Approximately, 124 Gold Star Mothers, Associates and Guests nationwide attended the 88th National Convention at The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The full agenda included a Friday service project of assembling 700 Dorm Drop bags, for Airmen stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro NC. Items provided were toiletries, snacks, and personalized notes for these special military heroes. Gold Star Mothers were also interviewed by ABC Channel 11and Wreaths Across America Radio. Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter were represented by Theresa Karlson, Yvonne Green, Stephanie White, Paula Davis and Khadidja Keita. Respectively, Gold Star Dad, Garry Green and Associate, Bill Karlson attended as well. Khadidja Keita received an Honor and Remembrance Flag to honor her son Djiba A. Keita. Janice Chance and Synthia Carter received certificates acknowledging their volunteer service with Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) for FY 2024. The Maryland and Delaware Chapters also received Community Service Reports Certificates. Our current Department and Chapter President, Theresa Karlson was elected Treasurer for the National Executive Board of The American Gold Star Mothers. On Saturday, there was a Memorial Service and Dinner. This event recognized deceased American Gold Star Mothers, Members and Associates since the last Convention. On Sunday, the 2025-2026 National Executive Board members were installed.
Congratulations to the newly installed officers: President, Annette Kirk
1st Vice President, Joyce Paulsen
2nd Vice President, Teresa Bullock
Treasurer, Theresa Karlson Secretary, Chanta Vasquez Chaplain, Sherrie McGhee
National Service Officer, Rose Duval Sergeant at Arms, Denise Torbert Banner Guard, Evelyn Baltierra
Flag Guard, Tammy Bell
VAVS National Chair, Carla Wicks IT Chair, Nichole Chilton
Many thanks to our 2024-2025 National Executive Board members for planning a memorable convention.
