A common topic of discussion in the nonprofit world is “What draws people to our organization?” The answers are endless, sometimes obvious, often surprising, and always enlightening. The Marine Raider Foundation recently posed this question to our Board Members, and we would like to share some of their answers with you. We also invite you to join our community and team by exploring our website, https://marineraiderfoundation.org, where you can register for one of our upcoming events, host an event, make a donation, and learn more about our mission and the Marine Raider community we support.
What Compelled You to Become a Marine Raider Foundation Board Member?
- Board Member Kathryn Tappen – “I believe in everything the Marine Raider Foundation stands for because I personally experienced their support upon the tragic death of my cousin, USMC Captain Ford Shaw, who was killed in a training accident along with 6 of his Raider teammates on March 10, 2015.
The MRF immediately came to the assistance and relief of my family and those families of Ford’s teammates. I knew I wanted to honor Ford’s memory for as long as I am living, and the best way I could was to offer to give back to the very foundation that lives up to the values and mission that Ford did in his own life. I am honored to serve on the Board for the MRF and I look forward to carrying on Ford’s legacy through the work we do for other Marines and their family.” - Board Member Chuck Meacham – “It is truly my honor to support the Marine Raider Foundation. My ancestors served our country beginning with the American Revolution. My father, now 95 years old, served with the Marine Raiders during WWII and introduced me to a number of Marines and Marine Corps support groups. As my personal interactions with Marines increased and I learned more about the proud history of the Corps, I came to the conclusion that they are among the best of the best. Their selfless commitment to country, honor, and integrity occasionally results in personal hardships with needs beyond those they can provide themselves. The Marine Raider Foundation has been there to help these Marines and their families and has done so for a number of years. I cannot think of a better way to honor and help these folks than through the Foundation. It is truly an honor to be a part off and contribute to this excellent philanthropic organization.”
- Board Member Michael Manoukian – “Immediately after my brother Captain Matthew Patrick Manoukian was killed in action on August 10, 2012, the Foundation quietly stepped in to offer their strength and support to assist the Manoukian family in any way the Foundation could. Although it was in its infancy at the time, the impact the Foundation made to stabilize our lives during a time of extreme sorrow was enormous. In the years after Matthew’s death, the Foundation has connected us with phenomenal people, including many Gold Star families of other fallen MARSOC Heroes. Although time will not heal the wound of Matthew’s absence, the Foundation continues to serve the Manoukian family as a beacon of strength, and a source of comfort. Through the Foundation’s resiliency efforts, Matthew’s legacy, and the legacies of the other fallen Raiders, will live on as long as the Foundation has the continued support of its many generous donors. It is the honor of a lifetime to serve on the Foundation’s Board.”
- Board Members Nick Schroback and Lorelei Gaus – “Nick and Lorelei are both former Marines that saw the Raider Foundation’s incredible impact up close while they served at MARSOC. During Nick’s five years as a Raider and Lorelei’s two years as an enabler at the Marine Raider Support Group, the community experienced many tragedies resulting from two high-profile aviation disasters and multiple combat related deaths and injuries. Yet among all the anguish, the Raider Foundation supported the community where the Department of Defense could not. Through funding travel costs for the family and friends of fallen Raiders to attend funerals, or by building memorials to commemorate their sacrifice at the MARSOC compound, Nick and Lorelei both saw that the Raider Foundation was a pillar in the Marine Special Operations Community. As Nick and Lorelei left active-duty and settled in Philadelphia, they wanted to give back to the community that they both love. In addition to serving on the Foundation board of directors, they continue to share the Foundation’s mission by hosting events to connect those in the Philadelphia metro area with the Marine Special Operations Community. The next event will be a sporting clays shoot on May 2nd at M&M Hunting Preserve in Southern New Jersey, and Nick and Lorelei plan to make this an annual spring event.”
- Board Member Ambrose Fisher & Family – “We are involved with the Marine Raider Foundation because our family wants to give back and say thank you to the Raider community for their service and sacrifices for America.”
- Board Member Dan Brooks – “I support the Marine Raider Foundation for the Gold Star Families. For me, it’s about fulfilling a commitment to those I served alongside, and specifically those who gave their lives in the line of duty. There’s a saying you often hear throughout the Raider community, “never above you, never below you, always beside you.” I believe that is a commitment that extends to the families of the fallen – always beside you. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that is there to support Gold Star Family members, whether it’s during a discrete time of need, or over a sustained period. When the wars end, and the sacrifices fade from the headlines, they still need our support. I’m committed to ensuring that support is always available.”