My Nonprofit Reviews

RELO means Family and with only one mission Project RELO became just that. Total strangers became family to me in just a matter of minutes of being on site with a Project RELO mission. Christian and Casey have developed a system that is unparalleled in the non-profit world. I learned as much about myself as I did about the other participants, and being able to bring that knowledge home with me and put it to everyday use has proven invaluable. Thank you, Project RELO for truly taking the time to care about 'Family.'

During the Project RELO mission that I attended, I felt out-of-place. I am the Gold Star dad of U.S. Army SSG Bryan A. Burgess. There I was, mixed in with veterans and some active duty soldiers, and I was really feeling like I didn't belong. One of the activities was driving ATV's across Michigan's beautiful landscape. My battle-buddy, Casey, told me to drive. I responded with, "I can't." Lesson learned; never say 'I can't' during a Project RELO mission! By the time Casey was done with me I was telling him, "Watch this!" I brought that home with me. Whenever I think that I cannot do something, no matter how big or how small, I think of that Project RELO mission and how I was able to overcome my self-doubt!

Snowball Express became part of our family after my son, Bryan, was killed in Afghanistan. Bryan's children attended their first Snowball Express and immediately made new friends that would not turn away when they mentioned their daddy. My wife and I volunteer each year at Snowball Express and while it's heartbreaking to see that many children without a mom or dad, it's also heart-warming to see how many volunteers and companies are supporting these families. And once you experience the "Walk of Gratitude" your perception of this organization is forever changed. Snowball Express will never forget our sacrifice, and to us that is golden.

The American Fallen Warrior Memorial is more than just a monument to me. It is a testament to the bravery and unfaltering patriotism of our sons and daughters who fight for our freedom. My son's name will be on the Memorial, and it is always my honor and privilege to attend Jack Barnes' events honoring our heroes. When we look up and see several hundred people with tears in their eyes and love in their hearts honoring our fallen, our Vets, and our active duty service members, a small piece of our shattered lives is gently replaced. We live to tell our hero's stories, and no one does this better than Jack Barnes.