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Close Quarters Foundation

For Gold Star Families

Bringing Gold Star families, veterans and the military community back to the same table.

Where It Started

The Bixby Letter

“…the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”

Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Lydia Bixby, 1864

One letter to one Gold Star mother. It’s why this foundation exists.

Read the Letter

Our Why

Back to the same table

The Close Quarters Foundation brings people together. Gold Star families, veterans and the military community, building a stronger community side by side.

We've been at war for 20 years. We had a common enemy for a long time. Now it can feel like there's nobody left to fight, so we end up fighting each other.

Working with military and veteran nonprofits and leaders, we've learned this: put people in a room, sit them down, have them look each other in the eye, and they get past their differences.

They become friends. Brothers and sisters in arms. They find they have far more in common than not.

What We Do

Our priorities

01

Gold Star Family Retreats

We fund retreats that bring Gold Star families together, to share the weight and find others who understand it.

02

Supporting Gold Star Families

We help Gold Star families with their needs, standing with them long after the flag is folded.

03

Military & Veteran Community Events

We fund and support events like Scout Sniper Association hog calls and hunting trips that put veterans back in the field, together.

Get Involved

Stand with us

Donate

Giving will open soon. Every dollar will go toward bringing families and veterans together.

Volunteer / Partner

Want to help run an event, host a retreat or partner with us? Reach out.

Email Us

Stay Updated

Get news on retreats, events and ways to help.

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Share Their Story

They are not forgotten

Every Gold Star represents a life given in service. If you've lost someone, we'd be honored to hear about them, and to help make sure their name is spoken.

Share Their Story