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

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 | Comments Off on Register to Support the Sterling Promise Foundation Fundraiser

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

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

Special Operations Warrior Foundation Announces Scholarship Funded by Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund in Honor of John Magness

Thursday, February 29th, 2024

Tampa, FL, Feb. 29 – The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) is proud to announce a $250,000 scholarship grant for the 2023/2024 academic year, generously funded by the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund (JMSF) in memory of John Magness, a revered patriot, and distinguished Special Operations helicopter pilot.

John Magness, whose legacy of bravery and dedication continues to inspire, played a pivotal role in critical military operations, including leading a troop of attack helicopters during the Persian Gulf War and participating in the historic Battle of the Black Sea in Mogadishu, Somalia, as part of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Tragically, John Magness passed away on February 5, 2023, after summiting Mount Aconcagua, undertaking this formidable challenge to raise awareness and funds for the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, a cause he passionately supported. As an Ambassador for Special Operations Warrior Foundation, John’s commitment to the children of our nation’s fallen heroes was unwavering.

The Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, in collaboration with SOWF, aims to honor John’s legacy by supporting the educational aspirations of students who, despite facing significant challenges, have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to their academic and personal growth.

Both JMSF and SOWF are honored to contribute to the educational journey of future leaders. It reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the dreams of our fallen SOF Warriors’ children and empowering them to achieve their fullest potential.

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund encourage the scholarship recipients, and all students, to pursue excellence in their endeavors and to remember the strength and support of the community that stands behind them.

We look forward to witnessing the remarkable achievements our scholarship recipients will accomplish and are confident that they will continue to honor the legacy of heroes like John Magness.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Special Operations Warrior Foundation Announces Scholarship Funded by Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund in Honor of John Magness

Help for Ukraine: Rheinmetall Donates €100,000 to Olena Zelenska Foundation

Sunday, February 11th, 2024

The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall is supporting the Olena Zelenska Foundation in Kyiv with a donation of 100,000 euros. The founder of the foundation, Olena Zelenska, wife of the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, received a corresponding pledge at a meeting in Berlin. The foundation has been active since the beginning of the large-scale Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Together with foreign supporters, it helps affected people to cope with the consequences of the war. The charitable initiative supports projects in the areas of education, healthcare and humanitarian aid.

In the words of Olena Zelenksa, “I am delighted that Rheinmetall AG is now one of the foundation’s reliable partners. This industrial giant is a symbol of outstanding German quality. I am convinced that our humanitarian initiatives will be strengthened thanks to such a solid partnership. Together we will certainly rebuild our country and make Ukraine stronger.”

As Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG, makes clear, “Russia’s war of aggression has destroyed countless homes, schools and hospitals in Ukraine. Besides the defence of the country, which we as a company are doing our utmost to support, we’ve got to make sure that the people who live there can get on with their lives. Children need to go to school, the sick need to be treated, families have to be fed. In making this donation, we at Rheinmetall are helping here, too. We stand with Ukraine!”
Regarding the military defence of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, Rheinmetall has emerged as the nation’s most important private-sector supplier of defence technology, furnishing an extensive array of products and services. In October 2023, for example, Rheinmetall established a joint venture company in Kyiv with Ukraine’s state-owned Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC, the former Ukroboronprom: Rheinmetall Ukrainian Defense Industry LLC.
In a first step, the new joint venture is servicing and repairing tactical vehicles, with plans to produce armoured vehicles in Ukraine at a later date, including the Fuchs/Fox wheeled armoured transport vehicle, the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle and the Panther main battle tank.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall is a vital strategic partner of Ukraine, supplying the embattled country with ammunition, combat vehicles, air defence systems, military trucks and mobile field hospitals.

Posted in Charity, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Help for Ukraine: Rheinmetall Donates €100,000 to Olena Zelenska Foundation

Black Triangle Presents: The E4 Mafia Shirt Featuring Clint Trial

Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

Master Sergeant Clint Trial (USMC, Ret) is one of my favorite Americans, so I was quite pleased when one of my favorite small businesses, Black Triangle, decided to offer a CT t-shirt to raise money for the Third Option Foundation and Torn Warriors.

Here’s the story behind the shirt from Clint himself:

“A man will never excel at giving orders if he’s never questioned the orders he’s been given.”
I wrote this a long time ago. Probably around the time this photo was taken. It felt like the truth back then every bit as much as it does today.
I’ve always had issues with “authority figures”
…from as far back as I can remember, I always looked at authority figures with suspicion. I didn’t know why I was that way… seemed like that was just how I was designed. After 51 years of living, I think it’s all starting to make much more sense now. My healthy distaste for authority figures was not unwarranted.
It is this Marine’s opinion that “authority figures” are nothing more than an illusion created by men who crave power over others.
One might very easily point out the glaring contradiction in this photo… “uhhh but yeah man… if you hate authority figures so much then how the hell did you spend 20+ yrs in the Marine Corps?”
My answer is simple – because any good Marine who is worthy of leading other Marines is NOT an authority figure… he is a leader. And the difference between those two things could not be greater. Being led is a much different feeling than being forced to follow. A good leader will lead by example and mentor and guide those who follow. An authority figure doesn’t give 2 shits about any of those things. An authority figure says “Obey or else!” The Marine Corps I served in did an excellent job of weeding out authority figures and an excellent job of creating strong leaders. But like anywhere else in life …there are always those who slip through the cracks.. even in the Corps. When this picture was taken … that middle finger was aimed towards a few of those “authority figures”.

I post this somewhat embarrassing photo of myself because I can see how it is a micro reflection of how I feel about our current government. Only it seems the cracks now are massive fractures that have allowed a flooding of “authority” types into the halls of our most sacred American institutions.”

Available in Olive and Black, sizes Small through 5XLarge.

blktriangle.com/products/e4-mafia-shirt-w-clint-trial

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Fundraising, Morale, Veterans | Comments Off on Black Triangle Presents: The E4 Mafia Shirt Featuring Clint Trial