A way of making people feel heard and valued
Those who knew Rebecca remember she was driven not only to excel in the challenges she took on herself. She was equally committed to lifting others into excellence in their own endeavors.
As Rebecca's family have written, "Rebecca cared about people, and she extended to individuals the same fearless defense she gave to this nation." She had "a way of making people feel heard and valued," recalls her friend and study partner, Jasmine Johnson, who considers Rebecca "the embodiment of an Army leader". Rebecca's close friend, journalist Davis Winkie, credits her for his resilience throughout some of the "hardest periods" of his personal life. Another friend, 2nd Lt. Lexi Freas, calls Rebecca's support "life-changing". Encouraged by Rebecca to pursue her interest in aviation, Freas is now a Black Hawk pilot in the D.C. Army National Guard.
When I decided to run the California International Marathon in Rebecca's memory, and to raise donations for a cause close to her heart, Rebecca's family suggested the Headstrong Project as the recipient non-profit. Rebecca's uncle Jeff writes, "The work of this charity combines a military aspect with a mental health focus, which was important to Rebecca. At the services for her at Fort Belvoir and North Carolina, many of those she knew talked about how much she had improved their self-esteem and psychological outlooks."
Stigma-free mental health treatment and support for veterans, service members, and their families
The Headstrong Project, a U.S. non-profit founded in 2012 by veterans, is among the nation's leading mental health care providers for trauma-impacted service members and veterans.
Headstrong's mental health treatment program is open to anyone who has served their country, regardless of discharge status or service area. Family members connected to the patient's care are supported too. Care is confidential, barrier-free, and stigma-free.
In 2024, the Headstrong Project provided over 44,000 free mental health care sessions to military members, veterans, and associated family members. Read more about Headstrong's life-changing work on its official website.
Donate now to The Headstrong Project
To continue Rebecca's commitment to making people feel heard and valued, and to improving their self-esteem and psychological outlooks, I invite you to donate whatever you can to The Headstrong Project.
By donating through Rebecca's Ever Loved page (which is also accessible via any 'Donate Now' button on these web pages), you can be sure that The Headstrong Project receives your donation in full, with no platform or administrative fees deducted.
If you'd like to share memories or thoughts about Rebecca as you make your donation, your tributes are very welcome on the Thoughts and Well Wishes page.
– Zoe Marie Bel, writer (and runner)