We had been talking about building an American Patriot website to honor my Son and the California National Guard for almost a year, since they shipped out for Iraq in July of 06, but never seemed to get around to it. I build websites for other people from my home business and you would have thought it would be a no brainier to throw together a site for him. But I just never got around to it.

On May 13th, 2007 my son was killed when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle in Haditha, northwest of Baghdad. For those of you who don’t recognize the date that is Mother’s Day, needless to say our life has will never be the same.

Building the Gold Star Dad’s website started out to be a source of therapy for me after my son was killed but through many hours of counseling with members of my church, Christian friends and the men & women from his battle unit, I decided that it had to have more meaning, it needed a direction and purpose.

My son was one of the most giving and considerate young men you would ever have had the chance to meet. He gave of himself freely and took on extra duties without ever complaining or bragging. He loved God, his Family and his Country, he was a true Patriot. He was also a good son, considerate husband and a loving Father to be. We will miss him.

I hope you agree that this website honors his memory and the memory of all of the American Hero’s that have died serving their country in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In the coming months our lives will begin to settle down to what we have come to call the “New Normal” It’s not the same as it was when Rhys was with us, but then I wouldn’t want it to be the same.

Please take a few minutes to check out the complete website. There is a great need for volunteers so if you are looking for an outreach project, please consider the Gold Star Dads, Mothers Day & Fathers Day projects.

God Bless You

Honor & Respect
Michael Klasno
Gold Star Dad