Supporting USAF Special Warfare Veteran Foundations
Our Mission
Is to offer challenging events that push everyday people beyond their limits while supporting USAF Special Warfare Veteran Foundations. By sharing faith and these warfighters' stories, these events aim to inspire spiritual growth, resilience, and community engagement, encouraging others to become the best versions of themselves and take up the mantle that God has set before them in their own lives and pay that forward to future generations.
What is Take Up Your Mantle Challenge?
Who is the Challenge for?
It's for everyone! We want people who have faith, are looking for faith, struggling with faith, people who don't have faith, and those just looking for a challenge. We're raising money for the most professionally and technically proficient warfighters this world has ever seen who have sacrificed so much for this nation and continue to do so. When you show up you will be apart of a community that seeks to push each other to grow, to make our families stronger, our communities more resilient, and strengthen our nation by supporting and raising money for those who have sacrificed everything for us and our way of life and continue to do so.
Why is it called Take Up Your Mantle Challenge?
Why Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR)?
How does the Challenge work?
The way the Challenge works is each challenger will raise a min of $1-$X /mile by getting family and friends to sponsor them to help raise the money for each mile they complete. The challenger will then self-reflect on what has been talked about both in scripture and by the veterans present that day to help inspire & propel them through the event. After the event is over they're encouraged to share both the scripture and the stories of the veterans that were told that day and how it helped them during the challenge in hopes that it draws families and friends closer together, inspire others to come and take the challenge, and potentially find faith all while raising money for our nations best warriors.
The Inspiration Behind the Take Up Your Mantle TM
The Inspiration for our trademark came from our president shortly after his five day 114 mile journey across the state of CT on the New England Trail where he found God. This was his vision and rendition of the Armor of God and why we believe it is important for each person taking on this challenge in what it represents (read the full verse provided below this section): Helmet of Salvation- The cross represents our salvation through Jesus Christs sacrifice for humanity. The seven stars represent the seven churches diverse experiences and challenges faced by Christians across time from the time of the apostles to present with the importance of keeping in faithfulness, repentance, perseverance, and spiritual vigilance. Breastplate of Righteousness- Is to protects believers from evil and deception. The scales were used to represent God's divine judgment for us to not judge others knowing that we all face challenges and suffer and know that His judgement is just. For the believer it represents living in integrity and having the humility to know that we go through the same struggles as everyone else and it is not for us to judge as we also will be judged one day by God. The light emitting from the center is the Holy Spirit for those that have made Christ their Lord and Savior, teaching us each day how to be more like Christ and to be a light in the world for others meeting them where they are at as Christ did for us. Shoes (Gospel of Peace)- Since the feet couldn't be depicted in this image, in the shoulders we put doves which represents the Holy Spirit that's been given to believers with an olive branch to represent meeting people wherever they are at with the same peace and mercy that God has given to everyone of His disciples. The Belt of Truth- On the belt a pouch was put there in that not everyone can just cite the word of God so it seemed practical to put a pouch there for a bible so we're not relying on our own thoughts on God's understanding but using His words. The chains are symbolic and literal struggle of the spirit v. flesh. The chains being representative of the external and internal battles people face daily from fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, drugs, alcohol, sex, violence, greed, and everything in between. Christians are no more immune to these challenges and battles than everyone else and we understand that this is a lifelong battle and that we ourselves face daily will not come out unscathed. The only difference is we have God with us and wear his armor to help us in the fight and we want for others to have the same. Sword of the Spirit - Although not depicted in this image in the fuller of the sword where it's strength comes from our president had stated that on the edge of the sword it would be inscribed with fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Even more to add to that would be integrity, discipline, honor and courage. Shield of Faith - In the background of the shield is photo from our President's hike on Lamentation Mountain. Lamentation is a way to outwardly express deep sorrow and pain, whether it's over a personal loss, national tragedy, or spiritual struggle. It was on this day 87+ miles into his journey where he found God.
The Whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-22
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"Finally, be strong in the Lord an in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand Therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Trusted Partners
Guardian Academy, formally Guardian Fitness is the organization where our President started his personal journey to finding God and and where he developed the inspiration to start this incredible Non-Profit. Read more below for who they are or click here or to go directly to their webpage for info & services they provide.
Guardian Academy is a mentorship and coaching company dedicated to empowering young men and women to discover purpose, build resilience, and achieve personal excellence. Founded by Tyler Mace, whose experience as a United States Air Force Pararescueman inspired a passion for guiding others, Guardian Academy leverages accomplished mentors to provide transformative guidance rooted in real-world leadership and mental fortitude. Core Offerings: - One-on-one mentorship and monthly group sessions led by experienced coaches - Access to strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mental health support - An interactive, supportive community focused on mental preparation, leadership, and accountability Success is measured not just in numbers, but in life-changing outcomes—such as members achieving military selection, founding nonprofits, or completing major challenges like a 110-mile hike. Central to our approach is building genuine, trust-based relationships, ensuring mentees feel safe to be open and honest in their search for guidance. This trust-driven mentorship provides personalized support tailored to each participant’s goals and challenges.
Meet the Team
Hiking Views You'll Encounter
