Skip to main content

Our Fallen Hero Foundation

Raise money for Our Fallen Hero Foundation

Mission Statement
Our mission is to honor and support our country by providing emotional and financial means to our veterans, active military personnel, their families, and the community.

Aaron’s story
On June 9, 2014, at the age of 19, PFC Aaron Toppen lost his life during a joint operation of Afghan and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Aaron grew up in Mokena, IL, attended Mokena 159 schools and graduated from Lincoln-Way East High School in 2013. From a young age, PFC Aaron Toppen was incredibly patriotic and dreamed of following in the footsteps of both his maternal and paternal grandfathers by enlisting in the military to serve the Country he loved.

PFC Aaron Toppen was an outgoing, friendly, patriotic outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family and friends. He left an impression on everyone he met with his infectious smile and humor.

PFC Toppen was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Bronze Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and is recommended for the Medal of Valor.

Family and friends of Aaron established the Our Fallen Hero Foundation in memory of PFC Aaron Toppen in spring of 2018. Our purpose is to be charitable, benevolent and patriotic.

Beneficiary: USO

We are proud to support the USO as this years race beneficiary. 

Since 1941, the USO has served as a private civilian 501c(3) non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of the American people. USO of Illinois touches the lives of nearly 350,000 Active Duty, Guard and Reserve military and military families throughout Illinois. Offered year round, USO of Illinois provides over 300 programs and services that enhance the quality of our service members lives which raise morale through unique recreational, educational and cultural opportunites at USO Center facilities at Midway Airport, Great Lakes Naval Station, O'Hare Terminal 2, O'Hare Terminal 3 and Rock Island Aresenal. Toegether our network of hundreds of volunteers donates nearly 20,000 hours of service anually in honor of our brave men and women.


Teams

Click on a team below to make a donation.

Recent donors

Recent donors
Date Name Amount
Sep 23 Anonymous $213.85
Sep 22 T Fleischer $54.10
Sep 21 Frank & Laurie We are so happy you are running and supporting this important foundation and the Toppen Family. $64.75
Sep 21 Laura’s Team $27.48
Sep 20 Anonymous Undisclosed amount
Sep 20 Anonymous Undisclosed amount
Sep 20 Anonymous $10.00
Sep 20 Kate and Brett Galley Sorry to miss this awesome event. $107.35
Sep 19 Nana & Papa Abby & Emily. So proud you are running. Our service people are fighting for us. They deserve all gratitude. Thank you PFC Aaron Toppen. $27.48
Sep 19 Bob Coleman $54.10