DoD Starbase - STEM Programs

We have a wonderful new opportunity from our friends at DoD Starbase. This amazing STEM program is located at bases throughout the country. More information can be found on their website at https://dodstarbase.org. These are in-person classes and are free of charge. If you would like more information or are interested in a program at Camp Pendleton, please contact  admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org as we are working with them to get Gold Star children signed-up for the program. 

August 2020 Newsletter…

New Coaching Scholarship Recipient - Margie Grube

Congratulations to Gold Star spouse, Margie Grube! Margie was selected as a coaching scholarship recipient to work with Sarah Davis of ReCreate These scholarships are a new and necessary program we are providing to those who have lost their service member and are looking to create a new life after loss.

Margie recently shared this with Sugar Bear Foundation…

“Thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to have a scholarship with Sarah Davis.  My husband, Navy SEAL, Devon Grube, died 12/28/16.  At the time of his death my three children were 1 yr old, 3 yrs old, and 6 years old.  My whole world and future crumbled before me.  3.5 years have passed, and I am working on knowing and growing this new woman and mom I have become.  I am thankful for this opportunity to help me with the transition from a life and future that me and my husband had planned out, to a new journey with me and my kids alone.  My goals are to build a path and future to be successful, fulfilled and empowered as I learn to navigate this new life before me.”

Our Coaching Scholarship has also helped Krista Simpson Anderson, our previous recipient who conveyed her reason for applying for the scholarship…

“I needed direction and clarity about how to move forward professionally. I wanted to make a change professionally and wasn’t sure why, how, or what direction to take. What I would be good at and what would create more joy than stress.”

If you are a Gold Star Spouse who needs similar help and would like to apply for a Coaching Scholarship, please visit our Coaching Scholarship for Gold Star Spouses article for more information.

Applying to College During COVID-19 - Virtual Workshop

Navigating the college experience can be daunting during the best of situations. The onset of COVID-19 has only added to concerns and questions for both students and parents. Join us for this virtual workshop, as Juliet Hawk of Hawk Educational Solutions provides insight, guidance, and reassurance during these challenging times. Topics include SAT vs ACT; Writing a resume for college applications; Common APP and the application process; Private vs. Public Universities; The importance of volunteering; Internships and much more.

The workshop is open to Gold Star spouses (active duty death) and their children getting ready to apply for college. Please send Required Documents to Admin@TheSugarBearFoundation.org to .

To receive the link to the presentation and workshop packet, please send the following Required Documents to Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org (if not already on file):

• Sugar Bear Foundation Gold Star Registry Application

• Attach a copy of the DD1300 or other proof that you are receiving benefits due to your spouse’s death from military service (PDF Files or legible photos are acceptable)

• Waiver & Release (Must be signed by Parent or Guardian if child is a minor)

Thank You for Supporting Our Sugar Bear Virtual Memorial Run

Thank you to everyone who participated, shared, and supported this event. You enabled us to celebrate Sugar Bear’s life in a way that will directly impact Marines, Gold Star spouses, and children. We are about to launch the first phase of a new financial assistance program that will support Gold Star spouses who find themselves dealing with emergency needs. Funds raised from the Sugar Bear Memorial Run have been allocated towards this initiative and would not have been possible without your participation.

As I ran Wednesday, I reflected on my marriage to Mario, his role as the father to our children, his service to our country, and how his legacy lives on. I know this program would mean a great deal to him as he cared so much for the men and women he served alongside as well as their families. Included in this note is a link that not only pays tribute to Sugar Bear and Weasel but the Marines that rushed to their sides on that fateful day back in 2010.  Before Mario left for Afghanistan, he told me if he did not make it back the Marines would take care of us. This video is proof of his words. As always if you would like to assist us in growing our mission, I invite you to reach out to our Admin@thesugarbearfoundaiton.org with your idea or suggestion.

Thank you,

Jennifer Carazo

Gold Star wife and Chairman 

"If There's A Chance" - Video Tribute

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

07.22.2020

Video by Staff Sgt. Royce Dorman, Cpl. Jennifer Gay and Lance Cpl. Garrett Kiger

I Marine Expeditionary Force

Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/760643/if-theres-chance

Celebrate Sugar Bear's Life and Honor His Legacy of Service

Today we celebrate Sugar Bear's life and honor his legacy of service. Ten years later we know he would be happy as we continue to give back and focus on areas that were important to him with scholarships, internships, workshops, and a new financial program that will help us assist more families. We will continue to share his life and story as a means of raising awareness and support for Gold Star spouses and children. His spirit lives on in all that we do as we grow this very important mission.

Thank You to Veterans United Foundation!

Thank you to our friends from the Veterans United Foundation for their generous contribution to a new financial program we are preparing to launch for Gold Star spouses. We are incredibly grateful for their support of our work and belief in our mission.

A Message from Sugar Bear's Son About The Virtual Memorial Run

This clip of Sugar Bear's son is from a few years ago but the message is still the same. We hope you will join us as your support goes towards Marines, Gold Star spouses, and children. 

Run, walk, bike, or swim 10 miles in your own area on July 22nd to honor the memory of LtCol Mario “Sugar Bear” Carazo. LtCol Carazo made the ultimate sacrifice on July 22, 2010 when his AH-1W Cobra was shot down while supporting Marines engaged in a firefight in Afghanistan. Proceeds benefit the Sugar Bear Foundation.

Help us honor our hero while raising funds for Gold Star families. Your support enables us to provide programs and services for Gold Star spouses and children while continuing Sugar Bear's legacy of service. If you are interested in helping us share information about the Virtual Run or have a specific way to support, please reach out to Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org.

CLICK HERE to Register for the 2020 Sugar Bear Virtual Memorial Run

Sign Up Now for the Sugar Bear Virtual Memorial Run

Run, walk, bike, or swim 10 miles in your own area on July 22nd to honor the memory of LtCol Mario “Sugar Bear” Carazo. LtCol Carazo made the ultimate sacrifice on July 22, 2010 when his AH-1W Cobra was shot down while supporting Marines engaged in a firefight in Afghanistan. Proceeds benefit the Sugar Bear Foundation.

Help us honor our hero while raising funds for Gold Star families. Your support enables us to provide programs and services for Gold Star spouses and children while continuing Sugar Bear's legacy of service. If you are interested in helping us share information about the Virtual Run or have a specific way to support, please reach out to Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org.

NOTE: The Sugar Bear Virtual Memorial Run has already been completed, but you’re welcome to make a donation below in honor of our Hero.

Monday, May 25th is Sugar Bear's Birthday - Please Help Continue His Legacy

In honor of Memorial Day and Sugar Bear's birthday, we would like to share a tribute to our hero, highlight our work, and provide a special way to support Gold Star families. As always, if you would like to get involved with our mission, have an idea for a fundraiser or a means to support a program, please reach out to Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org. 

God Bless the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country and the families they leave behind. 

Thank you,
Jennifer Carazo 
Gold Star wife and Chairman 

PS - To Sign Up for the 2020 Sugar Bear Memorial Virtual Run, CLICK HERE.