Giving Back, Never Giving Up
About ABF
MISSION STATEMENT
ABF shares Mecot’s love for local youth, his country and fellow brothers-in-arms by supporting military families, sponsoring educational scholarships, and honoring / preserving the stories of local American heroes with digital veteran “spotlights.”
Thank you for helping us with this special mission. Your donation, sponsorship, and purchase of merchandise all go directly to helping us honor our veterans, active military and their families.
U.S. Marine Sgt. Mecot Camara was born on December 28, 1960 in Nashville, TN. Shortly after, he moved with his family to Hinton, West Virginia. This would be his home for most of his life until his death on October 23, 1983. He was a United States Marine who was killed in the Beirut Bombing in Beirut, Lebanon.
Mecot’s heart and soul now rest on the beautiful mountaintop overlooking his hometown of Hinton, West Virginia. It is nestled between the rivers that once were his playground for rafting and fishing. He joined the Marine Corps in January 1981 and was quickly promoted to Sergeant.
Mecot was a member of the Hinton High School Key Club. In partnership with the local Kiwanis Club, this organization of high school students makes a positive impact serving others in their schools and communities.
Coaching was another love of Mecot’s - from little leagues girls’ basketball to high school girls’ softball. He loved team sports and he loved working with young people in his community.
While attending Concord University in Athens, WV, Mecot became a member of the Phi Kappa fraternity and especially loved participating in philanthropic events.
Lastly, he drove a bright yellow Jeep he named Rover. It had a big winch on the front. In the winter, he loved pulling people out of ditches when they were stuck in the snow. All in all, he loved helping others.
Mecot’s sister, Elisa Camara, created the American Brother Foundation, named after the book she released in 2013 titled American Brother.
Sgt. Mecot Camara
About Our ABF Tag Line and Logo
Sgt. Mecot Camara taught his sister Elisa to always give back and never give up. Learning from his example Elisa soon realized that, she is truly happiest when she is helping others, too! Thus, the creation of our tag line: “Giving Back, Never Giving Up.”
In addition to our tag line, our logo has a special meaning. Our logo design is the American Flag with the silhouette of an American serviceman. Of special importance, there is a gold star placed directly above the serviceman’s heart and strategically located directly across from a small dragon. The sentiment behind this: Gold Star for the Gold Star Families (those families that have lost someone special while serving our country) and the dragon for Mecot’s USMC platoon, First Battalion/Eight Marines ~ Dragon Platoon.