The Ties That Bind

The expression ‘The Ties that Bind’ is used to describe a common idea or belief that links people together.  For example, you may say, “We are family, held together by the ties that bind.  Nothing can tear us apart.”  This is how I feel about our sisterhood and American Gold Star Mothers. No journey is meant to be traveled alone.

Gene the Marine
I became a Gold Star Mother on June 22, 2012 when my oldest son, Gene or Gino as named by his Marine buddies, was killed in action in Sangin Valley, Afghanistan.  It was his second deployment with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Bravo Company.  His first deployment was with Charlie Company out of Camp Lejeune, NC.  Before that fateful day, he was able to use a computer and Skype with me and his younger brother, Jake.  He told me that he had one more month of his tour and that he would be home to have some Maryland crabs and Natty Bohs with us.  Unfortunately, that was the last time that I was able to virtually see him and hear his voice. That moment is seared into my memory. 

My youngest son, Jake, was entering his senior year in high school and was talking to local military recruiters with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) about enlisting.  On June 22, 2012, after I was notified by two Marines at my house, Jake called me and told me that he was confused about which branch to choose.  I don’t know how I was able to answer in a calm voice, but I said, “Just come home and we’ll talk about it.”

I will never forget the confused look on his face when he came inside the house to see two Marines standing with me.  It was the hardest thing I had to do by telling him that his brother was killed.  He was crushed and we both began our grief journey together. Two weeks later, I signed Jake’s enlistment papers with the USMC because he was 17.  Just like his brother, his father and I had to sign before he could join.  Jake served for four years in the USMC and is now an Anne Arundel County police officer. 

American Gold Star Mothers
When I started my grief journey, I knew very little about American Gold Star Mothers.  That all changed when Janice Chance came to my son’s viewing in June 2012.  I was invited to the Chapter’s bi-monthly meeting in October. It was then I decided to join.  I felt that by joining that I would become a member of a group that truly understood my profound loss.  I am happy to report that we are an active Chapter that continues our children’s legacies by supporting our Veterans, active-duty military, their families, and local communities.  I have been a member of the Maryland/Delaware Department, Baltimore Chapter for almost 12 years now.  My current position is Treasurer and have held several positions in supporting our Chapter.

The reason why I wanted to serve on the AGSM National Executive Board (NEB) is because I had been able to attend several National Conventions.  It was at the previous convention in Kentucky that piqued my interest because each NEB member was not only serving their respective Departments/Chapters, but also the organization as a whole.  The convention was well run, and not only did the NEB work hard at coordinating, supporting and assisting our members, but they also looked like they were having fun! ​

National Secretary
I am honored to be elected to serve on the 2024-2025 NEB as National Secretary. In the past month, we have hit the ground running!  Not only do I have the National Secretary duties, but I also have been selected to chair the Ways & Means Committee, which is managing the AGSM Store (previously known as Mothers Cupboard), and to serve on several committees including Headquarters, Community Service, and Finance & Budget.  I know that this looks like a huge commitment, but it’s all for our children and what we stand for.  

In closing, I would like to share that my son taught me a valuable lesson that freedom is not free.   Now every Memorial Day, 4th of July, Patriot’s Day, Gold Star Mother’s Day, and Veterans Day will have special meaning to me.  On these special days, I will honor and remember him and other fallen heroes.  In my mind and my heart, I believe that he is a true Patriot. “Those that love you not only remember that you died, but that you lived well and that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.”  
 
I welcome you to reach out to me and other NEB members if you need our help or just want to talk.  We are here for you.  The Ties That Bind

Theresa Karlson
National Secretary
Proud Mother of LCpl Eugene "Gino" Mills, III, USMC
KIA Afghanistan
11/19/1990 - 06/22/2012