On Aug. 26, 2021, Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, age 20, was among 13 servicemembers killed at the Abbey Gate in Kabul during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He had wanted to be a Marine since he was 8.
In the weeks after Jared's death, condolence checks from strangers filled more than a foot of mail. His father, Mark, couldn't bring himself to spend a single dollar of it.
So he launched a nonprofit instead aimed at honoring the fallen and helping servicemembers with their mental health.
On this Memorial Day episode of Tango Alpha Lima, Gold Star father Mark Schmitz joins hosts Adam Marr and Joe Worley to share the story of The Freedom 13, a mission to build therapeutic retreat camps for veterans and law enforcement on 100-plus acres in all 50 states, free of charge, with the first camp already under construction in Missouri. He also discusses the coalition of Abbey Gate families fighting for GI Bill reform and increased death benefits for fallen servicemembers.
Also on this episode: Memorial Day events around the nation, the origin story of the Battle Buddy system, and Memorial Day fitness challenges honoring the fallen — including The Murph.
01:11 Memorial Day Recognition: More Than Just a Holiday
05:46 Armed Forces Vacation Club
06:11 The Journey of a Marine's Legacy
10:32 Transforming Grief into Purpose
14:19 Building Safe Spaces for Veterans
24:26 Fundraising and Community Support
29:22 Future Plans
30:51 Collaborating with Local Organizations
33:25 Volunteer Engagement and Material Sourcing
34:25 The Role of Service Dogs
38:09 Employment Opportunities for Veterans
41:17 Advocacy for Veterans' Rights
45:51 Community Support and Small Donations
49:30 American Legion Family USA250 Challenge
50:41 Battle Buddies: Making Sure Your Feet Don't Fall Off
55:48 Memorial Day Challenges
