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Matthew Axelson Foundation

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99.

For nearly nine years, I’ve kept a daily journal, rating every day from 0 to 100. Maybe it’s the engineer in me, but I like the data. It helps me understand what makes a day a 90, 95, or 99.

Friday was a 99. The highest score I’ve ever given. And I never saw it coming.

We had the incredible honor of hosting the Gary Sinise Foundation and the parents and loved ones of fallen American heroes at Guitar Build Workshop.

They had no idea what they were walking into. They’d just finished ballroom dancing, so I figured we had a decent shot at winning them over!

Within minutes, our amazing luthiers had the room filled with laughter, stories, and memories. Strangers became friends as we helped each guest build a custom, patriotic guitar honoring their loved one by name.

There were tears, hugs, and so much laughter. It was a day none of us will forget.

We've been running this little business for 14 years. Small business is a roller coaster. Some days you feel inspired; and then there are other days......I’ve accepted it probably won’t make us rich financially. But Friday reminded me that there are other ways to measure success. Every late night, challenge, and doubt led us to a day that felt nearly perfect.

And there's one more part to this story that I have to share.

At the end of August, I was having one of those moments of doubt. I was questioning this venture. So I put a little request out to the universe or whoever might be listening.

“If I’m supposed to keep doing this, please let us sell 10 guitars by the end of September.”

On September 25, this class landed on our calendar.

Quantity: 10 guitars.

I don’t know exactly what to make of that, but I know what it meant to me.

To the Gary Sinise Foundation, thank you for trusting us. To the families, thank you for sharing your stories and letting us be part of your day. And to our team, I couldn’t be prouder.

99. ❤️

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Brothers in arms are brothers for life. 🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸⚓️ #MikeMurphy #LTMichaelMurphy #OperationRedWings #MurphTheProtector #NavySEALs

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Matt’s love for his family was demonstrated in his final words to Marcus: ‘Tell Cindy I love her.’

His love for his Brothers in Arms was demonstrated in the words he wrote on the back of a picture after BUD/s graduation: ‘But within the willingness to die for family and home something inside us longs for someone to die beside… Someone to lock step with. Another man with a heart like our own.’ 🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸⚓️ #MikeMurphy #LTMichaelMurphy #OperationRedWings #MurphTheProtector #NavySEALs

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Today, we honor Gold Star parents Donna and Corky Axelson, and all Gold Star Mothers and Families whose strength, sacrifice, and love carry on the legacy of our nation’s fallen heroes. 🌟💙

Their son, Matthew Axelson, U.S. Navy SEAL, was killed in action during Operation Red Wings. In his honor, the Axelson family carries on his legacy through the Matthew Axelson Foundation, supporting the SEAL community, their families, and the families of our fallen heroes.

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5K Ruck today. Great hike, great inspiration, and a great cause. Musical motivation provided by Five Finger Death Punch, P!nk, and Rob Zombie LOL

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Matthew Gene “Axe” Axelson was born on June 25, 1976, in Cupertino, California. He graduated from Monta Vista High School in 1994 and attended San Diego State University before transferring to California State University, Chico, where he earned a degree in political science. During college, he met Cindy Oji, and the two developed a close relationship that eventually led to marriage.

In December 2000, Axelson enlisted in the Navy and trained as a Sonar Technician . Determined to become a Navy SEAL, Axelson completed BUD/S with Class 237, followed by Army Airborne School, SEAL Qualification Training, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle training. By December 2002, he was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDVT-1) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In 2003, Matthew married Cindy Oji.

In 2005, Axelson deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was part of a four-man Navy SEAL element conducting a special reconnaissance mission alongside Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Sonar Technician 1st Class Danny Dietz, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Marcus Luttrell.

On June 28, 2005, during Operation Red Wings in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Axelson’s team was compromised and attacked by approximately 50 anti-coalition militia. Despite being severely wounded, Axelson continued fighting until he was killed in action at the age of 29. His remains were recovered on July 10, 2005, and returned to the United States. He was buried with full military honors at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico, California.

Matthew Gene Axelson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and additional military honors.

Matthew Gene Axelson is survived by his wife, Cindy Oji; his father, Cordell Axelson; his mother, Donna Axelson; and his brother, Jeff Axelson, and everyone within the Naval Special Warfare community. Matthew Gene Axelson

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10 Words. One Habit. Better Prepared.

Day 18: Preparation reflects love because protecting others begins with a choice.
#preparednotscared
#preventionleadership

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No better way to spend my birthday than hitting some golf shots trying to raise money for a great foundation and a bunch of amazing patriots.

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6.28.2005 | Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson 🇺🇸
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#OpHawkeyeRemembers #MattAxelson #SEALTeamONE #NavyCross #PurpleHeart OperationRedWings ORW LLTB supportourSOFcommunity Operation_Hawkeye
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🔗 http://matthewaxelsonfoundation.org
🔗 https://m.facebook.com/matthewaxelsonfoundation
📜 https://www.navysealmuseum.org/memorial-wall/global-war-on-terror/matthew-gene-axe-axelson
📜 www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=964
📜 https://www.travismanion.org/fallen-heroes/po2-seal-matthew-g-axelson-usn
📜 https://www.pritzkermilitary.org/explore/museum/past-exhibits/seal-unspoken-sacrifice/matthew-axelson
🎥 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gllP6Qk78OI
📰 https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/11/12/cupertino-learn-the-story-behind-cupertinos-veterans-memorial
📕 https://www.amazon.com/Axe-Jeffrey-Axelson/dp/0062324950
📍 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11344315/matthew_gene-axelson

➡️ Reminder ~ If you would like to access any of the sources on Petty Officer 2nd Class Axelson listed above, please see our post today on “X”

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Today marks the 21st anniversary of Operation Redwing - June 28, 2005. ❤️🇺🇸

We honor the 19 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage, brotherhood, and commitment to one another will never be forgotten. 🫡

LT Michael P. Murphy
SO2 Matthew Axelson
SO2 Danny Dietz
SOC Jacques J. Fontan
SOCS Daniel R. Healy
LCDR Erik S. Kristensen
SO1 Jeffery A. Lucas
LT Michael M. McGreevy, Jr.
SO2 James E. Suh
SO1 Jeffrey S. Taylor
SO2 Shane E. Patton

SSG Shamus O. Goare
CWO3 Corey J. Goodnature
SGT Kip A. Jacoby
SFC Marcus V. Muralles
MSG James W. Ponder III
MAJ Stephen C. Reich
SFC Michael L. Russell
CWO4 Chris J. Scherkenbach

We will be posting more about these honorable men and the organizations in their names for you to learn more about them today. ❤️ #NeverForget #ORW

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Happy Birthday Matthew "Axe" Axelson

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