April is the Month of the Military Child and Maryland Gold Star Mothers recognized this significance by collaborating on an activity to bring the two organizations together as they provided support for military children, beginning in early 2022 the two organizations recognized the impact of service on families and wanted to highlight the families of the Maryland National Guard. Due to COVID some of the events or interactions that may have occurred were canceled. We are pleased to say that we were able to get together and provided a great time for families on the 30th of April at the B & O Railroad Museum. We “purpled up” by providing everyone with a purple sticker to wear to support the Month of the Military Child. Blue Star Families hosted the event at the historic B & O Railroad Museum for 100 families to enjoy the museum, ride the train, and have fun with games and crafts. During the event, Maryland Gold Star Mothers had a presentation for 15 families of the Maryland National Guard who had been deployed to support COVID measures. The families were provided with “gift bags” for a family day out and really enjoyed the day at the B & O. MD Chapter Chaplain Janice Chance spoke on behalf of the MD Chapter. She expressed gratitude for their service and that they considered it an honor to participate in the Month of the Military Child.
The Gold Star Mothers and their supportive families who attended the event were:
Basmattie Bishundat
Stephanie White (grandson Leondre and friend Gabe who volunteered)
Khadidja Keita
Janice Chance (husband Charlton, grandchildren Jalia & Jamir Collier)
James Hilton
It was a great day and we thank all of the those who made it a great day for so many children and their families.
Submitted by: Yolanda Rayford, Chapter Director Baltimore/Chesapeake Region
Blue Star Families
Photos were taken by SSG, Phillip J. Tross III USA, Public Affairs NCOIC
