The Stanford America Club
Restoring Patriotism to America's Public Square
RESTORING PATRIOTISM TO STANFORD'S PUBLIC SQUARE
The Stanford America Club was founded in 2025 after a group of students broke into the Stanford president’s office and spray-painted “Death to America” and “Death to the United States.”
That moment revealed something deeper—a loss of gratitude for the country that made Stanford possible. Once founded to serve and strengthen the American nation, Stanford has long stood as one of the world’s leading institutions of learning and innovation. The America Club was created to help restore that original spirit of service, purpose, and patriotism.
Through campus conversations, debates, and events celebrating faith, freedom, and national renewal, the club seeks to remind students that love of country and pursuit of truth are not opposing ideals—they are the foundation of a free society.
— ABOUT THE VETERANS DAY CHALLENGE
The Veterans Day Challenge will carry the American flag from the lowest to the highest point in the contiguous United States, running from Badwater Basin in Death Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney in less than 24 hours.
Spanning 145 miles and climbing over 20,000 feet of elevation, the relay honors the endurance, sacrifice, and spirit of America's veterans. Each segment of the journey will be dedicated to a service member, as teams carry the flag continuously from start to summit––unbroken, unyielding, and unwavering––just like those who've worn the uniform.
​
Interested in participating? Click the button below and apply to be one of the 12 runners and 4 mountaineers selected!
​
​
​
​
The Veterans Day Challenge Details
The challenge honors the strength and sacrifice of America’s veterans and raises funds for Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), one of the nation’s leading veterans’ health and wellness organizations. Every mile, every step, and every foot of elevation is dedicated to those who’ve served—unbroken, unyielding, and unwavering.
Beginning at sunrise on Veterans Day, twelve runners will form a continuous relay covering 145 miles and climbing over 20,000 feet of elevation. Each runner will complete roughly 12 miles, broken into 1–2 mile segments at an average pace of less than seven minutes per mile. After reaching the trailhead, the team will ascend Mount Whitney together, carrying the American flag to the summit.
FROM LOWEST TO HIGHEST. 145 MILES. 20,000 FEET OF ELEVATION CHANGE
RAISING MONEY FOR VETERANS WITH TEAM RED, WHITE, AND BLUE
THERE ARE OVER 18 MILLION VETERANS IN THIS COUNTRY.
JOIN US IN HONORING A VETERAN YOU LOVE OR ADMIRE THIS VETERANS DAY.
— MEET THE TEAM
​
Joe Nail – U.S. Army Officer
A current Stanford graduate student and Army officer, Joe has completed 50 marathons and 50,000 push-ups across all 50 states to honor America’s veterans. His passion for endurance and service continues through the Veterans Day Challenge.
​
Alex Romano – U.S. Space Force Officer
A former Division I rower at the U.S. Naval Academy and current Space Force officer stationed in Colorado Springs, Alex holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Stanford. He brings both technical precision and athletic toughness to the team.
​
​​​
Andrew Fabela – U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate
A Stanford design engineering student and former football and track and field athlete, Andrew combines creativity, discipline, and athletic grit. As a Marine officer candidate, he embodies the courage and commitment that define the Corps—and this mission.
FOLLOW @THEAMERICACLUB ON INSTAGRAM FOR UPDATES
CONTACT US
Have questions or want to become involved?
We would love to hear from you!
