A total of 85 American Gold Star Mothers, Associates and Guests nationwide attended the 89th National Convention at The Grand Hyatt Hotel located in Tampa, Florida. There were 63 delegates and alternates. The theme was “Grow with Grace”. The Convention agenda included a Friday service project of assembling diaper bags for Operation Mothers Comfort-James A Haley Women’s Care Center. Items provided were diapers, toiletries, snacks, and personalized notes for Women Veterans. The Maryland/ Delaware Department Gold Star Mother’s Chapter were represented by Theresa Karlson, Stephanie White, Paula Davis, Janice Chance and Donna Lowell. Respectively, Gold Star Dad, Charlton Chance and Associate, Bill Karlson attended as well. The Maryland/ Delaware Chapter received an award in The Gold Star Community Category for Hours totaling 3,125. The Maryland/Delaware Chapter received an award in the Military & Veteran Community Category for Miles totaling 13,276 miles. Janice Chance and Synthia Carter received certificates acknowledging their volunteer service with Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) for FY 2025. Janice Chance participated as a Teller, counting ballots for the election. Paula Davis served as a Convention Page to assist with keeping order during the meetings. She guarded the doors to prevent the members from entering or leaving during the meeting. Paula took the microphone around to allow members to ask questions or make comments regarding discussion topics. Our current President of The Maryland and Delaware Chapter, Theresa Karlson was re-elected Treasurer for the National Executive Board of The American Gold Star Mothers. The Memorial Service was held on Friday, and the banquet was held on Saturday. The memorial service recognized deceased American Gold Star Mothers, Members and Associates since the last Convention. From the Department of Maryland and Delaware, Marie Moudry and Associate Member James B. Lowell were honored and remembered. On Sunday, the 2026-2027 National Executive Board members were installed.
Congratulations to the newly installed officers:
President, Joyce Paulsen
1st Vice President, Historian, Teresa Bullock
2nd Vice President, Chanta Vasquez
Treasurer, Theresa Karlson
Secretary, Sherrie McGhee
Chaplain, Denise Torbert
NSO, Tammy Pulaski
Sergeant at Arms, Tammy Bell
Banner Guard, Margie Taylor
Flag Guard, Jessie Stager
VAVS National Chair, Parliamentarian, Pam Stemple
IT Chair, Nichole Chilton
Many thanks to our 2025-2026 National Executive Board members for planning a memorable convention. The 90thNational Convention will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 25-28, 2027.
