In 2009, Mark heard a radio interview featuring Veterans serving in Iraq who shared that they were without basic hygiene items and other necessities. Wanting to help, Mark teamed up with several co-workers to organize a fundraiser to collect the items the troops requested. The event was a tremendous success, allowing them to send 68 large care packages to service members in Iraq for Christmas.

The heartfelt cards and thank-you letters they received from Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Navy personnel were deeply moving and inspired Mark and others to continue their mission of support.

Over the years, the journey has been both exciting and rewarding. Honoring Heroes has grown into an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has coordinated or participated in numerous fundraising events—including poker runs, auctions, raffles, t-shirt sales, and more.

Honoring Heroes has:

-Sent hundreds of care packages overseas

-Assisted thousands of Veterans, active-duty troops, and their families in meeting everyday needs during difficult times

-Partnered with local transitional centers to help Veterans move into stable housing and provided the essential items needed to make their new space a home

-Supported unhoused Veterans by supplying basic necessities

-Operated under the motto: “Giving Veterans a hand up, not a handout.”

-Remained an entirely volunteer-driven organization—every board member and volunteer is uncompensated, serving purely out of commitment to improving the lives of Veterans in need