Did you know....Becky Christmas Did you know that Gold Star Mothers were instrumental in establishing the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery? Many of the WWI Allied countries had paid tribute to an unidentified soldier who gave his life in WWI in this similar way. America followed this lead but the Gold Star Mothers helped make it happen. On the morning of November 11, 1921, the casket of the Unknown Soldier left the Capitol Rotunda and was taken to the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery. Following a solemn ceremony, the coffin was committed to the sarcophagus.
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2025 VAVS Annual Joint Review, in good standing with our VAHCSDepartment: FL-PR Chapter: Tampa Bay Two local chapters of AGSM, Inc., the Gulf Coast and the Tampa Bay Chapters, teamed up and attended their 2025 VAVS/CDCE Annual Joint Review, October 8. As VAVS Representatives and Deputy Representatives, this is an important part of our commitment to serving veterans as members of the VAVS/CDCE program within the VA Health Care System. Jean Ufallusy and Tiphane Downs, both members of the Gulf Coast Chapter and Toni Gross, Tampa Bay Chapter, met with VAVS/CDCE Chief Staff, Mr. Navarro, to review the AJR for their volunteerism at James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL. I'm quoting Mr. Navarro, "AGSM, Inc. CRUSHED the American Legion, VFW, and DAR with our 2025 numbers". While this is not a competition, it does go to show that we AGSM, Inc. members can make an impact in the lives of our veterans, as we faithfully serve at our VA Hospitals, CBOCs and Fisher Houses. We were pleasantly surprised with his comment. In this photo, VAVS/CDCE Chief Staff, Mr. Navarro is presenting AGSM, Inc. members Jean and Tiphane with VAVS service pins. Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay chapters team up together often to serve bc we are focused on our mission...HONORING THROUGH SERVICE" Gold Star Family Byway Dedication October 27, 2025 Allegany, NYDepartment: New York Chapter: WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26
Blue Star Mothers New York 7 15th Anniversary Celebration Gala Saturday, September 20, 2025Department: New York Chapter: WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26
Women in Defense (WID) Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Fundraiser Vandiver Inn Havre de Grace, Maryland October 23, 2025Department: 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 VADepartment: Virginia Chapter: Hampton Roads White House Gold Star Families Reception Washington, DC September 29, 2025Department: Maryland/Delaware Chapter: Maryland
Keeping NY Veterans warmDepartment: NY Chapter: Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Syracuse NY members: presented Sweatpants, Sweatshirts, boxer shorts, combs, toothpaste, toothbrushes and coloring books with coloring pencils. And special homemade Veterans Day cards from Students of Baldwinsville Middle School. Helping to keep our Women and Men Veterans warm during the winter months. Pictured: Tammy Bell (AGSM), Becky Ross (VA CDCE volunteer manage), Ann Brothers (AGSM) and Lorie Schneider (AGSM) American Red Cross Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Children’s Wish List September 4, 2025Department: Maryland/Delaware Chapter: MD At the request of Hanna Peters, Senior Regional Program Specialist at the American Red Cross, Maryland Gold Star Mothers donated towards the Children’s Wish List at Walter Reed that included several toys that filled a utility cart! It is always a pleasure to not only support our military members, but also their families during their stay away from home. Fabulous Fisher House DayDepartment: FL-PR Chapter: Tampa Bay
Armed Forces YMCA Food Pantry donationDepartment: Virginia Chapter: Hampton Roads Chapter donated over $1000 worth of food and gift cards to the Armed Forces YMCA Food Pantry in Virginia Beach, VA. This was especially impactful due to the government shutdown and limited funds our active duty service members have. Pictured l to r: Terri Campbell-1st VP, Maggie Sticklen-2nd VP and Angela Bell-Chapter President and Dept. President. Elsie MannerowWritten and researched by Laura De Roo
In 1967, following graduation from Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods Michigan, and one year at Macomb Community College, their son, Paul David Mannerow enlisted in the Marine Corp. His tour in Vietnam began August 14, 1968. The following spring, May 10, 1969, Paul died in Quang Tri, Vietnam through hostile action that caused the helicopter he was in to crash. He had achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and was the recipient of two Purple Heart medals.
Due to age, Elsie had to give up driving three years ago. Her daughter and granddaughter help with getting groceries, putting meals in her freezer and getting her to appointments. Her friends still make sure she gets out to enjoy excursions and comradery. Elsie remains in very good health and continues to live in her pleasant, little apartment where she has lived for the last 23 years. On November 1st, 2025 Elsie celebrated her 100th birthday! Kentucky Chapter NewsA recent gathering at the Patton Museum just outside of Fort Knox. Pictured are Kentucky members: Karen Williamson, Cathy Mullins, Jamie Rauschenberger, and Kentucky President, Lynn Romans. Several Kentucky Mothers attended the Woody Williams Legacy of Service Gala in Louisville, Kentucky. Pictures with Woody's famous three-wheeler, are Linda Dennis, Lynn Romans, and Cathy Mullins.
Honoring Gold Star Families at the state capitol of Kansas in TopekaDepartment: Kansas Chapter: Sunflower
NM Honor Guard AwardsDepartment: 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. EustisDepartment: 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, 2025Department: Maryland/Delaware Chapter: MD
Gold Star Mothers and Family’s Day at Mission BBQ Parkville, Maryland September 28, 2025Department: Maryland/Delaware Chapter: MD
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| 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. |
Forgotten Heroes Burial
Department: New Mexico
Chapter: Albuquerque
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. |
Honor Flight Welcome Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Baltimore, Maryland September 16, 2025
Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland
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. |
Donation of Television to Veterans Home Ben Atchley Veterans Home Knoxville, Tennessee September 20, 2025
Department: Tennessee
Chapter: Volunteer
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.
Lone Sailor Awards Dinner National Building Museum September 9, 2025 Washington, DC
Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland
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.
2025 American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Chairman’s Dinner Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium Washington, DC September 13, 2025
Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland
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.
AUSA 21st Annual Fisher House Gala Belcamp, Maryland September 20, 2025
Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland
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. |
National POW/MIA Recognition Day – September 19, 2025. U.S. POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September, on September 19 this year, to recommit to full accountability to the families of the more than 80,000 veterans captured or still missing from wars that the United States has participated in.
The U.S. Air Force was established as its own branch of the military by Congress and President Henry S. Truman on September 18, 1947.
How to Celebrate the U.S. Air Force BirthdayThe U.S. Air Force birthday is more than just a time to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the men and women who serve — it's also an opportunity to actively show your support and appreciation.These events serve as a reminder of the U.S. Air Force’s enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and technological innovation.
Here are a few ways we can honor their bravery and dedication on this special day:
How to Celebrate the U.S. Air Force BirthdayThe U.S. Air Force birthday is more than just a time to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the men and women who serve — it's also an opportunity to actively show your support and appreciation.These events serve as a reminder of the U.S. Air Force’s enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and technological innovation.
Here are a few ways we can honor their bravery and dedication on this special day:
- Remembering Their Dedication: Recognize the tireless commitment of U.S. Air Force personnel who work around the clock to protect national airspace and maintain global security.
- Celebrating Their Sacrifice: Pay tribute to the sacrifices made by U.S. Air Force members and their families, who often endure long deployments and personal challenges to safeguard our freedoms.
- Acknowledging Their Technological Leadership: The U.S. Air Force has been at the forefront of aviation and space technology, playing a key role in advancements that extend far beyond the military sphere.
- Recognizing Global Impact: From providing humanitarian aid to maintaining air superiority in conflict zones, the U.S. Air Force’s global operations reflect its vital role in both peacetime and wartime efforts.
- Going to a Veteran-Themed Museum: Many military-related museums around the country give active-duty service members, veterans, and more free access to their exhibits on the U.S. Air Force Birthday.
- Supporting Veterans and Active-Duty Members: Give a shoutout on social media — or better yet, get involved in local events or volunteer opportunities. Posting your experiences with the hashtag #AirForceBirthday spreads awareness and demonstrates that their efforts are not forgotten.
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