Over the past decade, one family’s dedication has helped raise funds and awareness in honor of Major (Ret.) Darren Baldwin, and this year, in their 10th year, they broke both their annual fundraising record and their 10-year goal. Raising $460,000 this year alone, they surpassed their original goal of $3.5 million, bringing the total amount raised to $3.6 million. Fran Wesseling, a Green Beret Foundation Board Member and Darren’s mother, shares, “What we started in the Greater Cincinnati area has transformed into life-changing support for Green Berets and their families.”
She recalls a particularly poignant story: “During COVID, a young Green Beret’s wife reached out, desperate for help. Her husband couldn’t get admitted to the VA for treatment. Within a week, the Green Beret Foundation had him on a flight to a private facility, where his treatment changed not only his life but his family’s too.” This moment ignited a wave of support, with more people in their community realizing the tangible difference their donations were making.
As a mother, Fran’s personal connection to Darren deeply shapes her work. “Seeing Darren go from the top of his military career to being totally dependent on his wife, Bianca, was heartbreaking. But before he lost his ability to speak, I told him about our plan, and his words still echo in my heart—’Do it for my brothers, Mom.’ That’s what drives us, and it’s what drives the incredible volunteers who’ve stood by us for over ten years.” The Cincinnati community has embraced this mission with open hearts. “Once people became aware of the need to support America’s elite Green Beret soldiers, they became passionate about it. Our events have become platforms for raising awareness, and the support has been overwhelming, helping to build Darren’s legacy.”
Of course, leading a grassroots initiative comes with challenges. “It’s tough when ‘the buck stops here,’ but we’ve been blessed with key volunteers who pour their hearts into this cause year after year,” she says. “Having Darren’s name on the Silver Star Family Fund gives me peace, knowing he’ll never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to help his Green Beret brothers and their families, just as he asked us to.”
Looking ahead, the vision for the future remains clear: “I hope that even as events come and go, people will continue to donate. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Through initiatives like Mission 22, Darren’s legacy of ‘doing it for his brothers’ will live on.
