What We Do

Build Character while Having Fun!

Our class is a little different than a traditional class with a mixture of ages and families coming together to learn Seven (7) powerful words, about ordinary people (not just Veterans) who became heroes and how their different “characters” handled certain very serious situations, how their lives changed and what they do still helping, saving and changing lives with good character!

Graduation Time - Hard work & Fun pays off!

Since 2014 after nearly missing the chance to accept her Dad’s Congressional Medal of Honor from President Obama in the 2nd largest Medal of Honor Ceremony in the White House as part of The Valor 24, Shyrell Copas, only child of Sgt. Ardie Ray Copas, has led the effort to permanently add the Character Development Program to communities around the country. She has been at the forefront of Ardies’ amazing Mission bringing it to communities across the country for all to experience.

Our Mission

To fight for and help house, feed, clothe, educate, employ, comfort, counsel, assist the household and save the lives of the under-privileged, traumatized, grieving families and individuals of the community so no person is ever fighting for themselves by themselves in the midst of trauma causing life-changing instability without a fighting chance through Ardies’ Mission Character Development Group. We feel learning these seven (7) words will teach all ages of the community to learn RESPECT for themselves and each other and help their community be a better safer place.

“Ardies’ Mission and Shyrell have helped me and my sons much more than I can ever explain. I appreciate her and what she’s doing for the community in her Dad’s name more than ever! They inspire everyone to care for the community and be a good person.”

— John France

What We’ve Achieved - So far…with much more to go!

Community Assistance -

  • Provided over 100 Character Development Certificates.

  • Provide Community Service hours for High School Students and others providing much needed community assistance - double accomplishment.

  • Assisted participants receive eye exams and glasses along with prescription assistance.

  • Assisted families with utility assistance & rent.

  • Provided bottled water, paper products and food/snacks after Hurricane Ian.

Learning together, HELPING each other

Veteran Assistance -

  • Home visits and assistance to disabled elderly Veterans.

  • Medical equipment and devices to disabled elderly Veterans.

  • Rent assistance to disabled elderly Veterans.

  • Moving assistance to Veterans.

  • Rides to the VA and other Dr. appointments for Veterans so they do not spend an entire day on a VA bus for a simple appointment.

  • ALL types of assistance to disabled elderly Veterans.