A Collective Impact
Welcome to our Program Spotlight Series, a monthly look behind the scenes at the moments, people, and partnerships that shape our work. Each edition will offer an inside view of how The Station Foundation supports Special Operations Forces (SOF) families through healing, connection, and purpose.
This year, some of the most unforgettable moments we created were made possible through collaborations with trusted partners. These partners are organizations that share our belief in the power of presence, memory, and community. While not all of our work relies on partnerships, several of our offerings this year were strengthened by groups who, even outside the military space, have played an essential role in serving those who have sacrificed so much.
Whether it’s through granting a child’s wish, offering space for healing, or creating opportunities for connection in the midst of loss, our partners brought specialized expertise, resources, and heart. Together, we made it possible for families facing unimaginable challenges to experience moments of joy, strength, and deep human connection.
A Wish Comes True
One unforgettable moment from 2025 came through the quiet hope of a Special Operations Forces (SOF) family we have long held close. Their son, recently diagnosed with cancer, had one clear wish: to fish with his hero, Steve Rinella.
In February, Toby’s Dream Foundation reached out in hopes of collaborating to make this wish come true. Because of his love for dinosaurs, we arranged a behind-the-scenes visit to the Museum of the Rockies, where he held real fossils and stood in wide-eyed awe.
His family did not have to worry about logistics. They simply got to witness joy return to their son’s face. For a week, he was free to just be a kid. He fished, he laughed, and he forgot about hospitals.
The Station brought these pieces together, hosting his family, coordinating transportation and meals, and helping ensure every detail was in place so they could focus on the experience. This was a once-in-a-lifetime visit that not only honored his dream but also showed the impact we can make happen when organizations come together with one mission – to lift up a family in their time of need.
Holding Light & Honoring Loss
In August, a group of college graduate Gold Star Sons and Daughters came to Base Camp Jimmy for an opportunity to build community and find support on their journey. For these young adults, their parents’ absence continues to impact their lives long after childhood. As they step into young adulthood, many still wrestle with questions of identity, belonging, and how to continue their parent’s legacy. This week-long program offered participants time to step away from daily pressures in an environment where shared experiences were understood, allowing them to rediscover their identity beyond grief.
Later in the season, we hosted and collaborated with Special Operations Survivors (SOS) at Base Camp Jimmy. Their bi-annual program supports Gold Star Spouses who have lost their life partner. The evening includes an intimate dinner with thoughtful stories and moments of reflection, providing guidance for the path ahead while fostering a sense of support and unity.
This year, after dinner, the group walked a quiet path to a small bridge, guided by moonlight and memories. Each survivor held a single flower, carrying with it an intention or name. One by one, they released their flowers into the river below, letting the current carry their intentions onward.
By hosting this program, we help ensure that Gold Star Families, especially the spouses, are nurtured by a caring support system that is with them through every step.
Thank you for your continued support in making this possible. Your generosity provides powerful experiences that help Special Operations Forces – Warriors, Spouses, Children, and Gold Star Children– heal from the impacts of combat.
If you are a federal employee looking for a meaningful way to support the Special Operations Community, The Station Foundation is proud to be part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Visit the Combined Federal Campaign page and search The Station Foundation or enter CFC #45013.
To learn more about supporting The Station, email Shannon Stacy at: sstacy@thestationfoundation.org
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