Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation Expands to Marco Island, Naples, and Collier County
If you were in attendance of the Marco Island Christmas Island Style Parade, you probably saw an unusual and interesting new addition in the shape of an 8 foot, 3 thousand pound, raw steel, artificial reef. This was a fun and soft introduction to the community, as this “new” foundation’s volunteers grabbed the crowd’s attention by dancing in Shark and Starfish costumes; and captured the “Most Humorous” category of the Christmas Island Style Parade.
The Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation, a veteran-run 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to honoring fallen warriors, is proud to announce its expansion into Marco Island, Naples, and Collier County, Florida, by mid-late of 2026. This marks the organization's second location, extending its unique mission of creating eternal, eco-friendly underwater memorials beyond its established operations in the Gulf of America, off Panama City Beach.
Founded by Joe Theodorou, a 29 year Navy veteran, and led alongside his wife, Vice President Gretchen Theodorou, the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation inters cremated remains of veterans and first responders in living artificial reefs. These memorials not only provide a dignified final resting place but also restore marine ecosystems by fostering habitats for sea life. With the motto "Honoring the Past, Restoring the Future," the foundation offers these interments at no cost to the fallen Warriors’ families, funded through sponsorships, grants, fundraisers, and generous donations.
Marco Island, Naples, and Collier County represent a natural second area for the foundation. Joe and Gretchen Theodorou are former residents of Marco Island, who chose to raise their son, surrounded by family and friends in this community, while Joe served several duty stations and numerous deployments abroad. Joe was later transferred to Panama City Beach Florida, where the Foundation began. Today, half of the foundation's board members call Marco Island home, making this expansion a true homecoming.
Since its inception, the foundation has achieved significant milestones, including the deployment of specialized reefs such as the Military Divers Memorial in partnership with the Man in the Sea Museum. It has honored heroes like Navy Chief Warrant Officer (ret.) Oscar
Westbrook, the first veteran interred- Vietnam Veteran Sergeant Tommy Mullis, and fallen firefighter Mark Randall Phillips through heartfelt burial-at-sea ceremonies attended by families, communities, and fellow service members. The organization also hosts impactful events like the Reels & Spears Gulf Classic fishing tournament to combat invasive lionfish, while raising funds for new reefs.
Home to more than 20,000 veterans, one of the highest concentrations in Florida, Collier County is widely recognized as the state's most veteran-friendly, supported by active organizations like the Collier County Veterans Council, dedicated veteran services, and initiatives such as the planned state veterans' home. The strong patriotic spirit of Marco Island and Naples, exemplified by Veterans Community Park and numerous community events, aligns perfectly with the foundation's vision of creating accessible, visitable memorials where families can dive, boat, or simply reflect on their loved ones' legacies.
"This expansion is a homecoming for us and allows us to serve more heroes in a region that truly embraces its veterans and first responders," said Joe Theodorou, Founder and President. "With a growing waiting list of families seeking this meaningful tribute, the veteran-rich communities of Marco Island, Naples, and Collier County make this the natural second home for our living reefs.”
Gretchen Theodorou remarked, ”We are very excited about the expansion into Collier County. This is a very special community which embraces and supports those that have served. We want to capture that spirit for our Fallen Veteran and First Responder Families, while also helping the area by replenishing the marine life.”
Artificial reefs in the Gulf of America, including those off Collier County, Florida, provide significant ecological and economic benefits by addressing the region's largely barren seafloor, which lacks extensive natural hard-bottom habitats. “Our steel reefs quickly attract biodiversity, creating complex habitats that support diverse marine life, including commercially and recreationally important species like snapper, grouper and amberjack,” stated Gretchen. Similar projects in southwest Florida have contributed hundreds of millions in economic impact annually, supporting jobs and coastal communities while providing accessible recreational opportunities in the Gulf's clear waters.
In tandem with this expansion, the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation will be launching a new fundraising effort at the beginning of 2026: $250k for America 250. This campaign aims to raise $250,000 to place more honorable fallen warriors in living memorials, including a special commemorative reef in each location (Panama City Beach and Southwest Florida) marking the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America in 2026. These America 250 reefs will serve as enduring tributes to our nation's history and the sacrifices of its warriors, set in the Gulf of America.
As an all-volunteer non-profit, the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation has no paid board members or staff, meaning that 100% of every donation goes directly toward the mission of building reefs, conducting ceremonies, and restoring marine habitats. Individuals and businesses can donate or sponsor a reef, with the opportunity to have their name etched on it as a lasting recognition of their support.
Your contributions, through the $250k for America 250 campaign, general donations, sponsorships, or volunteering, ensure that more heroes receive this dignified tribute at no cost to their families while healing the oceans they loved.
To learn more, donate, sponsor a reef, or get involved in $250k for America 250, visit www.warriormemorialreefs.org , visit their social media pages, or contact Joe or Gretchen Theodorou at 239-826-2009.