On April 26th, Maryland Gold Star Mothers were invited to volunteer at the Blue Star Families STEM event, which was held at the US Army Reserve Center in Ft. Meade, Maryland. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child and in recognition of these children, Yolanda Rayford, Executive Director Baltimore/Chesapeake Region Blue Star Families with other volunteers organized and provided a day of enjoyment and friendship. Local military family members participated in fun activities, received resource information, and enjoyed lunches provided by Boro Kabob as served to the participants by Gold Star Mothers Theresa Karlson, Janice Chance, Stephanie White and Donna Robinson.
Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine made a special appearance to meet families and with the help of one of the military children, performed a cooking demonstration of a delicious snickerdoodle cookie and ice cream treat, which was provided to all participants. The delicious lunches from the Born Kabob were donated by the Robert Irvine Foundation. The lunches were served by Gold Star Mothers Theresa Karlson, Janice Chance, Stephanie White, and Donna Robinson. Robert Irvine is a world-class chef and entrepreneur, and tireless philanthropic supporter of our nation’s military through his foundation – the Robert Irvine Foundation. He is the host of Food Network’s hit show Restaurant: Impossible.
The families were also greeted and welcomed by Col. Yolanda Gore, garrison commander of Fort George G. Meade. Col. Gore became the 89th garrison commander of Fort Meade in August 2024.
It was a full day, and we hope that these military children had fun and were able to celebrate their resilience and strength with other children and family members. The Gold Star Mothers of the Maryland Chapter also made a monetary donation to support the event.
