They didn’t ask for parades.
They didn’t ask for applause.
They asked for basic human decency—many didn’t even get that.

When our Vietnam Veterans came home, they didn’t return to open arms or waving flags. Instead, many were met with silence… or worse—shame, judgment, and outright hostility. While WWII Veterans were celebrated as liberators, Vietnam Veterans were often treated as symbols of a war Americans didn’t want to remember.

This year, Spirit of a Hero is standing in that gap—and saying what should’ve been said over 50 years ago:
Welcome home. We see you. We honor you. You matter.

At our 2025 Gala, we’re not just throwing an event—we’re making a promise. A promise that Spirit of a Hero was built on: to never let any Hero feel forgotten. As an organization founded by a Wounded Warrior, we understand firsthand what it means to return home to uncertainty, to navigate trauma, to fight for care you’ve already earned. Our mission is personal—because this is family.

Why Were Vietnam Veterans Treated So Poorly?

For too long, Vietnam Veterans were left to carry invisible wounds—ignored by the government, misunderstood by the public, and underserved by the systems meant to support them.

• No parades. No welcome signs. Most came home alone, quietly landing back into a country that didn’t know how to receive them.
  
• Public hostility. Heroes like Steven Wowwk were met not with thanks, but with middle fingers—while on a stretcher.
  
• Little to no benefits. Many were denied healthcare or educational aid. They were left to rebuild their lives with almost nothing.
  
• Stigma and discrimination. Employers turned them away. Movies painted them as broken. They were blamed for a war they didn’t start.
  

All they asked for was a fair shot at a normal life. What they got was isolation.

At Spirit of a Hero, we know we can’t change the past—but we can help shape the future. We believe every Hero deserves to be seen, celebrated, and supported—especially those who were left behind.

So this year, at our 2025 Gala, we’re dedicating the night to our Vietnam Veterans. Not just as a gesture—but as a bold declaration:

???? You are not forgotten.
???? You are not alone.
???? You are the reason we exist.

We invite our community—veterans, families, supporters, donors, and Patriots across the country—to stand with us as we honor these Heroes with the dignity they were denied.

Because the Spirit of sacrifice deserves more than a thank-you—it deserves action.
And Spirit of a Hero is here to lead that charge.

Welcome home, Vietnam Veterans. Your country finally sees you—and this time, we won’t look away.

As fireworks light the summer sky and flags wave proudly across the nation, Spirit of a Hero invites you to reflect on what Independence Day truly stands for. It’s more than a holiday. It’s a tribute to the Heroes who protect the values our nation was built on.

Why We Celebrate

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the thirteen colonies free from British rule. This bold act of defiance was the beginning of a new nation founded on liberty, equality, and justice. The American Spirit—rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and courage—was born that day and continues to define who we are.

What Independence Means Today

Freedom wasn’t guaranteed in 1776, and it’s not guaranteed now. It’s protected every day by our Veterans, First Responders, and Frontline Workers. These Heroes step up when others step back. Whether on the battlefield, in the emergency room, or at the scene of a crisis, they serve with selflessness and strength.

Their service is a modern reflection of the same ideals that built our country. Their Spirit keeps our communities safe and our freedoms alive.

Who We Are at Spirit of a Hero

At Spirit of a Hero, we stand beside those who serve. Founded by a Wounded Warrior, we know what it means to carry invisible wounds and face life after sacrifice. That’s why we provide financial support, community resources, and hope to those who’ve given everything for others.

We don’t just raise awareness—we raise each other up.

How You Can Honor a Hero This 4th of July

As you celebrate today, remember those who make it possible. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate to support a wounded Veteran, First Responder, or Frontline Worker
  
• Volunteer to make an impact through local outreach and events
  
• Educate friends and family about the true meaning of Independence
  
• Thank a Hero—a simple gesture can carry deep meaning
  

Keep the Spirit Alive

This Independence Day, celebrate with purpose. Let the fireworks remind us of every battle fought for our freedom. Let the flags remind us of the unity we share. And let our actions reflect the same bravery and compassion shown by the Heroes we serve.

Freedom is worth celebrating—and so are the Heroes who defend it.

On June 14, 2025, the United States Army celebrated a historic milestone—250 years of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting our nation. At Spirit of a Hero, we’re honored to share in this national moment, recognizing not only the Army’s legacy but also the profound Spirit that lives within all our Heroes, First Responders, and Front-line Workers.

You don’t have to wear a uniform to feel connected to this celebration. Whether you’ve served, have a loved one who has, or simply want to show support, this anniversary is meaningful for everyone.

A Spectacular Parade Across Two Cities

As part of the Semiquincentennial celebrations (marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding), a Grand Military Parade and Celebration brought together around 6,600 soldiers from at least 11 corps and divisions. The parade spanned Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., on June 14, coinciding with Flag Day—honoring the U.S. flag since its adoption in 1777.

Here’s what made the day unforgettable:

• 150+ military vehicles, from armored tanks to humvees
  
• 50 helicopters and warplanes soaring overhead
  
• Mounted units featuring horses and mules
  
• Parachutists descending with precision
  
• Seven marching bands adding musical flair
  
• A special canine participant named Doc Holliday
  
• Thousands of civilian attendees lining the parade route
  

This was the first military parade of its kind in 34 years—the last one held during the Gulf War commemoration under President George H.W. Bush. It was a vibrant display of our nation’s military strength, dedication, and esprit de corps.

Why This Matters

For two and a half centuries, the U.S. Army has stood as a beacon of freedom, standing tall in conflict, responding to crises, and protecting communities at home and abroad. That legacy is carried forward today by Veterans, First Responders, and Front-line Workers who face new challenges every day.

The Mission Behind Spirit of a Hero

We’re not just observers: we’re participants. Founded by a wounded warrior, Spirit of a Hero extends vital financial, moral, and community support to wounded Veterans, First Responders, and Front-line Workers—and their families—when they return home.

Our approach is personal and transparent. Every dollar donated goes directly toward helping our Heroes with medical bills, housing assistance, transportation, and other immediate needs. We know firsthand that coming home can present battles just as serious as those faced on the front lines.

Bridging the Gaps

In 2024, we committed to fully supporting five new recipients and their families—real people facing real struggles. Those are individuals with names, stories, challenges, and hopes. Your support helps them rebuild:

• Covering urgent medical care
  
• Ensuring stable housing
  
• Providing transportation solutions
  
• Offering emotional and community support
  

Be Part of the Legacy

You don’t have to be in uniform to make an impact. As we mark the Army’s 250th anniversary, you can become part of the story:

• Donate – 100% goes directly to Heroes in need.
  
• Share – Spread awareness about the mission of Spirit of a Hero.
  
• Engage – Attend events, volunteer, or simply listen to a Hero’s story.
  

This celebration is more than a parade—it’s a reminder of what unity, service, and Spirit can achieve. Let’s honor the past by supporting the present and building a future rooted in compassion, support, and unwavering commitment to those who serve.

When Dan Licardo moved to Flower Mound, Texas in 2017, he brought with him a legacy of service and quiet strength. A Navy SEAL for 16 years, Dan knew what it meant to show up, step in, and stand tall for others. So when the local fire department asked for his help after receiving new flood rescue gear they didn’t know how to use, Dan didn’t hesitate. Even after being told there was no budget to compensate him, he said, “These are the guys who are going to come save me or my family one day. Of course I’ll help.” He walked into the firehouse voluntarily, spent hours training them on what to wear, what not to wear, and how to move safely and quickly in the water. That decision would end up saving his life..

On September 4, 2018, Dan suffered a seizure behind the wheel while driving on FM 2499. His truck veered across five lanes of traffic, clipped multiple vehicles, soared through the air, and slammed into a tree. Dan’s body was pinned — the engine block pressed into his legs. The wreck was fiery, catastrophic, and nearly fatal. Two children in the car were miraculously spared, but Dan was barely alive.

When First Responders arrived, they recognized the SEAL trident decal on the truck’s rear window. And then someone said what many were thinking: “That’s Dan.” But what followed wasn’t preferential treatment — it was something deeper. It was a room full of men remembering the guy who had trained them, without pay, simply because he believed in being ready. They fought for him because that’s what First Responder-s do — for anyone. But when you recognize one of your own, your urgency becomes personal.

After almost an hour of struggling to free him, one firefighter, Daniel Pierce, took the extraordinary step that changed everything. Seeing the crew couldn’t lift the engine manually, he jumped into a fire truck, backed it up to Dan’s vehicle, hooked chains from the fire engine to Dan’s frame, and yanked the entire wreckage off the tree. That single act freed Dan’s crushed body and allowed the team to extract him.

Dan was airlifted to Parkland Hospital, and that’s when the second miracle began. He flatlined — twice. His injuries were devastating: flail chest, a shattered pelvis, mangled legs, massive internal bleeding. The trauma team gave him 94 units of blood — nearly triple what’s typically allotted to a single patient. Dr. Michael Cripps, the trauma surgeon on call, noticed the waiting room swelling with people — SEAL teammates, police officers, firefighters, and friends. He turned to the battalion chief and asked, “Who is this guy?” When he found out Dan was a Navy SEAL, Cripps made a vow: “I saved one Green Beret. I’m not losing my first SEAL.”

Dan died twice. Cripps brought him back both times, once by performing CPR with his full body weight, jumping on Dan’s chest, refusing to call time. Other doctors had nearly given up, but Cripps changed his angle, kept going, and Dan’s heart finally started beating again.

While Dan remained unconscious in ICU, his community rallied. His hometown in upstate New York organized a blood drive. The high school he once attended had a massive rock outside — something the students would paint for big games or rivalries. This time, they painted it white, and across it they painted a bone frog — the symbol of fallen Navy SEALs — taken from a tattoo Dan wore on his right calf. A friend asked the hospital staff if they could preserve that tattoo before his leg was amputated. The doctor, standing in an OR floor coated with blood, wiped off Dan’s leg, took a photo of the tattoo, and brought it out so they could turn it into a t-shirt design. The shirt featured the bone frog on the back, an American flag on the front, and the words: Stay Strong Dan Licardo.

Those shirts spread quickly. So did the support. People Dan hadn’t seen in years showed up. Friends from his hometown posted photos wearing the shirts in solidarity. Local businesses donated. Word reached across the country.

When Dan finally woke up, he couldn’t speak. He was intubated, wrists broken, one hand in traction, ribs shattered, and he was unaware of what had happened. His girlfriend and cousin stood beside him, along with one of his closest friends. He motioned for something to write on and scribbled, “I okay.” Not perfect, but clear enough. He was still in there.

That’s when she told him. “You were in a wreck… and you lost your legs.” His eyes welled with tears. Then he asked, “What’s next?”

Dan had every reason to give up — but he didn’t. And part of what gave him that strength was something that happened just five months earlier. He’d been struggling with a different trauma — betrayal, a crumbling marriage, thoughts darker than he cared to admit. A friend had introduced him to Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF), a place where wounded veterans and adaptive athletes train side-by-side. At the time, Dan still had both legs. He walked in and met Brian Aft, a Marine double amputee doing pushups with only his hands touching the floor. Dan got in his face, SEAL-style, shouted, “Come on, Marine! Show me something!” It was their love language — sharp, competitive, bonded by hardship. And Brian delivered.

That moment stayed with Dan. When he woke up and learned about his amputations, he remembered those athletes. He remembered Brian. And he told himself, If they can do it, I can do it.

That’s the Spirit we celebrate at Spirit of a Hero. The kind that survives loss, stares down pain, and comes back stronger — not just because of who you are, but because of the people who refuse to let you fall.

Dan’s story reminds us why blood drives matter, why community matters, and why we can never say enough about the men and women who show up when it counts — our Heroes, our First Responders, and our Frontline Workers.

Dan is still here — a living reminder of how fragile life can be… and how powerful the Spirit of a Hero truly is.

At Spirit of a Hero, we stand beside warriors—Veterans, First Responders, and Frontline Heroes—who’ve walked through fire and came out the other side.

For many of them, there’s one date they’ll never forget. Not because it was the worst day of their lives, but because it was the day they lived through it. That date is called an Alive Day.

An Alive Day marks the moment everything changed. The day you should’ve died, but didn’t. The day you got a second chance at life.

We celebrate Alive Days because they remind us that pain isn’t the end of the story. Survival is just the beginning.

One of the most powerful Alive Day stories we know is that of Travis Mills, a soldier in the 82nd Airborne. While on deployment, Travis unknowingly set his gear down on a pressure plate IED. The explosion took both of his arms and both of his legs. He spent four months in a coma and woke up on his 25th birthday—April 10, 2012.

That day became his Alive Day. The day he began the fight of his life.

Travis didn’t just recover—he rose. He taught himself to walk again, to drive again, to fall and get back up again. He refused to quit. His courage lit a fire in all of us.

In fact, his story is the reason Spirit of a Hero was born.

Our founder, also from the 82nd Airborne, read Travis’s story and felt something bigger than sympathy—he felt a duty. That led to a motorcycle ride fundraiser that brought out 1,800 riders and raised nearly $40,000. The energy, the passion, the purpose behind that day proved this wasn’t a one-time thing. It was the beginning of our mission.

At Spirit of a Hero, we believe that when someone says, “Happy Alive Day,” what they’re really saying is:
“You made it. You matter. We’re glad you’re still here.”

Alive Days are common in the Veteran community, but they’re not exclusive to the military. We believe our First Responders—firefighters, EMTs, police officers, nurses—experience Alive Days too. And we’re here for them.

Because at Spirit of a Hero, we don’t just support survival—we celebrate the fight to live.

Want to walk alongside Heroes like Travis? Join us.
We offer Veteran support programs, resilience workshops, family classes, and community events that bring hope, healing, and connection.

Because when life gives you a second chance, you don’t waste it. You live it loud.

Happy Alive Day to every warrior who chose to stay and fight. Your story isn’t over—it’s just getting started.

When Tammy first met Brian Aft, she wasn’t drawn to medals or stories of war. She fell for the man behind the Marine uniform—the one who made her feel safe, like she could just be herself.

“He wasn’t trying to impress me,” she says. “He made me feel like I was talking to a friend. Someone I could trust.”

That trust became the foundation of a love story built on resilience, understanding, and deep mutual respect.

Brian, a retired Marine, lost both of his legs in Afghanistan after stepping on an IED while on patrol with his bomb dog, Buckshot. It was a life-altering injury—but it didn’t define who he was. And as Tammy shares, it didn’t define their relationship either.

“I’d never been with anyone in a wheelchair before,” Tammy admits. “At first, I didn’t know how to act. I was afraid I’d do or say something wrong. I assumed someone in a wheelchair couldn’t take care of themselves.”

But Brian proved her wrong—again and again.

“He showed me that it’s all in the mind,” she says with a smile. “He’s independent, strong, and capable of doing anything he sets his mind to. I don’t see his disability. Not at all. And now, neither does my family.”

Tammy’s journey with Brian also changed the way her parents viewed their relationship. Like many parents, they wanted the best for their daughter. They worried—until they saw with their own eyes how much love, strength, and support surrounded Tammy.

“We had a wedding celebration two months ago,” she shares. “We’ve actually been legally married for seven years, but this was special. My mom finally gave us her blessing—her green light. She saw that Brian takes care of me, and that’s all that matters.”

For Tammy, being chosen as Brian’s partner in life means everything. “It means a lot that he chose me to stand by his side… that he wants to have kids with me. That’s not something I take lightly.”

Her voice softens as she reflects on what their life together has taught her.

“There are times we all complain about small things—things that don’t even matter. But when I think about everything Brian has gone through, I realise how lucky I am. My problems don’t compare. He’s taught me to be grateful. He’s shown me that life is precious.”

Tammy’s story isn’t just about love. It’s about learning to see beyond appearances, beyond assumptions, and finding strength in each other. Together, she and Brian are proof that real love isn’t about what someone can do for you—it’s about walking (or rolling) through life together, side by side.