Gold Star Family Shares Inspiring Journey: Gold Star Families is a San Antonio group. No one wants the honor, but many know about it. People pay attention to them because they’ve sacrificed a lot. They join this group when a loved one dies while serving our country, like a parent, sibling, or child.
Kendra Larson, a brave Gold Star Family member, shares her story. Despite her husband Ryan’s passing two years ago, her pain remains as intense as it was back then. Ryan was an Army Corporal. He left two young sons and a three-week-old baby daughter.
During Ryan’s service, he suffered a severe brain injury. He improved physically, but something within him had shifted. Kendra discusses how metal plates in her husband’s head aided his physical injuries. But he also had more severe issues, like PTSD. She also talks about a big problem for soldiers, which is addiction. Many soldiers face this problem, and when Kendra saw someone she cared about dealing with it, she wanted to learn more about it.
But Kendra is doing something extraordinary. She uses her pain to help others. She helps Tuesday’s Children, which saves her in a time of trouble. This organization understood how Kendra felt and helped her get VA benefits and paid for her kids’ daycare.
Kendra supports Gold Star families as a psychologist. She’s aware that their trip may have surprises, and she’s there to assist them in handling them. Her message for those having a hard time is clear and strong: always ask for help, even when things seem harsh.
Kendra wants to tell Ryan, the man she loves, that she loves him and hopes for him. She hopes he’s proud of her and loves him deeply.
There are several places where troops and families can get help, and Tuesday’s Children is one of them. It’s a place for support and solidarity during tough times.
Kendra’s story emphasizes the importance of strength and helping others. Despite her pain, she helped others and honored her loved ones.
Our Reader’s Queries
What do you say to a gold star family?
Essentially, show empathy, respect boundaries, and reassure them of your support in any way they need. Being part of a Gold Star family is not something anyone desires.
What are the benefits of the Gold Star family?
Gold Star Families are eligible for various benefits, including tax advantages for surviving family members through the HEART Act or the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008. They also have access to extra life insurance and vesting in retirement plan perks, as well as funeral and burial entitlements.
What did the gold star mean for families that displayed it?
Originating during World War I, families hung banners with a blue star to represent each family member serving in the armed forces. If a service member died in action, the blue star was replaced with a gold star.
How much do gold star families get paid?
Gold Star families receive survivor benefits in the form of the death gratuity program, which provides a tax-free payment of $100,000 to eligible survivors of service members.