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The Michael Strange Foundation – Tristian Smith’s Story

Tristian’s life was a life of courage and service. At the young age of 16 Tristian joined the Bryn Athyn Fire Company where eventually he earned Fireman of the Year after helping to save two people from the roof of a burning building. As Mr. and Mrs. Grant and Kim Smith said at a memorial day service for Tristian the couple on the burning building, “were so grateful to see Tristan’s smiling face pop up, to help them to safety.”

That same yearning to help others drove Tristian to join the military after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Specifically, as Tristian told a friend, he joined the Army, “to go to Iraq and help the kids.” Tristian continued his acts of service for others in the Army. Every squad had a heavy extra equipment pack, which Tristian always picked up to the point that his Army teammates took notice of Tristian’s extra acts of service. His final day was another great act of service. Even knowing the extreme danger of his missions, Tristian volunteered for his friend in the Army to take his place on mission where he ultimately lost his life with three other warriors. Tristian’s second dog tag read: Si Vivo, vivo in Domino. Si Morior, morior in Domino. (If I live, I live in the Lord. If I die, I die in the Lord).

Tristian’s influence on the Michael Strange foundation has been immense. Charlie met Grant and Kim shortly after Michael was killed. It was Grant, surely through Tristian’s spirit, that influenced Charlie to start the foundation after his experience at a Vet’s Journey Home. At that retreat, Charlie revealed a piece of his heart was missing after losing Michael and everyone gave a metaphorical piece of their heart to Charlie. This experience made Charlie realize that he too wanted to serve others as he leads the Michael Strange Foundation with his family and friends helping by his side.

Come to the Michael Strange Foundation event to greet Gold Star’s like Grant and Kim Smith.


We would like to thank The Patriot Fund for your generous donation of $10,000 to support our Gold Star Families. This generous donation will be used to support a weekend retreat held for our Gold Star Families. We are extremely grateful for your generosity and support of our foundation. The impact of this donation will be felt by our Gold Star families not just today but for generations in each of their families. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous donation.

With gratitude, Charles Strange (Founder and Gold Star Father)

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The Patriot Fund, Inc. | P.O. Box 1818 | Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Tax-ID: 82-1481089 | admin@patriotfundinc.org

The Patriot Fund is a tax-exempt charitable organization under the 501(c)3 Internal Revenue Code.

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