by Kirk Alkire | Mar 12, 2025
CPL Benjamin S. Kopp, a U.S. Army Ranger, was seriously wounded on 10 July 2009 while on a combat operation with the Rangers in Afghanistan. He was medically evacuated through Germany to Walter Reed, where he died of his wounds on 18 July 2009. Ben was on his third...
by Kirk Alkire | May 25, 2024
With great joy, I am thrilled to share that my plans for a memorial dedicated to Gold Star Families have been officially approved. This memorial will offer Gold Star families a place to come together, pay tribute, and remember their loved ones who made the ultimate...
by Kirk Alkire | May 1, 2021
Driven Sy and I worked together a few years ago in Alaska, she was then, and still is incredibly detailed oriented. Never asked, she just always rolled up her sleeves and got after whatever the task was, she’s absolutely driven. I wasn’t the least bit surprised...
by Kirk Alkire | Oct 12, 2020
This miniature United States Marine Corps flag traveled by vehicle over 4,000 miles from New Jersey to Alaska with Gold Star Parents Mona and Ford Shaw, they were on a mission. Their mission, travel to Alaska and climb Gold Star Peak and honor their fallen son, U.S....
by Kirk Alkire | Oct 2, 2020
Sunset from the summit of Gold Star Peak on Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day 2020 I recently spent the night on the summit of Gold Star Peak. In all my years of climbing this mountain, this overnighter was more peaceful and absolutely surreal. Not...
