Argel Ride Wraps Up

Ride For the Children of the Fallen, September 13, 2008

My husband and I have just returned from a remarkable journey. We wanted to share these thoughts and experiences with all of you, and what inspired us to travel.

I am a Gold Star mother. My son, Capt. Derek Argel was deployed to heaven on Memorial Day of 2005. He shared that mission with Major Brian Downs, Capt. Jeremy Fresques, SSGT Casey Crate, and Capt. Ali Abass. My life forever changed that day, as well as all of the families, and the children that were left behind. It is still hard to imagine that the news of their deaths is even real.

Within thirty days of the accident, our family was contacted by the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) that Derek's son Logan would have a complete college education covered by the foundation. We were so grateful and thankful for this news, as this is what Derek would have saved for and provided for his son. As I shared this news with others, they expressed confusion as they thought this was provided for by the government. We tried to explain that some but not all would be provided. We found ourselves explaining that the death benefit does not go far when a family may have to move from a base, purchase a home, and the surviving spouse find a job while dealing with their grief. 

I asked my husband if we could go on the road to spread the word about SOWF and the wonderful service they have provided since 1980. Today, we returned from a one month, 6,000 mile motorcycle trip to do just that. We are not official spokespersons for SOWF, nor would they ever ask a member of a fallen soldier's family to raise funds or help with a project. We explained that we needed to do this as Derek would be doing the same for the children of his fallen brothers if he were here.