06/20/2026
As President of Gold Star Peak, Inc., I have the privilege of witnessing incredible acts of strength, resilience, and remembrance on this mountain. Few are as powerful as seeing Gold Star and Fallen Ranger families from the 75th Ranger Regiment gather to honor their Rangers.
For the fifth year in a row, these families put in the work, trained hard, and traveled to Alaska for the week to climb Gold Star Peak, not for recognition but to ensure their fallen Rangers’ legacy lives on.
Alongside them were their Ranger brothers, including legendary Regimental names such as Merritt and Mellinger, men who continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the families of the fallen. Together, they carried memories, shared stories, shed tears, laughed about old times, and drew strength from one another.
As I watched them climb the mountain, each once again wearing a quilted memorial bib of their hero, attached to their pack, I was reminded that Gold Star Peak has never really been about reaching a summit. It has always been about connection. About honoring those who gave everything. About ensuring that surviving families know they are not alone.
Every step up that mountain represented something greater than a climb. It was a promise that the sacrifices made by these Rangers will never be forgotten. A promise that their families will always have a place within the Ranger family. A promise that the bonds forged in combat and service endure long after the battlefield.
This week, another chapter was written on Gold Star Peak. The mountain once again became sacred ground where grief met purpose, where memories became stories, where stories became healing, and where Rangers honored their fallen Rangers in the most meaningful way.
To the families of Hughes, Harris, Rippetoe, Comfort, Buoniconti, and Jasso, thank you for allowing us to walk beside you.
To the Ranger Buddies Hull, Mellinger, Merritt, Thibedeau, and Schneider, who showed up for your fallen brothers and their families, thank you for demonstrating what "Rangers Lead The Way" truly means. We climb because they cannot. We remember because we must.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our title sponsors, Wounded Warrior Project and Alaska Airlines. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and for their dedication to ensuring that those who have sacrificed so much are never forgotten.
Lastly, to our 18 incredible volunteers: Andersen, Collins, Davis, Dawson, Elliot, Hall, Harper, McDougal, Rouse, Serrano, Shaffer, Shaw, Sims (x2), Verge, Weightman, White, and Wilson, thank you for showing up and serving alongside us.
Whether it was offering a helping hand on the mountain, a listening ear, encouragement on the trail, or simply being present when someone needed it most, your impact cannot be measured. Your service matters, and we are grateful for each of you.
With utmost respect,
Kirk
