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Photo of cards sent to AGSM for the 2025 season.

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

Veterans Day Ceremony Gatlinburg Convention Center Gatlinburg, Tennessee November 11, 2025

Kelly Swanson, President of the Volunteer Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, was asked by Macey Dance, Director of Events of the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau to speak at their annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Kelly spoke on behalf of the Chapter, giving information about the Chapter and what we do to support our Veterans. Kelly also spoke about her favorite Veteran, SSG Christopher Swanson. The event was hosted by WATE Don Dare. The keynote speaker was retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major, Stephen Ball. The ceremony was well attended, and everyone was happy that the ceremony was moved indoors because of the cold weather!

Honoring Women Veterans Luncheon

Veterans Day with Recruits

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

Dedication of Gold Star Plaque

Adaptive Athletics Foundation of Maryland (AAFMD) 2nd Annual for Purpose Benefit Gala Edgewater, Maryland November 7, 2025

The AAFMD held their 2nd Annual for Purpose Benefit Gala on November 7, 2025 at the Yellowfin Steak & Fish House Restaurant in Edgewater, Maryland. The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter, Inc was a Gold Sponsor. Donna Robinson and Janice Chance represented the Maryland Chapter. They were joined by Gold Star Step dad Charlton Chance. Also, attending the event was the top enlisted Marine at Marine Barracks Washington, DC, Sergeant Major Jimmy Richard Jr, and his wife. The evening included a delicious buffet dinner, music, silent auction, and speakers who shared powerful inspiring testimonies. John Edward Heath, retired U. S Marine, former professional athlete from Maryland and Founder/CEO of the AAFMD and his team sponsored this event. John highlighted accomplishments made during their first year. He also shared that the vital funds raised will be used “to expand and enhance programs for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, purchase support equipment, coaching, events, and resources needed to empower athletes of all abilities to compete, grow, and thrive. Together, we can continue breaking barriers and building a stronger, more inclusive community—one athlete at a time”. The event was well attended. It was an unforgettable evening in support of adaptive sports.

Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down VA Medical Center Washington, DC November 1, 2025

The annual Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down was hosted at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center. The day-long event brought together VA employees, volunteers, and community partners to offer immediate assistance, services, and resources to unsheltered and at-risk Veterans throughout the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and areas of Maryland. Gold Star Mothers Janice Chance and Paula Davis volunteered and handed out coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches, and donuts to the Veterans who stood in line waiting to go inside the event. They also helped serve lunch to the Veterans. DC VA Medical Center Social Workers and Peer Support Teams work with local shelters as well as traveling to local neighborhoods, identifying Veterans to pair with VA health care, benefits, and services, and local resources. The event demonstrates VA’s commitment to “Partner to End and Prevent Homelessness, One Veteran at a Time.” 30 participating federal, state, and local agencies and community organizations offered services. It was wonderful to see all the smiles on the Veterans' faces as they went from tent to tent, receiving coats, boots, socks, personal care kits, and other items. We look forward to volunteering in the future.

Christmas tree trimming

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

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.