Mission Statement

Providing mentorship to children of the fallen, honoring the sacrifice of those who’ve given their all for our freedom, and promoting patriotism and service in our communities since 2012.

In Honor of

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SOC (SEAL) Aaron C. Vaughn
Special Operations Chief (SEAL) Aaron Carson Vaughn was KIA on August 6th, 2011 when a chopper carrying 30 Americans was shot down in the Tangi River Valley of Afghanistan while rushing into battle. Aaron left behind 2 small children; a son who was not quite two years old and a daughter who was only nine weeks old on that fateful night. Aaron's story, life, and legacy inspired the creation of Operation 300. We believe that when a member of our Armed Services gives his life in defense of our great nation, the least we can do is pledge to honor that sacrifice by caring for his family. This is the heart behind Operation 300, a registered 501(c)3 not for profit organization that hosts weekend-long adventure camps for children who have lost their parent as a result of military service, pairing each child with a father-aged, male mentor who spends the weekend doing things with the children they might have done with their parent.

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OUR PROGRAMS

At the heart of Operation 300 is a solemn commitment: to honor the legacy of our fallen heroes by caring for the families they left behind. Born from this mission, our founding program—Gold and White Star Kids Camps—offers children who have lost a parent in military service or due to the long-term effects of service the chance to experience adventure-filled activities that reflect the character, courage, and values their loved ones embodied. Through mentorship, camaraderie, and outdoor challenges, these camps inspire resilience and reinforce the principles of freedom, strength, endurance, and moral integrity that define the American spirit.

Operation 300 also provides a variety of specialized programs designed to support and uplift surviving family members:

  • Gold Star Father Expeditions offer meaningful experiences for fathers who have lost a child in service. These retreats combine adventure-based activities with time for reflection, healing, and connection with others who share their journey.

  • Gold and White Star Spouse Retreats take place simultaneously with Gold and White Star Kids Camps, giving spouses of fallen heroes the opportunity for meaningful rest and connection while their children are cared for. Hosted in beautiful downtown West Palm Beach, Florida, these retreats offer time to unwind—whether relaxing by the pool or beach, sightseeing, shopping, or enjoying fine dining. Participants experience a thoughtfully planned schedule that includes a scenic boat tour, private beach yoga, group dinners with fellow spouses, and more. These retreats foster a supportive community where lasting friendships and moments of peace can begin to grow.

  • Our Adopt-a-Pet for Families of Fallen Heroes program connects Gold Star and White Star families with therapy-certified rescue animals. These loyal companions offer emotional support and healing, creating new bonds that bring comfort and hope while giving animals a second chance at life.


Looking Ahead

As part of our mission to continually expand our support, Operation 300 is actively working to launch two new initiatives:

  • Gold Star Family Freedom Tours, which will offer surviving family members exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to our nation’s capital. These personalized tours will include private visits to national memorials and landmarks, deepening the connection between families and the legacy of service their loved ones have left behind.

  • Fallen L.E.O. Kids Camps, a new program designed for children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as a law enforcement officer. These camps will mirror the adventure, mentorship, and values-driven programming of our Gold and White Star Kids Camps—providing a space where children can experience healing, connection, and joy through shared experiences with others who understand their unique loss.

Operation 300 remains unwavering in its purpose—to walk alongside the families of our fallen, offering them strength, healing, and a community that never forgets.

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OUR WORK

Our Military Families Give So Much For Our Freedom
The Least We Can Do Is Care For The Families Left Behind.

Stats of those that serve and the effect it has on them and their families that are left behind. This is why Operation 300 stands in the gap to help care for Gold and White Star families. Programs include a mother’s retreat while children are at the Gold Star Kids Camp that pairs them with a mentor filling the role of the missing parent in their life. This adventure camp includes activities like, fishing, camping, shooting, archery and more. Additional programs include Gold Star Father retreats, family freedom tours, and service pet adoption.

Over 7,000 U.S. service members have been KIA in post-9/11 war operations.

30,177 PTSD suicides among U.S. service members & veterans of the post-9/11 wars.

1,728,710 family members serve alongside their Active Duty service member. Of that number, there were 1,076,803 children and 641,639 spouses.

Op300 has held 66 camps in the last 12 years with an average of 30-50 military kids per camp. Serving hundreds of families.

Operation 300's Impact By the Numbers

National Recognition

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