Mission Monday

Forgotten Heroes Burial

Department: New Mexico
Chapter: Albuquerque

Since 2010 New Mexico has been providing dignified burials for Veterans whose remains have been unclaimed. On September 17, the cremains of thirty-five men and one woman were given dignified military burials. The Gold Star Mothers are always asked to ring the bell following the reading of each name. On the 17th, Karen Alexander and Becky Christmas were honored to participate in this very special service.

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Honor Flight Welcome Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Baltimore, Maryland September 16, 2025

Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

Maryland Gold Star Mothers were invited to join the Honor Flight team in welcoming Vietnam, Korean War Era and other Veterans from Mid-Michigan to the BWI. Janice Chance represented the Maryland Chapter. As the Allegiant Plane arrived with our Hero veterans, they received a Water Salute from the Fire Department. Everyone in the waiting area cheered as they watched the salute and the plane taxi to the gate. There were 85 veterans accompanied by their guardians, paramedics, other support staff, and photographers. There were several women Hero veterans in the group. Also Included in the group were two members of the Tuskegee Airman Detroit Chapter. The Veterans and their guardians were greeted, thanked and saluted by the Honor Flight team, Janice and other volunteers for their selfless service and sacrifice. The Veterans, their guardians and the Honor Flight Director expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome that they received. The BWI Honor Flight team and Janice were able to spend a few minutes talking with the veterans, their guardians, and staff prior to them boarding their assigned bus. The Honor Flight team and Janice saluted and cheered for the veterans as their buses departed.

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Donation of Television to Veterans Home Ben Atchley Veterans Home Knoxville, Tennessee September 20, 2025

Department: 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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Lone Sailor Awards Dinner National Building Museum September 9, 2025 Washington, DC

​Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

The Annual Lone Sailor Awards Dinner, hosted by the United States Navy Memorial at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., stands as a proud tradition to honor and celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services. On September 9, 2025, Maryland Gold Star Mothers Paula Davis, Basmattie Bishundat, Theresa Karlson, Stephanie White, and Virginia Gold Star Mother, Rose Duval, as well as other Gold Star guests attended this distinguished event. The Lone Sailor Awards embody the Navy Memorial’s mission: to honor, recognize, and celebrate the sacrifices and service of America’s sea service members. The 2025 honorees, The Honorable Chuck Sams, 19th Director of the National Park Service, and Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.), 16th Allied Commander of NATO exemplified the core values of service, commitment, and leadership. Their contributions reflect the enduring spirit of dedication that strengthens America’s maritime interests and national defense. For the Maryland Gold Star Mothers, this event is not only a celebration of the Navy’s traditions but also a poignant reminder of their own loved ones’ service and sacrifice. Their presence at the Lone Sailor Awards connects the legacy of those who served with the ongoing story of resilience, honor, and remembrance. Together, these moments—past and present—illustrate how the Lone Sailor Awards Dinner is more than a ceremony. It is a bridge between history and legacy, between service members and their families, between sacrifice and honor. For the Gold Star Mothers, participation in these events is a profound testament to the enduring bond between the Navy and the families who have given so much. The recognition of leaders who embody courage, duty, and honor serves as a living reminder that the sacrifices of their children are not forgotten but forever woven into the fabric of the nation’s story.

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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

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.

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AUSA 21st Annual Fisher House Gala Belcamp, Maryland September 20, 2025

Department: Maryland/Delaware
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.