Jewel Aquino

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 ❤️‍

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

Dear Friends and Family, On Saturday, September 20, 2025, I’ve been invited to attend a powerful memorial at the Forgotten Warrior Memorial in Channahon, Illinois, in honor of our fallen heroes, including my beloved son Sgt. Eriq J. Aquino, who served this country with unwavering bravery and heart. At this event, Eriq’s name will be permanently engraved on the memorial wall, a deeply emotional tribute that ensures his sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come. This memorial is a meaningful opportunity to keep Eriq’s memory alive, stand alongside other Gold Star families, and remind the world that our heroes are never forgotten. I’m humbly reaching out to ask for your support in helping fund my travel so I can attend this special event and represent Eriq. Any amount, no matter how small, will help cover transportation and lodging. Your generosity helps carry Eriq’s legacy forward. Thank you for holding Eriq’s name and spirit close to your hearts.  With love and gratitude, Jewel Aquino Gold Star and Proud Marine Mom