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Gold Star Families Day - Partners Toolkit

Gold Star Families Day - TOOLKIT

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Definition of a gold star family according to www.AmericaGoldStarFamilies.org:

  • Gold Star Family… a designation no one aspires to.

The Gold Star family is one that has experienced a loss of a loved one–an immediate family member – who died as the result of active-duty military service. Those who die in service to their country leave behind parents, siblings, spouses, children and extended families. These are recognized as Gold Star families. The title is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief, and continued healing.

According to a 2019 Military Times article, since 9/11, more than 16,000 troops have died in non-combat circumstances and more than 7,000 died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone. There are also thousands of living Gold Star Family members who lost loved ones in both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts

GOLD STAR FAMILIES OF WASHINGTON - Mission Statement: Provide unwavering support and solace to families who have lost a cherished loved one due to war, injury or the battle at home.  We remover their service in the U.S. Military. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving Veteran and Active-Duty Families, offering compassionate assistance and understanding. Through our dedication, we honor the legacies of our fallen heroes.

List of resources:

Gold Star Organizations & Foundations

Quotes/blurb from WDVA Director and Gold Star Family member

  • Gold Star Families Washington, Monica McNeal quote: 
    • ​​​Being a Gold Star Mom and part of Gold Star Families of Washington is an honor born from the deepest sacrifice a mother can make—the loss of my son, LCpl Eric L. Wardin military service to our country. It means carrying the weight of grief while also embodying the strength, pride, and resilience that comes from knowing your child gave their life for something greater than themselves. My hope is to ensure Eric’s memories live on forever in the hearts of the nation they served. 
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  • ​​​​​​​Gold Star Families Washington, Jane Hughes quote:
    • Gold Star Families of Washington was formed to support all family members regardless of type of death.  In forming this group with Monica and serving as President it provided me with a way to cope with my daughter Danielle’s death in a healthy and productive way.   Forming bonds with other Gold Star Families who understand the loss provides a unique community.    
  • Gold Star Father quote:
    • I met the Gold Star Mothers of Washington for the first time about 8 years ago while helping carry Fallen Hero Banners in the Auburn Veterans Day Parade, some of who I had stood for at their services while with the Patriot Guard Riders. Then on January 19th 2020 I lost my son. I now carry his banner. I have been able to do that because of the GSF. That alone has helped me by Honoring him which means the most.
    • ​​​​​​​Gold Star Families has given me a place where others understand. They have offered various activities for me to participate in that aid in making new happy memories by getting together and helping others by remembering.   Jay McNabb, Gold Star Father
       
  • Gold Star Family members’ quote:
    • I think it is important to support gold star spouses/families because I would not be the same person if it wasn’t for them. My husband, MA 2 Michael Bowen jr passed away in April 2020, and the one thing that got me through that and Covid was being introduced to the gold star group. Being able to participate in activities they hold and having a community that understands what you are going through gave me another reason to keep on going. I am so thankful for them.   Amanda Bowen, Gold Star Spouse, Gold Star Families of Washington.
       
  • Gold Star Spouse quote:
    • Being a gold star widow, I knew moving forward from the passing of my husband, there would be many challenges and uncertainties. There were so many questions and information I would need to ensure that all my affairs were in order. Getting connected with Monica McNeil, a gold star mother, I was presented with vast amounts of information on what I would need to do to keep my head above water. From there, Monica and fellow Gold Star Mothers created Gold Star Families of Washington, an organization that supports families who lost a loved one while serving in the military.  
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    • With the help from GSF of Washington, they have provided financial resources that supported my son’s passion to compete nationally for volleyball. The organization has also linked my family with their network that provided us the privilege of meeting Lane Johnson, an NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles who has partnered up with the Travis Manion Foundation supporting Mental health; something I hold close to the heart.  From finding resources such as laptops for the gold star children and financial roof repairs for gold star families in need, these types of benefits would not have been possible if not for the hard work and their network.  
       
    • The organization is one resource I lean towards because they too know what it is like to navigate through grief. By supporting the Gold Star Families of Washington, you are not only helping the organization grow but helping the families that lean towards the organization heal with the continuity of support that organization can provide during our trials and tribulations as well as providing a healthy outlet for our community. - Guadalupe "Lupe" Urdaneta, Gold Star Spouse
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  • WDVA Director, David Puente quote:
    • “On Gold Star Families Day, September 29, 2024, we honor the profound sacrifices made by the families of our fallen heroes. Their strength and resilience are a testament to the enduring spirit of our nation. “I wholeheartedly support the Gold Star Families of Washington organization and other nonprofits dedicated to supporting Gold Star families. Their unwavering commitment to honoring and assisting the families of our fallen heroes is truly commendable. Together, we ensure that the sacrifices of our brave service members are never forgotten, and their families receive the care and recognition they deserve. Today and every day, we remember and support these families, ensuring their loved ones’ legacies live on.”

Get connected with the GS Community on Facebook:

List of community events: Interested individuals and groups should register by contacting: info@goldstarfamilieswashington.org

  • Veterans Day - Auburn Parade - Flag Holding Opportunity
  • Submit your email for interest in helping to serve meals at the Quixote Village in Orting

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