Oregon Gold Star Families to be Honored

Photo Courtesy: pentagon.gov

(SALEM) - Oregon Gold Star Families will be honored at a special dinner at the Portland Airport Shilo Inn, on May 7th, 2006. The Oregon Department of Veterans` Affairs will join the Coalition of Troop Support, the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom War Memorial Fund, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Marshall Tall Eagle II, Inc., and veterans` organizations to honor families at the event.

Gold Star Mothers will be presented with the Mother`s Medal of Honor with fathers and spouses receiving the Warriors Medal of Valor on behalf of their Fallen Warriors. The Warriors Medal is the first medal for all the American Indian Nations to pay tribute and honor veterans. The Mother`s Medal places honor on the mothers of these heroes.

Gold Star families are those who have suffered the loss of a spouse, son, or daughter as a casualty, killed, captured, missing in action, or as a result of illness or injury received through engagement in the U.S. Armed Forces in WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflicts and strategic areas.

`We hope to honor as many Gold Star Families as possible for their tremendous sacrifices and the service of their loved ones. These Warriors and their families have given all that they could give. The opportunity to honor them is a welcome opportunity," said Jim Willis, Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans` Affairs.

Oregon Gold Star Families, from all eras, are encouraged to contact Linda Christy, Director of the Coalition of Troop Support at 503-997-3152, email linda@cotsupport.org, or Lorena Navarez at 503-750-2700, email lorena@cotsupport.org for more information or to RSVP their attendance at the dinner. Efforts are being made to cover the cost of lodging and travel for Oregon Gold Star Families who will need to travel large distances to attend. Those interested in assisting with sponsorship of the event are also welcome to contact either Linda or Lorena.