Mokena Veteran's Nonprofit To Reunite Combat Veterans At Clay Shooting Competition

MOKENA, IL — A Mokena man and former Marine sniper has set his sights on reuniting combat veterans in an effort to prevent veteran suicide.

Mike Mendoza, who was deployed multiple times throughout 10 years as a sniper and reconnaissance Marine, established Military Reunion Foundation in July 2024 as a way to reunite men and women who served in combat together.

A clay shooting competition organized by the foundation and set for Saturday, July 26 at Frankfort Sportsman Club, 8200 W. 191st St., is expected to have at least 25 veterans in attendance. It's open to families and the community, with up to 100 total currently estimated to attend.

"Our mission is rooted in connection, healing, and preventing veteran suicide through meaningful reunions," Mendoza described. "We reunite these warriors who live nationwide. We have reunited warriors anywhere from California to Maine/Oregon to Florida. ... It's a form of healing and closure. There are no other foundations currently helping reunite specific men and women."

The July 26 event will be the 501c3 organization's third to-date. At its first reunion, the organization reunited 32 Marines from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, who fought in the battle of Fallaujah 20 years ago, Mendoza said.

"This was a turning point for Fallaujah and the men of 1st Recon Battalion," Mendoza said. "It was the one of the bloodiest battles since the war on terror."

The group reunited on April 7, 2024—the 20th anniversary of the battle. Gold Star parents were also in attendance, Mendoza said.

In May 2025, the foundation coordinated the reunion of 30 soldiers from Able Company 9th Infantry. The veterans were deployed to Afghanistan, and were reunited in Texas, Mendoza said.

Upcoming reunion efforts include events in Maine, Chicago and Wyoming.

The Mokena event will bring Mendoza with Eddie Wright, a Marine he served alongside. Wright and Mendoza served together in Iraq with the 1st. Reconnaissance Battalion.

"Eddie and I were engaged with the enemy during the ambush of April 7 where Eddie took an RPG to the chest and exploded," Mendoza said. "Eddie suffered the loss of both of his arms, a ripped open femur, major loss of blood, and more."

Wright will be the event's guest of honor, where he plans to shoot without any arms.

"It's something very cool and special to see," Mendoza said.

Mendoza's efforts with the foundation are rooted in his own combat experience.

During a 2004 deployment, Mendoza was awarded the Navy Cross—the nation's second-highest award, second to the Medal of Honor.

While on a sniper mission during a 2006 deployment, Mendoza was critically injured when a hand grenade landed near him. The grenade hit his chest, sending shrapnel into his lungs, stomach and small intestines.

The foundation is meant to bring peace and closure to those who have experienced combat together.

"This organization doesn't just reunite men and women—it is closure as one last mission after a tragic event for fighting for our nation," Mendoza said.

The clay shooting competition will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 26. Registration for shooters is $200, and includes lunch and beverages, 50 shells, 50 clays, and 1 raffle tickets. Those looking to spectate can purchase a ticket for $35, which covers the cost of lunch. Registration and ticket purchase are available online, and can also be completed the day-of, Mendoza said. All proceeds go to the foundation.

"This event is a great opportunity for our local community to come together in support of our veterans," Mendoza said. "Many participants will include local veterans and their families, as well as non-military folk. We welcome more to attend and come have fun."