Guardians of the Purple Heart

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Niantic, CT
Guardians of the Purple Heart

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We intend to help a Veteran each year, focusing on different generations as each year passes.

Guardians of the Purple Heart is a 501c3 nonprofit that specializes in assisting Connecticut combat wounded veterans with items or services not being met or offered by other organizations, like the VA. Our Cause
The Guardians of the Purple Heart is made of a group of Veterans, family members, and spouses of Veterans who want to make a difference for Combat Wounded Veterans in the State of Connecticut. We run a Motorcycle Run every year as our biggest event to honor a Purple Heart recipient. We plan on running multiple other events throughout the year to support the goals of the organization and raise awareness for Combat Wounded Veterans, Veteran Su***de, and connecting Veterans with services provided by other organizations. Our Purpose
To have successful fundraisers attended by supporters of our country’s Veterans to commemorate those wounded in combat while serving our country. We are raising money through sponsors, individual donations, and other events held throughout the year. The main event is the Purple Heart Poker Run, a motorcycle run in which a specific Recipient is chosen by the Board and honored on this day. All of this is to recognize and celebrate those who have served our country, honoring specifically those who have faced death and been wounded in its defense. Our Impact
Every year we want to have a positive impact on a Combat Wounded Veteran who is from Connecticut, as we seek to focus on helping a local individual. Our plan with the money we raise is to assist our recipient with basic needs or some essential need that other organizations are unable to provide. We will not only donate monetarily but reach out to local businesses in our community who can donate their time and services to help fulfill a complete package of necessities for our recipient. We intend to make sure that all Connecticut Purple Heart Recipients feel they have a home in our state, a stable living environment, and a family within our organization. Our Values:
 Service
 Selflessness
 Commitment
 Loyalty
 Respect
 Honor
 Courage

11/02/2026

MEET A GUARDIAN MONDAY!

Kim answered the call for volunteers for the annual GOTPH Poker Run fundraiser, eager to become more involved in the East Lyme community she has called home for the past three years. Supporting and honoring our military veterans is a cause especially close to her heart.

Kim has a personal connection to military service. She has vivid memories of her brother's time serving in the U.S. Army's 2nd Ranger Battalion from 1981–1985 at Fort Lewis, Washington. Her late father also proudly served in the U.S. Army. Having witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by our service members and their families, Kim understands the importance of honoring their commitment and hopes to make a meaningful contribution to GOTPH's mission.

As our newest member, Kim is thrilled to join such a welcoming organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of veterans throughout our community. From the moment she got involved, she recognized the genuine pride, passion, and dedication shared by its members. She is grateful for the warm welcome and excited to be part of an organization whose mission means so much to her.

Kim is also the proud mom of two young adults. When she's not working or volunteering, you'll likely find her enjoying the local beaches, spending time with family, getting lost in a good book, or right in the middle of a crowd at a live concert!

10/26/2026

MEET A GUARDIAN MONDAY!

Meet Denise, one of our original Guardians, proud Gales Ferry resident, Doug’s mom, and affectionately known as the mom of the group!

Denise joined the Guardians of the Purple Heart right at the beginning, after losing her husband, Mike. Her family had always supported the military and those who served, and she wanted to continue that tradition by helping carry on Mike’s passion. When Doug started the organization, it was the perfect opportunity to keep that passion alive and continue making a difference for others.

Fun Fact About Denise & Mike: Every Christmas, Mike arranged for 2–3 Mayflower tractor-trailers to come into Navy housing for their annual “Ho Ho Trucks” tradition! Families would ride in the backs of the trailers, with the doors open, throughout housing collecting donations of food, clothing, and toys to give to those less fortunate. This incredible tradition went on for years, spreading holiday cheer and helping families in need!

Today, Denise continues to be a special part of the Guardians family. As Doug’s mom and the mom of the group, she brings a meaningful connection to the organization’s roots and helps keep the spirit of giving alive.

Denise reminds us that sometimes the best way to honor someone’s legacy is to keep doing what they loved most: helping others.

Join us in showing Denise some love in the comments!

10/25/2026

In honor of CT Modified coming out with their new Merch Line, we are back with a nice Sunday debate!

This is going to be a big one! So the question is: Which is better, 2 wheels or 4 wheels?

2 wheels? Open road with the wind in your face?
4 wheels? Music up with the windows down?

Which way are you leaning? Let us know why in the comments!!

10/19/2026

MEET A GUARDIAN MONDAY!

Born in Connecticut and raised all over as a Navy brat, Chuck is an Air Force veteran who has been with the Guardians on and off for the past four years!

Chuck’s relationship with the Guardians started at a St. Patrick’s Day parade, where a conversation about bringing the Guardians onto his race team as a sponsor led to a much bigger connection. After talking with Doug at length about the organization and its core values, Chuck realized they aligned with his own and wanted to be part of the mission.

As a support member, Chuck does whatever he can to help fundraise and support our cause. His favorite part of being a Guardian? The people! From fellow members to supporters, it’s the relationships that make it all worthwhile. And as Chuck puts it, the Guardians’ logo carries a lot of respect throughout the community.

Now for the fun part… Chuck is a kid at heart with a serious need for speed! He’s the president of Groton Little League and the owner-operator of a five-car race team. He’s a four-time season champion at two different tracks and has raced both asphalt and dirt tracks from Maine to South Carolina, and as far west as Indy. His team has competed at more than 25 different racing facilities!

Between supporting veterans, running a race team, and keeping his inner kid alive, Chuck certainly knows how to stay busy. We’re proud to have him as part of the Guardians family!

10/12/2026

MEET A GUARDIAN MONDAY!

Today, we’re introducing Kenzie!!

Kenzie is from Groton and has been helping behind the scenes since 2018 before officially becoming a Guardian last year! She helps with media coverage, outreach, and marketing communications, making sure the Guardians’ mission and the people we support get the attention they deserve.

Growing up in a military town, Kenzie has always been surrounded by military personnel. With her brother serving as a combat medic in the Army, giving back to the military community has always been close to her heart. When she met Doug in a class she was assisting with, he shared the Guardians’ mission and asked if she could help with an event. For Kenzie, it was a no-brainer!

Kenzies favorite part about the Guardians is the family we’ve created and the community of people who all share the same mission and passion for giving back. There’s something special about bringing people together to make a difference!

Her motto is, “I can probably make that myself.” A useful skill? Absolutely. A problem? Also absolutely. We have a feeling her DIY projects have a way of turning into much bigger projects than originally planned!

We’re grateful to have Kenzie as part of the Guardians family and appreciate everything she does to help spread our mission and support our combat-wounded veterans!

Stay tuned for next week’s Meet a Guardian Monday!

10/08/2026

THE DEBATE IS ON.

When it comes to staying in touch, which side are you on?

TEAM TEXTING
OR
TEAM PHONE CALLS

Are you sending a “hey, what’s up?” text… or are you actually calling someone like it’s 2005? 😂

We’re back debating with CT Modified so let us know!

👇 Drop your answer in the comments:
📱 Texting
📞 Phone calls

And tell us WHY — we want to hear your arguments! 👀🔥

This has been becoming a series! Let us know what you think we should debate next🤔

Connecticu

10/05/2026

MEET A GUARDIAN MONDAY!

Today, we’re introducing Mike, one of the Guardians’ resident tech gurus!

Mike is from Ledyard and has been a Guardian since 2018. As our go-to tech guy, he handles devices, the website, the online shop, technical support, and pretty much anything else that involves technology.

He joined the Guardians after they needed someone with a tech background, and having a connection with Doug helped bring him into the family.

What Mike enjoys most about being a Guardian is meeting people who share the same passion for helping and supporting those in need.

And now for the important stuff…

Mike may be a big, intimidating guy with what he describes as a “dick face” until you get to know him, but once you do, you’ll find out that he’s actually a pretty fun guy to hang with!

When he’s not keeping the Guardians’ technology running, Mike is a total 3D-printing geek with six printers and counting!

We’re lucky to have Mike’s skills, humor, and dedication on our team!

09/29/2026

The typical Connecticut debate… Boston or New York. Red Sox or Yankees.

With the Wild Card series starting tonight we need your opinion! Some of us from the Guardians of the Purple Heart and CT Modified have been pretty divided as to who is going to take the game and then the Series moving onto the ALDS.

Who’s going to advance? Who’s going home just at the beginning of October Baseball? Let us know!

09/28/2026

MEET A GUARDIAN MONDAY!

Jamie grew up in Preston but now calls Groton home. Although she has only been a member since April of this year, she came in hot, ready to work and willing to help out whenever and however she can!

Jamie decided to get involved after seeing a post on Facebook. With several family members who have served or are currently serving in the military, giving back to those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our country is something that is extremely important to her.

Her favorite part about being a member of our team? “We’re a fun little dysfunctional family!” Jamie loves that we all work hard, support one another, and are always willing to jump in and help however we can.

Outside of the Guardians, Jamie is a proud mom of 4 children and a grandmother of 2! She loves visiting Texas, where some of her family lives, and hopes to make the move down there herself someday!

We’re so happy to have Jamie as part of our Guardians family!

Help us give Jamie a warm welcome!

Address

Niantic, CT

Website

http://GOTPH.org/

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