FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (April 8, 2013) -- More than 20 survivors, who lost their spouses, gathered April 5 at the Survivor Outreach Services Hall of Remembrance to mark the second annual Gold Star Wives Day.
The survivors who live in the Fort Sam Houston community made the day about each other, opting for a casual lunch and quiet conversation as opposed to a ceremony.
In the past, the Gold Star Wives would generally have functions with the members of the Gold Star Mothers organization. The event was specifically set up for the wives, said James Stokes, survivor outreach services coordinator, adding that he often sees that a mother of a fallen service member wants to remember differently than a spouse of a fallen service member.
"It's just a different dynamic," said Stokes.
"Gold Star Wives Day is a day of recognition for individuals who have lost their loved ones, their spouses, while in the service to their nation" said, Marlene Nash, Community and Family Support officer for the Army Support Activity, Fort Sam Houston.
Maj. Gen. Adolph McQueen, deputy commanding general for U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), who attended the luncheon, spoke with the wives and listened to their stories.
"I don't look at it as a day to have a pity party, but a day to get together, to talk and to bond," said Raquel Scates, a Gold Star Wife.
Karen Riecke, also a Gold Star Wife, spoke of how the bonding is important to each of them.
"We celebrate each other, and knowing we have each other to count on not just to help us through the bad times but to celebrate the good times as well," she said.
McQueen chatted with many of the survivors over pizza and salads. He asked about their lives and thanked them for their sacrifice.
"Honoring and thanking these survivors is the least we can do for those who have lost someone so special to them," he said.
Related Links:
Day pays tribute to spouses, families of fallen
STAND-TO!: Gold Star Mothers Day
STAND-TO!: Military Family Appreciation Month
STAND-TO!: 2013 Month of the Military Child: "Proud, Ready and Resilient"
Army Casualty Affairs and Survivor Assistance
U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) on Facebook
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.)
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