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Past Events

2020

August, 2020

The Davon Collins Off Road Memorial Ride Fundraiser Donates $2,300

The Callen Foundation proudly announces the acceptance of the proceeds for the first Davon Collins Off Road Memorial Ride located in Sunbury, Ohio. Presenting the check, at the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial in Sunbury, Ohio for $2,300, is Specialist Collin’s mother Jill Bixby. Also attending from left to right, Board member Jerry Jodrey, U.S. Army Retired and Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Army Recruiter, Joe Desrochers, Stepfather Alex Bennett, Mother Jill Bixby and Foundation Founder and Vietnam Veteran, Chris Callen.

Specialist Davon Collins Story: Joining the Ohio Army National Guard early in 2013 during his Junior year of high school, then PVT Davon Collins was set to split his Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, and his AIT, Advanced Individual Training, at Ft. Leonardwood over his junior and senior years of high school. Enlisting at 17 years old, he wanted the challenges serving in the military was going to give him. He had something to prove to himself and was eager for the next steps in his life. With the support of his family, he leaped into so many unknowns. It wasn’t easy, but easy wasn’t what he wanted. He felt out of his element, but had no idea, so did everyone else. He quickly became the "go to" person for so many of his fellow soldiers. Just to be around Davon, you knew you were going to have fun. He kept you laughing and was always optimistic with every challenge. “Let’s do this” was his approach to everything

Upon completing his initial training, Davon reported to his unit, the 1483^rd Transportation Company, where his job was to be a vehicle operator, driving several of the Army’s large trucks. An avid “car guy”, Davon loved driving and was excited the Army had this job for him. SPC Collins was a part of several missions over his time in the National Guard. Patriot Bandolier was one he really enjoyed. A cross country convoy from east to west, he saw so much of the country he was serving while doing what he had been trained to do. He would say the most impactful to him was traveling to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to provide humanitarian aid to the people on that island, as he had always said “I want to make a difference.”

At his unit, it didn’t take long for SPC Collins to build strong bonds with his new brothers and sisters. SPC Collins is who you wanted in your truck with you. No matter how long the training day was, he was going to make it fun and have you smiling. His first few promotions came quick, reaching the rank of Specialist shortly after getting to his unit. Balancing college, work and his drill weekends, Collins decided college wasn’t what he really wanted, and took a full-time job at Honda. His six-year contract with the National Guard elapsed quickly, and he decided not to reenlist in 2019. By this time, he was focused on his new relationship, new career and starting a family. Davon stayed in touch with his unit members as he set forth on his new journey.

As Davon was always one to help others in any way he could, his family felt the best way to honor him and celebrate him, was to setup a charity event to raise money for The Callen Foundation. His mother and stepfather are avid off road enthusiasts, and with the help of their friends in that community, created the Davon Collins Off Road Memorial Ride. Last June, close to 100 people came to the event in Sophia, West Virginia and took part in the ride and raffle, raising over $2,000 to help our military families in need.

2019

September, 2019

Ohio AVMETS Ladies Auxillary Donates $1,758 To The Callen Foundation

President Kay Gibbons & The Ladies Auxillaries Throughout The State Of Ohio Worked Very Hard This Year To Raise Funds To Support Ohio Military Familes With Emergency Financial Needs. The Callen Foundtion Graciously Thanks All Of Them For Thier Support. Without The Groups LIke The Ohio AMVETS Ladies Auxillary We Could Not Accomplish All That We Do To Support Our Troops. A Big Thank You From The Callen Foundation Board !

VFW Post 8736, Sunbury, Ohio Donates $5,000 To The Callen Foundation

Chris Callen, Founder, was on hand to accept the generous gift of $5,000 from the Sunbury VFW Post and offer them a small token of thaks with a thank you plaque presentation. Accepting was Post Commancer Verle Potts

April, 2019

Chris Callen, Founder, was on hand to accept the generous gift of $5,000 from the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association At The Ohio State University Woody Hayes Indoor Practice Facility. Mr. Gerald Cooke (L) and Major General Harris (R) Adjutant and Commanding General of the Ohio National Guard Made The Presentation At The Annual Coaches Meeting. 100% Of The Association's Donation Will Be Used To Fund Emergnecy Financial Needs Of Ohio Military Families Throughout The State Of Ohio Using The Ohio National Guard's Familiy Assistance Centers.

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The Callen Foundation Would Like To Thank The WESTERVILLE COMMUNITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, For It's Generous Donation Of $1,100 To Help Support The Emergency Fianancial Needs Of Ohio Military Families. A Big Thank You To Sue Miller And Her Church Group That Raised These Funds Throughout The Year And Elected To Donate To The Callen Foundation.

2018

December, 2018

The Callen Foundation was named in a national article by the Independt Insurance Agents magazine

July, 2018

The Callen Foundation,Founder, Chris D. Callen, accepts the 2017 Ohio National Guard's Adjutant General's annaul award their annual awards banquet held at The Ohio State University.The Foundation thanks the Ohio National Guard for selecting The Callen Foundation for this prestigious annual award. The Callen Foundation provides a unique funding source for immedate emergency funding for thier Ohio troops.

August, 2018

The Callen Foundation Sends A Special Thank You To The VFW Post 8736, In Sunbury Ohio, For Theie Geneous Gift Of $10,000 To Help Support Ohio Active Duty Military Familes. What A Tremendous Gester.

The Callen Foundaton Thanks Callahan's Bar, 520 Park St. Columbus, Ohio For Their Sponsorship Of A Fundraising Friday Happy Hour To Raise Funds For Ohio Military Familes. 70% Of All Proceeds For The Nights Events Were Donated To The Foundation. Also A BIG THANK YOU To Our Volunteers, Sue Cass, Kim Hickman And Michelle Chippas !

2017

May, 2017

The Callen Foundation Mentioned In Mansfield News Journal Article (At Bottom Of Article)

April, 2017

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The Callen Foundation, and Founder, Chris D. Callen, accepts the 2016 Ohio National Guard's Adjutant General's annaul award from Major General Bartman, and other commanding Generals and Command Sergeant Majors, of The Ohio National Guard at their annual awards banquet held at The Ohio State University.The Foundation thanks the Ohio National Guard for selecting The Callen Foundation for this prestigious annual award. The Callen Foundation provides a unique funding source for immedate emergency funding for thier Ohio troops.

2016

October - 2016

The Callen Foundation - 2016 Selected For The Ohio Insurance Agents Assocation - Community Service Award. This Association Is The Ohio Chapter Of The National Indpendent Insurance Agents Association. Captain Douglas Franz, The Ohio National Guard Family Assistance Director, (Pictured Below With Chris Callen) Was Invited To Introduce Chris Callen & The Callen Foundation To The Audience.

2015

April - 2015

Major General Bartman - Adjutant General Of The Entire Ohio National Guard, With Major General Harris, Commander Of The Army Ohio National Guard presented Lynn and I, on behalf of The Callen Foundation, their annual Adjutant General award at the Embassy Suites in Dublin. Lynn and I would like to thank all of you that have made donations or have helped support the Foundation in the past. Without your support we could not be helping as many military families that we do. Please remember us for as a recipient for your next organizations charity fundraising event.

2014

Dec - 2014

Team DDS Donates Major Funding To The Callen Foundation. A BIG Thank You To Doug & Dee & Employees Of Team DDS, The Leading Ohio Designer & Builder Of Dental Offices. Thanks To Their Tremendous Generousity Ohio Military Families Will Sleep Easier. Also A BIG Thanks To Syreeta Long, The Representative From The Ohio National Guard For Attending Our Acceptance Ceremony

Team DDS - Ck Acceptance Pic - 12-14

Dec - 2014

Team DDS Sponsors The Callen Foundation For Christmas !

Xmas Card - 2014

July 4, 2014

The Callen Foundation was asked by the General Manager of the Columbus Clippers, Mr. Ken Schnacke, to promote the first Military Baseball Card Night at clippers stadium on the 4th Of July. Our nominiation of our Board member, Jerry Jodrey, as a card selection member was accespted and Jerry was prominently featured both on the field and with his picture on the scoreboard.

June 12, 2014

The Callen Foundation was featured in a WCMH Channel 4 TV News Spot On The Evening News For 3 Days This Week. We Wish To Thank News Reporter Mindy Drayer For Her Tremendous Support Of Ohio Military Families & Veterans By Giving Us The Opportunity To Expose Our Foundation & What We Do For Ohio Military Familes.

Here Is The Link To The News Clip Video

WCMH Ch4 - Mindy Drayer Interview With Chris Callen

You Tube Version

WCMH Ch4 - Mindy Dryer Inteview W/ Chris Callen - You Tube

June 14, 2014

The Callen Foundation was named this year's recepient of the NewSong Church Family Movie Drive In Night - Nightly Proceeds. The movie - The LIght Of Freedom - was produced by a Central Ohio director and documents the Ohio link to the Underground Railroad during the Civl War. We thank Pastor Rick Vilardo and Marketing Director Mark Hamoon, for all of their support and help with making this a great event to raise funds for our Ohio military families !

May 14th. 2014

The Callen Foundation - The Columbus Dispatch Newspaper

April 3rd. 2014

The Callen Foundation - Nominiated In The Top 20 For The Recepient Of The Nationwide Insurance & Columbus Dispatch & WBNS Channel 10TV 2014 Jefferson Award. A Luncheon Will Be Held At The Wolfe Family's Exclusive Retreat, The Wig Wam, Where This Years Recpeinet Will Be Named.

2013

2013 - The Callen Foundation - Recepient Of The Ohio AMVETS Ladies Auxillary Statewide Fundraising Event - A BIG Thank You To The Ladies Who Donated Significant Funds to Help Ohio Military Families In Need.

December 16th, 2013

A Big Thank You To All Of Those That Made Christmas Extra Special This Year For Two Ohio Military Families !

February 16th, 2013

Chris Callen, Interview With National Talk Show Host - Dan Smith

Don Smith Show - CDC Interview - 2-16-13

December 1st, 2012

TCFBoard Member - Jerry Jodrey - WCMH TV 4 - Mindy Dryer Interview - Founding Of Fallen Heroes Memorial - Sunbury, OH

TV 4 - Mindy Dryer Interview With Board Member - Jerry Jodrey

October 10th, 2012

TCF Receives Annual Ohio National Guard

COVENENT AWARD For Supporting Ohio Military Families

Captain Doug Franz Presents The Covenent Award To The Callen Foundation Founder, Chris D. Callen

July, 2012

Dr. Julia Keiser & Worthington Optimal Wellness Donates $50 Per New Patient For Month Of July !

Dr. Julia Keiser & Shawn Ireland Presenting Check To Chris Callen, The Callen Foundation

Dr. Julia Keiser & Her Staff Kindly Donated $50.00 To The Callen Foundation For Every New Paitient Aquired During The Month Of July. In Addition They Offered A 10% Discount For Anyone With A Military ID That Became A New Patient. If You Were Ever In Need Of Chiropractic Care Now Is The Time To Try A Vist To See Dr. Julia Keiser & Her Fine Staff

BACK OUR TROOPS DAY - July 8th, 2012

A Big Thank You To All Supporters Of Our 1st Annual Fundraising Event. It Was A Great Success. Join Us Next Year For Our 2nd Annual City-Wide Drive By Donation Day! Sponsored By Worthington Optimal Wellness, 6180 Linworth Rd, Worthington - Corner Of Linworth & 161 & The Shawn Ireland Show On Radio 610 WTVN & Fox 28 Good Day Columbus With Shwan Ireland & Lisa Colbert & Rooster's Restaurants

TV Media Coverage - Clips:

TV 6 News - Columbus -Lisa Colbert Interview With Chris Callen

Fox 28 - Good Day Columbus - Discussion Of Back Our Troop Day

Fox 28 -Good Day Columbus - Shawn Ireland Interview With Col, Julie Blike & Syreeta Long

Newspaper Coverage:

Pictures Taken At The Event:

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1st Annual Back Our Troops Campaign - Our first Central Ohio major event will be happening Sunday, July 8th from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the parking lot of Worthington Optimal Wellness, 6180 Linworth Road in Worthington, Ohio. It is called our Back Our Troops Campaign. Dr. Keiser will graciously donate $50.00 to the Foundation for every new patient seen in the month of July. Also she will provide a 10% discount for the month to any person with a military identification card.

Shawn Ireland of the The Shawn Ireland Show On Radio 610 / WTVN, has worked very hard to help us make this event special. Shawn has arranged for our TV personalities from Good Day Columbus on Fox 28 to cover our event. Shawn will be broadcasting call in reports throughout the day.on Radio 610 / WTVN.

On Sunday, July 8th between 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM we will have a drive-through donation collection center set up, manned by both current and ex-military people to accept drive by donations. A VFW Honor Guard opening ceremony will include Posting Of The ColorsCeremony will kick our our event.

What We Will Be Offering The Public:

1) A Drive-By Donation Station To donate money that will go to benefit Central Ohio military families families who are struggling with short-term financial hardships. We work closely with the

Ohio National Guard Family Assistance Planning Center to be sure all funds are spent wisely and for real needs.

2) A Free Pine Tree Starter Tree with planting instructions will be given to the first 500 who donates that day (limit 1 per car), You will be able to go home and plant your tree in remembrance of a soldier or family member so that years from now you will remember the day you helped out a struggling military family.

3) A Free Flag Lapel Pin will be given to the first 1000 people through the donation drive-by line (Limit 1 Per Car)

4) Huntington Park - Home Of The Clippers, will provide a limited amount of Free Baseball Game Tickets to see the Clippers.

5) Rooster's Restaurants will be providing Free Food for a limited time during the event

6) VFW Post 8736- Sunbury will provide a manned Flag Retirement Collection Station for anyone having an old American Or Ohio flag, that they haven't been able to dispose of because they cant throw them away or burn them, will be able to drop off for proper disposal by the Honor Guard at their annual Flag Retirement Ceremony held each October.

7) Sunbury VFW Post 8637 Woman's Auxiliary - will host a Bake Sale of home made baked goods throughout the day. Come quick because these delicious treats usually sell out fast !

8) For more information on our event please visit Shawn Ireland's Website where she will be keeping updated postings of all the surroundings of our event. Visit her site at:. : www.ShawnIrelandShow.com.

We have attracted corporate sponsors of our event to include:

Shawn Ireland - Of The Shawn Ireland Show On Radio 610 / WTVN

& Good Day Columbus On Fox 28

Huntington Park - Home Of The Clippers - Free Tickets To Every 4th Car

Radio 610 / WTVN - Will Announce Call In Updates Throughout The Event

Rooster's Restaurants - Has Offered To Donate Food For The Event

VFW Post 8736 - Sunbury, OH - Honor Guard & Bake Sale

Ohio National Guard - Family Assistance Program - Volunteer Support & Funds Recipient

Dr. Keiser In House Promotion:

http://www.worthingtonchiropractic.com

Shawn Ireland Website - Promoting Event

May 28, 2012

Memorial Day Booth - Sunbury Ohio

Chris & Lynn Callen, With The Help Of Gary Tucker Set Up A Booth At The

Sunbury Ohio Memorial Day Flea Market, An Very Popular Annual Community

Event. Several Hundred Informational Flyer's Were Handed Out To Many

Individuals That May Be Interested In Helping The Foundation Succeed.

June, 2012

Sunbury VFW Post 8736 Donates Funds To TCF

IRS Statement: The Callen Foundation Is A Recognized 501 (c) (3) , Not-For-Profit, Organization Organized In The State Of Ohio Under Certificate Number: 2066256. Federal ID: 45-3912882. Donations To The Callen Foundation May Be Tax Deductible. Please Check With Your Tax Advisor To See If This Applies To You. The IRS advises that it is up to the contributor to estimate the fair market value of his/her donation

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Major General Bartman - Adjutant General Of The Entire Ohio National Guard, With Major General Harris, Commander Of The Army Ohio National Guard presented Lynn and I, on behalf of The Callen Foundation, their annual Adjutant General award at the Embassy Suites in Dublin. Lynn and I would like to thank all of you that have made donations or have helped support the Foundation in the past. Without your support, we could not be helping as many military families that we do. Please remember us for as a recipient for your next organization's charity fundraising event.

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Quite an honor. Who would ever thought a US Army Specialist 4 would be on the same platform with three generals (including two, two star Major Generals). This award also belongs to our Board without them we would not have gotten this far.

Here Is The Link To The News Clip Video

Interview With Chris Callen & FOX TV News.

WCMH Ch4 - Mindy Dryer Inteview W/ Chris Callen - You Tube