Troopathon and Blue Star Moms of Rolling Hills Mark 25 Years Since 9/11 With 911 Care Packages for Deployed Troops
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Scott Raab
Director of Operations, Troopathon
(916) 956-3544
Troopathon and Blue Star Moms of Rolling Hills Mark 25 Years Since 9/11 With 911 Care Packages for Deployed Troops
Sacramento, Calif. – Sept. 8, 2026 – Troopathon is proud to announce its 9th Annual Packathon, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks and honoring the sacrifices made by the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, Blue Star Moms of Rolling Hills is stepping up as the event's exclusive packing party partner, joined by veterans and active-duty service members — including several who have recently returned from deployment themselves — lending their hands to the effort.
On Friday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Troopathon Operation Center, 3105 Fite Circle, Suite 108, Sacramento, CA 95827, volunteers will hand-pack and ship 911 care packages fulfilling real requests submitted by military families for their actively deployed loved ones — a number that also mirrors the date etched into the nation's memory, and a tribute to the resilience shown in the twenty-five years since.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 11
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Troopathon Operation Center
3105 Fite Circle, Suite 108
Sacramento, CA 95827
“Twenty-five years ago, our nation was changed forever, and this Packathon is how we make sure that day — and the troops who continue to answer the call because of it — are never forgotten,” said Scott Raab, Director of Operations for Troopathon and a Navy veteran who joined the military in response to 9/11. “This year we're honored to stand alongside Blue Star Moms of Rolling Hills, and the veterans and active-duty service members joining us, as we pack and ship these care packages to troops deployed overseas.”
Also taking part is Richard Hannaford, Troopathon's board member and a survivor of the September 11, 2001 attacks — he was in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center that morning. Richard describes what he witnessed that day as nothing short of a warzone, and believes our troops remain the first, and only, line of defense against another attack on American soil. That conviction led him to help launch the Packathon nine years ago, and this milestone 25th anniversary carries particular weight for him and for Troopathon's entire mission of ensuring that day — and the troops who continue to serve because of it — are never forgotten.
“It's hard to believe a quarter century has passed since September 11, 2001. Some days those memories feel distant; other days they resurface with the same haunting clarity as if it happened yesterday. This 25th anniversary carries a different weight — twenty-five years is long enough that we risk letting the memory fade, and that's exactly why we can't. I'm deeply grateful to have survived, and to spend this milestone anniversary honoring our troops through Troopathon's mission,” said Hannaford.
Blue Star Moms of Rolling Hills joins Troopathon this year as the event's exclusive packing party partner, bringing volunteers to work alongside veterans and active-duty service members to assemble and ship care packages to deployed troops overseas.
“For Blue Star Moms of Rolling Hills, showing up for Troopathon's Packathon is personal — every mother in our chapter has a loved one who served, and we know exactly what it means to a family when a care package arrives,” said Leslie Wade, President of Blue Star Moms of Rolling Hills. “Twenty-five years after 9/11, we're honored to stand with Troopathon and make sure no deployed service member ever feels forgotten.”
Watch Richard tell his story in his own words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POSLUrT8I2c
Community members can request a free care package for a deployed loved one, or support a service member by donating or sponsoring a care package, at troopathon.org.
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ABOUT BLUE STAR MOMS OF ROLLING HILLS: Blue Star Moms of Rolling Hills is a chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., a nonprofit organization made up of mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and legal guardians of men and women who have honorably served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Chapters support active-duty troops, veterans, and their families through care packages, community outreach, and volunteer service.
ABOUT TROOPATHON: Troopathon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional and tangible support to active-duty U.S. troops deployed to combat areas, military families, and veterans. Since its founding, Troopathon has shipped over 1,000 tons of care packages, powered by thousands of pro-troop activists, veterans, and community partners nationwide. Never Forget. Always Support.
ABOUT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States — a quarter century since Sept. 11, 2001. On this solemn day, we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost and pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of first responders, military personnel, and ordinary citizens who showed extraordinary courage. As part of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, Americans of all ages and backgrounds are invited to lead and join community service projects to honor those we lost on September 11. Through events like the Troopathon Packathon, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who continue to serve and protect our country, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
For media inquiries, interview requests, or scheduling requests, please contact:
Scott Raab
Director of Operations, Troopathon
Phone: (916) 956-3544
Email: [email protected]
Logos and additional brand assets: troopathon.org/media-kit