Fundraiser: Traveling to Honor Eriq and Our Fallen Heroes

As a Gold Star mother, my heart and purpose have become one. To honor my son Sgt. Eriq J. Aquino (USMC) and all our fallen heroes who gave everything for our freedom.

In 2026, I am setting out on a personal mission to attend several memorial events across the country that hold deep meaning to me and to Eriq’s memory.

• Memorial with Ana Hernandez in Texas (May)

• Man22 Faces of Those Not Forgotten in North Carolina (September)

While in North Carolina, I hope to meet the incredible people who continue to honor our heroes with so much love and purpose.

Lori Egerter from The Tree of Valor

Amanda Morton-Race from Let’s Talk Strength Inc.

Ay Guy from Flag To Remember Foundation

Ming Stumph Drogos

Beth King

And Ranger Rick

• Jon’s Mission For 22 Inc. in Georgia (October)

Each of these gatherings represents love, remembrance, and healing. They are places where our heroes’ names are spoken and their memories live on.

This journey means the world to me. As a stay-at-home mom, the travel expenses to attend these out-of-state events are more than I can manage on my own. I am humbly asking for your support to help me get there, to stand in their honor, to share Eriq’s story, and to continue carrying the legacy of our fallen.

Any donation, big or small, helps me continue this mission of love, remembrance, and awareness for those we have lost.

Thank you for believing in this journey and for helping me honor Eriq and every hero whose name deserves to be remembered.

Forever Eriq’s mom

Jewel Aquino