Arkansas Run for the Fallen


Wreaths Across America is proud to partner with nonprofits and veteran service organizations across the United States in supporting our nation’s heroes and thanking them for their service. Through our fundraising group efforts, WAA stimulates other charitable funds by returning $5 of every $15 wreath sponsorship raised. In doing so, we “do good twice,” recognizing the commitment made by VSOs and other nonprofits to support WAA by directly giving back to their missions in turn.

 

Long-time Wreaths Across America volunteer, Angela Beason is clearly dedicated to our mission and that of her Fundraising Group and foundation, Arkansas Run for the Fallen. A high school teacher and Air Force wife, Angela finds many ways to connect her volunteerism with WAA to her work within her community and Arkansas Run for the Fallen. 

“Our initial goal with WAA was 100% coverage at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at North Little Rock,” Angela noted. “When we found out about the fundraising program, that really solidified everything. We could still do what we’re doing with Arkansas Run for the Fallen and participate in Wreaths Across America and help both groups.” 

The mission of Arkansas Run for the Fallen is to “raise awareness for the native Arkansas military service members who have died while serving on active duty since September 11, 2001. The purpose is also to provide support, hope and healing to families grieving the death of a loved one in military service regardless of relationship or circumstance of death.”

“That money that we get back really helps impact the families that are right here,” said Angela. 

Arkansas Run for the Fallen supports programming throughout the year, like a summer camp for Gold Star Kids where “they can make connections with each other,” said Angela. “Those connections, those others kids that kind of get what they’re going through; they really look forward to that camp every year.”

From scholarships for those Gold Star Kids as they graduate and go off to college to Gold Star Spouses and Families events, from a traveling memorial set up in communities across the state to wreath-laying ceremonies each December at WAA-participating locations, Arkansas Run for the Fallen is reaching so many individuals and families throughout the state.

“They say it takes a significant event to change your life. That day in December in 2014 when that Gold Star mother asked me if there was going to be a wreath for her son, it changed my life. To be able to see 100% coverage from so few of our heroes being honored, it really is an incredible feeling. That’s why we work, and we work so hard not just for WAA but at Arkansas Run for the Fallen.”

Angela Beason and Arkansas Run for the Fallen, we thank you for all you do for Wreaths Across America and your community. 

You can hear more of this story and from other Fundraising Groups throughout Giving in July on Wreaths Across America Radio