Events
Where the mission shows up.
Two signature events anchor the year. Recurring programs run around them. Every one is free, open to veterans, military families, and the neighbors who serve alongside them.
Flagship Event · Recreation & Adventure
Operation Adventure
The EDC Remembrance Muster.
Honor the fallen. Push yourself. Do it together.
Chicago’s Memorial Day fitness & wellbeing weekend — workouts, mind-body programming, vendor village, ceremony, and remembrance. Two days honoring the fallen through shared physical challenge. 18+ athlete event.
Year-Round
Programs by pillar.
Recurring programming lives under the four pillars. Each pillar page lists what runs, when, and how to join.
Operation Adventure
Recreation & Adventure
Kayaking, hiking, the Muster, seasonal outings, fitness meetups.
See programs
Operation Serve
Community & Service
Cleanups, school drives, Memorial Day and Veterans Day activations.
See programs
Operation Next Mission
Growth & Opportunity
Leadership workshops, career development, benefits navigation.
See programs
Operation Homefront
Family & Belonging
Family recreation, holiday events, spouse and youth programming.
See programsPast Events
Where we’ve shown up.
The programs above are the plan for the year ahead. The photography below is the record so far — every event the Foundation has run or partnered on in Chicago.
2026
1 event
Signature Event · Community & Service · August 29, 2026
Back to School Community Day
300+ backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts, immunizations, food, and family fun in Chicago's Back of the Yards. 25+ community partners including Travis Manion Foundation (co-host), Wells Fargo (platinum sponsor), and a veteran-owned host location.
2025
1 event
Memorial Day 2025 · Recreation & Adventure · May 2025
The EDC Remembrance Muster at UIC
Chicago veterans, first responders, and community members completed a Memorial Day fitness gathering together in honor of the fallen.
Ongoing & prior
Recurring programs and prior collaborations across Chicago.
Recreation & Adventure
Chicago River Kayak Series
Monthly veteran kayak outings on the Chicago River, run with Urban Kayak Chicago. Free, all skill levels, open to veterans and military families.
Community & Service
Chicago Fire FC · Military Appreciation Night
The Foundation joined Chicago Fire FC for Military Appreciation Night — a night at Soldier Field honoring the Chicago veteran community.
Community & Service
Wounded Warrior Project Collaboration
Joint fitness and community event with the Wounded Warrior Project — bringing wounded veterans together with the Chicago community.
Community & Service
Chicago Stars Military Event
Community appreciation night with the Chicago Stars — recognizing veteran service members and military families.
Recognition
Sponsor & Community Recognition
Recognizing the sponsors, partners, and community members whose support makes every program possible.
“The activity is the excuse. The people are the point.”
Show up.
Every event is a door in. Pick the one that fits you this month.
Show Up
Attend an event. Meet the community. Belonging starts by walking in the door.
See Upcoming EventsSupport the Mission
Tax-deductible giving. Every dollar funds events, programs, and the campus.
Donate NowPartner With Us
Sponsor an event. Build a sustained partnership. Reach our community.
Become a Partner