Some 300 participants gathered in the field by the Riverside Park gazebos for the American Gold Star Mothers of Indian River County’s third annual Walk-A-Thon and Veterans Expo, as a huge American flag fluttered in the wind from atop an Indian River Shores Fire Department ladder truck, 75 feet above the crowd.
The event was organized to heighten awareness of the tragically increasing number of Armed Forces members lost to suicide, currently averaging a stunningly heartbreaking 22 a day.
With grace and determination, Michelle Dale, founder and president of the local Gold Star Mothers, welcomed and thanked everyone, despite the fact that the bright, beautiful day was also the 11th anniversary of the day she lost her own son, U. S. Army Cpl. Dale Kridlo, killed in action at age 33.
“He was a crazy guy. He wouldn’t have wanted me to stay home and be sad today,” said Dale.
“He would’ve said, ‘Go for it, Mom!’”
The pre-walk hour saw tears, laughter, treasured memories and the warmth of comfort, as small groups gathered around those who had lost loved ones, as they shared their stories.
“It’s a group you hate to be a part of, but you’re glad to have it,” said one Gold Star Mother, succinctly describing the organization.
Among the Gold Star Mothers was Roma Anderson, who lost her son, USMC Lt. Col. Joseph Trane McCloud, in Iraq in 2006.
Diana D’Angelo said her son, HM3 Edward Troy Reynolds, 19, died “41 years ago this month,” while serving in the U.S. Navy. “It is a joy,” she said, “to be able to carry on his memory.”
Tammy Thurber’s son, Navy Seaman PO1 Brandon Thurber, was home on leave from the Navy Nov. 10, 2018 when he was killed by a drunk driver. He was just 18. Chris Clement lost his son, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Aircrewman/Rescue Swimmer Jon Clement, 31, in 2018.
A Wall of Valor was quickly filled with touching notes and names of other military loved ones who served, penned on paper stars and crosses.
Among the other organizations represented were Chuck Gerrald and Ingrid Hernandez of Next Generation Veterans; Philip Cromer, CEO of Mental Health Association; Veteran Facilitators Michael Wright and Kris Hasenauer; and Connie Doane, American Legion Auxiliary.
Labrador retrievers Chocolate and Rosie attended with Dogs for Life volunteer and Ret. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Don Peterson and Dogs for Life founder Shelly Ferger. They are being trained at DFL to become veteran service dogs, a vital part of the support system for veterans struggling with PTSD.
The event concluded with a symbolic 2.2-mile walk led by Gold Star mothers. The silent column of walkers wound along the river, across the footbridge and through Memorial Island before returning to the pavilions. It was a breathtaking sight, a moving tribute to the fallen sons and daughters, and a poignant reminder of the insidious dangers of PTSD, “the battle within” that can follow them home, even far from the battlefield.
For more information visit ircgoldstarmoms.org or call 570-885-2811.
Photos by Kaila Jones
