At Valley Crossroads Chamber, we believe in celebrating and supporting our members who are making a real difference — not just in business, but in our communities. As part of our new blog series highlighting community and service-based initiatives, we are proud to feature Mortenson Construction and their incredible 2025 Gold Star Clay Shoot. As we prepare for the 3rd Annual Gold Star Clay Shoot on June 6, 2025 , we want to share the story behind the event — the “why” that drives this meaningful day of honor, remembrance, and service. The Meaning Behind the Gold Star During World War I, families displayed blue star banners in their windows for each immediate family member serving in the armed forces. When a service member died in service, the blue star was replaced with a gold one — a visible, solemn reminder of sacrifice. The Gold Star tradition reminds us that freedom comes at a cost. The Mortenson Construction team has created this event to honor those service members and their families who have given everything for our country. Honoring Marine Cpl. Kyle W. Powell Each year, the Gold Star Clay Shoot honors a Gold Star family to put faces and personal stories to the sacrifice. This year, we are proud to honor the Pfander family and their son, Marine Cpl. Kyle W. Powell . Kyle Powell grew up in Colorado Springs and, as the son of two career Army officers, was deeply rooted in service. After high school, he joined the Marines, completing boot camp in San Diego and training as a Combat Engineer. During deployments to Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iraq, Kyle distinguished himself as a leader and protector. He completed 120 missions in just seven months and received the Navy Achievement Medal for designing a bunker that saved fellow Marines’ lives. On November 4, 2006, while sweeping for roadside bombs, Kyle was killed by an IED at the age of just 21. You can read more about Kyle’s life here . Kyle’s family will be joining Mortenson and event participants on June 6th to share more about his legacy and to connect with the community that gathers in honor of families like theirs. About the Event The Gold Star Clay Shoot is much more than a sporting event — it’s a chance for our business and local communities to come together in support of something bigger than ourselves. Date: June 6, 2025 Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: Wasatch Wing & Clay, Cedar Fort, Utah Participants rotate through a series of fun, challenging shooting stations. Whether you are an experienced shooter or trying it for the first time, everyone is welcome. Beyond the shooting competition, the day includes food, prizes, camaraderie, and the opportunity to connect with a great cause. Supporting Our Veterans: American Military Family All proceeds from the event benefit American Military Family , a nonprofit that helps veterans move “from suicidal to successful.” Programs funded by this event include mental health support, career transition training, and community connection efforts — all focused on improving the lives of veterans and their families. Every dollar raised is a powerful step toward changing lives. How You Can Get Involved Register a Team: Whether it’s friends, coworkers, or family — put together a team for a day of fun and service. Sponsor the Event: Gain exposure while giving back. Make a Donation: Even if you can’t attend, you can still make a big difference. Register or Donate Here Why We’re Expanding Our Blog At Valley Crossroads Chamber, we are expanding our blog to highlight more than just business milestones. We want to shine a light on the community-driven outreach efforts, service projects, and incredible causes that our business leaders and Chamber members are championing. When businesses step up to serve, it strengthens all of us — and we believe those efforts deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported. We are proud to support Mortenson Construction and their leadership in hosting the Gold Star Clay Shoot. If your business is making an impact through service, outreach, or community initiatives, let us know — we would love to spotlight your story next. Together, let’s aim for a purpose, shoot for success, and continue building a stronger, more united community. We’ll see you June 6th!