Sam Yates Community Foundation

06/08/2026

Every second matters when a life is on the line.

The Sam Yates Community Foundation is proud to help ensure that Vashon Island schools have AEDs available inside gyms and near surrounding outdoor playfields - placing lifesaving equipment closer to the students, athletes, coaches, families, and community members who may need it most.

This is Sam’s legacy in action: protecting the places where our kids learn, compete, and grow by making sure lifesaving equipment is within reach when seconds matter most.

Together, we can help save lives where our community learns, gathers, plays, and grows.

Every school should be prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency.

CPR-trained staff, accessible and maintained AEDs, and a practiced Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) can save lives.

05/25/2026

Today, on Memorial Day, we remember and honor USMC 2nd Lieutenant Sam Yates - an extraordinary young man whose life reflected service, strength, humility, and purpose.

Sam died from cardiac arrest on June 23, 2022, while training in Quantico, Virginia, preparing to serve and protect our nation as a United States Marine Corps officer. He was a beloved son, brother, friend, teammate, and leader whose character left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Though his time was far too short, Sam’s legacy continues through the Sam Yates Community Foundation, carrying forward his spirit of compassion, courage, and commitment to others.

Sam will never be forgotten.