Memorial Day Is a Time to Remember Those Who Gave Their Lives in Service to America. Help us Honor Their Service with a RUN TO REMEMBER on May 29, 2023! This Memorial Day Weekend we are Joining Forces with Run To Remember VB in Honoring and Remembering our Fallen Heroes. We are honored RUN TO […]
“ALL RIGHTS RESERVED SPECIAL OPS SURVIVORS (FORMERLY UNITED WARRIOR SURVIVOR FOUNDATION) IS A 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT NON-PROFIT CORPORATION WITH FEDERAL TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 81-0567790.
DONATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX DEDUCTIONS.”
© 2019-2025 Special Ops Survivors. All Rights Reserved.
A distinctive team-based mentorship model promoting mutual healing through Survivor Circle (a private Facebook community), ongoing engagement, and peer support
Empowers survivors to grow together and provides personalized healing
The key to our approach to healing is based upon finding common ground in relationships. Our approach provides the opportunity for survivors to come together with their peers to find comfort and healing in a judgment-free environment.
Unlike a traditional mentorship model, our approach is grounded in a team perspective in which we believe that every survivor brings a unique and valuable perspective to the group.
We believe this approach offers the new survivor a safe and understanding sounding board while, at the same time, helping the more experienced survivor progress in her or his own healing processes.
Healing begins with connection. At Special Ops Survivors, we provide a safe, judgment-free space where survivors can share, heal, and grow together.
Our team-based approach values the unique experiences of every survivor, fostering mutual support and progress in healing.
Key elements of our community include:
Together, we ensure no survivor walks this journey alone.
Surviving spouses may contact Special Ops Survivors to determine if they are eligible for our services. Special Ops Survivors will verify the marital/relationship status of the surviving spouse, the service member’s unit, and the manner of the service member’s death through official military channels prior to extending services to a surviving spouse.
If you meet these qualifications and are willing to uphold these responsibilities, please visit our Survivors’ Circle and fill out New Survivor Information Form
Forget-Me-Nots
Outreaches
Annual Survivors Resiliency Retreats
Regional Dinner
Program
Education & Career
Advancement Grants
Emergency Financial
Assistance
Personal touches like cookies, cards, and small gifts sent throughout the year to remind survivors they are not forgotten.
Provides emotional support, lifts spirits on difficult days, and maintains a connection
Special Ops Survivors recognizes that after the memorials are over, even the most well-intentioned family, friends, and neighbors go back to their everyday lives – sometimes leaving survivors feeling forgotten and alone. Our mission is to let surviving spouses know they are not alone. We do this by sending personal outreaches to our survivors throughout the year to let them know that they remain in our thoughts and hearts.
Our Forget-Me-Not Program sends our Survivors gifts throughout the year to continually let our Survivors know that they are remembered and loved. Some of these personal outreaches include a cookie on their birthday, chocolates at Valentine’s Day, card with a small gift on Memorial Day, and the ever-popular cookies around the Holidays. If you are interested in donating to our Forget-Me-Not Program, please follow the donate button below. If you are interested in sponsoring one of our Forget-Me-Nots Outreaches throughout the year, please email us at contact@specialopssurvivors.org and someone will be in contact with you.
At Special Ops Survivors, we understand that when the memorials end, life moves on for others—but for surviving spouses, the journey of grief and healing continues. Too often, they are left feeling forgotten and alone.
Our mission is to remind survivors that they are never alone. Through thoughtful, personal outreach, we let them know they remain in our hearts year-round:
Surviving spouses may contact Special Ops Survivors to determine if they are eligible for our services. Special Ops Survivors will verify the marital/relationship status of the surviving spouse, the service member’s unit, and the manner of the service member’s death through official military channels prior to extending services to a surviving spouse.
If you meet these qualifications and are willing to uphold these responsibilities, please visit our Survivors’ Circle and fill out New Survivor Information Form
Annual gatherings for survivors to heal, connect, and grow through workshops, peer bonding, and symbolic moments.
Testimonials showcase the transformative nature of these retreats, such as fostering resilience and prioritizing self-care.
Our Annual Survivors Resiliency Retreats are designed to foster peer-based connections and support while providing workshops that assist survivors as they move forward in the grieving process. The retreats feature workshops in areas of finance, parenting, coping skills, resiliency, health & wellness, and so much more as well as opportunities for peer-support activities and give-back opportunities for survivors to feel empowered through volunteerism.
Most important, our retreats offer an opportunity for
survivors to meet others going through a similar grief journey as their own. Through retreat attendance, survivors learn through the grief process, heal, feel empowered, and access a community of support. Participants leave with new tools and coping skills that impact tremendous positive change in their lIves.
Special Ops Survivors’ Annual Retreats provide a supportive space for healing, resilience, and connection. Survivors participate in workshops on finance, parenting, coping skills, and wellness, alongside peer-support activities and empowering volunteer opportunities.
Each retreat includes:
These retreats offer survivors practical tools, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of community, helping them navigate their journey with strength and hope.
Surviving spouses may contact Special Ops Survivors to determine if they are eligible for our services. Special Ops Survivors will verify the marital/relationship status of the surviving spouse, the service member’s unit, and the manner of the service member’s death through official military channels prior to extending services to a surviving spouse.
If you meet these qualifications and are willing to uphold these responsibilities, please visit our Survivors’ Circle and fill out New Survivor Information Form
Intimate, local gatherings designed for survivors with limited time or travel flexibility.
Provides meaningful peer connections without the complexities of larger retreats.
The key to our approach to healing is based upon finding common ground in relationships. Our approach provides the opportunity for survivors to come together with their peers to find comfort and healing in a judgment-free environment.
Unlike a traditional mentorship model, our approach is grounded in a team perspective in which we believe that every survivor brings a unique and valuable perspective to the group.
We believe this approach offers the new survivor a safe and understanding sounding board while, at the same time, helping the more experienced survivor progress in her or his own healing processes.
Surviving spouses may contact Special Ops Survivors to determine if they are eligible for our services. Special Ops Survivors will verify the marital/relationship status of the surviving spouse, the service member’s unit, and the manner of the service member’s death through official military channels prior to extending services to a surviving spouse.
If you meet these qualifications and are willing to uphold these responsibilities, please visit our Survivors’ Circle and fill out New Survivor Information Form
Grants up to $10,000 annually to support survivors in furthering their education or career goals.
Highlights recipients’ stories, such as achieving certifications, securing employment, and gaining financial independence.
Each year, Special Ops Survivors awards up to $10,000 in education and career advancement grants to our survivors. The purpose of the grants is to recognize and reward survivors for their strength and resiliency as they further their careers so that they can better care for their families.
Since the program’s inception in 2008, we have awarded over $150,000 in grants to help our survivors pursue their dreams in fields such as teaching, nursing, physical therapy, yoga, real estate, counseling and physical training, and much more. Applications open each year in spring, through our Survivors’ Circle, and are awarded the first or second week of June.
Surviving spouses may contact Special Ops Survivors to determine if they are eligible for our services. Special Ops Survivors will verify the marital/relationship status of the surviving spouse, the service member’s unit, and the manner of the service member’s death through official military channels prior to extending services to a surviving spouse.
If you meet these qualifications and are willing to uphold these responsibilities, please visit our Survivors’ Circle and fill out New Survivor Information Form
Immediate support for survivors facing critical expenses, such as medical, dental, utility, necessary home repairs, or car repair bills.
Relieves financial stress during emergencies, ensuring survivors feel supported during tough times.
There are times in life when unexpected expenses sometimes arise and surviving spouses might find themselves in a difficult financial situation. In an effort to help with the stress of these expenses, Special Ops Survivors can help with limited direct financial assistance to help survivors who find themselves in these situations.
These funds are intended to cover critical expenses such as medical, dental, utility, necessary home repairs and car repair bills. We accept applications on an on-going basis through our Survivors’ Circle.
Surviving spouses may contact Special Ops Survivors to determine if they are eligible for our services. Special Ops Survivors will verify the marital/relationship status of the surviving spouse, the service member’s unit, and the manner of the service member’s death through official military channels prior to extending services to a surviving spouse.
If you meet these qualifications and are willing to uphold these responsibilities, please visit our Survivors’ Circle and fill out New Survivor Information Form
Special Ops Survivors
7967 Turnberry Lane Stanley,
NC 28164
is a co-founder and past president of Special Ops Survivors, where his leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing the organization’s mission to support the spouses of Special Operations Fallen Warriors. Erik became involved with the Special Operations community in 2003 and, recognizing the need for dedicated support for families of fallen SOF, played a key role in founding Special Ops Survivors. He served as the first Vice President and later as President, leading the organization during its formative years while a Navy SEAL co-founder was deployed. Erik’s foundational efforts were critical in building the community and support network that continues to empower surviving spouses today.
In his professional life, Erik is a Partner at Fremont Associates/Fremont Development and the owner of EKCO Industrial Properties, Inc. With a successful career in industrial real estate, Erik’s leadership in business has greatly influenced his work with Special Ops Survivors. His ability to guide and manage organizations has contributed to the nonprofit’s growth and long-term sustainability. Erik and his wife Julie have been married for over 25 years, and together with their three children—Blake, Brook, and Baily—they are proud to call Oregon home. For more information, visit www.specialopssurvivors.org.
serves on the Board of Directors for Special Ops Survivors, where his leadership and operational expertise significantly contribute to the organization’s mission of supporting the spouses of Special Operations Fallen Warriors. With a deep commitment to giving back to the Special Operations community, Chuck plays an essential role in ensuring the sustainability of key programs, such as Peer-to-Peer Mentorship, Forget-Me-Nots, In-Person and Regional Retreats, Education & Career Advancement Grants, and Emergency Financial Assistance. His passion for this cause aligns closely with the organization’s goal of fostering a strong, supportive community for surviving spouses. Professionally, Chuck is the President and CEO of LiveCo, a private equity-funded company that is the 3rd-largest music and live entertainment promoter in the world. Chuck directs a company that annually produces and promotes over 3,000 live events, including concerts, festivals, and off-Broadway productions. The company specializes in the country, Christian, and comedy genres. Chuck also serves as one of four Directors of London’s Wembley Stadium, charged with overseeing the commercial, digital and fan engagement and safety and security future of England’s national stadium. He has a long career in sports and entertainment that includes stops in college athletics (UConn and Raycom Sports), resorts (American Skiing Company), professional sports (Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group), venue management (AEG and ASM Global) and private equity (Raptor Sports Holdings). His wealth of experience and commitment to service make him an invaluable asset to Special Ops Survivors, where his leadership continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of surviving families. For more information, visit www.specialopssurvivors.org.
serves on the Executive Committee, and the Financial Stewardship Committee as a Board Member at Special Ops Survivors, where his unique blend of military service and private practice experience brings valuable insight to the organization’s mission of supporting the spouses of Special Operations Fallen Warriors. His dedication to fiscal oversight and strategic guidance helps ensure that Special Ops Survivors maintains sustainable funding for its core programs, including Peer-to-Peer Mentorship, Forget-Me-Nots, In-Person and Regional Retreats, Education & Career Advancement Grants, and Emergency Financial Assistance.
Bert began his career by serving active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1982 to 1985, where he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal. He continued his service in the Navy Reserves while establishing his private dental practice in Denver, North Carolina. Bert and his wife Laura have a son who served as an Army artillery officer for six years, including two deployments. Motivated by their son’s experiences, Bert and Laura began sponsoring annual fishing trips for soldiers returning from deployment, hosted by professional bass fisherman Hank Parker. Through these events and their interactions with soldiers, some of whom are part of the Special Ops Survivors Outdoor TEAM, Bert and Laura were introduced to the organization. Now residing in Stanley, NC, Bert’s personal connection to the military community and his professional expertise guide his work in ensuring the financial strength and resilience of Special Ops Survivors. For more information, visit www.specialopssurvivors.org.
is an Executive Committee, Treasurer and lead of the Financial Stewardship Committee as a Board Member at Special Ops Survivors, where her extensive expertise in public finance plays a pivotal role in the organization’s ability to support the spouses of Special Operations Fallen Warriors. With a deep understanding of financial management and accountability, Laura helps ensure that the organization maintains sustainable funding for its core programs, including Peer-to-Peer Mentorship, Forget-Me-Nots, In-Person and Regional Retreats, Education & Career Advancement Grants, and Emergency Financial Assistance. In her professional career, Laura serves as the Undersecretary at the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and prior to that she was the Chief Financial Officer for the Treasury of the State of Louisiana, where she oversees the planning, direction, and administration of the state’s $7.1 billion cash and fiscal management system. She is responsible for the receipt, custody, investment, and disbursement of public funds, and she also directs the state’s major local government distribution programs. Laura’s unique blend of financial acumen and strategic oversight makes her an invaluable asset to Special Ops Survivors, helping to guide the organization in fulfilling its mission of providing a resilient and empowered community for surviving spouses. For more information on the work of Special Ops Survivors, visit www.specialopssurvivors.org.
serves on the Executive Committee, Outreach Committee as a Board Member of Special Ops Survivors and is considered the heart and soul of the organization. As a survivor herself, following the loss of her hero, Navy SEAL Michael Koch, Kathy brings a deep personal connection to the organization’s mission. In her role as Programs Chair, she ensures that Special Ops Survivors’ programs, including Peer-to-Peer Mentorship, Retreats, and other critical initiatives, truly meet the needs of surviving spouses. Her training in grief support within the U.S. Naval Special Warfare community and her leadership as a Gold Star Co-Ombudsman further highlight her dedication to serving others walking a similar path.
Beyond her work with the organization, Kathy co-leads a Military Wives Bible Study and is a top-ranked Realtor in Hampton Roads, having built a successful real estate career over the last 20 years. Her previous 15 years in retail management, coupled with her personal resilience and leadership, reflect the ethos of Special Ops Survivors.
Kathy’s unwavering commitment ensures that survivors receive the support and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. For more information, visit www.specialopssurvivors.org.
Veronica Fritz wears multiple hats at Special Ops Survivors, supporting Survivors, the community, and the organization’s mission through her expertise in outreach, social media, and administration. As , Veronica develops and implements strategies to connect with Survivors and increase community engagement. She builds relationships with partners, organizes impactful events, and monitors outreach efforts to ensure alignment with the organization’s goals. As , Veronica manages the organization’s digital presence, creating and executing strategies to raise mission awareness and grow engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. She leverages social media campaigns to highlight programs, share Survivor stories, and drive support for the charity. In her role as , Veronica ensures smooth daily operations by supporting the executive team, managing communications, maintaining essential systems, and overseeing administrative tasks. Her dedication helps Special Ops Survivors thrive in its mission to support and honor the sacrifices of its community.
is the Chairman of Special Ops Survivors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a supportive community for the spouses of Special Operations Fallen Warriors. Special Ops Survivors understands the healing power that comes from being surrounded by those who share a similar journey, ensuring that no survivor has to face their grief alone. Under Rob’s leadership, the organization has remodeled its financial model to generate revenue and reduce expenses, allowing sustainable support for its core programs. These critical initiatives include Peer-to-Peer Mentorship, Forget-Me-Nots, In-Person and Regional Retreats, Education & Career Advancement Grants, and Emergency Financial Assistance. With over two decades of leadership experience across various industries, including Military, Manufacturing, Mining, Sports Entertainment, and Consulting, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Before co-founding Peak Pulp Performance Consulting (P3C), he served as Vice President of Operational Excellence at Spartan Race, leading global strategic and operational initiatives. He also contributed significantly to the digital transformation at Barrick Gold Corporation, implementing data-driven decision-making processes across their operations.
Additionally, Rob served as a Management Consultant with the McChrystal Group and was a U.S. Army officer, where he spent 21 years in Airborne, Ranger, and Special Operations units. His unique blend of military and corporate leadership drives his passion for ensuring Special Ops Survivors thrives in delivering its mission. For more information on this important work, visit www.specialopssurvivors.org.
