Lion Heart Heroes Foundation

09/07/2026

This is a BIG step forward for protecting military hearts.
The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have just released their first scientific statement on the cardiovascular care of “tactical athletes” — including military members, firefighters, and law enforcement.
For us, one recommendation stands out: ECGs should be part of pre-entry cardiac screening for tactical athletes under age 40, who face strenuous conditions or whose sudden incapacitation could put others or the mission at risk.
This is personal for Lion Heart Heroes: the paper specifically points to Section 547 of the 2024 NDAA as part of the call for this guidance — the legislation we helped put in place.
After years of advocating for ECG screening of military recruits, it is encouraging to see the AHA and ACC recognize the need to find hidden heart conditions before intense training begins. Save lives before cardiac arrest happens.
This is progress. Next we need military policy to follow.

It's a huge document. If you open it, see the table on pg. 12.

https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Journal-Scans/2026/09/03/15/11/ACC-AHA-Scientific-Statement-Focuses-on-CV-Risk-Evaluation-Management-For-Tactical-Athletes

First ACC/AHA guidance for tactical athletes introduces Tactical Clinical Management to guide cardiovascular evaluation, risk assessment and fit-for-duty decisions.

09/05/2026

Today, we remember U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas D. Goshen, who died from sudden cardiac arrest on September 6, 2022, at age 40 after collapsing during a physical fitness test while deployed to Romania with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Nick dreamed of serving in the military from the age of 12. A 2004 Distinguished Military Graduate of The Citadel, he went on to graduate from Ranger School, complete seven combat tours, and serve with some of the Army’s most distinguished units, including the 101st Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, 75th Ranger Regiment, and 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Above all, Nick considered it his greatest honor to serve alongside the soldiers he cared so deeply about. His awards included the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Today we honor Nick’s life, service, and sacrifice. We will not forget.

09/01/2026

New research could help doctors better identify patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who are at highest risk for sudden cardiac death.

A major study led by UVA Health followed nearly 2,700 people with HCM and found that cardiac MRI and a blood test called NT-proBNP may provide important information about a patient’s risk.

Researchers found that several factors were especially important, including:

The amount of scar tissue in the heart
The overall size and weight of the heart muscle
How well the heart pumps
A history of heart failure
Elevated NT-proBNP levels

HCM affects at least 1 in 500 people, and some people may have no symptoms at all. Better risk assessment could help doctors identify patients who may benefit from potentially lifesaving treatment.

Knowing the risks can save lives. Knowing the warning signs can, too.

Learn more about the study from UVA Health: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-balance/new-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-study-highest-risk

08/28/2026

We value partnerships with other organizations working to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest. One of the ways we do this is by volunteering with the Nick of Time Foundation, which screens high school students with ECG's and teaches CPR. Here are Tiffany, Laurie, and John at the Nick of Time Foundation Volunteer Appreciation Picnic! Nick of Time has screened over 35,000 students and found over 670 with heart abnormalities in the Puget Sound area.

08/19/2026

Know the facts about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)!

Sudden Cardiac Arrest doesn't always come with a warning, and it can affect anyone of all ages.

That’s why awareness matters. Understanding the risks, recognizing when someone is in cardiac arrest, and knowing how to respond can help save lives.

Take a moment to learn the facts about sudden cardiac arrest and share this post to help spread awareness.

08/17/2026

When A1C Syamukonka Moonga collapsed and died during exercise a year ago, we shared that his death was caused by sudden cardiac arrest. What we didn’t know then was this disturbing detail from the investigation: other trainees tried to get an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help him—but the AED shut off and would not restart.

An AED can save a life only if it is rescue-ready when it’s needed.

This raises an important question: What should the military be doing to ensure AEDs on bases are properly maintained, inspected, and ready for an emergency?

We’d especially like to hear ideas from service members, medical personnel, first responders, AED program managers, and others with experience on military installations.

Ideas welcome!

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-death-fitness-test-report/


Air Education and Training Command Naval Base Ventura County

An investigation found that Airman First Class Syamukonka Moonga, who died after finishing a run last August, had no pre-existing conditions.

08/13/2026

We have been waiting to share more about the young Marine recruit who suffered a medical emergency during a Physical Fitness Test at Camp Pendleton.

Pvt. Aiden Craig, just 18 years old, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest--the most common cause of death during exercise--on August 1 and died at the hospital on August 5.

Our hearts and prayers are with Aiden’s family, friends, fellow Marines, and everyone who loved this young man who had so much life ahead of him.

His death is also a painful reminder of why we continue to advocate for cardiac screening of military recruits. EKG screening can identify more than 80% of the heart conditions that put young people at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest—conditions that often have no warning signs.

Lion Heart Heroes has been urging the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego to implement cardiac screening for twelve years. We hope this tragic loss strengthens the urgency to act.

08/13/2026

We have been waiting to share more about the young Marine recruit who suffered a medical emergency during a Physical Fitness Test at Camp Pendleton.

Pvt. Aiden Craig, just 18 years old, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest--the most common cause of death during exercise--on August 1 and died at the hospital on August 5.

Our hearts and prayers are with Aiden’s family, friends, fellow Marines, and everyone who loved this young man who had so much life ahead of him.

His death is also a painful reminder of why we continue to advocate for cardiac screening of military recruits. EKG screening can identify more than 80% of the heart conditions that put young people at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest—conditions that often have no warning signs.

Lion Heart Heroes has been urging the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego to implement cardiac screening for twelve years. We hope this tragic loss strengthens the urgency to act.

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marine-recruit-aiden-craig/

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego United States Military Entrance Processing Command U.S. Department of War

Originally from Texas, Pvt. Aiden Craig, 18, posthumously earned the title of Marine. His death is under investigation.

08/08/2026

Our newest volunteer, Tiffani, hosted a Lion Heart Heroes table at the Coast Guard Day Celebration in Snohomish, Washington, earlier this week. She taught kids about CPR and AEDs, and raised awareness in the Coast Guard about cardiac arrest and the need for EKG screening. Thank you, Tiffani!

08/07/2026

Lion Heart Heroes was pleased to join the I Corps Surgeon's Office and representatives from Avive to discuss strengthening the AED program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

Plans are underway to improve the quality, accessibility, and maintenance of AEDs serving nearly 50,000 people across JBLM. Always room for improvement!