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OUR HISTORY

In 1998, two United States Capitol Police officers, Officer Jacob “JJ” Chestnut and Detective John Gibson, were killed in the line of duty protecting Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and visitors from a lone gunman in our nation’s Capitol.

Following the tragedy, Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi led an effort to recognize the two officers’ sacrifice and lend support to the families they left behind. His work eventually gave rise to the Charity Football Game and raised money to honor and support the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and to support the families of fallen officers through the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund. In the years that followed, former Washington Redskins linebacker and Pro-Bowler Ken Harvey and former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback John Booty joined the effort by coaching, playing, and organizing what is now one of the largest Congressional sporting events of the year.

Initially a biannual event, the now annual showdown features Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and former NFL players (the “Mean Machine”) versus members of the U.S. Capitol Police (the “Guards”). Not only does this family-friendly event include entertainment and spirited competition, it also brings together Congressional and law enforcement communities to support several worthy causes.

charity

Since its inception in 2004, the Game has awarded nearly $4.5 million to our charity partners: The U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund, A Advantage 4 Kids, Our Military Kids, and the Boys & Girls Club of America.

THE U.S. CAPITOL POLICE MEMORIAL FUND

Congress established the United States Capitol Police (USCP) Memorial Fund to financially support families of USCP officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty after the 1998 tragedy. After the 2017 Congressional baseball shooting in 2017, lawmakers expanded the Memorial Fund to further support employees who sustained serious line-of-duty injuries, as well as families of employees killed in the line of duty.

Over our nearly 20-year history, our charity network has grown from one sole recipient to four.

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OUR MILITARY KIDS

Our Military Kids (OMK) recognizes the sacrifices of children and teens of deployed National Guard, Reserve, and post-9/11 combat-injured service members and Veterans. Through extracurricular activity grants, OMK helps children and teens build self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community. Since 2004, Our Military Kids has proudly provided more than 80,000 activity grants worth $31 million to children and teens across the country.

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A ADVANTAGE 4 KIDS

A Advantage 4 Kids is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that raises funds to benefit individuals and families, especially children and youth, with special needs. A Advantage 4 Kids places special emphasis on those warranting quality of life assistance such as medical, educational, and/or housing assistance.

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF AMERICA

The Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) empowers our nation’s youth, especially those in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. This world class “Club Experience” aims for successful high school graduation, providing a path for the future and guidance on maintaining good character and healthy lifestyles.

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TESTIMONIALS

“My family is so thankful and blessed for all the contributors that made the memorial fund possible. Their generosity gave my family the peace of mind after such a traumatic event. The majority of my household income came from my time spent working on the road working with DPD. The provided funds made a huge impact on relieving the financial burden we would have faced while helping me focus on healing so I could return to work. We were given the titles of heroes, however those who helped us make our lives normal again are the everyday heroes.”

SPECIAL AGENT CRYSTAL GRINER,  UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE

“I have the deepest appreciation for the Capitol Police Memorial fund. Back in 2017 when I suffered the injuries from the ballpark shooting, I was out from work for about nine-months. I wasn’t able to fulfill my duties as a Special Agent on the Dignitary Protection Division, so I did not receive overtime pay. It was the Capitol Police Memorial fund that helped fill that void to help my family survive while I was recovering. If it wasn’t for the Memorial Fund I wouldn’t have a peace of mind knowing that my family would survive.”

Special agent David Bailey United States Capitol Police

“On behalf of the entire Sicknick family, we wish to express our profound gratitude to the USCP Memorial Fund. In the year and a half since we tragically lost Brian in the line of duty, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, love and assistance from the entire USCP family. This especially includes the USCP Memorial Fund. The USCP Memorial Fund is a critical source of assistance to USCP officers and their families in a time of both tragedy and need. The Fund stands as a reminder to all of our dedicated and heroic USCP officers that they and their families are not forgotten and that they are backed by people who care about the daily risks they take and the sacrifices they may endure. We would like to express our deepest thanks to those who have supported the Fund over the years and humbly ask that you consider supporting this vital Fund both now and in the future. We pray that no USCP family will have need of the Fund in the future but realize that unfortunately the risks are always there. It is our hope that support for this effort stands as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices of our son as well as the other USCP officers who were tragically taken from us far too early and gives some measure of comfort to their families. With our sincerest gratitude and best wishes.”

CHARLES & GLADYS SICKNICK

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the 2024 game roster

TEAM CAPTAINS

Larry Bell | Jim Davis | Chad Nieto | Ron Potter

PARTICIPATING OFFICERS

COACHES

Jim Davis | Ron Potter

TEAM CAPTAINS

Rick Crawford (R-AR) | Jimmy Panetta (D-CA)

PARTICIPATING MEMBERS

COACHES AND NFL LEGENDS

John Booty | Ken Harvey

NFL LEGENDS & MEAN MACHINES COACHES

Coach John Booty

John Booty is a former NFL Defensive Back. He was drafted in the 10th round, 257th pick overall in the 1988 draft. John played eight seasons from 1988-1995 for five teams—the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Phoenix Cardinals, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Coach Ken Harvey

Ken Harvey grew up in Austin, Texas. Shortly after attending U.C. Berkeley, he was selected in the first round with the 12th overall pick of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.