2023 Legacy Challenge: Trek to Tribute

WHO
Shawn Patterson
WHAT
425 Mile Hike
WHERE
Dana Point, CA → Salinas, CA
WHEN
24 September 2023-Estimated 4 Weeks
WHY
To Remember and Honor the Legacies of Our Fallen Heroes

The Challenger

A Note From Shawn Patterson

My name is Shawn Patterson and I cannot be more excited to be the 2023 Legacies Alive Challenger! I am a husband, a father, a dedicated first responder, and like so many of you who have served our Country, a proud US Army Veteran.

As an Army Ranger, I deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of combat operations with the 75th Ranger Regiment. I fought alongside our friends and family members for a just cause. The victories we saw on the battlefield achieved several strategic objectives, but that came at a price.

During my first deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, two of my close friends were killed in action—US Army Sergeant Tyler Holtz and Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr. For the last decade I have struggled with how to honor them as men of courage, honor, and conviction who sacrificed everything so their fellow Soldiers could make it home alive. They are loved and missed every day by those who knew them, most of all by their families.

This year I am partnering with Legacies Alive, an organization focused on supporting our Nation’s Gold Star Families, by undertaking the 2023 Legacies Alive Challenge. On September 24, 2023, the 12th anniversary of Tyler’s death, I will begin a 425-mile, fourweek hike from Tyler’s hometown of Dana Point, CA and finish in Ricardo’s hometown of Salinas, CA. My mission is to honor, celebrate, and pay tribute to not just Tyler and Ricardo, but to all have died in service to our Nation.

Please join me on this journey as I seek to raise awareness around the sacrifices our Gold Star Families have made as well as raise funds to erect permanent memorials to honor these Heroes. I look forward to taking this trek with you!

In Honor Of Tyler, Ricardo, & All Who Have Given Their Lives In Service To Our Country

Sergeant Tyler Holtz
KIA September 24, 2011

Sgt. Tyler Nicholas Holtz, 22, was killed by enemy forces during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was leading an assault against an enemy position when he was mortally wounded by small arms fire.

Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr.
KIA October 8, 2011

Spc. Ricardo Cerros Jr., 24, was killed by enemy forces during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Logar Province, Afghanistan. He was mortally wounded by an enemy grenade as he was providing cover for a wounded soldier. He selflessly gave his life to shield his comrade from the fragmentation.

Challenge Route Details

Select Stops Along The Route

  • Dana Point

  • Los Angeles

  • Malibu

  • Santa Barbara

  • Vandenburg SFB

  • Pismo Beach

  • San Luis Obispo

  • Paso Robles

  • King City

  • Salinas

We Ask For Your Support

Goal: $250,000

$61,060 24%

Corporate Sponsorship Levels

ALPHA

$ 50,000
00
  • Company Name on Challenge Website
  • End of Challenge "Thank you" post
  • Banner in background (when able)
  • Logo space on Shawn's apparel
  • Social Media mentions for all Challenge tags
  • Mentions on news broadcast (when able)
  • Signage on RV

BRAVO

$ 25,000
00
  • Company Name on Challenge Website
  • End of Challenge "Thank you" post
  • Banner in background (when able)
  • Logo space on Shawn's apparel
  • Social Media mentions for all Challenge tags

CHARLIE

$ 10,000
00
  • Company Name on Challenge Website
  • End of Challenge "Thank you" post
  • Banner in background (when able)
  • Logo space on Shawn's apparel

DELTA

$ 5,000
00
  • Company Name on Challenge Website
  • End of Challenge "Thank you" post
  • Banner in background (when able)

ECHO

$ 1,000
00
  • Company Name on Challenge Website
  • End of Challenge "Thank you" post