Official membership is open to all Gold Star Dads, our Associate membership is open to EVERY American Patriot
GSD Outreach Projects
About GSD
GSD Information
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
~ Helen Keller
Survivor Outreach Services
Our Survivor Outreach Services projects directly help Americas Gold Star Families regardless of military affiliation. Gold Star Dad of America does not require membership to use the services of our Survivor Outreach Liaison (SOL). Our purpose is to help the military deliver on its commitment to the Families of the Fallen.
The Army SOS Support Coordinator and the SOL for Gold Star Dads of America along with the state captains, work closely to facilitate the execution of the Army Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Program.
Our SOL personnel are committed to this project and can assist in a range of subjects; from putting you in contact with the right agency for your particular circumstance or introducing you to the Gold Star peer mentors & prayer warriors in your areas. Things as simply answering the phone or returning email inquiries in a timely manner can make a big difference in your well being,
Gold Star Dads of America also helps sponsor survivor outreach events in states hardest hit by the war. These events are a great way to help the survivors network and gives them a chance to fellowship in a safe and secure environment while honoring their heroes life. Contact the SOL or State Captain in your state for more information on events and services.
The Survivor outreach services are just a small portion of the overall mission of Gold Star Dads of America. Your much needed support for our mission would be greatly appreciated.
Latest SOS News & Events
GSD and Knights of Heroes
6 December 2011 – Gold Star Dads of America announced today a strategic alliance between GSD and Knights of Heroes.
“This hits very close to home for a lot of our Dads” said Michael Klasno, founder of Gold Star Dads of America. “As Gold Star father’s and grandfather’s many of us worry about the psychological health and well-being of our children & grandchildren. Besides being a well run organization worthy of our support, Knights of Heroes main goal is the physical, psychological and spiritual health of these young people. We are pleased to partner with them.”
Knights of Heroes is a high-impact, adventure camp for young men & women who have lost their fathers in military service. Each summer, families with children between the ages of 11 and 17 are invited to attend at absolutely no cost. While the kids are at camp, the moms and younger siblings spend the week visiting sites in and around Colorado Springs. Lodging and travel arrangements are made for the families that attend from outside the local area.
The Knights of Heroes Foundation was created in January of 2007 by Lieutenant Colonel Steve Harrold in honor of his friend Major Troy Lee "Trojan" Gilbert.
Major Gilbert, was killed during combat operations in the Al-Anbar Province, Iraq on November 27, 2006. At the time of his death, Major Gilbert was a husband and father of five children.
“An alliance with Gold Star Dads is a perfect fit.” said Lt Col Harrold. “Over 90% of the kids who attend our camp lost their fathers in OIF or OEF, to have Gold Star Dads of America involved is an honor.”
Survivor Outreach Services Summit
Army Family Action Plan
Arlington, Virginia - October 9-13 2011
Gold Star Family members from around the United States converged on Arlington, Virginia to take part in the Survivor Outreach Services Summit. Participants included Gold Star Dads, Moms, Husbands, Wife's, Sister, & Brothers. After reviewing over 60 AFAP issues over a five day period the group chose the top five issues to elevate to Command.
here is a link to the Survivor Outreach Services Summit story.
