Our team would be remised if we did not share some words about this very somber day. I will never forget what I was doing twenty years ago. Mario went into work early while I was engaged in the morning routine with our son who was only a few months old. I was in the kitchen cleaning up when the phone rang. Mario called me yelling to put on the news. I could hear the horror and rage in his voice. Something I had never experienced. Suddenly, I understood his shock while I watched the nightmare unfolded in front of my eyes. I had no idea what was happening or what either of us said after that. I could not comprehend what was happening nor the impact all of this would have on the individuals that lost their lives that day, their families, nor the first responders. However, I do know in the days that followed our nation came together. So many men and women responded to the call to serve. Not because we called on them but because they felt an intrinsic desire to protect our way of life and as a way of honoring all that died that day.

For me, since losing Mario, I have found my own call to service. Quite simply, I was blessed to have an opportunity to continue his legacy. Through this gift of the Sugar Bear Foundation, I have found immense purpose and healing. There is a need for the work we are doing because of the incredible men and women who have answered the call and given their lives in service to our country... Today I ask you to continue that service even if for only one day. Call someone who may need to hear a friendly voice, check on an elderly neighbor or volunteer. Give back in honor of all those who were taken from on this day or felt inspired to give back as a result. Thank you for helping us continue Sugar Bear’s legacy of service while giving back to the families who have given their all.

Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star wife/Chairman