ABOUT
Mission Statement
Reuniting our post-9/11 combat heroes through reunions, we aim to provide essential support and assistance as they navigate the challenges of their final mission. Our men and women have encountered diverse adversities on the battlefield, enduring physical injuries and unseen wounds like PTSD, TBI, anxiety, and more. Upon returning home, they continue to face a different kind of battle. Reconnecting our heroes serves as a vital reset, offering them the solidarity and camaraderie they need to heal and thrive.
Vision
Our vision for the Military Reunion Foundation is to create a supportive community where veterans can reconnect, heal, and thrive, fostering lifelong connections with their brothers.
Mike Mendoza
Founder
Mike Mendoza served over 8 years in the United States Marine Corps with multiple deployments overseas. On Mike’s deployments, he earned various awards, one of which was the Navy Cross during his time with 1st Recon Battalion. He also earned the Purple Heart for wounds received when a grenade exploded just feet from him while on a sniper mission with 2nd Battalion 8th Marines. After his time in the Marine Corps, Mike continued his service in Iraq and Afghanistan working under the state department where once again he was engaged with the enemy on numerous occasions.
After finally coming home, Mike found passion in continued service by giving back to his brothers and sisters in arms by volunteering countless hours and raising money for other veteran organizations. Mike grabbed the attention of donors by breaking the Guinness World Record for completing and breaking the record for the most 70.3 Ironmans completed in a year. Mike raced Ironmans to raise money for other injured and wounded service members, giving 100% of money raised to veterans.
Mike is a proud graduate from the University of Illinois where he obtained his Master’s degree. He is also a proud husband to his wife Kelly who has been by his side well before he joined the Marines since 1997 and have two wonderful children. Mike and family is what you call a proud American Family supporting our nation's heroes any chance they can.
Inception
The Military Reunion Foundation was formed after Mike and members of his platoon from 1st Recon Battalion realized there was a need to reunite when the 20th anniversary of their time in Fallujah quickly approached.
Mike came to the realization that our heroes are currently at a crossroad just as he and his teammates who not that long ago, battled the enemy on foreign land; now many of them are battling unseen demons here at home. Words can't describe what these heroes endured, and some of these men came home only to find the battle had only just begun.
On April 7th, 2004 the 25 member platoon of 1st recon bn were ambushed by more than 80 insurgents. The initial RPG assault on the reconnaissance team immediately injured and dismembered 5 Marines. What followed on the battlefield that day cannot be adequately described. The platoon had Marines earn various awards for valor, including the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and other valor awards.
When the men reunited, it was like they never left each other. These men are not just Marines, they are brothers, these men are family. It was a need for them to come together once more to heal wounds that never closed. It was as if they completed their final mission.
Our Partners
We are proud to partner with a variety of organizations and businesses to support our mission. Our partners include veterans organizations, businesses, and individuals who share our commitment to honoring the service and sacrifices of military veterans and their families. We are grateful for their support and look forward to continuing to work together to make a difference.
