Mason resident David Hart has been named a Dayton Daily News Community Gem for co-founding a nonprofit that brings Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families together for a weekend of skydiving and healing.

The Dayton Daily News profiled Hart on Sept. 7 for his work with the Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals Warrior Foundation. The nonprofit hosts an annual retreat pairing combat-injured veterans with families of service members who died in the line of duty.

Hart, 62, is a former U.S. Army Ranger, Pathfinder and master parachutist with more than 6,000 jumps. He served on active duty and in the National Guard from 1983 to 1991. His grandfather served in World War I, his father in World War II, and his son serves in the Army.

"Military runs strong in the family," Hart told the Dayton Daily News.

He and his brother, John Hart II, became founding members of the Team Fastrax skydiving team in 2002. The brothers later channeled that work into Blue Skies, which has operated for more than 15 years.

The foundation's signature program is the Team Fastrax Warrior Weekend to Remember. The 13th annual event wrapped up in 2026 at Camp Chautauqua, located at 10550 Camp Trail south of Dayton. Activities included ziplines, firepits, a gun shoot and a patriotic parade through Miamisburg tied to the city's Rock 'N' Green Tomato Festival.

Participants also took skydiving jumps and aircraft rides at START Skydiving in Middletown, owned by John Hart II and his sons. Hart said skydiving offers a cathartic experience for veterans carrying trauma.

Most attendees learn about the weekend through past participants. About half come from Ohio or within a few hours' drive of southwest Ohio. Others have traveled from as far as Hawaii and Germany.

Beyond the foundation, Hart runs FastRope, a business that connects defense contractors pursuing government work. He also serves on the board of the Dayton-Wright chapter of AFCEA, a defense-industry professional group.

Hart, who made his last jump about five years ago, said the retreat does not replace professional help. He has watched participants begin to heal.

"We're just creating the backdrop for magic to happen," he said.

The foundation has not announced a date for the 2027 Warrior Weekend. Residents interested in the nonprofit's mission can find details at warriorwtr.com.