Happy 99th Birthday Dorothy Oxendine!

Happy 99th Birthday to Gold Star Mother Dorothy Oxendine!

@newyorkveterans proudly sends happy birthday wishes to the extraordinary Ms. Dorothy Oxendine—Gold Star Mother, trailblazer, and proud New Yorker—who turned 99 years young today!

DVS Commissioner Viviana DeCohen is pictured here from a few weeks ago signing the birthday card she sent to Dorothy, one of many that Ms. Oxendine received. Commissioner DeCohen’s handwritten message included:

“Happy Blessed Birthday to a truly wow woman! You have exemplified true strength, courage, and wisdom.”

Ms. Oxendine is also pictured holding the Commissioner’s card—smiling, strong, and surrounded by love. ❤️ A photo from our May Facebook post featuring Dorothy is in the frame next to Commissioner DeCohen.

Dorothy’s strength is rooted in service and sacrifice. Her son, Paratrooper Willie French “Frenchie” Oxendine III, was tragically killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1968 at just 19 years old. Dorothy learned of his passing nine days later, on Memorial Day.

Since then, she’s devoted her life to honoring his memory while uplifting and helping other Gold Star Families. She served as National President of @agsm_national and became the first female president of the Long Island National Cemetery Memorial Organization in Farmingdale, NY.

Special thanks to Gary Napieracz, Past President, @vietnamveteransofamerica New York Chapter 377 for letting us know about this special occasion in advance and for organizing this wonderful recognition of a truly inspirational woman.

Please join us in wishing Dorothy a joyful and love-filled birthday! 💐 God bless you, Dorothy!