Damian Garcia created Esprit De Corps Foundation because he understands what it feels like to lose purpose after leaving the military. When he came home from the Army, the sense of unity, structure, and belonging that once defined his life was gone. He saw other veterans facing the same struggle, trying to find connection in a world that rarely understands the military experience.

Every year, Damian and his friends came together to complete the Murph Challenge. It started as a way to stay connected, but it became something much deeper. It reminded them of who they were, what they stood for, and how powerful it feels to push through something difficult as a team. The Murph became more than a workout. It became a symbol of grit, sacrifice, and brotherhood — and eventually, the heart behind the foundation itself.

Esprit De Corps Foundation was born from that same spirit. It exists to rebuild the sense of community and belonging that service members, veterans, and their families deserve. The organization is creating Chicago’s first Veteran Recreation and Reintegration Center, a space that brings together fitness, wellness, leadership, and purpose under one roof.

The foundation’s goal is to partner with other veteran organizations, universities, and community programs to create a shared home base where collaboration happens daily. Together, they will provide mental health support, family programs, leadership development, and a place to train, connect, and grow.

The MURPH Festival now serves as the flagship annual event that brings all of this to life. It honors those who served, builds camaraderie among veterans and civilians, and raises awareness for the future center. It stands as proof of what is possible when people come together for a common purpose — to serve, to grow, and to build something that will outlast all of us.

Esprit De Corps Foundation is more than a nonprofit. It is a movement to restore purpose, unity, and the spirit of service in every generation that follows.

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