Joyce Paulsen, 2nd Vice President

Joyce Paulsen and her son, SFC Matthew Q McClintock, US Army

I am reflecting on my years on the National Executive Board. There have been times that
it has been crazy busy and I kept asking myself why am I doing this, why did I volunteer? Then I remember the day my son came home early in his army career wearing his uniform proudly with a big smile (see picture) I said to myself you are standing beside him and will do anything for him and that now includes serving in my own way.

I needed to move my grief into action. That is what the American Gold Star Mothers organization has made available to me, moms, and family members. Giving back in small and large ways in our communities to veterans and its members.  This national organization will be 100 years old in 2028 and is still serving veterans in all parts of the county. As an AGSM member, we want to be the best representative of a mom who loves her hero and her country. It has been rewarding and I have made new friends and met several
veteran service organizations leaders. I know my son loved his army special forces job and I will
serve and represent to the best of my ability my son’s legacy as I “Stand in the Gap” that he left.