THE 12th ANNUAL VIRGINIA BEACH fallen heroes EVENT KICKS OFF SEPT 9, 2023 at Camp Pendleton

JOIN US IN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OF FALLEN HEROES from the Navy Seals, and in supporting the Virginia Beach police and fire departments and the Virginia Bewach Rescue Squad.

We want to thank our readership and the greater community for responding BIG to last year’s event! The 2022 annual fallen heroes event, along with other sponsorships and charitable gifts, provided income of around $140,000 to VBFH last year. This worthy cause has increased its 2023 fundraising goal to $160,000 because of the high demand for their services. More than 85 cents on every dollar donated goes directly into programs because it is an all-volunteer organization!

Virginia Connector understands that our community wants to ensure that their investments will be spent judiciously and will make a measurable impact on supporting the families of fallen heroes. Among other programs and services, last year’s charitable donations went directly to the family of a decorated U.S. Navy Seal and father of two who died in Arizona on February 13th after a mishap during a parachute training exercise. Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst enlisted in the Navy in 2009. He earned the Silver Star, the military’s third-highest award for valor in combat, as well as a number of other awards and decorations. At the time of the incident, he was assigned to the East Coast Special Warfare Unit in Virginia Beach.

Other donations went to SEALKIDS. Even the bravest individuals need support and SEALKIDS makes sure children get the help they need. Because children of SEALS move and change schools so often, it can be a barrier to academic achievement. SEALKIDS helps children overcome academic struggles, which leads to success in school and life.

We understand that unfortunate events happen to the brave heroes who unselfishly defend our freedoms and our communities. Their sacrifices sometimes come at the cost of their very lives. Your attendance at this year’s event on September 9th, or your donation online, is a small way to honor them by contributing to their families’ well-being.

Our mission is to provide support and assistance to Virginia Beach Naval Special Warfare, First Responders and other branches of the military. Visit vbfh.org to donate OR learn more at facebook.com/VBFallenHeroes

THE 12th ANNUAL VIRGINIA BEACH fallen heroes

EVENT KICKS OFF SEPT 9, 2023 at Camp Pendleton

The

12th ANNUAL VIRGINIA BEACH fallen heroes EVENT KICKS OFF SEPT 9, 2023 at Camp Pendleton

Tickets available at www.vbfh.org

The annual Freedom Ride event will donate directly to Virginia Beach Fallen Heroes and Virginia Beach First Responders We will have the VBFD escorting us from Froggy’s on Shore Drive to the main event at Camp Pendleton. Preregistration is available on the Facebook page as well as a ride waiver to print and sign in advance to help speed up the registration. All riders will get a t-shirt, kickstand plate and helmet sticker. Cost is $65. Registration starts at 10am and kick stands up at approximately 12:15. They will have a military honor guard this year.