Oscar Mike Foundation launches “Carry the Weight’ campaign to raise funds to build adaptive sports campus for inured veterans
American Metal Customs and Marine veteran Mark Jones join forces to raise $6 million annually for Oscar Mike Foundation to fund construction of facility and empower disabled veterans.
MARENGO, Ill. /PRNewswire/ - The Oscar Mike Foundation, a nonprofit created by and for injured veterans, is launching its most ambitious mission yet, the Carry the Weight campaign, a 26-week nationwide movement to build a first-of-its-kind, fully accessible 100-acre adaptive sports campus. With the support of Josh Allison, co-founder of American Metal Customs, an award-winning custom car and motorcycle shop, and Marine Veteran Mark Jones, the campaign aims to raise $6 million in recurring annual support and recruit 20,000 monthly donors, known as "Teammates," to help keep disabled veterans on-the-move.
Marine veteran to aims to set a world record by hiking 100 miles in 24 hours with a 40lb. pack as part of new campaign.
The campaign kicks off on May 19 with two extraordinary initiatives:
- Mark Jones, a Marine veteran with unshakable grit, will attempt to set a world record by hiking 100 miles in 24 hours with a 40-pound pack. His mission: to inspire 20,000 monthly donors, known as "Teammates," to join the cause.
- Josh Allison, master custom builder and co-founder of American Metal Customs, is building a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle that commemorates 250 years of American military service. If Mark reaches his fundraising goal, the bike will be donated to the Oscar Mike Foundation. If Mark breaks the record, Josh will add a custom element to mark the achievement.
Each week, the Oscar Mike Foundation will release new videos documenting the progress of Mark's challenge and Josh's custom build. These stories will capture the grit, emotion, and determination behind the movement. Supporters are encouraged to follow along, share the journey, and become a Teammate.
"The Carry the Weight campaign exemplifies the spirit of resilience and community that drives Oscar Mike," said Noah Currier, Marine veteran and Founder/CEO of the Oscar Mike Foundation. "With partners like American Metal, we're not just building a facility—we're building a team that refuses to let injured veterans sit on the sidelines. I've felt that darkness, and I've had someone say, 'I've got you.' That's what this campaign is about. It's the biggest, boldest mission Oscar Mike has ever taken on. People said we'd never raise the money and we're going to prove them wrong."
"I've seen what Oscar Mike does—they are the best," said Mark Jones. "This incredible organization has already served over 1,300 disabled veterans in their programs, provided more than 7,000 adaptive activities, and not a single Oscar Mike veteran has been lost to suicide. If the banks say they need $6 million in additional revenue to fund this new facility, then let's rally behind our veterans and make it happen."
Oscar Mike's goal is to recruit 20,000 monthly donors—called "Teammates"—over the course of the six-month campaign. With enough support, they will be able to secure the financing necessary to break ground by Veterans Day.
The new Oscar Mike campus will expand the organization's footprint from 9,000 to 42,000 square feet, double its staff, and increase its programming capacity tenfold. The facility will include cutting-edge technologies and serve as a national hub for disabled veterans – with space to connect, compete, and discover what's possible after life-changing injury, illness, or disability.
"This partnership is about more than just a custom bike or a world record hike—it's about building a future where all veterans have the support and resources they need to thrive," said Josh Allison. "At American Metal, we believe in honoring service through craftsmanship, and we're proud to stand with Oscar Mike in this mission."
The full campaign will be documented on YouTube and across Oscar Mike's channels, showing how one organization and its growing team of supporters are carrying the weight for those who served.
To learn more about the Carry the Weight campaign or become a Teammate, visit www.oscarmike.org.
About the Oscar Mike Foundation
The Oscar Mike Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public nonprofit created by and for injured veterans. Oscar Mike's mission is to build a vibrant, connected community that keeps America and her veterans "On-the-Move" by actively supporting and improving mobility, accessibility, mental health, and well-being. oscarmike.org
About American Metal Customs
American Metal Customs is an award-winning custom shop located in Danbury, CT, that builds and restores classic cars and motorcycles showcasing the glamour and elegance of vintage design coupled with the raw grit and pride of handmade American craftsmanship. With over 100 years of collective experience, the American Metal crew specializes in combining functionality, craftsmanship, and design to transform classic vehicles into showstopping pieces of art meant to be driven and enjoyed. americanmetalcustoms.com
Established in 1993, Military Trader is dedicated to the collecting preservation, restoration, study, and display of historic military artifacts. Spanning interests from military uniforms to medals, or helmets to ordnance and weapons, Military Trader is your best source for in-depth techincal articles, artifact profiles, product and hobby news, current values, and show and auctions calendar.
