Gold Star Wives
Ever wonder about the Gold Star Wives?
WHO ARE WE?
We are the women whose husbands died while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, or as a result of service connected disabilities; The widows of servicemen of all Armed conflicts involving the United States of America; The mothers of children whose fathers gave their lives in the service to their country; The widows of servicemen of all ranks, races, and creeds.
WHY ARE WE?
Only a service widow understands the sorrow of another service widow. GOLD STAR WIVES respond to all requests for assistance, except monetary. Members of GOLD STAR WIVES appear before various House and Senate committees on issues concerning compensation, educational benefits, medical care, and other programs pertaining to the welfare of widows.
WHAT ARE WE?
We are a non-profit national service organization, incorporated in the State of New York of December 15, 1945, under the title of GOLD STAR WIVES OF AMERICA, INC. We were granted a Federal Charter by Congress on December 4, 1980, recognizing this organization as being “unique” and capable of providing a service not available from any other organization.
HOW WE HELP MEMBERS?
We network through local and region conferences, fund raise, Memorial Day and Veterans Day pro-gram involvement, membership and special recognition awards for outstanding GSW performance. We volunteer work in community, military, and veterans hospitals; Personal contributions supporting community, military and veterans projects; Organizational support Legislative support.
WHERE ARE WE?
We are in all 50 states of the Union; in government, industry, commercial enterprises, and in our homes, volunteers in our military and veterans hospitals, welfare projects, churches, schools, and community activities; Students in schools, colleges, and universities throughout the country.
Belvoir Officers’ Wives’ Club knows of three GOLD STAR WIVES, Joyce, Marianne, and Eva. If you haven’t seen them lately they might be at Walter Reed Hospital, Mologne House (which is also at Walter Reed), or the Armed Forces Retirement Home, distributing new clothing to the patients, diapers and baby supplies, stuffed animals, ladies items, and cookies. These ladies have worked tirelessly for many years to bring needed items to the soldiers. They make the trip 2-3 times each year. They try to tend to the needs of the soldiers and their families the best that they can. You ladies live up to the purpose of your organization. Thank you for supporting the men, women and children in need.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Mologne House is a residence for family members of patients that need long term treatment at Walter Reed Army Hospital. In many cases, when the soldier is flown there for treatment, the situation for the family is very traumatic. They leave their homes (in many cases, states away) to come to Walter Reed Army Hospital without thought of pre-packing. The need for essential items is dire to them. At the March Luncheon please bring an item from the list for the GOLD STAR WIVES:
*Diapers (size 3 and size 4) *Baby wipes Baby lotion (oil is cheaper) Travel size deodorant Toothbrushes Toothpaste Individual size potato chips Individually wrapped candy
For the information about the Gold Star Wives visit: www.goldstarwives.org. (703) 998-0064