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Day of giving, song release will take place on fallen Marine’s 45th birthday April 10, 2025 (Cape Cod, MA) – This Saturday, April 12th, Heroes In Transition (HIT) will pay tribute to Marine Captain Eric A. Jones on what would have been his 45th birthday. The Mashpee-based nonprofit will do so by holding the inaugural Captain Eric Jones Day intended to celebrate the late helicopter pilot’s life, service, and sacrifice. “In addition to being a devoted son, friend, and Marine, Eric made a profound impact through his military service and by paying the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and for our country,” said HIT Executive Director Silene Gordon. “We want to shine a light on the meaningful difference Eric made and the impact he is still making through HIT’s work by celebrating him on his birthday.” Cyndy Jones and her late husband Kenneth founded HIT following the death of Eric in October 2009 while he was flying a combat mission in Afghanistan. He was 29 when he died. Through HIT, Cyndy and Kenneth have worked to honor their only son through programs that assist service members, veterans, and their loved ones. As part of the day of giving, HIT is encouraging people to find ways to give back to the nonprofit through their time, talents, and treasure. Donations can be made to HIT on Captain Eric Jones Day at https://heroesintransition.org/ with funds going to support the organization’s mission to assist veterans, service members, and military families in the region through programs which build community, empower individuals, strengthen relationships, and serve as a pathway to healing. Last year, HIT served nearly 2,100 individuals through 15 programs that include equine therapy for veterans and military families; couples retreats; outings for military spouses; REBOOT and REGROUP which supports service members, veterans, and military spouses in embracing their health and wellness through mindfulness and self-care techniques; and more. With this being National Volunteer Month, HIT is also seeking volunteers to support its 10th Annual Ruck4HIT which will kick off on Friday, April 25 at Cape Cod Fairgrounds in Falmouth, and conclude roughly 36 hours later at the fairgrounds. Individuals interested in volunteering for the Ruck4HIT should email ruckvolunteers@heroesintransition.org. On April 12th, HIT will release a song, “4 Those Who Can’t”, which was created using AI by Andrew White, a certified personal trainer at Cape Cod Rehab in Mashpee. “I’ve helped out with the Ruck4HIT through Cape Cod Rehab and have always admired how much heart and dedication goes into the event,” said White. “The whole concept of carrying a weight for those who can’t really resonated with me and was a big part of the emotional tone behind the song. Every time I hear it, it moves me. I want it to be something people can work out to, ruck to, or just listen to when they need a reminder about strength, sacrifice, and unity.” The song will be shared on HIT’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels, and touches an emotional chord, connecting Eric Jones’s sacrifice with the upcoming Ruck4HIT, the longstanding motto of the relay run (4 Those Who Can’t), and the reason why so many participate in the grueling event — in honor of individuals who sacrifice so much for our country. PIXY 103 will be airing the song on its station this Sunday during its Homegrown Showcase from 7 pm to midnight. “Eric’s birthday is the perfect day to launch this song. It’s a beautiful way to honor Captain Jones, his memory, and to emphasize the work we’re doing at HIT ,” said Gordon. “Another way that people can help us celebrate Captain Eric Jones Day is to listen to the song and share it with their network.” White was inspired to create the song by his former Cape Cod Rehab colleague Meghan Keller, a combat Army veteran who recently joined HIT as its new fundraising and events manager. Two years ago, Keller helped design a training regimen at Cape Cod Rehab for Ruck4HIT participants which has continued to this day. Keller, who had served on HIT’s Board of Directors, also helped create the nonprofit’s most recent program, Fitness In Real Motion (FIRM), a free six-week fitness training workshop for service members and veterans. About Heroes In Transition (HIT) Founded in 2009 following the death of U.S. Marine Captain Eric A. Jones, Heroes In Transition (HIT) is now in its 16th year. The Mashpee-based nonprofit provides support to veterans, service members, and military families that is not readily available through other organizations. Its services include a Families In Transition (FIT) and veterans equine therapy program; financial assistance; fishing excursions; bimonthly outings for military couples; a REBOOT/REGROUP health and wellness program for veterans, service members, and spouses; and an annual Spring and Fall Couples Retreat. To learn more about HIT, visit www.heroesintransition.org.