Honoring the Service of Our Nation’s Heroes
Making a Difference in the Lives of Others
The Owens Family
Joel and Jolene Owens live in Sunfish Lake, Minnesota, and have four sons: Anthony, Nicholas, Charlie, and Christopher. The family founded the 1776 Owens Foundation in 2023, after sponsoring a large Fireworks Display every Independence Day for 20 years, then donating all the funds raised to the needs of military veterans and their families. They decided to formally build a non-profit 501(c)(3), to provide more events and gain a better reach to properly honor the sacrifice and service of not only vets, but also police and firefighters.
“Heroism need not seem rare, and requires a greater emphasis as we mentor our youth and the generations that will soon run this country to preserve the heritage that’s been so carefully built and fought for. Beyond a simple July 4 event every year, raising a nominal amount and having a small impact, we believe that now is the time to expand our reach, grow our programs and encourage participation from all Americans – especially our youth.”
Joel & Jolene Owens
Joel grew up in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and graduated high school in 1989 and then joined the US Air Force and served overseas in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Following his active duty in 1992, Joel got into the data center hardware and support industry and has subsequently started many computer-related services companies along with other hockey training companies. He describes himself as a lifelong patriot and defender of the US Constitution.
Click Here for Joel Owens’ LinkedIn
Jolene grew up in Waterville, Minnesota. She has been and continues to serve as a dental hygienist; however, believes her greatest contributions have been as a mother instilling the values lived out by her family on a day-to-day basis. She knows her family is meant to serve while each of them exudes integrity, honor, respect, and a drive to make a difference by helping others.
A Legacy Carried Forward
We are proud to share that our own Charles (Chuck) Owens earned his title as a United States Marine.
"Today at 0757 hours Pacific Standard Time, the Recruits of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Graduating Class of 12 December 2025, completed the Crucible, received their Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and were officially granted the title of United States Marines."
Chuck enlisted September 12, 2025, and completed boot camp in December, 2025. He then completed Infantry School in May and earned the title of 0331 Machine Gunner.
Chuck was selected for Special Duty assignment within the Security Forces and starts training on June 29th, 2026, at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, VA. Once completed, Chuck will then report to Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Yorktown, VA, for continued training within the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST), where he will be trained and then deployed within the Global Theatre.
In Memory of Leslie Roppe
Joel's grandfather, Sergeant Leslie "Les" Roppe, was born December 27, 1919, in Winter, Wisconsin, to Peter and Theresa Roppe.
After high school and a few years of college, Les entered the United States Army on November 5, 1941, and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on October 27, 1945.
While stationed at Camp Stewart in Hinesville, Georgia, Les married Audrey Guggemos on March 27, 1942. Together they built a life back home in Birchwood, Wisconsin.
Following his service, Les spent 33 years as a rural mail carrier and postmaster for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1986.
When he passed on October 8, 2010, Les was honored with full military rites performed by the Birchwood American Legion, a fitting tribute to a life shaped by quiet service, both in uniform and at home.
His legacy of duty and dedication lives on in the family he built, and in the mission our foundation carries forward today.
In Memory of Douglas Hermel
Jolene's father, Douglas "Doug" Hermel, was born March 15, 1951, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Leonard and Agatha Hermel.
He grew up in Waterville, and after graduating high school, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country overseas in Vietnam.
Upon returning home, Doug married and raised three daughters, including Jolene. He farmed near Waterville alongside his brother for most of his life, and remained a proud member of the Waterville VFW.
Doug passed away on November 24, 2015, at age 64. His service, and the steady, hardworking life he built afterward, helped shape the values that carry on through our family today.
The 1776 Owens Foundation
We chose to add “1776” to our organization’s name as this year is the most important in our nation’s history and integral to the very definition of who we are, from where we came, and the important standards each of us must be held to – but then can also rely upon. This year stands as a tribute to our Founding Fathers and their families. This year represents the beginning of American courage and American heroism.
Foundation Objectives
Build creative and honor-based programs to recognize service, courage, and sacrifice
Encourage participation/donation from all generations – especially our youth
Honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military, our police, and our firefighters
Continue to find creative means to reach the most critical needs of those who have served
Be ready for and focused on the needs of current heroes and their families
Our Mission
The 1776 Owens Foundation is deeply committed to demonstrating gratitude and respect for our country's military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters and their families. Through special events and programs, we will be reminding our communities of those who sacrifice to safeguard and protect the liberties granted the citizens of our great country. Our events and programs will be rooted in fundraising activities so that our board can carefully select or build programs that will have the greatest impact on those who have served - and earned - the respect of all Americans.
All website visitors are encouraged to bookmark this website, especially the events page, and know that we’ll soon have Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn business profiles to more easily follow and be aware of upcoming events and opportunities to directly participate and/or donate.
As a 501(c)(3), all donations are tax deductible. Click the button below to donate now!