Strength in Community, Courage in Conversation

A man with glasses and a green jacket raises his right hand over his heart during a patriotic event. Behind him, other individuals also have their right hands over their hearts in a stance of respect, with their eyes closed or looking down. A woman with blond hair and dark clothing stands next to him, also with her hand over her heart. The background shows a building and a crowd of people. There is a circular badge in the bottom right corner that reads "MILITARY Friends" with the phrase "All Gave Some, Some Gave All."

In Memoriam,

Joshua Owen Tipton, of Warwick, RI and formerly of Falmouth, MA, passed away on July 5, 2023.

Joshua, born and raised in Falmouth, an FHS graduate (2011), enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving in a combat arms unit. Exiting the military, Joshua was employed at Falmouth Hospital as a security guard.

He loved helping others, all things tanks, and his family, but his greatest accomplishment was his daughter, Iris. His favorite hobby was making people laugh, his wit, sarcasm, and smile brought those in his presence to a place of ease and comfort.

Joshua is survived by the light of his life, daughter Iris Victoria Tipton, his beloved mother Marlene Braga, devoted father Owen Tipton (Joan Tipton), best friend and sister Amanda Braga-Tipton (Conor White), his brother from another mother Matthew Romiza, many aunts, uncles, cousins, a host of brothers-in-arms, friends and colleagues.

Please, in Joshua’s honor reach out to your loved ones, your battle buddies and your friends. Ensure that those around you win the war they tell no one about.

A smiling man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a white shirt, at an indoor event.

Honoring: Joshua Owen Tipton

Driven by passion

Our mission is to strengthen veterans, first responders, and their families through community, compassion, and presence. We create space for honest, life-saving conversations, walk alongside those navigating grief and transition, and honor service through acts of care, reflection, and connection.

Through advocacy, spiritual and emotional support, and community driven action, we work to ensure no one carries the weight of service or loss alone and to build places of rest, healing, and belonging for those who have given so much.

A group of diverse people, including veterans in uniform, civilians, and a young girl, standing outdoors on a cloudy day at a patriotic event. They are posing with American flags near a sports field.
Group of six people, four standing and two lying on the grass, at an outdoor booth. The booth displays T-shirts, a large photo on an easel, and a banner reading 'Joshi's Boots.' One person is wearing a medal, and another has a race bib. The booth has
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A Letter From The Founder

I stood in my brothers' bedroom less than 24 hours after he took his final breath in that very spot. Its not something you can articulate with words very well, my head was filled with so many questions and yet felt empty, my body felt heavy and my soul as if it had been smashed into thousands of pieces. I couldn't take my eyes off of his boots, his Tanker Boots that stood on display, almost as if they were proud. I picked them up and in my head I said, I will one day start something to honor Josh, to honor all who have served, all who have worn a uniform of sacrifice and it will be called Josh's Boots.

You see those boots told a story, they told of where he had been, the journey there and back. The stains told of what he had encountered, the spills along the way, the accidents. The soles were worn down in certain areas because of his step and the pressure he carried.

All of us can identify with Josh's Boots, we each have a journey, have each encountered mishaps and we each have our honor all who have served, all who have worn a uniform of sacrifice and it will be called Josh's Boots. You see those boots told a story, they told of where he had been, the journey there and back.

The stains told of what he had encountered, the spills along the way, the accidents. The soles were worn down in certain areas because of his step and the pressure he carried. All of us can identify with Josh's Boots, we each have a journey, have each encountered mishaps and we each have our own stride and foot print we leave for others to see. Lets keep moving forward, honoring those who fought as hard and as long as they could in their journeys, let us honor second chance we have been given to continue, and let us extend our hands into the darkness where others wait for the light we carry.

So others may live,

Amanda Braga-Tipton | President and Founder

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Letters of Love

Dear Sons and Daughters,You Are A Masterpiece of God,You Are A Light , You Are Needed, You Are A Gift, You Matter, You Are Loved…

From a Mother that Longs to Hold Her Son.

Josh’s Mother Marlene Braga

The pain of the loss of a child will never go away. You just have to learn how to live with it. You will always remember that day when the police department calls you and want to meet to talk to you and the first words you hear are is Joshua Tipton your son you automatically go into a state of shock you know what's coming next is bad. All you can do is hope and pray something else

happened when you lose a child the pain is incredible. You lose faith and religion you lose who you are-and you really don't want to go on anymore, but something makes you keep on going just hoping for that day, that God calls you and you get to see your son. Love and miss him every day!

Josh’s Father Owen Tipton

“The strongest people are not those who stand alone, but those who stand together.”