Officer’s 425-Mile Tribute Trek Honors Fallen Friends and Fuels Awareness for Gold Star Families
MESA, Ariz. — Shawn Patterson, a Recruit Training Officer with the Mesa Police Department, has embarked on a remarkable 425-mile journey to pay tribute to his fallen friends and raise awareness for Gold Star families. Selected as the 2023 Legacies Alive Challenger, U.S. Army Veteran Patterson aims to honor Sergeant Tyler Holtz and Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr., who tragically lost their lives during a deployment in Afghanistan in 2011.
On September 24, which marks the 12th anniversary of Holtz’s death, Patterson set out from Holtz’s hometown of Dana Point, Calif., and plans to conclude his trek in Cerros’ hometown of Salinas, Calif.
Patterson’s mission resonates deeply with his personal connection to these brave service members. My mission is to honor, celebrate, and pay tribute to not just Tyler and Ricardo, but to all who have died in service to our nation, Patterson stated in his bio.
The Legacies Alive nonprofit organization, which Patterson is raising funds through, is committed to supporting Gold Star families who have lost loved ones and raising awareness about the sacrifices made by fallen heroes. Their ultimate goal is to establish a permanent memorial for Patterson’s fallen friends and enhance the public’s understanding of the unique characteristics and lives of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
By embarking on this journey and raising awareness, Patterson hopes to shed light on the sacrifices made by Gold Star families and ensure their needs are met. His dedication and determination to honor his fallen comrades serve as a powerful inspiration to all.
As Patterson continues his trek, support and encouragement pour in from individuals who recognize the significance of his mission. It is a poignant reminder that the memory and legacy of those who gave their lives in service to their country shall never be forgotten.
The story of Officer Shawn Patterson’s 425-mile tribute trek is a testament to the enduring bond among service members and the unbreakable spirit of camaraderie. It serves as a reminder that honoring the fallen is an ongoing commitment and that support for Gold Star families should be unwavering. Through his incredible journey, Patterson aims to ensure that the sacrifices made by these brave men are never in vain.
