Skip to content

USMC Memorial Foundation president invites Colorado to honor the fallen at birthday challenge

Paula Sarlls will spend her 77th birthday reading names of fallen service members at the Golden memorial, asking supporters to donate amounts ending in seven.

Print Save as PDF
Kim Monson Newsroom March 3, 2026
Listen to this article
0:00 / 0:00
Laramie Energy Proud Colorado Energy Producer Learn More →
Sponsor
Education Worth Believing In
Education Worth Believing In
Excalibur Classical Academy opens this fall in Centennial. K through 3 with 100% scholarship tuition, rooted in wisdom, virtue, and truth.
Discover a Better Beginning

The Kim Monson Community

Members get a front-row seat.

Live town halls with Kim’s guests are open to every member; classes are included with Monticello & Mount Vernon membership.

Become a Member

The Federalist Papers · Class 10

Federal Government and Taxes, Part 2

Part two on federal taxation: how state and federal taxing powers coexist, and the objections the Federalist answers.

with Allen Thomas · Instructor

Thursday, July 2 · 7:45 PM · Online

Monticello & Mount Vernon members

Purchase Membership Members attend →

GOLDEN

Paula Sarlls, president of the USMC Memorial Foundation, will mark her 77th birthday on March 14 by standing at the United States Marine Corps Memorial and reading the names of fallen service members from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

The event, called the President’s Birthday Challenge, carries what Sarlls describes as a “Power of Seven” theme. The number seven threads through several milestones in her life: her 77th birthday, her 57th wedding anniversary, 17 years since the passing of her husband Tony, who served from 1967 to 1971, and her 27th year of veteran advocacy.

“It’s my 77th birthday, my 57th wedding anniversary,” Sarlls told The Kim Monson Show. “It’s 17 years since my dear Tony passed, and so there’s a seven theme here.”

The challenge

Supporters are invited to donate an amount ending in seven: $7, $17, $27, $57, or $77. Donations can be made through the foundation’s birthday challenge page.

Throughout the day, Sarlls will read names of the fallen and share stories of the service members she has known or whose records the foundation preserves. The public is invited to visit the memorial, say the name of their hero, and share a sentence or two about that person’s service. Cupcakes and other festivities will mark the occasion.

Presented by Roger Mangan State Farm Insurance
Decades of Service: Roger Mangan, State Farm
After 16 years in education, Roger Mangan became a State Farm agent in 1976 and has served Colorado families ever since. His team creates personalized insurance plans and gives back through Wounded Warriors, Kiwanis, and local schools. That is what Good Neighbor Service looks like.
Meet Roger Mangan

“We’re inviting the public to come out and say the name of your hero and tell a sentence or two about what their service was or something important to you,” Sarlls said. “And to make a donation out there, and it’ll be fun.”

For those who cannot attend in person, the foundation will livestream the event on its Facebook page throughout the day.

Annual golf tournament returns in May

The foundation’s annual golf tournament is scheduled for May 14 at the Ridge at Castle Pines in Castle Rock. Early bird registration saves $50 per player, with individual golfer spots at $275 and foursomes at $1,100. Sponsorship and hole sponsorship opportunities are available. Registration is open at CharityGolfToday.com.

Membership
Keep Independent Voices on the Air
Kim buys her own airtime to keep this conversation honest. Your membership funds independent journalism that holds Colorado leaders accountable.
Become a Member Compare plans

“You save $50 per player by registering early, and we invite everyone to come out and register,” Sarlls said. “And then if you want to sponsor or buy a hole, that would be great, too.”

Event details

What: The President’s Birthday Challenge, The Power of Seven

When: March 14, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: United States Marine Corps Memorial, 16899 West Colfax Avenue, Golden, Colorado 80401

Donate: usmcmemorialfoundation.org

Website: usmcmemorialfoundation.org