Angels of Americas Fallen

I've been very pleases to support this organization for several years. Their financials are publicly posted other website and show the vast majority of funds go to support the kids.

This is an amazing nonprofit. They are strict and fair stewards of every donation dollar and that is so important to us. They have a true heart for the children of our country's fallen military and first responders. Not only do they provide a robust program for those children to pursue whatever interests them, they follow up and check in with the families throughout the year. We are proud to be associated with this awesome nonprofit and support it's great cause.

It was my wife who first became involved with Angels of America's Fallen. Drawn in by the mission of helping the children of fallen military and first responders she quickly became a volunteer for Angels. Later, she accepted a part-time job with Angels helping to keep track of the activities that all of the kids are involved in.

As her involvement grew, I came to learn more about Angels. About how big the need is. About how these children are at even greater risk for depression and all that is associated with that. About how there are many great organizations that help with one time needs or help with college scholarships, but there are very few that serve the needs of these kids day in and day out over a course of years. About how some organizations will only help when the loss of the parent was in the line of duty and not by accident or suicide. About how awesome, resilient and inspiring these kids are. To see them participate in their chosen activity or activities and see them grow, set and achieve goals and become happy, well adjusted young adults is the absolute best!

When Angels takes a child into the program, we are committed to being there for that child until their 19th birthday. It is a large commitment that we take seriously. Funding is critically important. There are no criteria for acceptance into the program other than the parent was in service to the nation and is no longer around to see their child grow up. Children are added on a first come first served basis.

My involvement really began in earnest when I agreed to be the Treasurer. I was invited to participate based on my accounting background, but I joined because I have not seen a group more dedicated to the cause of helping these children. Everyone involved is first rate - honest, caring, professional and wholly committed to serving these children. It is an honor to serve these children and to do it along with other like-minded individuals.

What a wonderful organization! It serves to help children and families focus on their amazing future (not just the loss) while at the same time honouring the fallen.

Losing a parent forever changes your child's life, and tremendous struggle sets in to just be able to maintain life as usual for your child during such a critical time. Having the support of Angel's of America's Fallen to help ensure that life goes on - through activities my child chooses - has been a huge asset in keeping her motivated, stable, and growing. My child would not have been able to do what they have provided for us if it were not for them.

Angels of America's Fallen is a wonderful organization that supports children of the fallen. What it's so important about this organization is that helps the surviving parent cover extra-curricular activities which no other organization does. For us, it has been a Godsend because otherwise, it would be very difficult to afford activities that keep my child safe, occupied and learning additional skills. Thank you, Angels of America's Fallen!

It is such an honor to volunteer for Angels of America's Fallen. I've had the opportunity to hear from children who have be impacted by the sudden loss of a parent in the line of duty and in turn supported by the great work of AOAF. They provide direction and purpose to a child when they need it most and they support the families who give so much to protect our towns and country. The founders of this great organization are all heart and work tirelessly to meet the needs of every child who applies, but they need more help from great people to make that happen. I choose to support AOAF because they support those who protect us from harm and give the rest of us an opportunity to live to our fullest potential!

Being apart of Angels has been such an amazing experience. Because of their support my son has been able to travel the world with his rugby team and grow as a person in a positive way. As the only parent in the home, you don't realize sometimes how important it is to keep your child engaged in healthy activities. Angels has help support our family in times of grief not only from a financial standpoint, but also as a network of healing.

Angels of America's Fallen has made it possible for both of my kids to participate in activities they love. As my kids became teens and started to understand how much activities cost they didn't to want to try new things because they worried about how we would afford it. Angels of America's Fallen took that worry away, especially for my daughter, who did take up a new sport in high school. Without them I wouldn't have been able to do it.

Joe and Shelli are such a joy to work with! You just know their hearts are in this charity 110% and truly care about the cause. It's truly an honor and blessing to be able to participate in their events.

I have worked with Joe and Shelli, the founders of Angels of America's Fallen, closely over the past year with my work and I don't think there is a more honest and deserving cause / non-profit. Their dedication to the children in their program and their drive to assist more kids is inspiring! If you are looking for a non-profit to support, look no further. Angels of America's Fallen's mission is filling a gap many may never think needs to be filled. Thank you, Angels, for all you do and I treasure the opportunities I've had to work with you!

I can't praise Angels enough for what they did to help myself and my son after my husband passed away from a military illness. My seven year old son had never spent a night away from me when I asked Angels to help support him at an overnight YMCA camp to create more independence and healing. The opportunity that they offered allowed my son to grow in ways that were so noticeable to me after he returned from camp. He was more confident and comfortable with new situations and in his own ability to deal with them. Thank you Angels for the amazing work you do!

This is an amazing nonprofit run by an amazing couple. They are humble, hardworking, honest, and smart. You will be happy to know they are good stewards of their donations. AOAF is rated Platinum by GuideStar (their highest rating) and AOAF is certified "Transparent" by Excellence in Giving. I have been honored to be able to volunteer for them for many years.

Managing raising children after the death of a loved one is a monumental task - emotionally, physically, spiritually, and logistically. Angels of America’s Fallen allows some of that hardship to be removed. My children and I are thankful for the love and support from this organization and all those who donate to it.

Since my husband a Special Forces Army died in 2012, me and my 3 kids we been in a emotional roller coasters, grieving is been difficult and challenge but sometimes that I learn that help my kids is doing sports. Been race in Puerto Rico I always love the ocean but never has the opportunity to learn how to swim, and my husband death accidentally in the water make my fear of water stronger. Angels of American Fallen help me and the kids to trust , be hopeful, and kindness in are grieving journey. Myself and my 3 kids we been swimming for 4 years. Is an amazing sport, we can go even in winter and help the kids with concentrate. Angel of Americas Fallen take care of everything for the kids swim class, I don't has to worry. The even take the extra mile and check on the kids how they doing , if they need anything, they are amazing!

Angels of America's Fallen does incredible and powerful work to help the children of our fallen military and first responders. Instead of just throwing money at an issue, they seek ways to help the development of these children, giving them role models and an opportunity to grow through arts, sports and other extra-curriculars.

AoAF has given my children (ages 8 and 11) an opportunity to learn how to play the guitar and piano and I’m not sure this would have been something they could have pursued without AoAF’s support. I’m really grateful that they are there for us and continue to show my babies that they care for them and their futures.

Amazing people and such a wonderful cause! As a donor, I have had the honor of meeting some of the children & families sponsored by Angels of America's Fallen and you can immediately tell the impact they have with these families. The organization goes beyond expectations to do whatever they can for these families and the appreciation for what they do is evident by everyone involved. They have a great mission and come HIGHLY recommended in my book!!

Angels of America's Fallen is a wonderful organization! They provided my oldest son with the opportunity to continue in Sea Cadets. They enabled my daughter the gift of being able to attend weekly tumbling classes. They currently assist my youngest son in pursuing his wish to learn to play tennis. They helped him pursue horseback riding in the past. Without this generous organization, I would not have been able to allow my children to be able to participate in these activities. This is a very worth-while cause which directly impacts children's lives. These children have suffered a devastating loss of a parent in the military. This fantastic organization helps these children so much!!

Joe and Shelly are phenomenal! They take such great care of all the families and put in ridiculous hours to make ends meet for the charity.

We were so glad to find AAF. We have a lot of military and first responders that live and work in our town and it was a perfect fit to donate to the fallen families.

I am intimately familiar with Angels of America's Fallen, having known Joe and Shelli Lewis as well as Mike Shiels since before its inception. They had each seen for years the gaping hole left in the hearts of children who had lost a loved one from their time in the military and wanted to help fill that void of caring, mentoring leadership left behind by the loss of a parent. Thus was born Angels of America's Fallen. I've flown with Joe, worked right alongside him, and been Joe and Shelli's neighbors. Through our time together in the Air National Guard, I came to know Mike Shiels as well and served with him on the Air National Guard staff.
They have each sacrificed deeply, and they continue to do so in order to make Angels an ongoing reality for the children of our fallen military and first responders. There are none finer in regard to integrity, compassion, energy and service to others, and I am proud to know them. Like me, you can be 100% certain that your donations will wisely be stewarded for the mission at hand. I am not only privileged to call them friends, but I am an ardent supporter of AoAF!
LtCol Bryan E. Hubbell, USAF (Ret.)

Angels of Americans Fallen has been such a blessing on our family. When my husband passed away, our family was left with no benefits from the VA. Trying to survive financially well just trying to survive, was an everyday high level stress situation. I could never in a million years provide swim lessons, taekwondo lessons, gymnastics lesson, and all the many things my children wanted to try. They have been able to grow as people, and work through their own grief, simply by being able to be physical. Their confidence has improved greatly, and our little family is as strong as ever. I am eternally grateful to AOAF and the support they've shown and continue to show. Thank you AOAF

Angels of Americas Fallen has come along side my son and allowed him to pursue an extra-curricular activity that we otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford. Jayden has loved taking Taekwondo for over a year now and is rapidly progressing through the belts in hopes of one day becoming a black belt. Not only does this activity teach him skills to protect him self but it stresses responsibility, respect, and team building. He has done so well that Master Chang has him teaching others. All of this is thanks to Angels of Americas Fallen! Just to know that there are people out there that care and still remember the sacrifice his father gave for this great country, means so much to us. We appreciate you!

This group does great work to support the children and families of our fallen heros when they most need it. Best of all, the vast majority of funds received go directly to the support of the kids in the program.

I had the great pleasure of sharing militarily service with the founder of Angels of America’s Fallen. From the first “pitch” of the concept of AOAF I knew this was a cause I could get behind. The children of our fallen Military and First Responders need a voice and AOAF has stepped up in an unprecedented way to bring awareness to the Fallen’s widows and orphans. Giving these kids a positive way forward while learning to cope with the many challenges of loss. It’s far too easy for these kids to feel forgotten or to lose their direction in life. AOAF helps remind them to keep their passions/dreams alive and gives them the real tools to make that happen.

Angels of America's Fallen is fantastic, their motivation to help families of our fallen is astounding. I am confident that all donations made to them go to a great cause, I only wish I could help more. Please donate if you can.

I have been fortunate to meet children in Alabama and Colorado who have been positively affected by this program. If you are able to donate, I highly recommend this Organization. Great cause for children who have lost a parent in the service.

My family has been honored to partner with Angels of America's Fallen many times over the past several years for special events and fundraising efforts. It's a great cause, filling a real need and helping an underserved group. Its founders are truly compassionate and dedicated, trustworthy and well-organized. We have the highest praise and admiration for the work they do, and recommend them every chance we get.

As a retired member of the U.S. military that served for over 25 years, I know first hand the trauma, trials and tribulations the family of a fallen service member goes through. After the initial shock fades into the past, the reality of the loss of a parent is truly evident. The guidance, the mentoring and the positive life lessons that are provided by the surviving parent may need to be supplemented. And that is where AOAF fills the gap. By providing funding to support the passionate activities of the kids, the negative impacts of the loss of a parent can be lessened. And with positive role models and mentoring gained from the selected activities, the kids can develop into responsible, caring, and engaged adults.

Joe and Shelli Lewis are wonderful! They welcome anyone who has an idea to support their cause and offer any and all support they can imagine. I have worked several projects, for college classes, that aim at benefiting their cause and they have been extremely willing to help me as we help the children together. I would recommend this organization to anyone, especially if they are looking for a great cause to support.

Angels of America's Fallen is an incredible organization and helps so many children and families cope after losing loved ones. The support they provide to not only the children, but the family as a whole is phenomenal! Keep up the good work!!!

I have been keeping up on what Angels of America's Fallen is doing and am amazed. The dedication and commitment to the children of our fallen from this very new but successful organization is inspiring.

This year, Girl Scout Troop #365 in Boise, Idaho teamed up with Angels of America's Fallen to earn our Bronze Award. This wonderful organization teamed us up with a special child in need of friendship and positive experiences in her life. The 11 fifth and sixth graders in this troop feel both privileged and proud to have partipated in supporting our special friend in finding happiness in her life admist so much sadness. We are thankful this organization is there to support the children of those who have given their lives for their country and to offer them a bright spot in their daily lives.
Karyn Boersig
Girl Scout Leader
Troop #365

It has been an honor and a blessing to volunteer with Angels of America's Fallen. Their dedication to serving the children of our fallen heroes is an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to be involved with them.

My daughters and I feel so fortunate to have Angels of America's Fallen in our corner. The message this organization sends to the children it serves is that they are not forgotten, that there are people out there to encourage them to pursue whatever their dreams may be. It's such a gift to have this kindness given to my children and I can't thank Shelli and Joe enough for their support. Amazing organization and outstanding people.

My wife and I have custody of a 10 year old boy, Keegan. We’ve had Keegan now for 2 years following his father’s death in March of 2012. Given all Keegan’s many issues, it’s been a mixture of joy and sorrow, ease and struggles, lot’s challenges and amazing rewarding progress. It’s always two steps up and one step back but with the help of AAF we’re making steady progress.

With our children all grown up and on their own now (the youngest of 6 is 25 years old) starting over again with Keegan has been a life changing adjustment. AAF is like a great uncle who is there to help. AAF has helped Keegan with sponsorship to summer camp last year and this coming July too. Sponsored Keegan’s membership at the YMCA and swimming lessons, and just recently helped with football registration for this coming fall.

Joe and Shelli have been great!!! Keegan is proof that AAF’s helping strategy through sports and activities that reshape young minds, build new and positive memories, and restore the child’s confidence in the community of friends and family is working.

Angels of America's Fallen provides a service that the fallen military member or first responder would want to do if they were still here with their children. Once we have children our focus is almost always them. AOA does just that, provides for the children what their fallen parent would want for them. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give to anyone in this situation, the gift of love, care, positive guidance and direction. I am proud to volunteer with this organization.
The founders realized this need when serving in the military and instead of saying, we wish there was something for the kids, they took action and made it happen. They donate their time to start this organization and get it on its feet. Its volunteer base is strong and believes in what they are doing. Many children are being helped by this organization yet there are many more we need to be able to serve. Please join this great organization as its becomes strong for those that have served this GREAT NATION!
Thank you! Kristine

This organization stands firm when it comes to giving hope and showing that our families are not alone. My husband SSG Juantrea T. Bradley, was called to rest March 12, 2008. Our children have come a long way with the help of our faith and people like Joe and Shelli that care so much. They have given my children the chance to go to art camp, join the traveling lacrosse team, play flag football and my 11 year old son who has autism had music camp. All I can say is that God sends blessings right on time and I'm so glad he let them be a blessing to my children.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

We are so thankful for all that Angels of Americas Fallen has done for our family. They are a true blessing.

Angels of Americas Fallen has provided funding and support which has allowed my children to feel 'normal' again. They are able to develop friendships, discipline and their talents through participation in high school marching band. I am vey grateful for the recognition of the importance of these simple things in the lives of our children. What a tremendous service this organization provides for the children of the fallen.

Wonderful organization! Caring individuals and devoted Americans. Joe and Shelli are truly making a difference in so many children's' lives. A unique organization that fills the gaps on so many levels.

It is truly an honor to give to this organization! Angels of America's Fallen give whole heartedly and unselfishly to those who have endured a great loss. I truly respect that the founders of Angels of America's Fallen hold the honor of our fallen heroes so high that they have taken the task to make sure that the children are given a chance to participate in activities while also relieving some of the financial burden left to the surviving spouse. God Bless the fallen, their families, and Angels of America's Fallen.

I have to say ever since I was introduced to this organization it's been a true life saver. My husband, SPC George manis, an OIF veteran, committed suicide in 2011 and has ever changed our lives drastically. We were introduced in 2013 when they sent my two children to camp. It has not only helped me financially but helped our children flourish. I have received over the top service and would recommend it to anyone :) I can't be more grateful to have this organization come into our lives for the sake of he kids.

My husband, CH CPT Dale A Goetz, was killed August 30, 2010 along with 4 other soldiers by an IED in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Not long after, I was contacted by Joe Lewis, founder of Angels of America's Fallen. Once he learned of our loss, he immediately set out to find us and see how he and his organization could help my three boys who were left fatherless. My boys became the first recipients of Angels of Americas Fallen. They have enjoyed music lessons, swim lessons and mentoring by teachers who care thanks to the many generous donors! Most recently, our family was given a 15 passenger van for our new extended family. I remarried a widower whose wife died of breast cancer in 2011 leaving him with 7 children. We married almost one year ago and have been driving two vehicles everywhere we go together. Angels of Americas Fallen along with several other generous givers were there to support our fallen family and new extended group at the dedication in honor of Dale. I am forever grateful for these individuals whose heartbeat is to remember and serve those left behind!

Having worked for and with several branches of the military for many years, AoAF brought to my attention and I am sure many others, a need that I had never considered. The future of children that have lost a parent in service to America is something that should never be overlooked. The opportunities to help serve these children and give them a level of comfort and guidance that might not otherwise be available is crucial.

I look forward to watching the outstanding cause grow and, even more so, to seeing the leaders and outstanding citizens that I know many of the children helped by AoAF will become.

The focus of AoAF is to help these children NOW, in an influential stage of their lives. Rather than set up scholarship funds that may never apply, Angels focuses on getting the children who have suffered a critical loss involved in positive activities with good role models and family support as early as possible. The actities are chosen by the children and their families, and nearly all of the funds going into the organization are going straight to the support programs. There are not executives making six figure salaries here - just hard working and caring volunteers who give gererously of their time and effort to make the lives of these families better.

In a sea of non-profits that support admirable causes Angels of America's Fallen has zeroed in on the heart of how a charitable organization should operate. Every ounce of energy from AoAF is 100% focused on supporting kids in the best way possible during the most critical times of their lives following the ultimate trauma to a family--the loss of a parent. By providing opportunity for kids to participate in youth activities where positive role models can make a continuing positive impact AoAF is truly a blessing for many families.

AoAF seeks to meet the needs of children who have lost their most important mentor. While we can never replace the lost parent, we can certainly provide them a strong foundation to grow. The impact of this organization are readily seen in the faces of the children we serve.

The passion that this organization shows day in and day out for their mission of helping families devastated by the loss of a parent who served is amazing. It has been amazing to watch as so many opportunities have been afforded these children and the incredible stewardship of Joe and the whole team. I highly recommend partnering with Angels of America's Fallen in whatever way possible.

I have seen 1st hand how much Joe puts his time, effort and soul into this charity. His sole goal is to help the kids. Any person who takes his/her time, and forgoes being paid to ensure the kids don't go without is a an angel in my book!

Angels really fills an important gap that better-known organizations don't. They operate more "lean" and efficiently than any other group I've ever seen. They meet needs quickly and direct donations effectively to the kids they serve. This is an organization that really has earned the trust of donors like me.

The vision of Angels of America's Fallen is to walk alongside the children of our fallen when they need it most, regardless of the cause of their parent's death. Each child suffers regardless if mom or dad died in a combat zone, training accident, on the job illness, or from suicide as a result of the stress of their jobs. From the child's perspective, the impact is the same, mom or dad is no longer there. No one can ever replace their lost parent, but we can be there for them.

The solution seems to be too simple. And it is. However, the impact is life changing. I know this to be true. All you have to do is read the testimonies. Or even better meet these great kids in person. Angels of America's Fallen has provided a great way for you to be part of the solution. Consider today how you can partner with them.

Yesterday I held the Dog Tags that Angels of America's Fallen had made for each child that no longer has one of their parents with them in this life. The weight of chains dangling, the names of the children and their parent's service affiliation had an impact unlike anything I have experience to date. Honestly, it blows my mind that no one has thought to meet these children at the point of their greatest need to move past the pain, be mentored, and carry forward a tangible adventure in memory of their fallen hero. The purity of this Non-Profit cannot be expressed in written form adequately. I am proud to know the founders personally and can assure anyone your money will be well spent. God speed!