Alaska Project Survivor Week 2024
“Heroes never die. They live on in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps”. - Emily Potter
In 2008 we started The 98 Fund - The Alaska Project as way to honor our fallen West Point - The U.S. Military Academy classmates by providing college scholarships to their children. In 2015 we transitioned to a mentor-led retreat in Alaska that paired the children and spouses of our fallen with people that served alongside their family members to share stories of their loved ones while enjoying an outward bound type adventure experience.
Over the years we have grown slowly and responsibly so that 97% of every dollar we bring in gets passed on to the families we honor.
This year we brought 16 young adults, ranging from age 15-26 to our property. These young men and women honored fathers and brothers that served in the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. Eleven of those being honored were enlisted soldiers between the ranks of E-3 through E-8 with the remaining being officers. Those we honor were lost through combat, suicide and other circumstances as we remember their service, their sacrifice, and most of all, we remember the men that they were and help those that were left behind to heal and pay tribute to their loved ones.
It was a week of projects, adventures, and reflection.
By mid-week, we completed the construction of the “Leader’s Reaction Course” and a rope bridge. Once ready, we executed various scenarios that gave each person an opportunity to lead and follow while learning to work within a group, and, find the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses of a group with different dynamics. That evening we had a group session focusing on community and support and shared some letters from home with the attendees. The evening closed at our memorial fire pit where we affixed dog tags to our post overlooking the river as we honored the fallen and created a permanent space for them on our property.
Thursday had us zip-lining through the Alaskan wilderness, followed by a polar bear plunge into the glacial river running through our property. The water was an invigorating 41 degrees! That evening, we were treated to a wonderful Spaghetti dinner made by the Auxiliary members of VFW Eagle River Alaska and prepared for our trek up Gold Star Peak the next day.
On Friday morning 14 survivors climbed and submitted Gold Star Peak with the help of guides from Remedy Alpine and the local Air Force EOD detachment. These young men and women worked together to make sure everyone reached the top. For some, this was the most challenging thing they have ever done as they overcame hardship, fear of heights and the emotional burdens they took with them up that mountain as they trusted in one another. We held a beautiful ceremony at the top of the mountain and added their loved one’s dog tags to the monument beside their other brothers and sisters. We were treated to a wonderful fly over to honor our fallen before making the climb down.
I am so proud of each of these Survivors. They came without knowing what to expect and left knowing they can accomplish anything they set their minds to… and even made some new lifelong friends. Thank you to everyone who supported this week and continues to support our mission as we work to make a difference to so many deserving people and honor the heroes that they have lost.
We would not be able to do what we do without the support of these groups and other volunteers and veteran and philanthropic organizations such as the Travis Manion Foundation, Many Hands Mission, Home Depot, and so many others. We also rely heavily on the generous donations given to us throughout the year. If you feel so called to help us in our mission, please click the link below to donate and help us continue to help those that have given so much.
By: Survivor Week Co-Lead, Jason Kostal
