Drexel Keynote | Memorial Day | Veterans Lounge

In celebration and remembrance of the lives sacrificed for our freedom this past Memorial Day weekend 2025, Charles Strange, President of the Michael Strange Foundation, spoke at Drexel University in Philadelphia. The event was sponsored by the Center for Military and Veterans Services (CMVS), the Military Transition Program, and the Office of Institutional Advancement (IA). The full event, including Charlie’s speech and additional details, can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/live/KIfzf1HBl2o.

Throughout the speech, Charlie shares stories about Michael, from his 25th birthday party to his recruitment into SEAL Team 6 and his work in Hawaii. Michael achieved the rank of E6 in less than four years and received numerous honors. Charlie discusses Michael’s time in Virginia Beach and mentions his missions around the world. Michael was the best of the best, a great friend to many, and always protected the underdog. Charlie recounts a story about Michael, just before the Osama bin Laden raid in Pakistan, when he called to say he was going dark for a significant mission. The last time Charlie and his family saw Michael was at a birthday party in June 2011, shortly after the raid, when Michael turned 25. Michael wasn’t his cheerful self; during that visit, he pulled his dad aside and said, “You’ll never believe what’s happening in our country.” Charlie continues Michael’s story, recalling the devastating knock on the door in August 2011, just two months later, informing him of Michael’s death. But, today, we celebrate Michael’s heavenly birthday, honor him legacy by listening to his warning, over a decade ago, just like Paul Revere, and recognize Charlie’s ongoing fight for transparency and accountability regarding the setup and shoot down of Extortion 17, featured in the upcoming documentary at ext17.com.

In his short 25 years, Michael accomplished more than most could hope to achieve in a lifetime. His memory endures, he will not be forgotten, and his Gold Star Dad continues to support other Gold Star families through the Michael Strange Foundation. A special thank you to Tom Masci, a dedicated friend of and donor to the Michael Strange Foundation, featured at the center of the photo during the opening of the Drexel Veterans Lounge.

Michael’s Story on ABC

ABC News attended the event at Drexel and featured the Michael Strange Foundation on TV. A Gold Star Sister, TaRhonda Thomas from ABC News Philadelphia filmed a special about the Michael Strange Foundation and Memorial Day 2025 for the full article and video visit here: https://6abc.com/amp/post/memorial-day-gold-star-father-honors-son-helps-other-families/16557171/

TaRhonda at ABC News covers Michael’s story, his awards, Extortion 17, and the ongoing work of the Michael Strange Foundation. She mentions the pain that never ends, the pain of being a Gold Star. As Charlie comforts her, as he does many Gold Stars, they reflect on the life of her brother Chief Warrant Officer 2 Terry Thomas, who perished in 2006. As Michael’s story continues to be shared through keynote addresses, local news outlets, Charlie’s book, and the upcoming documentary ext17.com we hope that more come to know and remember Michael.

Upcoming Events

Fishing Tournament for Gold Star to help the Michael Strange Foundation: https://michaelstrange.foundation/events/msf-fishing-tourney-nj/

Charles Strange to Keynote Speak at event in Mirabel, Quebec: https://michaelstrange.foundation/events/1603/

Visit our website michaelstrange.foundation