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Red Star Foundation logo with a red gradient star to the left of the blue wordmark.

OUR JOURNEY

Red Star Timeline

Explore the milestones that have shaped Red Star Foundation's mission to prevent suicide, honor the forgotten families, and build a nationwide community of hope, recognition, and connection for current military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

From a Mission to a National Movement

This timeline traces Red Star Foundation's history from its founding in Florida in 2024 to today: the first Red Star Service Banner presentations, recognition in the Congressional Record, the introduction of H.R. 7815, and national work on veteran suicide awareness and prevention. Each milestone shows its date and category, with links to related news and pages. Choose a year or a topic, or scroll to follow the journey.

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Showing 17 of 17 milestones

  1. 2024

  2. · Foundation

    Red Star Foundation Established

    Red Star Foundation is incorporated in Florida, marking the beginning of a nationwide mission to support families affected by current military, veteran, and first responder suicide while advancing suicide prevention, education, and awareness.

  3. · Foundation

    Federal Tax-Exempt Recognition

    Red Star Foundation receives IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, establishing the foundation for its national charitable mission.

  4. 2025

  5. · Partnerships

    Purple Heart Partnership

    Red Star Foundation begins its national relationship with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, advancing awareness and recognition of families affected by military and veteran suicide.

  6. · Legislative Milestone · Featured

    Recognized in the Congressional Record

    Congressman Jack Bergman recognizes the Red Star Service Banner and Red Star Foundation in the Congressional Record, marking an important step toward national recognition.

  7. · Outreach

    Military Education at MacDill Air Force Base

    Red Star Foundation conducts an education and awareness presentation at MacDill Air Force Base, reaching approximately 70 attendees and receiving overwhelmingly positive participant evaluations.

  8. · Red Star Families · Featured

    First Red Star Service Banners Presented

    During a press conference in Clearwater, Florida, with Mayor Bruce Rector and 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Gene Overstreet, Red Star Foundation presents its first three Red Star Service Banners to families.

  9. · Outreach

    Over, Never Out Conference

    Red Star Foundation participates in the Over, Never Out conference in Nashville, Tennessee, presenting Red Star Service Banners and pins to families affected by military suicide.

  10. · Recognition

    Clearwater Proclaims Red Star Family Day

    The City of Clearwater, Florida, formally recognizes Red Star Family Day, raising awareness of the families left behind following military, veteran, and first responder suicide.

  11. · Outreach

    Expanding Military Community Outreach

    Red Star Foundation conducts an educational presentation for the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion in Tampa, Florida, strengthening military community awareness and engagement.

  12. · Leadership

    Executive Leadership Expansion

    Matthew Mahoney, former Executive Vice President of Tunnel to Towers Foundation, joins Red Star Foundation as Executive Vice President, supporting the organization's national growth strategy.

  13. · Partnerships

    Face the Fight Coalition Partnership

    Red Star Foundation is accepted as a coalition partner in Face the Fight, an initiative focused on combating veteran suicide.

  14. 2026

  15. · Major Events · Featured

    Inaugural Red Star Gala

    Red Star Foundation hosts its inaugural Red Star Gala at The Motor Enclave in Tampa, Florida. The event features Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, military leaders, Medal of Honor recipients, supporters, and Red Star Families.

  16. · Legislative Milestone · Featured

    Red Star Service Banner Act Introduced

    Congressman Jack Bergman introduces H.R. 7815, the Red Star Service Banner Act, seeking national recognition of the Red Star Service Banner as a symbol for families of current military members, veterans, and first responders who died by suicide.

  17. · Programs

    Red Star Riders National Outreach

    Red Star Riders expand outreach and community participation through motorcycle-related fundraising and recognition efforts, including activities connected with Run For The Wall.

  18. · Partnerships

    National Legal Partnership

    Red Star Foundation establishes a relationship with Greenberg Traurig for legal counsel, strengthening its organizational infrastructure and national initiatives.

  19. · National Awareness · Featured

    Veteran Suicide Takes Center Stage at Military Influencer Conference

    Red Star Foundation joins America’s Warrior Partnership and Wounded Warrior Project for the "44 for the Fallen" discussion at the Military Influencer Conference in Las Vegas, bringing greater attention to the scale of veteran suicide and the importance of coordinated prevention.

  20. · Legislative Milestone

    Growing Congressional Support

    Red Star Foundation continues building bipartisan congressional support for the Red Star Service Banner Act, advancing recognition of Red Star Families at the national level.

Our History Is Still Being Written

From our first Red Star Service Banner presentation to a growing national movement, every milestone represents progress toward preventing suicide and ensuring Red Star Families are never forgotten. Help us shape the next chapter.

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