Officer Jessica “Jess” Kramer
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Heroes vs Homefront – $25,000
As a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office police officer and new mother, Officer Jessica Kramer has dedicated her career to serving and protecting others. In 2026, her family faced an unimaginable challenge when Jess was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her diagnosis brought more than a medical battle, it created financial uncertainty, interrupted family plans, and required both Jess and her husband, Matt, to miss work while navigating treatment and recovery.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, Jess has faced every obstacle with remarkable courage, leaning on her faith, her family, and the support of her community.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
Our $25,000 commitment has helped ease the financial burden of Jess’s cancer journey by providing a specialized medical bed, mortgage assistance, uncovered medical procedures, prescription costs, and other unforeseen expenses resulting from lost income during treatment. Our support allows Jess and Matt to focus on what matters most, her healing and their family while reminding them they are not facing this battle alone.
Officer Tim Stafford
Atlantic Beach Police Department
Heroes vs Homefront – $7,500
Officer Tim Stafford dedicated over 30 years to law enforcement service. In June 2022, he was violently attacked while responding to a call, sustaining life-altering head and facial injuries that forced early retirement.
Despite immense trauma, Officer Stafford chose forgiveness—publicly extending compassion to his attacker and becoming a symbol of grace and resilience within the Atlantic Beach community.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
Our $7,500 donation helped offset medical expenses and supported his family during recovery and transition, honoring a lifetime of service with tangible support.
Officer Jennifer “Jenny” Johnson
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Heroes vs Homefront – $12,000
In February 2023, Officer Johnson was brutally assaulted while responding to a routine call, suffering severe facial fractures and traumatic injuries. Her courage and determination through recovery earned her the Purple Heart Medal.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
Our $12,000 contribution supported medical care, rehabilitation, and family needs—ensuring Officer Johnson could focus on healing while surrounded by community support.
Officer Malik Daricaud
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Heroes vs Homefront – $10,000
Officer Daricaud was critically injured during a follow-up investigation in 2023, sustaining a spinal cord injury that required nearly 400 days of intensive rehabilitation.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
Our donation assisted with ongoing medical and rehabilitation costs as Officer Daricaud continues his recovery and service in a support role—an embodiment of perseverance and courage.
Engineer Jason “Woody” Woodruff
Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department
Heroes vs Homefront – $30,000
Jason Woodruff served Jacksonville for 11 years before losing his life to job-related brain cancer—officially recognized as a line-of-duty death. His passing left a profound void for his family and fellow firefighters.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
Our $30,000 donation provided immediate family support and honored Jason’s legacy of service, compassion, and sacrifice.
William “Liam” Ander Mroz Mathews
Fletcher High School
Annual Scholarship – $7,500
Liam Mathews was a beloved student-athlete whose life was tragically cut short in 2024. Known for his faith, leadership, and sportsmanship, Liam left a lasting mark on his school and community.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
We established a $7,500 annual scholarship in Liam’s name, ensuring his legacy continues by supporting future student-athletes who reflect his values.
Ben & Lauren Gatewood
Christmas Cup Recipients – $10,000
In 2025, the Gatewood family lost their home in a devastating fire caused by a recalled vehicle. With an infant and a medically vulnerable family member, they were left with nothing but the clothes they wore.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
Our donation helped provide immediate necessities—housing, clothing, food—during an overwhelming and uncertain recovery period.
Officer Adam “A.C.” Gaulding
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Heroes vs Homefront – $10,000
Shot during a traffic stop in 2025, Officer Gaulding’s actions prevented further violence and protected the public.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
Our support assisted with medical recovery and reinforced our commitment to first responders injured while serving others.
Fire Engineer Chris Knoff
Clay County Fire Rescue
Heroes vs Homefront – $7,500
Chris Knoff has endured a decade-long battle with a rare kidney disease, including three transplants and ongoing dialysis, all while serving his community as a firefighter.
Jax Freebirds Impact:
Our donation helped offset lost income, medical costs, and daily living expenses—allowing Chris and his family to focus on health and new parenthood.
Why Sponsors Partner With Us
- Transparent giving — donations go directly to families in need
- Immediate impact — funds deployed when they matter most
- Community trust — recognized and supported by local agencies
- Lasting legacy — scholarships and memorial funds that endure
- When sponsors partner with Jax Freebirds, they’re not just funding events—they’re changing lives.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a donor, sponsor, volunteer, or community partner—there is a place for you at Jax Freebirds.
Together, we turn compassion into action.