Ms. Yolanda Rayford, Executive Director Baltimore/ Chesapeake Blue Star Families (BSF) and Ms. Julie Fern, Program Manager BSF invited Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter to attend their Annual Volunteer Recognition Event. The Maryland Chapter is one of their community partners and several members are also volunteers. Janice Chance, Stephanie White, Donna Robinson and Joy Goode represented the Maryland Chapter. Also in attendance were Colonel Yolanda Gore, Fort George G. Meade Garrison Commander, Mr. Anthony Woods, Secretary Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Ms. Dana Burl, Deputy Secretary Military Policy, and Programs Department of Veterans & Military Families, and several other special guests. Prior to the start of the program Ms. Kassie Sandacz, CEO Voices of Vets organization, sang the national anthem.
Ms. Rayford shared that the BSF volunteers served a total of 1700 hours in 2024 and she also shared information about upcoming events. Colonel Gore who was the keynote speaker, gave an inspirational message which included special thanks and appreciation to the volunteers, community partners and BSF staff for their support and services. Secretary Woods made brief remarks expressing his appreciation and gratitude as well.
The Maryland chapter made several monetary and In-Kind donations for special events in 2024 as they have done for the past three years. Janice Chance, Stephanie White and Donna Robinson received a volunteer appreciation certificate, while the Maryland Chapter received a Community Partner Appreciation certificate. The Maryland Chapter members look forward to continuing their partnership to serve and support BSF during special events.
