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
· 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.
· 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.
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· 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.
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· 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.
· Outreach
First class conducted 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.
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· 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.
· 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.
· Recognition
Red Star Service Banner Adopted by America's Gold Star Families
America's Gold Star Families officially adopts the Red Star Service Banner, marking an important milestone in advancing national recognition for families who have lost a military member or veteran to suicide.
· Programs
Red Star Riders Program Launched
Red Star Riders launched with the American Legion Riders of Post 7 in Clearwater, Florida, receiving the first-ever Red Star Rider patches. The program expands suicide prevention awareness, community engagement, and fundraising through motorcycle-related activities nationwide.
· 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.
· Recognition
Clearwater Becomes the Nation's First Red Star City
The City of Clearwater, Florida, becomes the nation's first Red Star City through a formal resolution, establishing an important milestone in recognizing suicide loss within the military, veteran, and first responder communities.
· Recognition
Georgia State Senate Recognizes the Red Star Foundation
The Georgia State Senate formally recognizes the Red Star Foundation and its mission to address military, veteran, and first responder suicide while honoring and supporting surviving families.
· 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.
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· 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.
· Recognition
City of Dunedin Becomes the Second Red Star City in the Nation
The City of Dunedin, Florida, becomes the second Red Star City in the nation, recognizing the importance of honoring military members, veterans, and first responders lost to suicide and supporting the families they leave behind.
· Partnerships
Partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation
Red Star Foundation partners with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, strengthening its connections within the military and veteran community and advancing its mission of suicide prevention, awareness, and family support.
· 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.
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.