Gold Star Mothers visit McConnell

Members of the American Gold Star Mothers Kansas chapter pose for a group photo after participating in an air refueling flight May 4, 2010. The American Gold Star Mothers, a national organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the country, not only toured McConnell and learned about its mission they each provided heartfelt accounts of how they joined the group. (courtesy photo)

Gold Star Mothers visit McConnell

Master Sgt. Kevin Scheer, 22nd Maintenance Squadron maintenance flight chief, briefs Joseph Lane, Matthew Lane, Kathie Echols and Roderick Phiele, on the inspection process of a KC-135 Stratotanker during an isochronal inspection May 4, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. McConnell Airmen family members of the Kansas Gold Star Mothers a tour as the mothers flew on a Stratotanker. The Gold Star Mothers is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter during their service in the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Maria Ruiz)

Gold Star Mothers visit McConnell

Capt. Derek St. John, 350th Air Refueling Squadron assistant flight commander and instructor pilot, describes the navigational controls of a KC-135 Stratotanker simulator to Joseph and Matthew Lane, family members of a Gold Star Mother May 4, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Joseph and Matthew lost their brother Spc. David Lane during combat in 2007. Gold Star Mothers’ members keep the memory of their departed sons and daughters alive by helping other mothers who have lost a child serving in the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Maria Ruiz)

Gold Star Mothers visit McConnell

Published May 11, 2010
By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- With heavy hearts and a true sense of the meaning of "service before self," eight members of the American Gold Star Mothers Kansas chapters recently visited McConnell for a Mother's Day tribute, May 4.

The American Gold Star Mothers, a national organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the country, not only toured McConnell and learned about its mission, they each provided heartfelt accounts of how they joined the group.

"[Being a Gold Star Mother] is like being part of a group that no one wants to be a member of because to be a part of it, you had to suffer the loss of a child," said Anita Dixon, AGSM Wichita Chapter president. "However, we are all honored to be a part of this group and to be able to share our stories with one another."

Mrs. Dixon became a Gold Star Mother in October 2005, when her son, Army Sgt. Evan Parker, was killed in today's fight.

Despite clearly fighting back tears, Mrs. Dixon candidly spoke of memories of her son to Airmen at the 350th Air Refueling Squadron auditorium and shared a story about a visit she had with him before he left for his fateful deployment.

"My son was military and he loved being a soldier," she said. "Before he left, he told me he didn't want me to see him off at the airplane, but I believe it was his way of telling me that he knew he probably wouldn't be coming back."

In addition to sharing stories of her son, Evan, Mrs. Dixon briefly described the history of the Gold Star Mothers to the audience, particularly discussing the tradition of wearing white.

"The wearing of white symbolizes the peace this organization brings, and the peace it hopes one day will come," said Mrs. Dixon.

In addition to Mrs. Dixon's experiences, the other seven members of the Gold Star Mothers shared their stories. One of the Gold Star Mothers, Betty Jean Pulliam, has been in the organization for 43 years. Her son, Dale, was killed in Vietnam on Mother's Day 1967.

Mrs. Pulliam remarked on the importance of groups like Gold Star Mothers being available to families of fallen servicemembers.

"Being a Gold Star Mother means everything to me because when I lost my son, Vietnam mothers had no groups like this," she said.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the mothers participated in a refueling flight in a KC-135 Stratotanker.

The importance and timeliness of the tribute made to the mothers was not lost on the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Commander.

"It's not lost on us the sacrifice these women have made," he said. "Just as these women's children paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, these women made the ultimate sacrifice -- their children."

The first official group for the Gold Star Mothers made its debut in September 1936. The group received a congressional Charter in 1984, after more than fifty years of campaigning. For more information about the American Gold Star Mother visit their Web site at www.goldstarmoms.com/index.htm.