"Storm the Castle" FORTRESS Gala 2023

Over 120 guests danced the night away in the Howard Rock Ballroom of the beautiful Sheraton Hotel. We were blessed to have Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom as our guest speaker. She gave a wonderful speech, praising all of FORTRESS’ accomplishments in our first year. 

There were over 25 silent auction items available for bid and people were very generous with their purchases. We received items from Moose’s Tooth, Suite 100, Club Paris, Great Harvest, Alaska Provisions, TYR Tactical, Carl Smith Photography, Bosco’s Comics, Marc Cameron books, Dangerous But Good, APDEA and Wake Surf Big Lake. 

We appreciate all who attended, those who gave auction items, everyone who purchased tickets, and those who donated tickets so that SWAT members and their wives could attend for free. 

2023 Filth Festival at Arctic/Benson Park

FORTRESS coordinated a trash clean-up with members of the APD SWAT Team and students from West High School’s AFJROTC.

We spent hours cleaning up the entire block and removed over 20 full bags of garbage. We take pride in beautifying our neighborhoods. It is good to work shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow citizens who care about Anchorage. 

Thanks to Matson’s “Caring for Alaska” for sponsoring our efforts. They gave us vests, pickers, hand sanitizers and paid for some cool prizes for us to share with the participants. Also, Raising Cane’s donated some meal gift cards; Wendy’s donated gift cards; Subway of Alaska donated free Footlong cards; Alaska Sausage and Seafood gave us some delicious hunter sticks to snack on; Bill’s Distributers donated waters and energy drinks and Century 16 Movie Theater gave us some free movie passes. 

FORTRESS Film Festival

We had the chance to spoil some great kids from Spring Hill Elementary School. The second grade classes were welcomed to Century 16 theater by 11 SWAT Team members, including K9 Midas and K9 Rylin.
 
After checking out the two armored vehicles and asking a million questions, the kids came in from the unexpected snowfall to warm up. Each student received a yummy snack pack and then we watched the new “Super Mario Brothers” movie.
 
Because they were all so well behaved, each student received their very own plush “PK” lion mascot to take home. What a treat!
 
Huge thanks to AC4C for sponsoring this event along with some other wonderful members of the community who chipped in to make this all possible.

Mayor Dave Bronson and FORTRESS board members meet with APD SWAT team.

We were honored to have our Mayor Dave Bronson come out and support the APD SWAT team and our cause as we recognized some of our generous donors and gave some items to the Team members today.

We are proud to partner with Walmart and their associates for their Summer Safety Days

Special thanks to Katie, Brad, Matt and the Walmart Foundation for their generosity. They donated $10,000 to FORTRESS!

Officers brought the two SWAT Armored Vehicles: the Bear and the Bearcat. Kids were able to check out the inside of each and poke their heads out of the turret hatch to catch a glimpse of what it’s like to be a SWAT Operator.

Our board members handed out balloons, stickers, coasters, magnets and treats to community members who came by. The weather behaved for both days and we were able to greet families outside in the parking lots.

Walmart is a wonderful asset to Anchorage and we are honored to work with them. Their charitable giving never stops and we appreciate any chance to partner with such a beacon of generosity. Thank you, Walmart!

 

NuVision Federal Credit Union is making their mark on Anchorage!

NuVision had a customer appreciation event outside their Denali and 36th location. The weather was beautiful and tons of people showed up.

They had delicious food from Peppercini’s Deli, a photo booth from Photo Emporium, the band H3 played great music and Matanuska Brewing Company was pouring draft beer.

We met a lot of wonderful people and NuVision gave us a $1500 grant check! It’s so nice to know that the community supports FORTRESS. And we appreciate them beyond measure. Thank you, NuVision!

 

FORTRESS was a Crowd Pleaser at Alaska Rubber & Rigging Supply

We enjoyed a bluebird day at Alaska Rubber Supply’s recent Customer Appreciation Event. Both the Bear and the Bearcat were present for people to check out and explore. We handed out stickers and balloons while families enjoyed delicious food and free ice cream, all courtesy of Mike Mortensen and his team. 

SWAT K9 Officer Tulip and Rylin gave a thrilling demonstration. The crowd was impressed by her focus and obedience. 

Retired SWAT Team Leader Chris Sims came by for some quick hugs. We wish him and his wife well as they travel around the state. 

 

TRASH CLEAN UP-“Fortress Filth Festival”

“The Siege” 2022 CrossFit Competition

John & Erika Whittington, owners of CrossFit Iron Refined in Eagle River, Alaska, hosted the most intense, inspiring and well-organized athletic event we’ve ever seen. Two teams of SWAT Operators competed against super athletes from 6 other teams: 

CrossFit Iron Refined

CrossFit Alaska

CrossFit Northern Exposure

Turnagain CrossFit

Anchorage Fire Fighters

And an all-girls team called Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

All eight teams battled valiantly to claim the throne. These amazing athletes stormed the grounds and gave their all. In the end, it was the new “Queens of the Castle” who vanquished their foes and took home the crowns. 

Over $7,000 was raised for FORTRESS and we appreciate all the sponsors, donors, volunteers and judges who made this event such a success. 

*Photos courtesy of Dr. Becca Fidler of Turnagain CrossFit*