JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Fort Eustis' Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) hosted its 5th annual Thanks for Giving social to show appreciation and support for Gold Star family members at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 19, 2015.
The social is one of several events SOS holds throughout the year to bring together Gold Star families - loved ones of U.S. Service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"People sometimes think they're the only ones that have this emotional roller coaster that's going on within their heart," said Rochelle Crockett, the coordinator of Fort Eustis' SOS. "Then, they get to talking with everybody else and see that they share a hardship where everyone understands what the other is going through."
Throughout the social, Gold Star parents, siblings and children shared not only a Thanksgiving meal with one another, but an understanding of what each person in the room was going through, no matter the military branch of service, rank or cause of their loved one's death.
"Pain is pain," said Crockett. "Death knows no branch, death knows no cause - even for a suicide the pain is still the same for the family. We're here to make sure we provide any comfort we can as we walk with them through this particular journey no matter what the circumstance."
As the families came together, so did the Fort Eustis community, including commanding generals, members of the Spouses Club of Fort Eustis and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers. Through performances and kind words, they showed support and thanks for the contributions and ultimate sacrifice the Gold Stars' military members made for the country.
"The family members know SOS supports them, but having people way above my pay grade and people from their Service member's unit, shows that JBLE as a whole is here for them," said Crockett.
Crockett said the goal is for events like this to exemplify the bond Joint Base Langley-Eustis and its services and agencies ignite for families.
"It's a great support group," added Rebecca Kempton, a member of the Gold Star family. "The people are really nice and understanding, and we're all together to honor and remember one another's' loved ones."
While Crockett was happy to see families like the Kempton's come to SOS events, she isn't saddened when a member stops attending because it's more than likely for a positive reason, like gaining the courage to move on with their family.
"I miss them, but Gold Star served its purpose," said Crockett of when members move on. "I'm glad we're here to be the rock when we need to be, but when they're ready to take back over who they are and where they're going - that's something special to see. We're still here because this is a program that will stay here for the rest of your life if you so desire."