JBSA-FORT SAM HOUSTON –
More than 20 survivors who had lost their spouses gathered April 5 at the Survivor Outreach Services Hall of Remembrance to mark the second annual Gold Star Wives Day.
The survivors, who live in the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston community, made the day about each other, opting for a casual lunch and quiet conversation as opposed to a ceremony.
In the past, the Gold Star Wives would generally have functions with the members of the Gold Star Mothers organization.
This event was specifically set up for the wives, said James Stokes, Survivor Outreach Services coordinator, adding that he often sees that a mother of a fallen service member wants to remember differently than a spouse of a fallen service member.
"It's just a different dynamic," Stokes said.
"Gold Star Wives Day is a day of recognition for individuals who have lost their loved ones, their spouses, while in the service to their nation" said Marlene Nash, community and family support officer for the Army Support Activity on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
"I don't look at it as a day to have a pity party, but a day to get together, to talk and to bond," said Raquel Scates, a Gold Star Wife.
Karen Riecke, also a Gold Star Wife, spoke of how the bonding is important to each of them.
"We celebrate each other, knowing we have each other to count on not just to help us through the bad times but to celebrate the good times as well," she said.
Maj. Gen. Adolph McQueen, deputy commanding general for U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), who attended the luncheon, spoke with the wives and listened to their stories.
McQueen chatted with many of the survivors over pizza and salads asked about their lives, while also thanking them for their sacrifice.
"Honoring and thanking these survivors is the least we can do for those who have lost someone so special to them," he said.