The 98 Fund
The Work ContinuesTHE ALASKA PROJECT
In October of 2008, members of the United States Military Academy’s Class of 1998 stood together at their 10th reunion, reminiscing about their first decade as members of “The Long Gray Line.” Their lives had changed inextricably in that short span – they had left West Point in May of 1998 with the class motto “Duty Will Not Wait,” perhaps not fully realizing what the profession of arms would mean to them. Ten short years later, these classmates had deployed all over the world – to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, and other places less known. Many had seen combat. All had lost friends and classmates in the process. As such, the class adopted a new motto for their reunion: “Duty Did Not Wait.”
While paying tribute to their fallen brethren at the reunion, a small group of classmates decided Duty continued beyond the end of military service and they determined the best possible tribute to those classmates who had lost their lives was to ensure the well-being of their families. The plan for a Memorial Scholarship was born. Two years later, the West Point Class of 1998 Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. (“The 98Fund”) was fully incorporated in the State of Virginia and was officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization (EIN: 32-0289471).
As the years progressed following its founding, members of the Class of 1998 saw the nearly continuous combat in which the nation and their classmates were engaged meant a need to expand The 98Fund’s role. No longer simply focused on scholarships for the children of fallen classmates, The 98Fund’s goals were broadened to provide help to classmates who returned from combat different than the way they left, to create opportunities for the children to preserve the memories of their parent(s), and to remain ready to meet additional, unforseen needs that arise due to the dynamic and ever-changing battlefield of the 21st century.
Governing documents and financial statements associated with the West Point Class of 1998 Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. are available upon request.
Please contact us to submit any such requests.
Since its founding, The 98Fund has had several stages, some of which are ongoing:
Class Centric Fund Raising. During this phase we raised awareness of the 98Fund’s existence and mission among the members of the Class of 1998 and friends of the Class of 1998. We sought personal and corporate donations, both financial and in-kind. These funds acted as a baseline for our investment account and covered the very minor operational expenses of the organization.
Friends of the Fund and Corporate Support.
As our class’s donations to the fund increased, we began to turn our focus to expand our fundraising base to include friends of the Class of 1998 as well as corporate partners. Our goal during this phase is to increase momentum as we look toward our 20th USMA reunion and our million dollar fundraising goal.
Meetings Needs & Providing Help.
As our Fund has grown and its mission expanded, we have been able to provide support to classmates in need as well as surviving families in financial and tangible ways. We look forward to awarding scholarships in the next few years as the children of our fallen classmates become old enough to enter college as well to continue working to preserve the memories of the people we remember and
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#THE98FUND
It has been twelve years since we learned we had lost Mark Gardner while he was in Korea. A man of few words and a quiet demeanor, Mark committed himself to his passions and was a loyal friend.
His passing reminded us of the need to be there to help one another, and reaffirmed our commitment to try to find ways to help when needed.
Today, please join #The98Fund and take a moment to reflect on Mark`s life and his impact to you personally. Saying his name and sharing a story helps keep his legacy alive, just like our commitment to #NeverForget through #TheAlaskaProject.
#BeThouAtPeace #NinetyGreat
Mark Allen Gardner, 5/16/73 ~ 4/19/11
It has been twelve years since we learned we had lost Mark Gardner while he was in Korea. A man of few words and a quiet demeanor, Mark committed himself to his passions and was a loyal friend.
His passing reminded us of the need to be there to help one another, and reaffirmed our commitment to try to find ways to help when needed.
Today, please join #The98Fund and take a moment to reflect on Mark`s life and his impact to you personally. Saying his name and sharing a story helps keep his legacy alive, just like our commitment to #NeverForget through #TheAlaskaProject.
#BeThouAtPeace #NinetyGreat
Mark Allen Gardner, 5/16/73 ~ 4/19/11
Two days ago (before the Gold Peak hike), members of the alaskanationalguard provided some of #The98Fund volunteers a look at their Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters. Taking the time to explain what they do, why they were called to service, and the unique challenges of the Alaska climate. We are thankful for what they do, and grateful for their support
Two days ago (before the Gold Peak hike), members of the alaskanationalguard provided some of #The98Fund volunteers a look at their Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters. Taking the time to explain what they do, why they were called to service, and the unique challenges of the Alaska climate. We are thankful for what they do, and grateful for their support
We Won’t Forget.
Today 62 people climbed Gold Star Peak with the98fund and remedy_alpine to honor our Fallen.
Led to the summit by “our” Gold Star Son, Andrew Voelke, who spent his birthday literally surrounded by people that knew his Father, they climbed through the clouds and mist until they were able to summit, see the memorial, and pay tribute to those we’ve lost.
This trip included carrying a dog tag for every member of #NinetyGreat no longer with us, and placing them on the memorial. It also included climbers of all ages.
As one person recounted:
The Silencer quieted us because our hearts were racing.
The Summit quiets us because our hearts are aching.
We won’t forget.
#The98Fund #TheAlaskaProject #GoldStarFamilies
We Won’t Forget.
Today 62 people climbed Gold Star Peak with the98fund and remedy_alpine to honor our Fallen.
Led to the summit by “our” Gold Star Son, Andrew Voelke, who spent his birthday literally surrounded by people that knew his Father, they climbed through the clouds and mist until they were able to summit, see the memorial, and pay tribute to those we’ve lost.
This trip included carrying a dog tag for every member of #NinetyGreat no longer with us, and placing them on the memorial. It also included climbers of all ages.
As one person recounted:
The Silencer quieted us because our hearts were racing.
The Summit quiets us because our hearts are aching.
We won’t forget.
#The98Fund #TheAlaskaProject #GoldStarFamilies
Teamwork making that dream work!
Whether it’s chipping in on “KP Duty”, the unstoppable all-lady crew getting after it, the supply runners, or the constant teaching and mentorship, #The98Fund volunteers are seeing the #TheAlaskaProject cabins come to life while creating lifelong memories and friendships! Your support is critical as costs skyrocketed this year … thanks for buying the Amazon Wish List items and donating so this crew stays busy!!
Teamwork making that dream work!
Whether it’s chipping in on “KP Duty”, the unstoppable all-lady crew getting after it, the supply runners, or the constant teaching and mentorship, #The98Fund volunteers are seeing the #TheAlaskaProject cabins come to life while creating lifelong memories and friendships! Your support is critical as costs skyrocketed this year … thanks for buying the Amazon Wish List items and donating so this crew stays busy!!
All work and no play….
While most of #The98Fund volunteers worked on #TheAlaskaProject site, other volunteers took a group to nearby Independence Mine and nearby areas to cool off and have some fun!
All work and no play….
While most of #The98Fund volunteers worked on #TheAlaskaProject site, other volunteers took a group to nearby Independence Mine and nearby areas to cool off and have some fun!
Following the groups arrival, orientation, and soft start on Sunday, 44 volunteers from Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (New Berlin, WI) continued joined with local volunteers and leaders from Mazatlan Missions Group on Monday with some amazing projects. The walls of the bath house are now up!!! Mickey Holtz thanks for being these amazing people into our lives! #TheAlaskaProject #The98Fund #GoldStarFamilies #Veterans
Following the groups arrival, orientation, and soft start on Sunday, 44 volunteers from Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (New Berlin, WI) continued joined with local volunteers and leaders from Mazatlan Missions Group on Monday with some amazing projects. The walls of the bath house are now up!!! Mickey Holtz thanks for being these amazing people into our lives! #TheAlaskaProject #The98Fund #GoldStarFamilies #Veterans
On the heels of Memorial Day, The 98 Fund pauses to remember Jason Gonzalez who was taken from us 17 years ago during a senseless crime.
We remember his love for baseball, his connection to his friends, and his amazing family. He is missed and thought of often.
#The98Fund`s #TheAlaskaProject aims to be a part of his long-term legacy.
Jason L. Gonzalez, G3/H1, June 11, 1976 – June 03, 2005
#BeThouAtPeace #NeverForget #NinetyGreat
On the heels of Memorial Day, The 98 Fund pauses to remember Jason Gonzalez who was taken from us 17 years ago during a senseless crime.
We remember his love for baseball, his connection to his friends, and his amazing family. He is missed and thought of often.
#The98Fund`s #TheAlaskaProject aims to be a part of his long-term legacy.
Jason L. Gonzalez, G3/H1, June 11, 1976 – June 03, 2005
#BeThouAtPeace #NeverForget #NinetyGreat
We hope everyone is having a great time this Memorial Day celebrating with family and friends, but please take a moment to remember those who sacrificed it all for us to have these freedoms!
Here some of my fallen classmates behind today`s holiday. May we never forget them.
And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run,
May it be said, "Well done"
Be thou at peace."
Reposted from the98fund
#BeThouAtPeace #NinetyGreat #The98Fund #NeverForget #DutyDidNotWait
We hope everyone is having a great time this Memorial Day celebrating with family and friends, but please take a moment to remember those who sacrificed it all for us to have these freedoms!
Here some of my fallen classmates behind today`s holiday. May we never forget them.
And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run,
May it be said, "Well done"
Be thou at peace."
Reposted from the98fund
#BeThouAtPeace #NinetyGreat #The98Fund #NeverForget #DutyDidNotWait
It may have transitioned to warmer weather in the lower 48, but the amazing local volunteers in AK are wading through the snow to help get the property ready for this summer and all the amazing groups who will visit! #the98fund
It may have transitioned to warmer weather in the lower 48, but the amazing local volunteers in AK are wading through the snow to help get the property ready for this summer and all the amazing groups who will visit! #the98fund
Remembering Tim O`Connor who we lost six years ago today just shy of his 40th birthday. He was a loving family man and dedicated to serving others - may we never forget him or his impact on us. #BeThouAtPeace, #the98fund, #ninetygreat
Remembering Tim O`Connor who we lost six years ago today just shy of his 40th birthday. He was a loving family man and dedicated to serving others - may we never forget him or his impact on us. #BeThouAtPeace, #the98fund, #ninetygreat
Today we pause to honor, remember, and reflect on a friend we lost four years ago. Jason "Goody` Good was an incredible family man and great Soldier. He is missed today like every day, and so we take the time to remember the joy he brought into our lives, the memories we shared, and stand ready to support his family as we help keep his legacy alive. #BeThouAtPeace #NeverForget #The98Fund #NinetyGreat
Today we pause to honor, remember, and reflect on a friend we lost four years ago. Jason "Goody` Good was an incredible family man and great Soldier. He is missed today like every day, and so we take the time to remember the joy he brought into our lives, the memories we shared, and stand ready to support his family as we help keep his legacy alive. #BeThouAtPeace #NeverForget #The98Fund #NinetyGreat
On December 23rd, 2021 we said our final farewell to Darren Baldwin following his 16+ year battle with Traumatic Brain Injury. We honor his memory by adding his name to our flag of the Fallen and continue our efforts to support his Family. #BeThouAtPeace #The98Fund #NinetyGreat
On December 23rd, 2021 we said our final farewell to Darren Baldwin following his 16+ year battle with Traumatic Brain Injury. We honor his memory by adding his name to our flag of the Fallen and continue our efforts to support his Family. #BeThouAtPeace #The98Fund #NinetyGreat