Gold Star Families honored at special concert at Fort Leonard Wood

By GUIDON staffSeptember 29, 2016

Gold Star Families honored at special concert at Fort Leonard Wood
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Leonard Wood Survivor Outreach Services honored the Families of fallen service members during a special Gold Star Mothers' and Families Remembrance Concert Sept. 18 at the USO.

The concert is held annually in conjunction with Gold Star Mothers' Day, which was observed on Sunday.

Each year, Gold Star Families from Missouri are invited to the concert. Families have the opportunity to submit a song to honor their loved one and the 399th Army Band learns the music and puts together the concert.

"The survivors also submit photos of their loved one that the band turns into a video presentation that plays while the corresponding service member's song is played," said Jody Carmack, SOS coordinator.

This year, Families also had the opportunity to speak about their favorite memory of their fallen service members.

Carmack said 14 service members were honored this year.

Teresa Cleaver, mother of fallen Soldier, Staff Sgt. John Cleaver, said hearing other Families speak about their service member was a great way to honor those lost.

"Isn't it wonderful how their pride can often override their sadness and nervousness to be able to speak because they are doing it for their child, spouse a parent," Cleaver said.

Each year, SOS hosts two recognition events for Gold Star (active-duty survivors) and two for all survivors from all duty statuses.

For more information about SOS, contact Carmack at 573.596.0131, ext. 0212.

Related Links:

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Facebook

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood