Launching the 12th Sentinel Program

After we lost our son, Tate, I knew I wanted to create something meaningful that could help those who often don’t get the support they deserve. This desire led to the creation of the 12th Sentinel program, designed to support kids with special needs through their involvement with the Mountain Ridge football team. Every child deserves an opportunity to grow, succeed, and feel valued regardless of their circumstances.

The Inspiration Behind 12th Sentinel

The 12th Sentinel program’s inspiration came from a deeply personal place. My son Tate was born without his left hand. His older brother, Hunter, has always been obsessed with sports. So, when Tate was little, Hunter would always think of different ways he could participate in sports and adapt to his physical limitations.

Tate was very ambitious and determined not to miss out on life due to his disability. He learned how to crawl specifically to accommodate his missing hand, figured out how to squeeze his nub into his binky to make it easier to access, and scoot all over our house, dragging his feeding tube behind him. He wasn’t going to miss out.

Over the years, I’ve seen how important it is to allow kids with special needs to be part of something bigger than themselves. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports and mentorship and realized there was an opportunity to combine both to have a lasting impact.

The mission of the 12th Sentinel program is simple: to empower kids with special needs by integrating them into the Mountain Ridge football team. These kids learn valuable life skills, develop friendships, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging in a community that consists of some of the strongest dudes at the school. The program focuses on inclusivity, compassion, and leadership—values that I believe are essential for any thriving community.

An Idea Takes Off

My nephew Porter is an incredible example to me. He was born with Down Syndrome and is the happiest kid I know. After we lost Tate, we made the tough decision to move, and Porter was a huge reason we moved in a street over from his family. If there was anyone I wanted my kids to grow up with, it was Porter.

One night, Brandi and I were out to eat with my sister and her husband, Allen, and Heather (also known as Porter’s parents), and we started discussing how difficult school is for Porter. They expressed how nervous they were about him starting middle school. Wanting to do something to honor Tate and hearing how anxious they were about Porter, we came up with an idea to start a program that would match the strongest kids at the school with those who could use some assistance. The 12th Sentinel (originally called the 12th Man) was born.

Our little league football President at the time was a good friend of mine, Matt Fisher. When Brandi and I explained the program, he started crying and said he would support it however he could. The program was born.

Impact on the Community and Kids with Special Needs

The impact of 12th Sentinel on the kids it serves has been profound. Being part of the Mountain Ridge football team is more than just a physical activity; it’s a chance to feel included, seen, and valued. The program has provided these kids with opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have had. The camaraderie and the friendship of the athletes and coaches mean so much to them.

The program has also had a ripple effect on the broader community. It’s brought together athletes, families, and local organizations to work toward a common goal of inclusivity and support. Seeing the kids with special needs form friendships with the athletes has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program. It’s proof that when we create spaces of inclusion, we all grow together.

Helping Those Who Need a Little More

When I think of our 12th Sentinels, I am reminded of the importance of helping those who need more help. It’s easy to forget how much a simple act of kindness can change someone’s life. For the kids in our program, having a space where they are accepted and encouraged has been life-changing. When we take the time to care for those often overlooked, we are helping them and enriching our lives.

The program has taught me the importance of patience, compassion, and empathy. Every success story, every smile, and every moment of progress is a testament to the power of community. We can make a difference when we come together to lift others up.

Aligning with My Passion for Giving Back

When we lost Tate, Brandi and I were fortunate to experience the strength of community support, and we’ve always wanted to pay that forward. Working with the Mountain Ridge football team and helping kids with special needs is our way of contributing to that vision, creating a space where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their challenges.

The program has helped the kids and empowered the Mountain Ridge football team. It has encouraged them to take on leadership roles, mentor others, and develop a more profound sense of empathy and responsibility. This program embodies the values of teamwork, unity, and leadership that I believe are the cornerstone of any strong community.

Starting the 12th Sentinel program has been one of the most rewarding endeavors of my life. It reminds me that sometimes, lifting others is the most significant impact we can have on the world. I am proud of our accomplishments and excited about the program’s future. Seeing smiles on everyone’s faces has made it all worthwhile.

If you want to learn more about the 12th Sentinel program or want to get involved, please visit 12thsentinel.com. Together, we can impact these kids’ lives and empower them to achieve their fullest potential.

A special shoutout to the best designer and incredible friend, Jesse Crowley, for designing our logo. If you need any design work, Jesse truly is the best!