Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 521 Auxiliary Gold Star Mother’s and family’s Day Ceremony
Owings Mills, Maryland
September 28, 2025
The members of the VFW post Auxiliary held a special ceremony on Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day. Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter members Donna Robinson and Janice Chance along with Charlton Chance Gold Star Stepfather were in attendance. Donna Markus, VFW Auxiliary Secretary, officiated the ceremony. She recognized and honored the heroes connected to the VFW 521 Post who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the US military.
Heroes honored were Captain Jesse Melton III USMC, son of Janice Chance and her family; Staff Sergeant Damion Campbell, USA, son of Donna Robinson and her family; Edward L. “Butch” Bowers, USA, son of deceased member Betty Moore and brother of member Sue Bowers Freeman and their family; Albert Wingfield, USA, son of deceased member Marion Wingfield and family member Marlene Posteraro; John Latch, USN, son of deceased member Joyce Burchill and brother of member Margaret Elkins and their family; and the family of 2nd Lt Peter G Zouck, USA, who was killed in action in WWI and buried in France. VFW Post 521 is named in honor of Lt. Zouck.
Prior to the ceremony the Auxiliary members placed Gold foiled stars inscribed with the name of fallen Heroes and Veterans on the windows in the canteen area. The ceremony was held outdoors in front of the beautiful Gold Star Memorial. After the ceremony, the mothers and families were presented with beautiful floral bouquets. Janice gave brief remarks and expressed thanks to the Auxiliary and Post members for continuing to honor fallen heroes, the families and for their unwavering support of Gold Star families. The Auxiliary is continuing their special project of selling Gold foiled stars to raise funds to maintain the Gold Star Memorial area.
