MBTF could not exist without our awesome volunteers. One such volunteer is Julie Checketts, pictured above with her husband, Cole, at a past Gala. Julie has been a volunteer for the Foundation since 2022.

By Julie Checketts, Foundation Volunteer

As a new Woods Cross City Council member in January 2018, I had the opportunity to meet North Ogden Mayor Brent Taylor at an elected officials training offered by the Utah League of Cities and Towns. He was serving on their board and was very welcoming to me. Knowing that he had deployed to Afghanistan, my heart broke for his family, friends and his city upon learning that he was killed in action in November of that year.

Four years later, I had the opportunity to meet Johnny Ferry, a MBTF Board member, when he presented information about the Davis Remembers: The 9/11 Project 2022 to our City Council. That same year Jennie Taylor spoke at our city’s Memorial Day Breakfast. After I met both Jennie and Johnny, I knew I wanted to help the Foundation.

I was able to go with my family and my son’s fifth-grade class to the Project that year. I was impressed with how well it was done, and the opportunity it afforded the children to “live” through what we had all experienced in 2001.

My daughter and son remember that experience to this day. I was able to volunteer at the Davis Remembers: The 9/11 Project for several shifts. I enjoyed talking with the people who came through, and when I noticed a family with kids, I would tell them to look for the heroes. That day made so many people heroes – from first responders to everyday ordinary people.

I loved the camaraderie among the volunteers – it was such a memorable experience. After that, I was hooked. I volunteered again the next year at the Weber Remembers: The 9/11 Project.

This past January, Jennie asked if I would help with the GWOT Family Flight.  I jumped at the chance.  I was able to find and contact most of the families of the fallen soldiers from Utah.  It has been a great experience messaging these families, reading about their fallen family members, and hearing their stories.

I’ve enjoyed being involved in this great service and I am so excited to see all our hard work come to fruition in just a few days!  Thank you for letting me be a small part of this great Foundation.