When a service member makes the ultimate sacrifice, their legacy lives on in the children they leave behind.
DONATE TO THE MISSION
Active Valor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID: 82-1739736
OUR VALOR ADVENTURES PROGRAM
Ongoing, One-to-One Mentorship
Impact: Mentorship builds lasting bonds, trust, and emotional stability.
Mission-Based Adventures and Challenges
Impact: Develops confidence, resilience, and teamwork through shared accomplishment.
Leadership and Life Skills Development
Impact: Prepares children with practical skills and mindset for lifelong success.
Restoring Purpose and Community Connection
Impact: Strengthens identity, purpose, and community for both mentor and mentee.
A Powerful Mission
Active Valor is a combat veteran–run 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in San Diego, California, created to honor that legacy by building lifelong bonds between veterans and Gold Star Children — the sons and daughters of our nation’s fallen heroes.
For many veterans, the end of military service can mean the loss of a clear mission, a team, and a sense of purpose. For many Gold Star Children, it can mean the loss of guidance, mentorship, and someone who truly understands sacrifice.
Through our flagship program, Valor Adventures, we bring these two together.
For the GOLD STAR child, it’s guidance.
For the veteran, it’s renewed mission.
For both, it’s lasting impact.
Years Established
GOLD STAR FAMILIES SERVED
OUR JOURNEY SO FAR
VALOR ADVENTURES 13: DINO QUEST
Our October Adventure is our most elaborate and ornate adventure of the year, and 2024 was no different. We rolled out as much fanfare for our paleolithic friends as possible! After all, how many times in your life are you given a chance to battle with T-Rexes, Raptors, and security forces to save the day?
VALOR ADVENTURES 12: VALOR GAMES
This year, we hosted it at Mission Hills High School and chose the hottest day of the year to do so. It added an extra element of competition, as each team had to endure not only cardio-centric games, but a level of heat intensity to up the competition! Luckily for us, all of our teams are extremely competitive and…
VALOR ADVENTURES 11: FREEDOM FAIRWAYS
We took a new approach on our Father’s Day Adventure this year, having spent the last few on different football fields. We traded the artificial turf in for the fairway at The Rancho Bernardo Inn and Golf Course. This adventure expanded our imaginations, and was heavily influenced by how…
10 YEARS OF BUILDING TOGETHER
We have dedicated this past decade to bringing the Gold Star and veteran communities together for one mission: community. This year, we get to celebrate 10 years of adventures together. Of growing and experiencing some of life’s biggest moments as a family. Those that joined our program at 4 are now 14. There is a lot of life that happens between those two ages, and we are honored to be a witness to the growth and development of relationships that make those years meaningful.
MENTORED YOUTH ARE:
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55% more likely to enroll in college
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52% less likely to skip school
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81% more likely to participate in extracurricular activities
A Few Things About Us
Have a question about our programs or who we are? Check out our most commonly asked questions and get to know us a little bit better.
Who is Valor Adventures for?
Valor Adventures is for children who have lost an active duty parent overseas in combat, due to service related injuries, or to PTSD related suicide. Our program also involves Gold Star spouses and veteran mentors.
Who started Active Valor?
Active Valor was founded by Perry Yee, a combat veteran and former Navy SEAL. After facing the challenge s of transitioning to civilian life himself, Perry recognized the loss of purpose many veterans experience when their service ends. Driven to create a meaningful new mission, he and his wife founded Active Valor in 2016 to reconnect veterans with purpose by serving as mentors and role models to Gold Star children, bridging the gap between those who have served and the families who have sacrificed so much.
How do I become a mentor?
All of our mentors must go through a vetting process, including an interview, background check, and submission of a DD 214. Mentorship is an ongoing committment, as we try to keep all mentors and their mentees paired for as long as possible! If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, please visit our Valor Adventures page.
How do I join as a Gold Star Family?
Our Valor Adventures program has gained a lot of interest over the years, and although we would love to include every family possible, we are limited in resources. If you are a Gold Star family within San Diego or the surrounding area, please fill out a contact form so we can add you to our waitlist!
Where is Active Valor located?
Active Valor operates throughout San Diego, California. All events are held in different locations throughout San Diego County and surrounding areas. While some Gold Star families voluntarily travel to San Diego to attend our events, we are currently only operating in California.
I am interested in getting my company involved. What can I do?
We are only able to continue this important work from people and companies donating to our mission! We welcome all donations, company involvement, and fundraising that goes directly to our mission. Companies have held their own Golf Tournaments, written letters to our communities, fundraised, and become Corporate Sponsors. Please head to our donation page to see all the different ways to give!
What is the Active Valor Club?
The Active Valor Club is a local high school club started by the Gold Star children in our program. They hand-pack custom care packages to troops overseas, fundraise to fill packages, and hold donation drives to collect items and letters. Donations made to our Care Package program goes directly towards creating care packages and postage for shipping overseas.
#BECOMETHEIMPACT
“One year ago, we drove 500 miles, and showed up to an event for my son and didn’t really know what to expect. Needless to say, the dream team was born. Thank you so much for making this weekend so full of joy for my son and for giving your time so selflessly, and being a man he can bond to, trust in, count on, and for helping to fill in the gaps.”
“It has truly been an honor to become part of the Active Valor family. I cannot thank you enough for putting purpose back into my life. It has inspired me in so many ways and I am forever thankful.”
OUR BIGGEST SUPPORTERS
