Forge Strength
Take on meaningful challenges that build resilience, confidence, and the capacity to keep moving forward.
02 / Who We Are
Stronger through adversity
The miles are only part of what we do.
Freedom Ops Endeavor was created with a simple belief: we are stronger when we face adversity together.
We use physical challenges, rucks, endurance events, memorial journeys, and community events to bring people together around a common purpose.
We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, support those who serve and protect us, stand beside families who have experienced unimaginable loss, and help people through adversity rather than allowing them to face it alone.
Our Co-Founder
Danny Stokes
The Heart of the Journey
A retired U.S. Army Captain who served for 24 years, Danny leads every mile of the Journey of Remembrance—building connections, uplifting communities, and carrying the mission forward. Traveling from Washington, he shares FOE’s purpose and inspires others to take part.
One Mission. One Team. One Journey.
Co-Founder & Board Member
Andrea Hayes
Leading Through Service
Andrea believes strong leadership doesn’t require being the loudest voice in the room. It starts with showing up, doing the work, and being willing to carry the weight alongside others. It takes the courage to step forward, the humility to keep learning, and the willingness to serve.
As Co-Founder of Freedom Ops Endeavor, she helps turn ideas into action through thoughtful planning, problem-solving, and a steady commitment to the people behind the mission. She believes some of our greatest strength is discovered when we are willing to step into hard things, especially when we do it together.
For Andrea, leadership isn’t about standing in front. It’s about being present, serving with purpose, and helping others recognize the strength they already have.
Show up. Carry the weight. Leave people stronger than you found them.
Social Media Manager
Crystal Ward
The Voice Behind the Mission
Crystal helps tell the story of Freedom Ops Endeavor—sharing the people, purpose, and moments of service that bring our mission to life. She is also an active participant in FOE’s fitness and remembrance efforts, including training for the Portland 10 Miler alongside Andrea Hayes.
After losing her brother to suicide, Crystal developed a deeply personal connection to mental-health advocacy and the power of community support. Her resilience and willingness to share that story reflect what FOE stands for: pushing limits, showing up, and making sure no one faces adversity alone.
Every story can help fracture the darkness.
Team Member & Retired U.S. Army SSG
Josh Rainey
The Strength to Remember
Josh is a core member of the Freedom Ops Endeavor team whose determination helped forge our mission of resilience, remembrance, and community. During the May 2025 Courage Climb, Josh and the team completed 13 climbs of Cadillac Mountain relay-style in one weekend—20,310 feet in all, matching the elevation of Denali. Each ascent honored one of the 13 U.S. service members killed in the Abbey Gate bombing.
Josh continues to take part in FOE missions honoring the fallen, including efforts that remember law-enforcement officers and stand beside their families. His example reminds us that remembrance is not passive—it is carried forward through action.
Thirteen climbs. Thirteen heroes. Never forgotten.
