On behalf of all #WWII veterans able to return to #Normandy since 2022, Best Defense Foundation expresses its gratitude to #Delta Air Lines for making this entire program possible. #takingcareoftheoneswhotookcareofus
Best Defense Foundation
Philanthropic Fundraising Services
Solana Beach, CA 1,235 followers
"Taking Care Of The Ones Who Took Care Of Us"
About us
Founded in 2018 by former NFL Linebacker, Donnie Edwards, the Best Defense Foundation honors and celebrates our veterans from past conflicts, including, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and those who have recently retired. The Foundation is run entirely by volunteers – people who are passionate about supporting military veterans and their families. Team members hail from all parts of the U.S. and Europe, but are united by one simple goal: Taking Care of the Ones Who Took Care of Us. What began as a simple conversation during a chance meeting with a WWII veteran has turned into Donnie’s life mission. Inspired by stories from his grandfather, a Pearl Harbor survivor, Donnie has worked tirelessly to take WWII veterans back to the battlefields where they served. To date, the Foundation has taken over 100 WWII veterans on battlefield return programs to remember their fallen comrades and gain closure of a time in their life that had an impact on the world. Through our Battlefield Return programs, WWII veterans travel all over the world including to Normandy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, Guam, Saipan, and Tinian for commemorations. In addition to the Battlefield Return Program, the Foundation created a Transition Program to help retired Special Forces operators return to civilian life and connect with the community around them. Utilizing Donnie’s NFL network, we bring the professional athlete world together with special forces to help each other grow. Finally, the last mission of the Best Defense Foundation is to educate future generations about the heroism and sacrifices of those who have served through the preservation of their stories. To date, we have interviewed over 200 WWII veterans with a video archive of more than 2000 hours of first hand accounts of the history that is taught today. Our Education Initiative curates a curriculum from this media content and uses it to preserve the legacy of those who sacrificed for us.
- Website
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http://bdf.org
External link for Best Defense Foundation
- Industry
- Philanthropic Fundraising Services
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Solana Beach, CA
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 2017
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
249 S. Highway 101
#312
Solana Beach, CA 92075, US
Employees at Best Defense Foundation
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Austin Bishop
Video Editor//Videographer//Content Creator//Creative Madman
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Cori Russell
Owner- Fortitude Coffee Co., Tactical Analyst, BDF Program Coordinator, Veteran- Flight Medic
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Joshua Skovlund
Staff Writer- Task & Purpose
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Paul Russell
Owner - Fortitude Coffee Company, Tactical Communications, Program Coordinator - Best Defense Foundation
Updates
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Join us as we return to Normandy, France, with 50 WWII veterans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. After 80 years, these brave heroes are revisiting the historic beaches and towns where they fought for freedom. This incredible journey, made possible by our partner Delta Air Lines and our supporting sponsors Michelin and Boeing, is a powerful tribute to the sacrifices made by these veterans and a reminder of the enduring legacy of their courage. Watch as these veterans share their stories, pay their respects, and honor the fallen during this momentous occasion 80 years in the making. #DDay80 #Normandy #WWII #BestDefenseFoundation #DeltaAirLines #Michelin #Boeing #HonorTheHeroes #takingcareoftheoneswhotookcareofus
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Big thank you to Misty Zelk, our Medical Director! She truly embodies our motto #takingcareoftheoneswhotookcareofus https://lnkd.in/gBbU7YTA