Fundraiser: Traveling to Honor Sgt. Eriq Aquino 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 of 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.
• MAN22 Faces of Those Not Forgotten in North Carolina (September) While in North Carolina, I hope to meet the incredible people who continue honoring our heroes with so much love and purpose:
• Lori Egerter from Tree of Valor
• Anthony “Ay Guy” from Flag to Remember Foundation

 • Jon’s Mission For 22 Inc. in Georgia (October)
• USMC Marathon in Washington, D.C. (October)
• Two Memorial Honorings in Louisiana (November)

My fundraising goal is to help cover airfare and travel expenses. I am also gratefully accepting airline points or miles to help make this journey possible.

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

 As a stay-at-home mom, the travel expenses for these out-of-state events are more than I can manage on my own. I am humbly asking for your support to help me attend these memorials, stand in honor of our fallen, share Eriq’s story, and continue carrying the legacy of those we have lost. Any donation, big or small, truly helps continue this mission of love, remembrance, and awareness.

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 ❤️‍