Got Your Back NetworkThe past 6 months have lent themselves to so many new relationships and memories it’s hard to recap in one post. One of the things that makes Got Your Back Network special is that our events are host to smaller groups, groups that allow everyone to get to know each other better and make the connections that are needed. We feel that it should be a big family, one that laughs together and cries together.
To recap 2012 so far is hard as there are so many perfect memories from our time with Project Gratitude in Las Vegas, to founder Andy Baldwin making martinis, LA Angels player Albert Pujols posing for pictures and holding a child of the fallen and watching the Jimenez Family throw out the first pitch at a MLB game. Memories that will last a lifetime for all involved.
In May we held our Annual Martinis and Makeovers fundraising event in La Jolla, CA. This was our Martinis & Makeovers fundraiser on the West Coast, historically this event has been held in Washington, DC. We were honored to have 15 of our surviving spouses join us for makeovers courtesy of Autelier Salon and Zino International with signature martini’s donated by Patron’s Ultimate Vodka. This was made possible largely by the donation of space at the lovely Cuvier Club in downtown La Jolla, we couldn’t be more grateful for their support of the families of our fallen. Several widows courageously stood and shared their husband/wife’s memory and their story to other attendees, they shared their struggles and with that their inspiration filled the room. The monies raised that night went to fund various GYBN programs, as an all volunteer organization all money goes back to programs for the families.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hosted three events for families of our fallen at Angel Stadium. Two of these events enabled a total of 10 families and their children to be down on the field during batting practice. The children and their moms were able to meet players like Trout, Trumbo, Hunter and crowd favorite Albert Pujols. I’m not sure who was more giddy, the moms or their children. On Memorial Day, the Angels invited the Jimenez Family to throw out the first pitch in their game against the NY Yankees in honor of their hero 1LT Oscar Jimenez. As with most of the GYBN events, several families were able to meet for the first time and forge relationships with each other sometimes even finding that their husbands had the same MOS or were even stationed at other duty stations at the same time.
For the second year the Got Your Back Network was invited to the USS Midway to accept a very generous donation from the American Freedom Foundation for our work with families of our fallen. We are very thankful for our relationship with the American Freedom Foundation.
What a whirlwind last few months and we are looking forward to the rest of the year and what 2013 has in store for us. As always, if you are a family of the fallen please register with us to stay informed of all upcoming events.