01 — Why we exist
Mike carried it quietly.
We don’t have to.
My husband Mike was a Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, an ultramarathoner, and an amazing husband and father to our two boys. He came home carrying PTSD, and he didn’t want to burden us with it. In 2023, Mike died by suicide.
I was at the 1 October shooting in Las Vegas. I saw the bravery of our first responders up close, and I know what these jobs ask of the people who do them and the families they come home to. A thank-you matters. Real tools, real care and a community that shows up matter more. That’s why Honored 25 exists.
Kristin Munding
Founder & CEO, Honored 25
If this story hits close to home, you don’t have to carry it alone. Dial 988, press 1, or text 838255.
Kristin Munding, founder & CEO
02 — What we do
Real support.
Not just thanks.
Honored 25 gives first responders, veterans and their families one more place to turn: people who understand the job, resources that work, and a confidential connection that’s separate from your department.
01
Mental Health & Wellness
Licensed therapists and counselors on standby. A confidential, anonymous place to talk and get plugged in, active or retired, separate from your department’s own programs.
02
Direct Assistance
Practical help for first responder and military families when a hard season hits, from emergencies to the holidays.
03
Events & Community
Unburdened, blood drives with Vitalant, station visits and appreciation nights that bring heroes and their families together.
04
Campaigns
Focused drives for one clear need, like a PTSD service dog for a first responder. Every dollar is tracked and reported back.
A service dog
for a 1 October hero.
We’re raising money to place a trained PTSD service dog with a first responder or veteran, ideally someone who was there on 1 October. Our puppy from Sunshine Doodles arrives this November, trains for four months with Norton Dog Training, and goes home around the 10th anniversary of 1 October. Your gift covers the dog, its PTSD service training and a starter kit of food, gear and care for the hero who receives it.
Finding the right hero
This dog is going to someone who was there on 1 October: a first responder who ran toward danger that night and is still carrying it. We’re working quietly with first responder wellness teams to find the right person, with care and with their permission. We’ll share the update here the moment we know.
Goal
04 — Unburdened 6 · June 5, 2026 · Las Vegas
Las Vegas showed up for the people who show up for it. Unburdened 6 at Canyon Ridge brought a keynote from Marine, police officer and firefighter Travis Howze, and the story of 1 October survivors Natalie and Jason Grumet.
Raised to put on the event: speakers, venue, gifts and plaques
In the room at Unburdened 2026
At Canyon Ridge, Las Vegas
Marine Travis Howze on purpose and resilience
05 — In their words
Unburdened strengthened our marriage, opened honest conversations, and gave us tools to better understand one another. We left with more grace for each other, a stronger foundation for our family, and hope for the future.
Gianna & Parker Marx · LVMPD SWAT · 1 October survivors
“Honored 25 showed up for our department when we needed it most — not just with a check, but with real support during a hard season for our crew.”
Las Vegas Fire Department
06 — Standing with us
The businesses
behind our heroes.
Fund a campaign, sponsor Unburdened or put your team behind the people who protect our communities. Partners get real visibility and a story worth telling.
