Gold Star Clay Shoot: Raises Funds + Hope for Veterans
On June 7, 2024, Mortenson's Data Center Solutions, Salt Lake City, and Federal Contracting groups joined forces to host their second annual Gold Star Clay Shoot in Eagle Mountain, Utah, to raise money for the American Military Family (AMF).
The AMF began its mission in 2005 - To stop the epidemic of veteran and first responder suicide. According to their website, every 65 minutes, a veteran dies by suicide; Mortenson teams were committed to helping with this fundraising event.
Our Mortenson teams comprised over 190 shooters, 100 volunteers, and 38 sponsors to support the cause. The Gold Star Clay Shoot raised $105,000 for AMF—its largest donation to date!
The significance of the name "Gold Star" comes from World War I. Families of brave soldiers would display small banners with a blue star representing each family member serving in the armed forces. If their serving family member died in service, the blue star would be replaced by a gold one, informing the community their family member had died while serving.
This annual event honors a different veteran and the incredible sacrifice they made for their country every year. In a heartfelt tribute, Kenneth Mayne, a Staff Sgt in the army who bravely served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, was honored at the 2024 event. Tragically, he lost his life due to enemy action in Eastern Baghdad while on patrol on September 4th, 2008. Staff Sgt Mayne's family shared memories of his extraordinary life. His mother, Michelle Benevidez, accepted a hand-crafted wooden American flag signed by all who attended the clay shoot.
The event not only raised much-needed funds for the organization, but it also connected participants, who were veterans, with AMF. McElhinney noted how they were able to start advocate casework for these veterans at the clay shoot. “We are now working with 15 new veteran cases – all of whom came through our shooting station in need of assistance.
Elijah Larson, with our Data Center M+ Group, reflected on the Gold Star Clay Shoot's success, "This year's event was larger in size, and we almost doubled our donation. I can't wait to do it again next year. For me, it's a passion. It is exciting to do this and partner with AMF."