AGA Engineered Steps Up for Our Troops

Members of the AGA support team pitching in to show their support.

Our warehouse was buzzing with energy recently as we hosted our annual Spring Packing Party, an event that felt more critical than ever as we ramped up support for Operation Epic Fury. We were honored to have an incredible team of volunteers from AGA Engineered (Architectural Glass & Aluminum) join us on the assembly line. Their dedication and hard work were the driving force behind this shipping cycle, helping us pack and process thousands of Troopathon care packages with precision and speed.

The primary focus of this massive effort is reaching the sailors and Marines of the 1st MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) currently deployed in the Middle East. We recently received word that the crew of the USS Tripoli could use a boost during their high-intensity operations. Thanks to the hands-on help from AGA Engineered and our community supporters, we are rushing shipments of, high-protein snacks, essential hygiene items, premium San Francisco Bay coffee, high quality Bombas socks, energy shots, gels and hydration packets, coveted Girl Scout cookies and more to bridge that gap and provide a much-needed morale boost.

As Operation Epic Fury continues, these packages serve as a tangible reminder to our service members that they are never forgotten. Every box packed during our Spring Party includes a personal message of gratitude and support sent directly to the frontlines. We are deeply grateful to our corporate partners and volunteers for standing with us to ensure our heroes on the USS Tripoli and beyond receive the comforts of home they deserve.

Memorial Day: Honoring the Final Breath of America’s Heroes

***“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it; it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”*** — Unknown

Monday, May 25, 2026, marks Memorial Day. To many, it is the threshold of summer – a long weekend defined by the smell of charcoal grills, the crack of a baseball bat, and time spent with those we love. But at Troopathon, we believe the sincere heart of this day lies in the quiet moments between the celebrations.

It is vital to remember that Memorial Day is not a general day of thanks for all veterans; rather, it is a sacred day set aside exclusively to honor and remember those who died in service to our country. While we honor the living on other days, this day belongs entirely to the fallen. It is a day to remember the empty chairs at dinner tables and the dreams left behind on distant battlefields.

Memorial Day was born from the heavy silence of the Civil War, originally established as Decoration Day to honor the Union soldiers who never returned home. Following the global heartbreak of World War I, the day grew to encompass every American man and woman who laid down their lives in any conflict, on any shore. It became a promise from the living to those who made the ultimate sacrifice: you will not be forgotten.

Traditions have shifted since the 19th century—from the fixed date of May 30th to the final Monday of May—but the weight of the loss remains unchanged. To "give all" is a debt we can never fully repay, but it is one we must always acknowledge with our deepest reverence.

This year, we invite you to turn your gratitude into a visible tribute. We ask all our supporters to fly the Stars and Stripes. If you have a flagpole, please lower your flag to half-mast until noon, a traditional sign of a nation in mourning as protocol dictates, and then high and proud for the reminder the day in reverence and tribute.

Amidst the laughter and the gatherings, please take a moment of silence. Look at the flag, remember the names of those who never came home, and honor the lives given so that we may live ours in peace.

***“The martyr’s grave is the foundation stone of our liberty; the blood of patriots is the seed of our Republic.”*** — Unknown

Meet the Newest Member of Our Team: Ryan Logan

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of the Troopathon team, Ryan Logan, who joins us as our Marketing Director. With more than 30 years of experience in marketing, Ryan brings a deep skill set that spans video production, graphic design, marketing strategy, and beyond—making him a powerful addition to our mission.

Ryan’s connection to Troopathon goes back about a decade, when he first stepped in as a camera operator for a live Troopathon broadcast. That opportunity sparked a lasting relationship, and ever since, Ryan has played a key role in producing our annual shows. What started behind the camera has grown into a full-circle moment as he now officially joins the team.

His connection to the military runs deep. Ryan comes from a proud lineage of service members: his grandfather served in the Navy during the Korean War, his father served in the Army as a tail gunner in Vietnam after signing up for the draft, his mother served in the Air Force, and both of his brothers served in the Navy and Army. That family legacy has shaped his respect for those who serve and fuels his passion for giving back.

When asked why he feels connected to the Troopathon mission, Ryan shared:
“I have a proud lineage of military service in our family. The stories that my grandpa and dad told us about their experiences stay close to my heart. I'm proud to say I have family members who serve. Troopathon allows me to contribute something to the military, my time and talents. It's such a wonderful feeling to know I play a small part in every care package that gets sent to the troops.”

As Director of Marketing, Ryan will be leading efforts across multiple fronts. He’ll oversee brand strategy and positioning, ensuring that Troopathon’s message reaches and resonates with supporters nationwide. He will manage and execute marketing campaigns designed to drive awareness, engagement, and donations. His role includes analyzing campaign performance, optimizing outreach efforts, coordinating messaging across platforms, and identifying new growth opportunities. Ryan will also be responsible for building and maintaining partnerships, guiding content creation, and helping shape the overall voice of the organization. In addition, he will be hands-on in producing all video content, creating graphic assets, building and maintaining the website, and developing fundraising campaigns that directly support our mission.

When asked what drew him to work more closely with Troopathon, Ryan said:
“It’s the people at Troopathon. They believe in their mission. They have a true passion for what they are doing. They operate lean and are constantly looking for ways to improve, to dial in their processes, so the troops get as much as they can. And, besides all that, they are just good people, doing their best to help others.”

Ryan describes his working style in three words: creative, fast, and reliable—qualities that will no doubt make an immediate impact.

Reflecting on his experience with Troopathon, Ryan shared:
“Troopathon is an amazing non-profit that has one single goal: to get as many care packages to the troops as possible. It's that laser-focused mission that impresses me the most. Everybody, no matter what side of the aisle you are on, can't argue with that mission. The troops need everyone's support. The US military is doing incredible, heroic things throughout the world, many times without basic necessities. That's where Troopathon fills the gap, delivering a taste of home to our heroes overseas.”

We’re proud to have Ryan on board and excited for what’s ahead as he helps us continue delivering support—and a taste of home—to our troops around the world.

Celebrate America’s 250th with a Token of our Gratitude

As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s historic 250th anniversary, Troopathon is honored to offer a special token of appreciation to those who stand with our service members.

For a limited time, donors who contribute $100 or more to Troopathon will receive an exclusive America 250 Anniversary magnet. This commemorative keepsake is designed to honor both our country’s milestone and your unwavering support for the brave men and women serving in uniform.

We are also excited to welcome new recurring donors into our community. Every person who signs up for a new recurring donation program will receive this special magnet tucked inside their welcome letter as a thank you for your ongoing commitment.

Our existing monthly donors are the backbone of everything we do, and we want you to share this celebration as well. If you are a current recurring donor and would like to add this America 250 magnet to your collection, please send a brief request to Lisa at [email protected].

Your generosity ensures that our troops feel the support of a grateful nation. Join us in honoring the past and supporting the future of our heroes.

May Photo of the Month — Faith in America

***“This is my 3rd back-to-back deployment and 4th tour.”***

“Receiving a care package means to me that there is genuine kindness out there. That there really is people that care in supporting their troops. It gives me faith in America.” — Jysamon S. Army National Guard, deployed