On August 6, 2011, a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter started its landing approach in Afghanistan. 

The helicopter, Extortion 17, would never make its landing and it would never return home. 

The helicopter was brought down to the ground by enemy fire, killing everyone on board.

30 Americans and 1 American service dog perished instantly.

This catastrophic moment is the greatest loss of American life in a single incident in the Afghan war. 

On August 7, 2021,  Honor Foundation Alumni Chris Norris will pay tribute to his friend and others who were lost in the tragic crash of Extortion 17. Chris will challenge his mental and physical limits on behalf of The Honor Foundation (THF) by completing a grueling 31-mile run around Lake Towada, in the Hakkōda mountains of Japan.

"My deepest connection is with Thomas "Rat" Ratzlaff. I knew Rat from our time going through the selection and training process (2003) with NSWDG. He was the best of what Special Warfare is, a family man, a deeply loyal patriot, a teammate, and a friend." Chris Norris- THF Alumni

Chris Norris is from Albany, NY. Married with two daughters, currently living in Japan. Joined the Navy in '97, served with CNSWDG from '00-'11 as a direct combat support technician in support of ground and maritime mobility operations. Chris is a Navy Chief set to transition from active duty to civilian life in the fall of '21. He plans to pursue social work, wellness practices, and human performance optimization while living in Thailand. 

THF is the premier transition Institute that successfully prepares the SOF community for new careers. THF's current physical infrastructure supports a fraction of the transitioning Special Operations enterprise. THF must continue to grow financial resources in order to expand the program to meet the needs of the entire Force. 

THF needs your help!!! 100% of donations will support the expansion of physical and virtual campuses to reach Special Operations members across the nation. Your donation is an opportunity to support our heroes and their families. 

Donate above today, or begin a fundraising campaign of your own by selecting a goal below!!