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

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!!

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

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 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