We are currently looking for State Volunteers

The Gold Star Dads organization is currently looking for volunteers. If you are a Gold Star Dad and would like to help other fathers deal with the loss of their sons and daughters via email, phone or person to person, or you have already started an organization to do just that, then we want to feature you here.

We all know the devastation caused by the loss of a son or daughter, the grief can sometimes be unbearable. Sometimes, especially in the beginning, it's all we can do to just get out of bed. One of the hardest things for a Gold Star Dad is to just find someone to talk to that understands where you are and what you are feeling. A sympathetic ear, a firm hand to pick us up, or a shoulder to cry on ( oh wait, real men don't cry, right)

We are looking for men who will listen without judging or trying to change the subject because it makes them feel uncomfortable. Men who have been there, Gold Stars that have felt the loss and battled the demons and now stand united to say "you are not alone, life is not over, just different. This is a new beginning, a new normal and I will stand by your side every day until you are strong enough to stand alone".

Are You That Guy?

Virtually every state in the union has been hit with casualties from the Global War on Terror. The Gold Star Dads of America continues to reach out to the families and friends of these fine American Patriots.

Following is a list of Gold Star Dads, Military Chaplains, Clergymen, and health industry professionals who will answer the call of duty. These are ALL volunteers who want nothing in return but to see you healthy. You can also PM (private message) most of them through the GSD Patriot Forum in the Members section

 

Arizona	California	Florida	Iowa	Tennessee

Arizona

GSD Arizona Coordinator ~ Ron Eppich - Ron and his wife Lea are the proud parents of Sgt Robert Eppich KIA 12/19/2006. NOTE: Ron and Lea are long haul truckers and very busy during the week and take care of their own business on the weekends. He has graciously volunteered to temporarily act as state chairman until a full time replacement can be appointed. phone - 602-885-7155 email roneppich@cox.net

Old Guard Riders Inc.

OGR is an Arizona based charity working to better the lives of homeless, hospitalized and institutionalized veterans. On a national level, the Old Guard Riders engage in fund raising and educational endeavors. We believe that as Americans begin to better understand the many issues and problems that lead to our veterans becoming homeless, they will see the homeless veterans in a completely different light and, as Americans always do, they will step up to help resolve the problem. Contact - Ron Eppich

California

GSD Southern California ~ Michael Klasno - Michael and his wife Lynn are the proud parents of Sgt Rhys W. Klasno KIA 5/13/2007. Michael is the Founder & Executive Director of Gold Star Dads of America. Available via email & PM on the GSD Patriot Forum 8am - 11pm PST. phone 951-833-2935 email contact Michael

GSD Grief Support ~ Tim Norman - Tim is the Gold Star Father of Captain Kevin Michael Norman USA, KIA August 12 2003. Tim is also the Clinical Director at Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma, CA. HBC currently has 27 graduates in the military with 8 currently deployed so he is well aware of the of the stress that Blue Star families are going through and as a Gold Star he is well aquainted with the grief process.Contact Tim

GSD Central California Coordinator ~

Florida

GSD Florida Coordinator ~ Carl Swofford - Carl and his wife are the proud parents of CW2 Justin S Swofford KIA 2/9/2002 who died in a training mission prior to mobilization to Bosnia. Carl is a retired Sergeant Major from the Army and he is Florida State Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders. phone 386-793-0030 email CarlS@patriotguard.org

Iowa

GSD Iowa Coordinator ~ Jim Kearney jr - Jim and his wife Theresa are the proud parents of sgt James C. Kearney III, KIA 11/1 2004 email Jim

Tennessee

GSD Tennessee Coordinator ~ Mike Morel - Mike and his wife Molly are the proud parents of Capt. Brent Morel KIA 4/7/2004. Molly is on the board of Directors of Gold Star Mothers and both she and Mike are very active in Tennessee. Available via email & PM on the GSD Patriot Forum or you can email Mike

 

If you are interested in helping the GSD's and would like to be listed here please contact me.

Michael Klasno