Convention Center,141 E Brorein St, Tampa, FL 33602. Please join us in this special event to recognize and honor the Vietnam Veterans in the Tampa area. Help us make it a memorable occasion by showing your gratitude and support for these remarkable individuals who have served our country with valor and raise a glass in their honor.

Remarks and pinning ceremony for Vietnam Veterans in attendance with MG Edward J. Chrystal, Jr., Director, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.

Vietnam Veterans who plan to attend and wish to be honored at the event, please contact us with your service and contact details at: events@bemeyers.com or 425-320-9912.

For all others attendees, please RSVP at www.eventcreate.com/e/sofweekvietnam50th

(Click on photo to download brochure.)Special Thanks to the Global SOF Foundation and American Legion Post 138.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History, SOF Week, Veterans | No Comments »

“Triple 7” Record Setting Skydiving Expedition Documentary Drops into Five Cities for Red Carpet Premieres

Saturday, April 20th, 2024

Legacy Expeditions, Folds of Honor announce documentary film premiere dates

AUSTIN—April 17, 2024— The much-anticipated documentary “Triple 7: They Said It Couldn’t Be Done,” directed and produced by Dan Myrick (“The Blair Witch Project”) and produced by Kristian Krempel, is set to premiere in five cities in May. The film follows a team of nine former U.S. and Canadian special operations service members as they attempt to achieve skydiving’s most elusive feat, the Triple 7— seven skydives on seven continents in seven days. Spearheaded by retired Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille, the film aims to raise $7 million for Folds of Honor.

“Triple 7” will roll out the red carpet between May 11-16 in New York, Tampa, Austin, Dallas, and Los Angeles, respectively. Expedition members and filmmakers will be available to the media in the days leading up to the New York premiere and at each city’s red-carpet event.

“The road to this theatrical release for ‘Triple 7’ has been a deeply personal and collective commitment at Legacy Expeditions. Spanning three years, the endeavor of the expedition and creating the documentary was significant, but the cause—to etch the legacy of our fallen into the annals of history—made every challenge worth facing,” said Sarraille. “The excitement of the adventure and the emotional depth of our shared stories will, I hope, touch the hearts of viewers, both through laughter and tears, reminding us all to never forget and to forever honor those who gave everything.”

Premiere Dates and Cities: Tickets may be purchased at legacyexpeditions.com.

• New York City: May 11 at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. EDT
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas W57- 657 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019

• Tampa: May 13 at 7:30 p.m. EDT
The Tampa Theatre- 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602

• Austin: May 14 at 7:30 p.m. CDT
Alamo Drafthouse, South Lamar- 1120 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704

• Dallas: May 15 at 7:30 p.m. CDT
The Texas Theatre- 231 Jefferson Blvd., Dallas, TX 75208

• Los Angeles: May 16 at 7:30 p.m. PDT
Landmark Theaters Sunset- 8000 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046

“When approached by Mike to document their world record attempt with the aim of raising $7 million for Folds of Honor, I saw an opportunity beyond mere spectacle,” said Myrick. “It became a personal mission to delve into the motivations and profound purpose driving this group of individuals often misunderstood in contemporary society. What unfolded was a profound exploration of a multi-faceted collective: highly skilled and committed soldiers intertwined with heartfelt, humorous, and contemplative human beings.”

Posted in Media, Parachuting, Press Release, Veterans | 3 Comments »

Mentors Needed

Sunday, March 31st, 2024

To expand our reach to make even more of an impact, HireSOF is looking for peer mentors to help support the current and future candidates.

If you have successfully transitioned from SOF active duty and have been working within your civilian career for at least 1 full year, and want to help others who are enduring this process, please reach out.

linktr.ee/hiresof

Posted in SOF, Veterans | No Comments »

8th Annual Whiskey & War Stories Operation Lightning Dawn

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

This year is Operation Lightning Dawn, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates in 2009. This is our first year relocating to Virginia Beach, VA. Several of our guest speakers who participated in our past Whiskey & War Stories ™ will be attending. Our past events included:

• Operation Thunderhead
• Operation Urgent Fury
• Operation Ivory Coast/Kingpin
• Operation Eagle Claw
• Operation Acid Gambit

Gala Night Details

Who: The Silent Warrior Foundation

What: 8th Annual 8th Annual Whiskey & War Stories ™ Fundraising Gala and Auction

Where: Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Reserve

When: Saturday, April 13, 2024, doors open at 5 pm. Event ends at 10 pm.

Why: Fundraising to support the Silent Warrior Foundation

VIP Night Details

When: 5pm to 9pm Friday, April 12, 2024

Where: Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457

What: An informal gathering with our guest speakers over food and drink at the military aviation museum in Pungo. A flight demonstration of the museum’s AD-1 Skyraider and unlimited tour of the museum for all attendees. Attendees can indulge in cigars after the flight demo.

A chartered bus will leave for the Aviation Museum from the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort and depart from the museum at 9 pm for those who’d like the convenience of not driving.

silentwarriorfoundation.com

The Silent Warrior Foundation is an all-volunteer 501c3 charity serving SOF veterans and their families. SWF funds Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, provides scholarships, service K9’s through HomefrontK9 and emergency assistance.

Link to purchase tickets: 8th Annual Whiskey & War Stories | Auction Frogs

Contact info@silentwarriorfoundation.com to donate auction items or inquire about sponsorship.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Guest Post, History, Veterans | Comments Off on 8th Annual Whiskey & War Stories Operation Lightning Dawn