Veterans Day Ceremony Gatlinburg Convention Center Gatlinburg, Tennessee November 11, 2025Department: Tennessee Chapter: Volunteer
Honoring Women Veterans LuncheonDepartment: Virginia Chapter: Hampton Roads The Chapter presented a luncheon and giveaways to 40 Women Veterans in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area on Saturday 11/15/25 at one of the GS Mom's church. Mission BBQ provided the food. The Chapter provided the decorations, desserts, giveaway goodies including Chapter fleece blankets and goody bags donated by United Way. Chapter included gift cards in each bag. So many Thank Yous were received by the Veterans. A successful mission.
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Adaptive Athletics Foundation of Maryland (AAFMD) 2nd Annual for Purpose Benefit Gala Edgewater, Maryland November 7, 2025Department: Maryland/Delaware Chapter: Maryland
Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down VA Medical Center Washington, DC November 1, 2025Department: Maryland/Delaware Chapter: Maryland
 Shine and Serve at the "Warrior Walk" 2025Department: FL-PR Chapter: Tampa Bay AGSM, Inc. Tampa Bay Chapter member, Aileen Payne, knows what it means to serve and the unexpected blessings that often come back to you for serving others. Each year the "Warrior Walk" is held at beautiful Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland , FL. Since 2008, Aileen has helped with the walk in one capacity or another, serving where needed most. Currently, she is the co-director of the “Warrior Walk”, attended by a thousand plus participants. In the photo, she helped set up the field of white crosses of the more than 400 Florida OIF and OEF Fallen Service members, including her own beloved son, USMC Cpl. Ronald R. Payne, JR, KIA May 5, 2004, OEF AFGH. Also volunteering alongside of her are the Mulberry HS, JROTC. Aileen’s own son, Ronnie, was a JROTC cadet at the very same HS back in 1998 and 1999. Truly a blessing and honor for Aileen to be able to volunteer with them. Also serving at the “Warrior Walk” with Aileen are AGSM, Inc. Dept of FL-PR President, Lorrie Fleming, and past AGSM, Inc. Dept President, Michele Carey. Way to "shine and serve” AGSM, Inc. Tampa Bay Members.
 Keeping NY Veterans warmDepartment: NY Chapter: Chapter 15  Chapter 15 Syracuse NY members: presented Sweatpants, Sweatshirts, boxer shorts, combs, toothpaste, toothbrushes and coloring books with coloring pencils. And special homemade Veterans Day cards from Students of Baldwinsville Middle School. Helping to keep our Women and Men Veterans warm during the winter months. Pictured: Tammy Bell (AGSM), Becky Ross (VA CDCE volunteer manage), Ann Brothers (AGSM) and Lorie Schneider (AGSM) American Red Cross Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Children’s Wish List September 4, 2025Department: Maryland/Delaware Chapter: MD At the request of Hanna Peters, Senior Regional Program Specialist at the American Red Cross, Maryland Gold Star Mothers donated towards the Children’s Wish List at Walter Reed that included several toys that filled a utility cart! It is always a pleasure to not only support our military members, but also their families during their stay away from home.
Fabulous Fisher House DayDepartment: FL-PR Chapter: Tampa Bay
 Armed Forces YMCA Food Pantry donationDepartment: Virginia Chapter: Hampton Roads Chapter donated over $1000 worth of food and gift cards to the Armed Forces YMCA Food Pantry in Virginia Beach, VA. This was especially impactful due to the government shutdown and limited funds our active duty service members have. Pictured l to r: Terri Campbell-1st VP, Maggie Sticklen-2nd VP and Angela Bell-Chapter President and Dept. President.  Forgotten Heroes BurialDepartment: New Mexico Chapter: Albuquerque
Honor Flight Welcome Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Baltimore, Maryland September 16, 2025Department: Maryland/Delaware Chapter: Maryland
Donation of Television to Veterans Home Ben Atchley Veterans Home Knoxville, Tennessee September 20, 2025Department: Tennessee Chapter: Volunteer On September 20, 2025, the Volunteer Chapter of the Tennessee American Gold Star Mothers were blessed to be able to purchase a 75-inch smart television to the Ben Atchley Veterans Home. The veterans were so excited to see that they were getting a new television. The Volunteer Chapter looks forward to having more fun with the veterans at Ben Atchley. 
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2025 American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Chairman’s Dinner Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium Washington, DC September 13, 2025
Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland
Chapter: Maryland
On September 13, 2025, the Maryland Gold Star Mothers had the privilege of attending the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Chairman’s Dinner in Washington, DC. This distinguished gathering brought together a community of women leaders committed to supporting and advancing the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross. The evening was a heartfelt celebration of service, sacrifice, and leadership, with special recognition given to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Maryland Gold Star Mothers and their guests, including Basmattie Bishundat, Janice and Charlton Chance, Jenine Melton, Paula Davis, Joy and Greg Goode, Yvonne and Garry Green, Donna Robinson, guest Earl Ruff, Stephanie White, and guest Willis Bazin were deeply honored to be part of such a meaningful evening. The program featured two dynamic keynote speakers. Gail McGovern, Chairman, Board of Governors, American Red Cross, delivered an inspiring address that set the tone for the evening. She spoke passionately about the importance of service and leadership, and then led attendees in honoring America’s heroes in uniform. Her words were a reminder of the strength and dedication of those who protect our freedoms and embody the spirit of resilience. Following her remarks, Lieutenant General (Retired) Nadja West, 44th Surgeon General of the United States Army and the Highest-Ranking Woman Graduate of the United States Military Academy, captivated the audience with her powerful message. Her speech drew from her vast military experience. Lt. General West was the Army’s first black Surgeon General, as well as the Army’s first black woman to hold the rank of lieutenant general and the Army's highest-ranking woman to have graduated from the United States Military Academy. The evening concluded with lively entertainment provided by Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos, a talented ensemble. Their performance brought attendees to the dance floor, filling the room with music, energy, and fellowship. The Tiffany Circle Chairman’s Dinner was more than a celebration—it was a testament to service, leadership, and community. With sincere gratitude, the Maryland Gold Star Mothers extend heartfelt thanks to the American Red Cross for its enduring mission and for including them in this extraordinary gathering.
AUSA 21st Annual Fisher House Gala Belcamp, Maryland September 20, 2025
Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland
Chapter: Maryland
  | On September 20, 2025, Maryland Chapter Gold Star Mothers, Yvonne Green, Rosemarie Ceo, Joy Goode, Stephanie White and their guests attended the AUSA 21st Annual Fisher House Gala fundraiser. It was held at Water’s Edge Event Center in Belcamp, MD. The first gala was held at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey. garry On behalf of the Major General (MG) Harry Greene Aberdeen Chapter of AUSA, President Angela Sheldon, welcomed everyone to the Gala. Since 2004, the Monmouth and Aberdeen Communities have staged this event in support of the Fisher House Foundation. The Foundation raises funds that enable comfort homes to be built near major military and VA medical centers. There are currently 100 Fisher Homes, and since its inception, the Foundation has saved military and Veteran families an estimated $525 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation for military and veteran’s families. Families stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving critical care. The AUSA Fundraiser committee selected “Red White and Blue Jean BBQ” as their theme this year; therefore, many of the attendees wore Western Cowboy attire. Guests also feasted on different foods that included delicious barbeque dishes from around the world as well as many finger foods and desserts. Guests were also entertained with great music. An auction was held along with raffle drawings for 35 Gift Baskets. The Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter donated two beautiful gift baskets. The two baskets were a “Stars and Stripes” Theme auction basket with a monetary value of $330 and a “Red White and Ready” Theme auction basket with a monetary value of $110 which were created by Maryland Gold Star Mothers, Julie El-Taher and Theresa Karlson. Attending the fundraiser was a wonderful way to support our Heroes and their families. Next year’s Fisher House Fundraiser event will be held on September 19, 2026 with a “Midnight in the Emerald City” theme. |
Visiting Ft Stanton State Cemetery
Joyce Paulsen - Department of New Mexico, Albuquerque Chapter
The Department of NM visited the State Cemetery in Ft Stanton. We made it a point to visit and say veteran's names.
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Department of NY, Executive Meeting
Carrie Farley - Department of New York
The New York State Department of Veterans' Services proudly joined the Executive Board meeting of the American Gold Star Mothers, National (Official), New York State Chapter. Our Deputy Counsel, Benjamin Pomerance, (standing, back row) presented on DVS’s ongoing work to support Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families. A central focus was this year’s long-awaited victory: expansion of the Gold Star Family Annuity included in the 2025-26 State Budget. One Gold Star Mother from the Rochester area shared her powerful story. Her son was tragically killed in a stateside helicopter crash—yet under the old law, she was denied the Annuity. With the new expansion, she finally qualifies, receiving not only financial support but the lasting recognition of her son’s courageous service and sacrifice. With tears in her eyes, she hugged Benjamin and thanked DVS for championing this long-requested change. We are deeply humbled to walk alongside these incredible Gold Star Mothers in honoring their children and advancing policies that uphold their legacies. With the encouragement of the Gold Star Mothers, we are honored to share both this group photo and powerful story of a mother’s enduring love and sacrifice. God bless our Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Families, and all who served.
USO BWI Visit August 19, 2025 Baltimore, MD
Kelly Swanson - Department of Maryland/Delaware, Maryland Chapter
 | Members of Gold Star Mothers – Maryland Chapter, Janice Chance, Paula Davis, Theresa Karlson, and Stephanie White, provided lunch to troops preparing for deployment from BWI. The USO’s mission is simple yet powerful: to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to the nation. At BWI, that mission is lived every single day—supporting troops as they deploy, PCS, or transit through the airport. The troops expressed gratitude for the meal, and the Moms felt privileged to serve our nation’s heroes and look forward to serving again in the future. |
My name is Tim Maggart
 | ..... and I’m an Army Trained Physical Therapist. I joined the Army as a Private and exited 10 years later as a Captain with a degree in Physical Therapy from Baylor University. I have been practicing Physical Therapy in the Fort Benning community in the Home Heath setting for several years, which means that I am daily in the homes of highly decorated war veterans and their widows. Every part of my career as a songwriter has been impacted by my career as a Physical Therapist. As a soldier, I wasn’t asked to go to combat, but I have been honored to treat many who were, as well as their families. With this experience and inspiration, I have devoted my singer songwriter gifts and talents to honoring their memory and service. |
Department of New Jersey
Gold Star Chair Dedication Ceremony
On May 26, 2025, members of the Department of New Jersey proudly participated in a heartfelt chair dedication ceremony honoring Gold Star Mothers and their fallen heroes. The event held at Veterans Park, Ocean City, NJ was a tribute to the sacrifices made by service members and the enduring strength of their families. A highlight of the ceremony was the presence of Elizabeth Zaneri, recognized as the oldest living Gold Star member of the Dept of NJ, whose son SSgt Philip Zaneri, USAF gave his life in service in 1995.
Dept of NJ Officers, Lisa Brunner, Patricia Murgolo and Amy Moore, attended along with the Commander of VFW Post 6650, Mike Morrissey and Patrick Hughes, Rolling Thunder National.
Dept of NJ Officers, Lisa Brunner, Patricia Murgolo and Amy Moore, attended along with the Commander of VFW Post 6650, Mike Morrissey and Patrick Hughes, Rolling Thunder National.
Department of Maryland/Deleware
Operation Gratitude Care Package Assembly Day Edward J. Pryzbyia University Center Washington, DC May 31, 2025
Volunteer Chapter
New Veterans Memorial and More
The Volunteer Chapter had a busy day on May 17th. After our meeting, we visited the new French Broad River Veterans Memorial Park. We were blessed to spend some time with Bill Robinson who was the longest enlisted POW during the Vietnam War.
L-R: Sherrie Battle McGhee, Marsha Hunt, Kelly Swanson, Bill Robinson, Gayle Thomas, Lynn Forehand, and Brenda Shelton.
Next, we dropped by the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (which is also on the French Broad River), and we visited the Gold Star Memorial at the cemetery.
L-R: Sherrie Battle McGhee, Lynn Forehand, Brenda Shelton, Gayle Thomas, Kelly Swanson, and Marsha Hunt.
Tampa Bay Chapter
Woody Williams Gold Star monument unveilingOn Saturday May 17 2025, Lorrie Fleming attended the ceremony in Miami Florida to the unveiling of the Woody Williams Gold Star Monument. Lorrie was at the event and was able to get together with our PNP Georgia Carter Krell. Georgie has been a member of AGSM since 1976. It was a honor to get together with Georgie. |  |
Department of Maine
Welcome Home Celebration for 1st Honor Flight Maine departing out of Bangor International Airport
President Lorna Harris with Treasurer & Secretary Susan Stout
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