Rose Duval

​Have you ever felt the need to be a part of a group or organization that gave you a sense of purpose and allowed you to offer a modicum of peace and solace? For me that is what the Arlington Ladies offer each time they attend a burial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The Arlington Ladies began in 1948 when the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Hoyt Vandenberg, and his wife, Gladys, routinely attended funeral
services at the cemetery and noticed that some services had only a military chaplain present. The Vandenberg’s believed that a member of the Air Force family should also attend, and Mrs. Vandenberg asked her friends to start attending services. She ultimately formed a group from the Officer's Wives Club. In 1973, General Creighton Abrams' wife, Julia, founded the Army's version of the group. In 1985, the Navy created a group, and in 2006 the Coast Guard followed suit. The Marines do not officially have a
group, as they send a representative of the Marine Commandant to every funeral.

Today, the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard all have Arlington Ladies who perform similar volunteer duties, attending funeral services for active-duty service members and veterans. The criteria for becoming an Arlington Lady is different for each military service, but each Lady has some connection to the respective service, generally as a current or former military member or as a spouse of a military member. The Ladies
are an official part of the funeral service, representing the military service's chief of staff
or equivalent.

My desire to be a part of this group has been a long-time goal of mine. The process was long, but all good things are worth the wait. For now, I am an Army Arlington Lady. My journey began when I met with the Chairperson of the Army Arlington Ladies. From there I met with three (3) other Army Arlington Ladies. This took over six months due to coordinating our schedules and the holidays. In the end the Chairperson, with input from the other ladies, decided to sponsor me into the organization. From there I shadowed 3 different ladies and then I go solo while being evaluated by the Chairperson. I will be on the substitution list for a year before I am given a permanent day. But until then I am more than happy to fill in wherever I am needed.

Having been on the receiving end of the Arlington Ladies condolence card, I understand the impact and meaning of their presence. I only hope I can offer the same warmth and sincerity I received on the day Scott was laid to rest in Section 60.  While Arlington National Cemetery has the Arlington Ladies, there is no reason that every cemetery across our country can’t have a similar group of volunteers. Volunteers of Gold Star Mothers that carries on the tradition to ensure every veteran or service member who dies in service of our nation has their Arlington Lady present.

LONG BEACH, CA – The American Gold Star Manor is pleased to announce the continuation of the American Gold Star Manor Housing Assistance Grant. This grant provides funds for temporary housing support for our Nation’s Gold Star Parents who are low-income and experiencing some type of personal hardship.


“We see this as a natural expansion of our mission and are eager to extend our services to those living outside the Long Beach area.” Says, Glen Patrick, American Gold Star Manor President & CEO. “We’ve seen the positive impact of providing well-appointed low-income housing to our Gold Star community and offering a grant to support housing security feels like a natural next step.” 
 
Grants will be awarded on a monthly basis until 12/31/2025 or until all funding has been utilized. Grants will cover up to three months of rent or mortgage assistance, not to exceed $5,000. Those interested in applying can visit the American Gold Star Manor Housing Assistance Grant page on the Manor website at https://goldstarmanor.org/grant/ to learn more.
 
About American Gold Star Manor
The American Gold Star Manor is incorporated as a charitable, non-profit corporation for the purpose of providing a National Home for Gold Star Seniors. The American Gold Star Manor is a complex built with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Situated in a quiet section of Long Beach, the Manor includes 348 recently updated, and thoughtfully appointed apartments. Residential buildings are located in a secure, 23-acre, park-like setting. To see more about American Gold Star Manor, check out our Facebook and Instagram @AmericanGoldStarManor. ​

March 13th recognizes National K9 Veterans Day and the dedicated K9 units who've served since World War II. ​

A lot of things changed after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. We rationed oil, leather, and rubber. The military draft men into service. Women rolled up their sleeves and built war supplies.
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AGSM, Inc. Tampa Bay also hosted a Christmas Cookie and Treats Table at the Fisher House at Lake Nona, Orlando VA Medical Health Care System. Volunteering at this Fisher House is part of the AGSM, Inc. Dept of FL-PR's vision and mission to serve at all seven of the Fisher Houses in the great state of Florida. All this would not be possible without the vision of the Fisher House founders, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher.   Many thanks to Fisher House community partners, Operation Patriot Support, and the Fisher House Foundation. 
In February, at the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, FL., Inc., the Tampa Bay Chapter served cupcakes and kisses, Hershey Kisses, to the veterans in attendance. Needless to say, it was a sweet, sweet event for those who enjoyed the cupcakes and the kisses....the chocolate ones, that is!