The Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation was able to assist the family of Anthony Vincent Stevenson following his passing. Tony Stevenson was a standout linebacker and middle distance runner at Lewistown High School in Illinois, served in the Navy for 21 years, and qualified as a SEAL. His father, Robert Stevenson Jr. also served in the military, and after 23 years of service became a deputy sheriff in Fulton County, IL, and remained active in veterans organizations.

Tony left behind a wife and four daughters, including one undergoing cancer treatment, so we were glad to be able to quickly assist the family in their time of need.

We are proud to contribute to the Greater Peoria Honor Flights. These flights take groups of military veterans, along with volunteer chaperones, to Washington DC where the veterans visit the memorials raised in their honor, the US Capitol, and other locations of note. The veterans are welcomed back to their home airport with a celebration featuring bands, local officials, and well-wishers from the community. We have personally supported an Honor Flight in the past by serving as an escort for three veterans, and as a friend of the Foundation is an organizer for the ongoing series of Honor Flights in Peoria, IL, we have contributed to their funding needs.

The Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation continues to expand our support for the Shelton Challenge, a summer leadership development program held at NC State University as part of the Shelton Leadership Center (founded by former CJCS Hugh Shelton). In 2026 we will fund scholarships for the summer program costs of three applicants whose families have served honorably in the US military.

The Foundation recently made a donation to support the construction of a new community center for veterans in NC. The center will offer workshops and art classes and will provide resources for veterans in areas ranging from employment support to legal aid to financial counseling. The Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation looks forward to collaborating on the initial phase of the community center and also contributing during the second phase of construction which will feature housing options for veterans.

The Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation is pleased to support the 2025 National History Day in North Carolina (https://www.dncr.nc.gov/nchistoryday/ThisYear) by providing funding for the best high school presentation related to Military History. One of our board members, Paul Gauthier, has been involved in NHD for years. The award-winning presentation covered Sherman’s March and the eventual surrender of Johnston to Sherman at Bennett Place, NC, a site recently visited by some of our founders and board members.

The Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation recently made a contribution to an endowment at Cardinal Gibbons High School that is set up to provide scholarships to the children of military veterans or first responders.

The Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation, in coordination with one of our founders participating in the 8th Annual Outrace the Stigma 5k in Raleigh, has contributed to the Homefront program operated by the North Carolina chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). The Homefront program links veterans and their families with volunteers who have expertise in working with those who are still struggling after returning from deployments.

Michael Jurcazak, father-in-law to the Foundation’s President and grandfather to the Foundation’s Secretary, resided in hospice care at Transitions LifeCare in Cary, NC, during his final days. As Mike had served in the Air Force, the facility coordinated to have two veterans visit, say a few words, and present a flag, framed certificate, and flag pin to the family. Impressed with the presentation, the Foundation wished to help honor veterans in hospice care and at the request of the Hospice Coordinator funded and delivered five US flag throw blankets for veterans during their stay.

In addition to the specific and current projects shown here, since our formation the Foundation has also supported the following efforts:

• WWII Museum Brick Laying
• 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Memorial Service, Fort Carson, CO
• Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation College Scholarships
• Operation Care Package – Houston to Kandahar
• Iraqi Interpreter Support Upon Arrival to US
• Wreaths Across America
• Disabled Former Cavalry Trooper Support Project – Ramp Build
• Disabled Veteran Wheelchair Sports

If you support the work of the Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation, please consider sending a check to our Treasurer at the address noted below (in order to avoid PayPal fees), or Donate via PayPal

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Brian L. Freeman was killed in combat in Iraq in 2005 while serving with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. The SSG Freeman Scholarship was established by his family to provide college funding for one student per year who graduates from Freeman’s former high school and writes the best essay concerning what our country or military means to them. The Second Dragoons Firepit Foundation has supported the scholarship effort and has received a copy of the winning essay from the Freeman family.

SSG Freeman’s memory lives on through his family’s dedication to this scholarship and we are proud to be associated with this effort. SSG Freeman’s 3ACR commander, LTG (R) H.R. McMaster, sent the Foundation a note with his donation thanking us for honoring the memory of SSG Brian Freeman.