Category: Togetherness Tuesday

Togetherness Tuesday

12/2/2025

Texas Veterans Hall of Fame's 7th Annual Induction Ceremony

Department: TX-OK Department
Chapter: North/West TX Chapter

7th Annual Texas Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 08, 2025 to honor our heroes & veterans. Awards given to the following from the TX/OK North West Chapter. TVHOF Lonestar Merit Award -Carla Wicks, Member of the American Gold Star Mothers. TVHOF Gold Star Award Nathan Ingram Family -Kristi & Danny Hughes

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Togetherness Tuesday

11/18/2025

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Towson University Military Appreciation Football Game Towson, Maryland November 8, 2025

Department: Martyland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

Maryland Gold Star Mothers Tracy Miller, Joy Goode, and Khadidja Keita, along with their guests, attended Towson University’s Military Appreciation Football Game on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The event honored the Fallen Tigers:
• Sergeant Major Wardell Turner, whose legacy lives on through the Wardell Turner Scholarship Endowment
• Major Robert Marchanti, honored through the Robert J. Marchanti Endowed Scholarship
• First Lieutenant James Saxon, remembered through the James R. Saxon Memorial Scholarship

All three men were Towson University student-athletes who later made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Military. Following the Fallen Tigers Scholarship Reception, Gold Star Families enjoyed the football game from The Minnegan Room at Johnny Unitas Stadium as the Towson Tigers hosted the Villanova Wildcats. Unfortunately, the Tigers fell to the Wildcats, but it remained a meaningful day of remembrance and honor for our heroes.

Dedication of Gold Star Plaque

Department: New Mexico
Chapter: Albuquerque

On November 12, 2025, a Gold Star Marker was placed and dedicated in Albuquerque beside the Blue Star Marker, at the Albuquerque Garden Center. Pictured at the ceremony are GEN Jameson Herrera (Ret) Secretary of the Department of Veteran Services for NM, Gold Star Mother Shirley Tetreault and Gold Star Mother Jo Ann Zembiec and Tom Tozier, VA Representative for the City of Albuquerque. Shirley and Jo Ann are members of AGSM Albuquerque Chapter. Shirley is the State Coordinator for the Blue and Gold Plaques and Markers. The Albuquerque Chapter has helped sponsor several Gold Star Markers and plaques across New Mexico, helping to bring awareness of Gold Star Mothers and Families.

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Togetherness Tuesday

11/11/2025

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Christmas tree trimming

Department: Florida/ Puerto Rico
Chapter: Tampa Bay

On 11/5/2025 we had several gold star moms and friends come together for our annual Christmas tree trimming.

Moms, Lorrie Fleming Department President of FL/PR, Jeanette Nazario department 2nd VP of FL/PR, Sue Miller department secretary, Sandy Miller department treasurer.
Gold star mothers helper’s Peppermint Patty Debbie and significant other Dan, who put the tree together and put the stars on the tree at the top. He used a ladder so the moms wouldn’t have to. They had a great day and much bonding.

Tarrant County Texas Proclamation-September Gold Star Mothers Day September 28

Department: Texas/Oklahoma
Chapter: North/West Chapter

Carla Wicks, Cheree Barrett & Kristi Hughes attended the Tarrant County Commissioners Court on September 16, 2025 where they honored ours sons and presented each one of us with a Proclamation for Tarrant County Texas (Fort Worth Texas) to designate September 28, 2025 as Gold Star Mothers Day and September as Gold Star Families month.

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Togetherness Tuesday

11/4/2025

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Gold Star Family Byway Dedication October 27, 2025 Allegany, NY

Department: New York
Chapter: WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26

The Enchanted Mountain Garden Club of Allegany, NY held a dedication ceremony on Saturday, October 27, 2025. American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., members of the WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26 and New York Department President Dorothy Reid were in attendance. GSM Candy Clemens worked for nearly two years with the Enchanted Mountain Garden Club to make the marker a reality. To honor the service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice and the families who carry on their loved ones’ legacies. The marker was placed in the Allegany Veterans Memorial Park. A reception was held at the Allegany American Legion following the ceremony.

Blue Star Mothers New York 7 15th Anniversary Celebration Gala Saturday, September 20, 2025

Department: New York
Chapter: WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26

Department President Dorothy Reid along with members of the WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26 Cathy MacFarland, husband Bill, Cany Clemens, Jeanne Brown, Holly Baker and husband Greg, were in attendance for the Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 7 15th Anniversary Gala held September 20, 2025. Cathy MacFarland was honored as a Charter Member of Blue Star Mothers Chapter 7 and remains a member with her son James serving in the US Navy. She joined AGSM South Bufffalo Chapter 26 after the loss of her son Albert in 2009 while serving in the US Army. The Gala was well attended by family, friends and the community. Chapter President noted the support of many local sponsors, companies and organizations through the past, present and look forward to the future. All proceeds from the event will benefit the ongoing packing events for our deployed heroes.

Women in Defense (WID) Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Fundraiser Vandiver Inn Havre de Grace, Maryland October 23, 2025

Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

Women in Defense (WID), Mid- Atlantic Chapter had their Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Fundraiser at the Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace, Maryland on October 23, 2025. Gold Star mothers Janice Chance, Synthia Carter, Stephanie White, Donna Robinson and guest Earl Ruff attended this event as The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter were Gold Sponsors and have been supporting this fundraiser for five years. Corporate sponsorships and raffles for beautifully wrapped theme baskets helped raise funds for the Upper Chesapeake Health Cancer Life Net organization that supports breast cancer survivors and their families. The keynote speaker was Dr. Julie Woods who works at the Department of Medical Oncology UM Upper Chesapeake Kaufman Cancer Center. She provided an informative presentation about detecting breast cancer and health-focused treatments that offer hope and healing to patients. Mrs. Karen Streett, RN shared her personal breast cancer story. Gold Star Mothers Janice Chance and Donna Robinson won lovely Raffle Baskets. The WID Mid-Atlantic Chapter was established to provide women a formal environment for professional growth through networking, education and career development. Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter look forward to supporting WID and their future events.

Gold Star Family Monument Norfolk VA

Department: Virginia
Chapter: Hampton Roads

The Woody Williams Foundation erected a 2-panel Gold Star Family Monument in Norfolk, Virginia. Present were representatives from the City of Norfolk and the Woody Williams Foundation.

Gold Star Moms present left to right: Mary Strong, Mona Gunn and Terri Campbell, 1st VP.

White House Gold Star Families Reception Washington, DC September 29, 2025

Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

On September 29, 2025, President and Mrs. Trump commemorated Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day by hosting a Gold Star families Reception at the White House. A select number of families from across the United States were invited to join him, a few of his cabinet level officials, and the Joint Chiefs. In attendance from the Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter were Donna Robinson and Janice Chance. Janice was given the honor to share about her family’s fallen hero Captain Jesse Melton III USMC, (KIA Afghanistan on 9/9/2008), and what it means to her to be a gold star family member. Prior to Janice’s message, President Trump welcomed the Gold Star families and gave a heartwarming message honoring our country’s fallen heroes and the families for their profound sacrifice. Janice shared about the power of their faith in God, and the call to continue our heroes’ legacy through service and outreach. Janice was joined by her husband (stepdad) Charlton Chance, daughter Jenine Melton U.S. Army Iraq veteran, son Joshua Melton, daughter in law Peggy Melton, special friends and supporters Melody Knox, Earl Ruff, Jr., (Commandant US Marine Corp League Baltimore Detachment), and Cindy McGrew, (CEO and founder Operation Second Chance). Mrs. McGrew not only graced the family members with her presence, but her organization also provided limousine transportation. After Janice’s message, each Gold Star family stood when their hero’s name was read, and a candle was lit in their hero’s honor. Following the ceremony and dessert reception each family received a gift bag that contained the candle that was lit in memory of their hero, a special Presidential Gold Star Challenge coin, along with other gifts - symbols of gratitude and remembrance.

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Togetherness Tuesday

10/14/2025

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Honoring Gold Star Families at the state capitol of Kansas in Topeka

Department: Kansas
Chapter: Sunflower

The state of Kansas held an event for all the Gold Star Families Sept 25, 2025 to honor and remember our loved ones who died in the service. The American Gold Star moms represent Northeast, Sunflower, and Wichita chapters of Kansas.

Back row: Jennifer Jackman, Nancy Machnicki, Sandy Nettleton, Terri Norgren, Pat Proctor, State Representative for Kansas first row: Laura Kelly, Governor of Kansas, Deb Austin and Karen Funcheon

NM Honor Guard Awards

Department: NM
Chapter: Albuquerque

Our NM Honor Guard provides training and competition for state-wide volunteer honor guards who provide services at veteran funerals. The Honor Guard has asked that the NM Gold Star Mothers provide six special awards to those achieving 75 honors. Two NM Gold Star Mothers presented the awards on 9/22/25. Pictured AGSM's are Kay Coleman and Shirley Tetreault.

Gold Star Mother's Day Ft. Eustis

Department: Virginia
Chapter: Hampton Roads

On Sunday September 28th Gold Star Mothers and Family Day was recognized at Ft. Eustis, Virginia. Old City BBQ catered the event with the USO providing fabulous desserts at the USO Building on base. Many Commanders, USO Volunteers, and guests showed up to a nice, shared luncheon with entertainment and games with goodies passed out to all. Pictured l to r: Barbara Newton, Laurie Miner and Robert Miner.

Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 521 Auxiliary Gold Star Mother’s and family’s Day Ceremony Owings Mills, Maryland September 28, 2025

Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: MD

The members of the VFW post 521 Auxiliary held a special ceremony on Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day. Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter members Donna Robinson and Janice Chance along with Charlton Chance Gold Star Stepfather were in attendance. Donna Markus, VFW Auxiliary Secretary, officiated the ceremony. She recognized and honored the heroes connected to the VFW 521 Post who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the US military. Heroes honored were Captain Jesse Melton III USMC, son of Janice Chance and her family; Staff Sergeant Damion Campbell, USA, son of Donna Robinson and her family; Edward L. “Butch” Bowers, USA, son of deceased member Betty Moore and brother of member Sue Bowers Freeman and their family; Albert Wingfield, USA, son of deceased member Marion Wingfield and family member Marlene Posteraro; John Latch, USN, son of deceased member Joyce Burchill and brother of member Margaret Elkins and their family; and the family of 2nd Lt Peter G Zouck, USA, who was killed in action in WWI and buried in France. VFW Post 521 is named in honor of Lt. Zouck. Prior to the ceremony the Auxiliary members placed Gold foiled stars inscribed with the name of fallen Heroes and Veterans on the windows in the canteen area. The ceremony was held outdoors in front of the beautiful Gold Star Memorial. After the ceremony, the mothers and families were presented with beautiful floral bouquets. Janice gave brief remarks and expressed thanks to the Auxiliary and Post members for continuing to honor fallen heroes, the families and for their unwavering support of Gold Star families. The Auxiliary is continuing their special project of selling Gold foiled stars to raise funds to maintain the Gold Star Memorial area.

Gold Star Mothers and Family’s Day at Mission BBQ Parkville, Maryland September 28, 2025

Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: MD

The staff at Mission BBQ in Parkville hosted local Gold Star Families at their luncheon on September 28th. Gold Star Mothers Yvonne Green, Rosemarie Ceo and Gold Star Father Garry Green attended. Yvonne’s fellow co-worker, Gwyneth Lewis, who runs 5 and 10k's in honor of her daughter Tee and Eric Houck, was there to support Yvonne and Garry. They were also joined by “Tee” the service dog and her trainer Kevin Simpson from Warrior Canine Connection. Maryland State Senator Carl Jackson also attended. The Gold Star Mothers and families thanked the Parkville Mission BBQ General Manager Sean Egan for his and the crew’s support.

Gold Star Families Luminary Ceremony Bridging Life Hospice Care Facility Westminster, Maryland September 28, 2025

Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: MD

On Gold Star Families Day, Bridging Life held a luminary ceremony. Maryland Gold Star Mother Julie El-Taher spoke for a few minutes. Gold Star Mother and Father Lauren and Matt Seidler were also in attendance. Bikers without Borders performed a formation ride in honor of our fallen. The Carroll County Historical Society also provided names of soldiers from the Civil War, WWI, and WWII. Thank you to Kathy Barna and Gold Star Mother Alison Michalowski for organizing this solemn and moving event. Thank you to Mission BBQ for catering.

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Togetherness Tuesday

9/9/2025

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NM Gold Star Mothers Retreat

Joyce Paulsen - Department of New Mexico, Albuquerque Chapter

The Dept of NM AGSM's went on a weekend retreat in Fort Stanton, NM. We were hosted by the VSO - Healing America's Heroes. It was a weekend of sharing, laughing, and some tears. This was a special treat from some awesome hosts. We hiked, we visited the state cemetery, shared our heroes, and had a special time of healing and sharing our hearts. A quilt was made by Pat Merville and donated to the Healing America's Heroes organization.

Visit to the Manor-August 2025

Debi Win’E - Department of So. Calif-Hawaii, Saddleback Valley Chapter

August 15, 2025-Saddleback Valley and Inland Empire were pleased to attend a dinner at the American Legion Newport BeachPost. Glen Patrick, from the American Gold Star Manor, escorted our President, Anette Kirk and 1st VP, Joyce Paulsen. The evening was highlighted by a trip to the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. August 16, the ladies came together again at the Manor for a Southern California Department meeting and a great lunch and birthday celebration for Glen.

US Navy GSM Brunch

Laurie Miner - Department of Virginia, Hampton Roads Chapter

On Aug 2nd US Navy Rear Admiral Carl Lahti, Commander Mid-Atlantic, and his wife Mrs. Lisa Lahti generously opened their home to host a delicious brunch for the Hampton Roads Gold Star Moms. He provided us follow-up details to action items that were discussed when he attended our previous monthly meeting.

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Togetherness Tuesday

11/19/2024

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Through the generous sponsorship of donors, AGSM was able to provide an opportunity for 2 members to experience Gold Star Mothers weekend in Washington, DC. Janet George-Morris was one of the two members selected for this opportunity. Below is a touching letter she shared with us.

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American Gold Star Mothers
News & Blog

Togetherness Tuesday

Texas Veterans Hall of Fame's 7th Annual Induction Ceremony

Togetherness Tuesday

Towson University Military Appreciation Football Game Towson, Maryland November 8, 2025

Dedication of Gold Star Plaque

Togetherness Tuesday

Christmas tree trimming

Tarrant County Texas Proclamation-September Gold Star Mothers Day September 28

Togetherness Tuesday

Gold Star Family Byway Dedication October 27, 2025 Allegany, NY

Blue Star Mothers New York 7 15th Anniversary Celebration Gala Saturday, September 20, 2025

Women in Defense (WID) Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Fundraiser Vandiver Inn Havre de Grace, Maryland October 23, 2025

Gold Star Family Monument Norfolk VA

White House Gold Star Families Reception Washington, DC September 29, 2025

Togetherness Tuesday

Honoring Gold Star Families at the state capitol of Kansas in Topeka

NM Honor Guard Awards

Gold Star Mother's Day Ft. Eustis

Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 521 Auxiliary Gold Star Mother’s and family’s Day Ceremony Owings Mills, Maryland September 28, 2025

Gold Star Mothers and Family’s Day at Mission BBQ Parkville, Maryland September 28, 2025

Gold Star Families Luminary Ceremony Bridging Life Hospice Care Facility Westminster, Maryland September 28, 2025

Togetherness Tuesday

NM Gold Star Mothers Retreat

Visit to the Manor-August 2025

US Navy GSM Brunch

Togetherness Tuesday

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American Gold Star Mothers ​News & Blog

Togetherness Tuesday

Texas Veterans Hall of Fame's 7th Annual Induction Ceremony

Togetherness Tuesday

Towson University Military Appreciation Football Game Towson, Maryland November 8, 2025

Dedication of Gold Star Plaque

Togetherness Tuesday

Christmas tree trimming

Tarrant County Texas Proclamation-September Gold Star Mothers Day September 28

Togetherness Tuesday

Gold Star Family Byway Dedication October 27, 2025 Allegany, NY

Blue Star Mothers New York 7 15th Anniversary Celebration Gala Saturday, September 20, 2025

Women in Defense (WID) Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Fundraiser Vandiver Inn Havre de Grace, Maryland October 23, 2025

Gold Star Family Monument Norfolk VA

White House Gold Star Families Reception Washington, DC September 29, 2025

Togetherness Tuesday

Honoring Gold Star Families at the state capitol of Kansas in Topeka

NM Honor Guard Awards

Gold Star Mother's Day Ft. Eustis

Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 521 Auxiliary Gold Star Mother’s and family’s Day Ceremony Owings Mills, Maryland September 28, 2025

Gold Star Mothers and Family’s Day at Mission BBQ Parkville, Maryland September 28, 2025

Gold Star Families Luminary Ceremony Bridging Life Hospice Care Facility Westminster, Maryland September 28, 2025

Togetherness Tuesday

NM Gold Star Mothers Retreat

Visit to the Manor-August 2025

US Navy GSM Brunch

Togetherness Tuesday

Archives

Categories

American Gold Star Mothers
News & Blog