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Clarksville Insider
Inside the Mission of the DWYERFIRE Goldstar Foundation with Ryan Diehl
In this episode of Clarksville Insider, Josh Atkins sits down with Ryan Diehl (President/Clarksville Chapter) to share the inspiring story behind the DWYERFIRE Goldstar Foundation, an organization created to honor the legacy of CW3 Steve Dwyer and support Gold Star children across the country. Ryan discusses the powerful impact Steve had on those around him, the foundation’s mission to carry that legacy forward through community events like annual WODs, memorial walks, and even neighborhood bike parades. Listeners will learn how the foundation blends fitness, service, and creativity to raise support, and how anyone—no matter their background—can get involved. Whether you're in Clarksville or across the U.S., this episode highlights the power of showing up, staying connected, and lifting up the next generation of Gold Star families.
LEARN MORE:
https://www.dwyerfiregoldstarfoundation.org/
Hey everyone, and welcome back to Clarksville Insider, the podcast where we shine a light on the people, places, and organizations that make our community special. I am your host, Josh Atkins, like the diet. And today's episode is one that hits close to home for many in our town and across the military community. Back in November of 2023, Clarksville and Fort Campbell communities lost one of their own, CW3 Steve Dwyer, husband, father, and member of the elite. 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Along with four other crew members, tragically lost his life in a helicopter accident which deployed overseas. But in the midst of the unimaginable loss, something powerful was born. A mission to honor Steve's legacy by lifting the lives of other families who've also paid the ultimate sacrifice. So today, we're talking about the Dwyer Fire Gold Star Foundation. nonprofit dedicated to supporting Gold Star children through sports, fitness, and mentorship, and what they're doing is more than inspiring. It's life-changing. So let's dive in. I'm joined by Ryan Deal, and he's going to explain his connection and all those kind of things, and he's here to help share the story behind Dwyer Fire, the incredible impact it's having, and how you, yes you, listening can be part of the mission. Ma'am, Ryan, thanks for being here. Hey, thank you so much. It's such an honor to be on here. So I'm really grateful to come on here and share a little bit of the Dwyer Fire Foundation story and about Steve too. Yeah, absolutely. And so before we get rolling again into it, can you tell me a little bit of your connection to the foundation, to the people connected to it? What's your connected, how'd you get involved with it? Well, that's actually... Kind of a long story, but I can certainly go over it for you in detail, really. I don't believe in things coincidence anymore. just don't. I think there's a reason why we're all put here on this earth. And our families, the Dwyer's and ours, we moved across from each other. You know, we're in the same cul-de-sac. And we just forged a relationship that was, you know, so much more than I could ever have thought of when we moved into the neighborhood. We have boys roughly the same age, and we hit it off right away. You know, Ali, his wife, and my wife. you know, it's interesting when you become friends with somebody, you know, more often at our age, we kind of... don't do the day-to-day living. And with the Dwyer's, was, we were friends personally, and we did life together, and we still do life together. So, we had this relationship where we all went through the ups and downs with each other, and we shared the joys and the sadness of things that occurred. you know, we have a special relationship. when in November of, you know, 2023, our lives were all changed. But, you know, out of that came the Dwyer Fire Gold Star Foundation, which the Dwyer's incredible family, Steve and Gail, Steve's parents, his brothers and sister, they're just amazing people. So this foundation was formed to... Provide mentorship through sports and fitness, which Steve was the ultimate competitor and Everybody looked up to him So what what we want to do is provide this mentorship through sports and fitness to Gold Star Children and to honor honor Steve His life and a continuous legacy forever. Okay And so the Gold Star Foundation Dwyer fire Gold Star, can you break down just even the title and how those, obviously the name, the last name, but also just kind of how, other than it just rhyming and sounding really cool, how did you guys come up with or how did you get, just even like the creation of it, like I'm just imagining like sitting around like, okay, what can we do? How can we honor? How can we move forward and all those things? How did this kind of start or? Was it them and then you jumped in or were you in on the early meetings? Do you know anything about that? Yeah, well, I can tell you kind of how I came into play and how it all developed in a way that I remember actually vividly we're sitting in a cul-de-sac with our cul-de-sac with Steve's brother Tim and Tim we're just sitting there and Tim asked me if I want to be part of this foundation that they're creating, if I'd be interested in being president of the Clarksville chapter here locally. And he told me what it was about and why we're doing it. And first off, was just, I was honored. I was like, yeah, absolutely. Because in a lot of ways I look at Steve's impression of his life, just... affected me tremendously and it still does today. You I always say that it doesn't matter how long we know somebody or the, I should say the quantity of time we spend with someone, it's the quality of time. And, you know, the impact that Steve's life had on all of us, we're forever changed and we're forever better for it because we are able to... continue that legacy and provide the best mentorship we can for Gold Star Children. So, you know, that was a huge part of Steve's life being a father and he was a great father, know, great husband. And, you know, his family wanted to continue that on and being able to provide mentorship for Gold Star Children in a way Steve would be proud of and I know he would be. And so where does the fire Dwyer fire come in? that? Well, again, does it just rhyme and sound cool? I'm sure it's got some significance. Oh, yeah, it does sound cool. But you know, a lot of it has to do with the passion to behind the name Dwyer. Yeah. And just it sounds like really cool. know, I do like it. And can you break down just the concept for anybody that might not be familiar with the idea of Gold Star Children and just kind of how that? Yeah. So Gold Star children are special. They're just, you know, just their sacred population. Gold Star families. And they're the most precious family. you know, that we have in this country. So what the foundation is, it's a 501c3 nonprofit founded. And it was founded in February, 2024 to honor Steve, continue his legacy and support Gold Star Children. And our mission is to empower Gold Star Children by providing that support and mentorship through sports and fitness. Sorry, providing support and mentorship through that sports and fitness. So, you know, there are children who lost loved the ones in service. so this organization, I mean, you said early 2024, so there wasn't a lot of sitting around and waiting. It seemed like it sounds like they got right into it. Yes. was pretty quick. And that's where a lot of that fire comes from is the Dwyer's, they're very passionate. Steve's brother Tim. You know, his other family members, are an inspiration. And they are just, they came up with this idea to help other Gold Star children. it was just pretty amazing how quickly it did come about in form. That's funny. This spring baseball season, our baseball team was sponsored by... the Dwyer Fire Foundation. And that was my first introduction to it. was like, because I was here when it all happened in 23 and hadn't heard, but I was kind of peripheral and just kind of hearing about, oh man, that's just kind of as it swept through our community, but I didn't know that this was happening and being formed and really taking shape. And my introduction just a few months ago, being able to see, oh, OK, well, this is this is what it is now. Oh, wow. This is something that is really something that could take off. And you said you're the president of the Clarksville chapter. The Clarksville chapter, yes. So you're telling me that there are other chapters outside of Clarksville. So looking to expand even farther in the United States. So something that started in Clarksville. is now spreading and reaching all these families, reaching kids. And you never know where the inspiration, and sometimes you don't like where it comes from, but you can really take it and send it into something that could be really useful. And it sounds like this is something with the vision of the family and you guys that have really wrapped your arms around the idea of let's lean in. Let's push. that sound accurate, kind how you would describe? I've never met most of the family you're describing, but I feel like just as you're talking about them, I'm like, yeah, let's get them in here. I'm just pumped to just hear more about it. Yeah. You know what? Hashtag spread the Dwyer fire. That's what we're all about. We're spreading this Dwyer fire nationwide. It's coming everywhere. So it's starting somewhere, and a big part of it started here in Clarksville, which I'm super proud of. And I'm glad you mentioned. know, sponsorship with out there in Clarksville National Liddle League, which was on the back of the Philly shares, these are the shares, was Duke's team. And, you know, we're so grateful for the support locally here. We just completed our second annual CrossFit WOD, which was done at CrossFit Blue Light. And the owners out there dedicated their time and space for a second straight year for us to come out there and to get a great workout in on Memorial Day. weekend for the second straight year and they have just been amazing people. And so we're very thankful to CrossFit Blue Light. We have a great relationship and a partnership with them and we would love that to continue forever. And so many other people helped us out. Aaron Hand, he has a Rut Club here locally in Clarksville. We worked with him on a Rut March last spring, last summer actually was. to do a rock around Liberty Park and it brought a lot of people in and everyone had a great time. And that's the big thing. When people come out, it's all for the kids, it's all for the foundation. Everyone is so positive and we remember the life and legacy of Steve when we're doing these events, which is, it's amazing really is to see the community support. Both, Locally and what I mean locally like in our neighborhood, we have a really great neighborhood a lot of great people that You know, we came together, you know as one and then even you know People who didn't know Steve personally that are in the community And who didn't know the Dwyer's they they you know provided some so much support So we we can't thank everybody enough for doing what they have done and what they continue to do so Yeah, I just wanted to say thank you so much to the the Clarksville community. Wow. So you mentioned a little bit, he was a very competitive guy. Yeah. Very sports oriented. And so was the idea to create the foundation and then it was like, actually, here's what we should do, sports and fitness. And then that kind of took shape or was it like from day one, it's it's got to have the sports and fitness that would be exactly where? Steve wanted to, if he was in charge, he would do it set up like that. it always part of that connection or did it kind of get to it and say, okay, yeah, this is where it's at? Yeah, that's a great question, Josh. And I wish I could give you a really good answer, but I can. The only thing I can say is that he held sports in such a high regard and fitness, a big, big fitness guy. mean... and he could outlift, outwork out anybody. And he always wanted me to work out with him. And we would always laugh because he'd yell across his driveway. And that's what I mean by doing life with somebody. You do life on a daily basis. You take out the trash, you see him, yo, what's up, bro? Yo, what's up? You're just going somewhere and you see him at the store or just. help picking up kids or seeing them at school. And we did so much of that together, which I'm so grateful for. But he was a big fitness guy, worked out in the gym, like, and he'd yell at the man, I'd be like, oh man, I would just joke around and be like, oh man, Steve, I just got done a 5K, I can't work out anymore. Because he was throwing weights up there that were like, you know, that were heavy. So. Those are the guys that always want you to come over. Yeah. It's like, all right, I know, okay. You can lift me under the table. And so, well, that seems like a natural fit. So you mentioned the WAD, which is an annual thing, or it's becoming, it sounds like, a cross fit. And really, it's going like, it's it's in other places too, Josh. You know, we've had WADs in other cities, in other areas of the Dwyer Fire chapters, and they've done a couple there, and hopefully that'll continue for, for forever. I'd always say forever, but we're so grateful to the communities that the chapters are in right now and how we can expand and keep continuing those workouts. So yeah, I was just so grateful. Did you make it out to that workout at least? Did I make it out? To that Well, to R is absolutely. There is nothing stopping me from doing this workout. yeah, you're like, all right. In honor, I'll show up to this one. Well, you know, it's kind of funny. Everyone's laughing at me because, you know, everyone that does the workout is sore the next day, you know, when they come out there. I'm kind of embarrassed to say, but I slipped coming out of the shower last Tuesday. And I'm sure you see me walking around the ball field with my boot on. I got this toenail that is not healing. It's off. I ripped it off. It was terrible. So at the workout, just go and I try, I do what I can, but you know, it's just like, oh man, this is some pain. Yeah. And it's like, you almost don't want to tell, like, oh, what happened? Well, okay. Here's the thing. Here's what happened. Before I tell you, well, and this is a safe place here, so feel free to share as much as you feel led. But so thinking about taking it from, you know, the workouts and the wads and those kinds of things. the... The goal is to raise money and then help families, help kids, and do that kind of thing. What is not necessarily the nuts and bolts, like the mechanism, just how do you set up? I know you probably have lots of people that you could help or that you want to help. And so what's the process for getting it in and reviewing and looking and helping those families? Yeah. So I can tell you that how we do this is it's a two pronged approach to support. So you did mention financial support. financial support, we provide $1,000 per year to Gold Star Children for sports and fitness expenses. In addition to the second prong, we have our cheer support. And that's kind of falls in the lines of one of my responsibilities here locally. So Dwyer Fire volunteers cheer for Gold Star children at their sporting events. And it's not everyone, every sporting event obviously, because that'd be hard to get everyone at every single event. we're looking at aiming towards a couple of those dates that we have set aside, confirmed with the families. And we'll have the volunteers come out there and put on a cheer section for that individual game. Can you tell me more about the cheer section? I feel like that's a very unique idea. It is. When you're saying it, I'm like, oh man, I bet that really checks the box of a kid that is wanting to get out and try his best, and he's got people cheering for him. mean, you hope every kid has that. And so that's something that you try to provide as best you can. Yeah, and the idea is that know, they have positive influences out there that are cheering them on and making sure, you know, we are here for you and we want to make sure that, you know, whatever happens during the game, we're putting on a, you know, making a positive impact and just being there. I mean, it really comes down to being there for that particular child. and showing them you support them and you're happy they're out there and you're clapping for them and you want as much positivity out there for them that you can provide. And we're so happy to do it and we've had friends and neighbors come out and obviously we're wearing the shirt when we come out there to identify ourselves as Dwyer Fire volunteers and... Yeah, so it's really incredible to just have those of that community that comes out there to events. Yeah. It just, it seems like a really cool idea. Like when somebody was like, oh, here's what we could do. Yeah. It just sounds like something's like, oh yeah, that's what a baller idea that was. And you know, we're always, you know, we're looking because, know, everything can take some time to build up. So. We're trying to build up, you know, we want as many volunteers and support out there, you know, as we can for these cheer sections. So that's something we're always looking for, for more people to join. Whoever wants to join, we're happy to have you come out and be part of our cheer section. Cool. And so the first year, the first full year was around... 2024 pretty much. Yeah. And so I think you had mentioned just as we were talking before that you're supporting, you were able to support 15 kids in that first year. support, just kind of adding to that number is the goal to just keep increasing the number as you increase the chapters and just, it sounds like just an opportunity to just widespread. as you said, spread the Dwyer fire hashtag. Yeah. And our goal for 2025 is for us to have the support or to support 30 total gold star children. Okay. So we're obviously looking to provide as much and more support as we can each, each year, you know, and we, have a goal that, you know, we want to, we want to get out there and just increasing those numbers every, every single year. And so What was or what does long-term support? I imagine you as the organization have worked out, OK, short-term, we're showing up to baseball games. We're doing those kind of things. Where does the long-term and kind of just the help, the connection, the support, where does that kind of chime in from there? Well, we want to make sure that everyone is supported up until that 18th birthday. So, you know, that's a big deal. That's one of our primary goals. know, ages five through 18 and have that support every single year financially and that cheer section support. And people can, we would love for people to come out and they can look on our DoR Fire website. They can register for... to be a cheer section, be a part of the cheer section. And when they do, there's a slight approval process that it mentions on the website that they wear their Dwyer fire gear out there. And we're always having a positive influence on the kids. So no heckling. No heckling, yeah. Don't come out and start hassling the umpire or anything like that. there is a code of conduct that they must abide to that's on that website too that they're responsible for. it's just, everyone's been so positive. You know, it's been, I can't really put it into words and that's why I kind of like lose my words and stumble a little bit because I can't really articulate what it means to be a part of the organization, the foundation, and then to see what is coming out of it in the kids. Yeah, well what did it mean for you to go from a neighbor friend to somebody in the organization? Like what? What drew you to that? know you had mentioned being asked and feeling honored. But was there any type of hesitancy? Like, oh, man, that's a big ask. I'd love to. But take me through the process that you went through and what it means to go from the neighbor friend to somebody that's really contributing to this legacy here. Well, yeah. think naturally, me personally, Yeah, at first I was thinking to myself, they're big shoes to fill. mean, Steve was the ultimate guy. With everything he did, I'm not just saying like with one individual thing, he was the man. I, self-doubting, like, man, I don't know. I don't know what I can do. But then I thought to myself, what would Steve do? if this was the other way around. he wouldn't bat an eye. He would have that fire, and he would step up to the plate, and he would do everything he could to help support the family and other families. So yeah, at first I was, I didn't know how I could help, but after realizing being like, you know what, Steve would. he would do the same and he would help out as best he could. And that's what I'm trying to do is just help out and be that positive force and as best I know how and as best I can. And I still talk to Steve. I talk to him every day. It's a surreal experience to be a neighbor of someone and to be close and then to not have that earthly relationship. I can't really put that into words and describe that, but it's very powerful. I will say that. Steve still inspires me to this day. I feel like he talks to me. I think that's like the interesting thing about Legacy. It's hard to control when you're here. Like, you hear it a lot in sports, like the legacy of, you know, Michael Jordan, what do want your legacy to be? LeBron, you're still playing. And in life, just in, you know, as normal folk, like it's almost hard to think about because we get so busy just picking up, going to practice, trying to eat dinner, like trying to just do the normal things. And so when you say you still talk to him, you still interact. I would imagine there's some sometimes where it's a feeling. And sometimes it's you probably can't explain it, but it's still it's the legacy of the presence and probably just even in your neighborhood. Sometimes you might pop open the garage door and just like think like just different points of memory. And I feel like that's what whenever you lose a loved one, it might be a song, it might be something and I'm going through that just in my own life, but just seeing that, I would imagine it's probably something similar or is it something similar like that? Yeah, yeah, know, and I've made a social media post about this, but when this past Memorial Day, I've had vivid dreams, like very vivid dreams of just... interacting with Steve and almost to a point where, you know, we have our senses, but in these dreams there were heightened senses and it was in the physical form, which I, you know, I can't explain that, but I do have faith. And, you know, during these dreams, I could remember he was talking to me and he was, you know, telling me things that he wanted me to do and make sure I followed through with. Don't ask me what they were because, you know, during the one dream I had, he was telling me, you know, all these things. And I remember saying, Steve, I'm not as smart as you, hold on one second. You know, and I remember getting a notebook in this dream and writing it down. And I was like, all right, good. I got everything written down. And when I woke up, I don't remember one thing I down. And it was so frustrating. But I was like, all right, you know what? Even now, Steve is, you know, After he's not here on earth, he's still trying to give me advice and to provide me mentorship, my goodness. like everybody looked up to him. Every dad in the neighborhood that knew him and was a part of the Dwyer's just thought the world of Steve. And that goes to an impact well beyond anything that I know because not only is he having an impact now on all Gold Star children through the foundation, but everyone's lives he touched. you know, anyone who was a friend of Steve, I feel like they were a best friend of Steve. And I really do mean that. I felt like he made me feel like I was his best friend. And, you know, the impact that, and his legacy is just, it really is amazing. As somebody who might be listening to this going, man, this is something I can totally get on board with, can you give us any type of vision for the future? You're doing wads, you're doing, you call them rucks? Rucks, Apologies to the people that know exactly what that is. Do you got other things like? OK, this is what we got for 26. This is what we got for fall 25. Can you give us any type of preview of maybe some other sports, fitness things, or just wait till here? We've got some cool things coming. You might not be able to share, because they're still in work in progress. But is there any cool thing that you can share about maybe some things coming up? Well, you know what? For the future, I will say that for me personally here, because I can't. I don't want to big picture and what's to come. But I will say here locally, the vision is on track to continue Steve's legacy. And I do think that we're making him proud. I think that we are very creative here within Clarksville. And sometimes that changes day to day. But ultimately, that goal of continuing that legacy is very strong. And it might look like the form of a wad, which we are going to do every single year, absolutely. But it might come in the form of a memorial walk, a run. So that's all can say. that or, you know, a rock, the landscape changes as far as how we get creative and to put on, you know, a really good event. And a lot of it comes from the community too, you know, and who can help us out and provide like CrossFit Blue Light that time or space or even Aaron Hand with the Freedom Rock Club who was so supportive. So I think the big thing is just being creative on a day-to-day basis, but... The vision is strong for the legacy and just continuing that locally and nationwide too. Cool. So as people want to potentially learn more or get connected, I would imagine you got websites and those kind of things. What are some ways that listeners can get involved, support or even learn more or follow the journey of the Dwyer Fire Foundation. Yeah, they can absolutely, we are so gracious with everybody who's donated. We've had people donate online. You can donate online if you choose to do so at our website, the Dwyer Fire Gold Star Foundation. You can donate $100 more during the month of May and you'll receive a Dwyer Fire flag, but any donation's appreciated. I mean, that goes without saying, they're so appreciated. All donations go directly to Gold Star Children. So Dwyer Fire is run only by volunteers. You can participate in wads or the events that we're gonna be having coming up and continuing them. You can sign up on our website. If you're interested in planning a wad or an event, you can certainly reach out to me. I'm on the website also and I can help facilitate some of that. So please let me know. I'm jump in real quick. Yeah. Can you... explain what a WOD is. Just for anybody that might be sitting here going, that guy says WOD, one more time. I don't know. I'm not gonna Google it, man. Help anybody that might be wondering what WOD is there. Well, the funny thing is, so it's a workout, but I was not familiar with the CrossFit community prior. I didn't have any knowledge. So the best way for me to describe it in sort of like, layman's terms or terms like for someone like me coming in, it's an extreme workout, strenuous workout. But that being said, people that do sign up for the WOD and we encourage any participation, if you just wanna come out and just be part of the quote unquote cheer section of the people participating in that workout. Okay, so it's like just a pre-planned workout and you just kinda show up and. Surprise, here it is, and you just get after it. Yeah. there is, did have a particular wad of a certain amount of sets, reps, and events. And that's briefed by the CrossFit BlueLight at our two wads that we've had in the past on the day of the event. But it is out there for visibility, just so you can work and train up on it if you'd like prior to coming to one of these. Because it's a hard workout. It sounds like it would have to be a hard workout if it was to honor Steve, as you described him. No lollygag and no pancake breakfast. It's get to work once you show up. It's get to work and be sore the next day for sure. then you're sore the next day you're like, why am I sore? Oh yeah, I did Steve's workout. That's why I'm sore. That's the legacy of pain. I know. It's like you feel it and you're like, oh, there he is. All right. But we we were moving so we're moving so much, know towards the future and to providing as much mentorship as we can We currently have 21 gold star children on our roster and will continue to fundraise to ensure we can support those children through their 18th birthday and To expand and include more gold star children from here on out And is the website Just wire fire gold star foundation. Yeah. Yeah Actually org I would imagine or something like that. Let me get it for you cuz Sure, and while you're looking that up what I'll do is I'll put the link in the show notes Okay, people can find it So if you're listening you can check check the notes on this episode and we'll link directly to it but just for the sake of people might be listening might not be able to check it out they can hear it if you can pull it up and then if there's any other ways that we can follow support, know on different social media or like that I'd love to put all that out there for. Yeah I appreciate that I will send you all the links so it's Dwyerfiregoldstarfoundation.org and of course the HTTPS www but yeah Dwyerfiregoldstarfoundation.org is where you can find our main website you can find the events there to sign up locally and elsewhere too depending on where they are at the current time that's There's links to donate on that website if you choose to do so by Dwyer fire gear and merchandise So yeah, there's a lot to, you can find Steve's story on our website too, and some of the members and volunteers who are actively involved. Also, you can sign up for the cheer sections there on the Dwyer Fargo Star Foundation website. it really, it describes Steve's story and tells it, and it's told by his family. And what I mean, their family is so great. Allie's family, Allie's parents, Steve's parents, they're just, all their siblings, really is incredible. Siblings, spouses, it's just the network of the Dwyer Fire family is just absolutely incredible. And I'm so happy to just be even a part of it. Me and my wife are just so happy to be a part of it. One thing that we did last year that... was really fun and creative. And that's what I mean by like, you these events change and evolve from year to year they can. But the primary objective doesn't, it always remains the same. But last year we did a Dwyer Fire bike parade actually in our neighborhood in our cul-de-sac. And my wife helped put this together and she did a phenomenal job of that. you know, our neighbors helped out, the community all pitched in. And we had Mission Barbecue come during that day and provide people with food later in that day. it was just incredible to see the support that everybody came out for that one particular event, the Dwyer Fire Bike Parade. we just, honestly, we just biked around our neighborhood. And that was so cool. It was a large turnout. So if somebody had an idea for something like that. Oh, 100 % of them do it. They could reach out. Absolutely. Say, hey, I'd love to host. I'd love to organize. I'd love to do something. so they can reach out with just cool ideas to honor and just partner with you. And for anybody out there that wants to do an event, could be, come out for a Dwyer Fire Gold Star chess event. It doesn't have to be the most physical thing in the world, but we'll be there. you know, we'll be out there for support and, you know, please run out, tell me about it. wanna hear about it. I wanna hear about any ideas we all do. You know, if you have a really creative idea, you know, for an event, just let me know. What's the best way to let you know? So on the Dwyer Fire and Gold Star Foundation website, you can find me. That's a good way to get in contact with me and even the, you know, the family. volunteers that really help run, you know, that the foundation itself. Well as we... You can find me also at ryandio at dwirefiregf.com. that's a... Okay I'll get that one in the in the notes too. Yeah. They can reach out to you directly. Wrapping up. What would you want to say if you haven't already said, know you've shared a lot and appreciate you doing that. Just even from like, and one more thing, or if I could say one thing that could either reach, touch, inspire, know, whatever, just even about the foundation, the relationship, something like that. I'd love to just give you the floor, give you the microphone and just. share a little bit, kind of the last thing, and maybe even kind of how it's impacted you and impacted you and your family moving forward or those kind of things, just because I know it's probably with each person it's different. Yeah, yeah, I appreciate that. Well, something that was profound to me, at least, during the Dwyer Fire WAD, the second one we just had this past weekend, I opened up for the participants with an excerpt, or I should say a couple bullet points from a speech I heard a few years ago. know, Chris Pratt was given this MTV generational award seven years ago. And, you know, during it, you know, he mentioned a couple of things that he called his rules of life. And, you know, it just had an impact on me when I was trying to think about what to say, opening up for the wad. And, you know, if I were to say one thing or if I had to, you know, say some things that might impact somebody else. is that God is real, He's out there, He loves us, He wants the best for us. Learn to pray, it's easy, it's so good for your soul. And then just to be a good human, be a good person. And all of those things Steve believed. He had a strong faith. And what we're doing here is more, it's more than I think we'll, ever know or we couldn't put into words because we're helping continuing his legacy, which is our number one goal. we thank you so much everybody out there that has provided support and continues to provide the support, our local sponsors, our partners here in Clarksville, CrossFit, Blue Light, Freedom Rut Club. There's so many others I could go on and on, but we're so grateful. You know, that's the things I kind of love to say. yeah. Well, cool. I don't have anything to add to that. I feel like that was a great summary just of life. It just kind of steps forward. We're going to wrap it up here for this episode of Clarksville Insider. Man, huge thank you to Ryan for showing up here and really taking some time there and joining us today and sharing the story of the Dwyer Fire Gold Star Foundation. And an even bigger thank you to everyone involved in continuing the legacy of Steve Dwyer by lifting up the next generation of Gold Star children. And if today's episode moved you, inspired you, or made you want to get involved, you've got options. So here's the website again. You can visit DwyerfireGoldStarFoundation.org to donate, sign up, or for a workout event, grab some merch, become a volunteer. Every dollar, every t-shirt, every cheer from the sidelines helps these kids feel supported, seen, and surrounded by love. So don't forget to follow, share this episode with friends and family. The more people who hear about the mission, the more kids we can help, the better. And so thanks for spending a few minutes with us today. I'm Josh Atkins, and I'll see you next time on Clarksville Insider, where we keep it local, keep it real, and keep it all about the community. You I felt bad.