JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Gold Star family members gathered at the Lakeside Grill for the Thanks for Giving potluck social, hosted by Survivor Outreach Services at Fort Eustis, Nov. 20.
"Our job is to make sure we connect Gold Star family members with each other because it helps them through their grief journey," said Rochelle Crockett, Survivor Outreach Services support coordinator. "They all know they're here for the same reason and we want to show our support and thank them as best as we can for giving the ultimate sacrifice."
The social started four years ago with just 25 family members. Now, the event has grown to more than 90 Gold star family members.
The night featured opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Ross Ridge, U.S. Army Initial Military Training Center of Excellence deputy commanding general, followed by blessings from Chap. (Lt. Col.) Juan Crockett, Aviation Applied Technology Directorate chaplain.
The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command band performed throughout the evening while members of the 688th Rapid Port Opening Element, 833rd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade; Fort Eustis Boy Scouts Troop 45; and Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast served food and beverages. Santa and Mrs. Clause also stopped by to visit and hand out toys to children at the event.
"My Soldiers and I wanted to be a part of this to show our support to the families and show them they are not forgotten," said U.S. Army Capt. Michael McCrory 688th RPOE logistics officer. "I'm glad we still have individuals that are willing to stand and defend our country and we appreciate the sacrifices many of them have made for us."
The event continues to grow each year, increasing from 70 family members last year to 90 this year. Many families, like the Moores, come in large groups to show their support for other families. This year, 27 members of the Moore family attended the event.
"We come out here to help support other families as well as our own," said Ann Moore, mother of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dwayne Moore who was killed in action in Mahmudiayah, Iraq in 2007. "You come to these events and see other people who have gone through the same thing you have and you know how they feel so you can support each other and help each other heal."
Crockett believes organizing events like this are more than just jobs - she cares about the families and wants to give back to them and the community.
"We must ensure the community in which we live does not forget the ultimate sacrifice these Service members gave for their country," said Crockett. "These Gold Star families have become family to me and it's great to have the opportunity to show them how much we care."