Our Story
The inspiration for A Soldier's Child Foundation came while Daryl Mackin, Founder & Executive Director, was preparing for his own 6-year-old son’s surprise birthday party. Like most parents, he was easily caught up in all the “chores” required to pull off the birthday celebration.
“I quickly lost sight of the joy of the moment,” says Mackin. “I was sitting at my computer at work, where on my wall I have a memorial of Staff Sgt. Marc Golczynski. Marc is the son of my previous neighbors, Henry and Fay Golczynski, and a fallen soldier of the Iraq war. I also have a very moving picture of Marc’s son Christian receiving his father’s flag. This photo by Aaron Thompson won the AP Managing Editor’s Photo of the Year. It went all over the world. “As I finished typing out my son’s invitations and gave a big sigh of frustration, I looked up at my wall and was immediately convicted in my spirit for my negative attitude. My heart turned to Christian Golczynski, who will never be able to have a party planned by his dad.”
“There are many children like Christian that will never receive another birthday gift from their father/mother because they gave their life while defending our freedoms. Likewise, the fallen soldier will never be able to give their child a surprise birthday party, a bicycle for their son, a necklace for their daughter, financial assistance for their child’s first car, or pursuit of higher education.
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Marcus Andrew “Marc” Golczynski (Christian’s father) wrote this in a letter to his mother shortly before he died in combat:
“We are warriors; we fight and sometimes die so that our families don’t have to; Stand beside us.”
This is the intention of A Soldier’s Child Foundation (ASC).
“As citizens of the United States of America, we are forever indebted to the men and women who so unselfishly protect our freedoms. It is our objective to communicate through ASC to the children left behind that the memory of their parent will not fade away. We want them to know that there are many Americans who are forever grateful for their parent’s sacrifice."
“With humbleness of heart, we aim to honor the memory of the parent by giving a meaningful gift to his/her children on their birthday. Christian Golczynski was the first child to receive a gift from ASC, and our goal is to reach every soldier’s child, adopting them into the foundation until they are of adult age. We cannot substitute the bond and love of the parent that is forever gone, but with your help we can show them that we really do care.
ASC’s very first birthday celebration with Christian Golczynski’s on his 10th birthday June 2nd 2008
Daryl JW Mackin and ASC’s first child, Christian Golczynski, on May 18 2016 on the 18th floor of the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, celebrating Christian’s 18th birthday
Mission
Our mission is to serve the children of military personnel who have lost their lives on active duty, while defending the United States of America. ASC has three points of service for the children of our fallen:
#1. Birthday Celebrations.
Celebrating our recipient's birthdays every year up to age 18, spending $150 per child, per birthday according to the child's specific gift interview form.
#2. Mentorship Programs.
We offer a Journey Camp experience for our recipients between the ages of 8-17. This is a week-long summer camp hosted by ASC and our kids are encouraged to attend for at least 3 years.
We also offer some very exciting mentorship programs/mini-camps which include golf, soccer, dance, theater, science, songwriting, culinary arts, and plenty of hunting/fishing programs (9-16 years of age) currently in Tennessee, Texas, Maine, and Nebraska.
ASC has a leadership development program (PS23) designed for ASC young adults 18 years of age and above. PS23 is an intensive outdoor weekend focusing on mind, body, and God. We currently conduct 20 camps a year and we have our SOS Christmas program!
#3. Educational Scholarships.
ASC has a special K-12 private school and trade school
Xavier Martin "Fill In The Gap" Memorial Scholarship Program for recipient children within our foundation.
This scholarship is for recipient children that do NOT qualify for other military nonprofits offering educational scholarships.
Please call us for more information.
ASC recipient children, Leah and Walker at A Soldier’s Child Foundation’s 12th Annual “A Life Worth Celebrating” Dinner Banquet.
Vision Statement
To grow nationally, becoming a household name as the gold standard for our military families. Providing an opportunity for lifelong touch-points, so that ASC recipients will say it is an honor to be A Soldier’s Child.
We presently have over 5000 children enrolled in all 50 states.
We expect to exceed 5500 children by the end of 2024.
We are so grateful for you and others all over our country committed to help us honor our national treasure; the children of our fallen military servicemen and servicewomen.