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
FOLLOW THE 98 FUND
#THE98FUND
In a flash, the first week is already done and thanks to Many Hands Mission, the_alaska_project is already transforming. In a ceremony honoring our military heritage, #ManyHandsMission transferred the camp to the incoming group from All Saints Lutheran Church - Worthington, Ohio (saintsonhigh6770). This group of 31 fine people are getting their bearings and already hard at work! #The98Fund #TheAlaskaProject #Thankful
In a flash, the first week is already done and thanks to Many Hands Mission, the_alaska_project is already transforming. In a ceremony honoring our military heritage, #ManyHandsMission transferred the camp to the incoming group from All Saints Lutheran Church - Worthington, Ohio (saintsonhigh6770). This group of 31 fine people are getting their bearings and already hard at work! #The98Fund #TheAlaskaProject #Thankful
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
Yesterday was Day 2 of our survivor week festivities. We got up early and made the trip south to Whittier…. Stopping along the way at Beluga Point to look for whales and take some pictures and through the tunnel into the quaint, yet historically significant town of Whittier for a glacier cruise. We stopped in and checked out the museum where we learned about the development of the town and the role it played in World War II. We then hopped on the cruise, and despite a lot of rain and wind, it still made for a wonderful time. We even saw a few otters swimming around. On the way back we stopped by the Alaska Conservation Society to see some animals and show off our bear-mobile and ended the day with some late night pizza and Italian food and a visit from bullets2beans and Cristy Joslin and their friends who will be accompanying us on our climb up Gold Star Peak later in the week. It was a great day making memories and honoring some incredible people by choosing to live life to its fullest in their memory. Finished the day off with one of the most beautiful rainbows I have ever seen! #the98fund #thealaskaproject #whittieralaska #alaskaconservationcenter
Yesterday was Day 2 of our survivor week festivities. We got up early and made the trip south to Whittier…. Stopping along the way at Beluga Point to look for whales and take some pictures and through the tunnel into the quaint, yet historically significant town of Whittier for a glacier cruise. We stopped in and checked out the museum where we learned about the development of the town and the role it played in World War II. We then hopped on the cruise, and despite a lot of rain and wind, it still made for a wonderful time. We even saw a few otters swimming around. On the way back we stopped by the Alaska Conservation Society to see some animals and show off our bear-mobile and ended the day with some late night pizza and Italian food and a visit from bullets2beans and Cristy Joslin and their friends who will be accompanying us on our climb up Gold Star Peak later in the week. It was a great day making memories and honoring some incredible people by choosing to live life to its fullest in their memory. Finished the day off with one of the most beautiful rainbows I have ever seen! #the98fund #thealaskaproject #whittieralaska #alaskaconservationcenter
For the past three weeks, over 200 volunteers have come to Alaska to help the98Fund continue to improve our property and refine our ability to host and honor our survivor families and the family members that they have lost in service to this nation.
This week I will be running our survivor week as we bring the families of our fallen to experience the beauty and healing power of Alaska. A few days ago, 9 family members descended on Alaska to begin their adventure as part of The Alaska Project.
Yesterday our day started out with introductions and some time to reflect on the veterans we are honoring this week… MAJ(R) Darren Baldwin, CPT Tim O’Connor, MAJ Victor Gronenthal and SGT Shawn Lovett.
We then spent some time enjoying the beauty of Alaska at a quiet reflection spot along the Little Susitna River while enjoying ice cream and milkshakes from Turner’s Corner (because everything is better with ice cream). We then made our way to the property where we were able to show our family members the site of the Alaska Project and the incredible work that has been done over the last three years in their honor. We officially assumed control of the property by doing a change of colors ceremony and raising the American flag on our new flag pole. The day ended with a wonderful welcome dinner and bonfire at our memorial fire pit.
This week will be filled with hard work, many Alaskan adventures and a ton of memories and tears. I will do my best to document this heartfelt week of community and belonging with photos and am grateful to all that have made this possible. #The98Fund #TheAlaskaProject
For the past three weeks, over 200 volunteers have come to Alaska to help the98Fund continue to improve our property and refine our ability to host and honor our survivor families and the family members that they have lost in service to this nation.
This week I will be running our survivor week as we bring the families of our fallen to experience the beauty and healing power of Alaska. A few days ago, 9 family members descended on Alaska to begin their adventure as part of The Alaska Project.
Yesterday our day started out with introductions and some time to reflect on the veterans we are honoring this week… MAJ(R) Darren Baldwin, CPT Tim O’Connor, MAJ Victor Gronenthal and SGT Shawn Lovett.
We then spent some time enjoying the beauty of Alaska at a quiet reflection spot along the Little Susitna River while enjoying ice cream and milkshakes from Turner’s Corner (because everything is better with ice cream). We then made our way to the property where we were able to show our family members the site of the Alaska Project and the incredible work that has been done over the last three years in their honor. We officially assumed control of the property by doing a change of colors ceremony and raising the American flag on our new flag pole. The day ended with a wonderful welcome dinner and bonfire at our memorial fire pit.
This week will be filled with hard work, many Alaskan adventures and a ton of memories and tears. I will do my best to document this heartfelt week of community and belonging with photos and am grateful to all that have made this possible. #The98Fund #TheAlaskaProject
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Nothing great happens by itself, and we at The98Fund are fortunate to have so many people that made #TheAlaskaProject’s Construction Week a success. Many were behind the scenes and support “Just Because” they believe in the vision, but it is their support that makes this dream become a reality.
A simple thank you doesn’t do it justice, but, THANK YOU to…
- Custom made plaques memorializing each of our fallen classmates to dedicate our cabins thanks to MatthewCuviello.
- Nick with qualityautosalesalaska and Ken Speegle who both donated vehicles to help move the volunteers and grab critical supplies. Given the skyrocketing rental costs, these were critical to success!
- 2 Crazy Confectioners who provided 32 DOZEN cookies to all the hard working volunteers, definitely making everyone’s day a lot sweeter!
- USMA98 themed cookies created by a classmate’s family, aggiegirlcookies.
- Custom made 98 Fund mugs made by Erin and stellancworks
- Doc joslin (bullets2beans) and remedy_alpine provided training, awareness and first aid classes, and then, were critical for ensuring over 60 participants of all ages made it up and down Gold Star Peak safely
- Custom quilts for each of the cabins lovingly created by bunnycoletti.
- Beautiful custom photography for each of the cabins donated by eyes_wide_open_heidi.
There are so many people to thank, and we are humbled by the community this project is building!
#The98Fund #NeverForget #Volunteers #GoldStarFamilies
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Nothing great happens by itself, and we at The98Fund are fortunate to have so many people that made #TheAlaskaProject’s Construction Week a success. Many were behind the scenes and support “Just Because” they believe in the vision, but it is their support that makes this dream become a reality.
A simple thank you doesn’t do it justice, but, THANK YOU to…
- Custom made plaques memorializing each of our fallen classmates to dedicate our cabins thanks to MatthewCuviello.
- Nick with qualityautosalesalaska and Ken Speegle who both donated vehicles to help move the volunteers and grab critical supplies. Given the skyrocketing rental costs, these were critical to success!
- 2 Crazy Confectioners who provided 32 DOZEN cookies to all the hard working volunteers, definitely making everyone’s day a lot sweeter!
- USMA98 themed cookies created by a classmate’s family, aggiegirlcookies.
- Custom made 98 Fund mugs made by Erin and stellancworks
- Doc joslin (bullets2beans) and remedy_alpine provided training, awareness and first aid classes, and then, were critical for ensuring over 60 participants of all ages made it up and down Gold Star Peak safely
- Custom quilts for each of the cabins lovingly created by bunnycoletti.
- Beautiful custom photography for each of the cabins donated by eyes_wide_open_heidi.
There are so many people to thank, and we are humbled by the community this project is building!
#The98Fund #NeverForget #Volunteers #GoldStarFamilies
Go. Serve. Love. #bethelight #missiontrip22 #fumc #homeboys #the98fund #alaska #isaiah496
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