Latest news with #GoldStarFamilies
Fox News
4 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Biden's first public remarks since cancer diagnosis honor Gold Star families
Former President Joe Biden honored fallen service members and Gold Star families Friday at a Memorial Day service in Delaware, marking his first public remarks since announcing he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. "We come together and remember the debt we owe to the American military," Biden said at the event, sponsored by the Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs. "The military is a solid spine, the spine of our nation," Biden said. "Our troops, our veterans, our military families, and our Gold Star families in particular. Only around 1% of all Americans defend 99% of us — 1%. Just 1% of Americans risk the ultimate sacrifice. We owe them so much more than we can ever repay them." A Gold Star family is the immediate family of service members who died while serving in the line of duty. For the Biden family, the day is deeply personal as May 30 marks 10 years since Biden's son Beau died of brain cancer. Beau Biden served in the Delaware Army National Guard for more than 10 years, completing a tour in Iraq where he earned the Bronze Star for his service, and became the state's attorney general before his death. Biden said that his son's proudest moment was wearing his uniform and said appearing at the event eased the pain of the loss of his son. He also offered some words of encouragement to others suffering loss as well. "Everyone who came here today to grieve, who was grieving in your heart, please know you're not alone," Biden said. "You'll never be alone. And your loved one will never be forgotten. Period." Biden said that Beau Biden's son, Hunter, 19, was present at the event, while he reminisced about attending the exact same Memorial Day event as a senator with Beau Biden around the same age. The former president also said that politics has become divided — but that the sacrifices of those in the military to defend democracy should unite everyone. "Our troops don't wear a uniform that says I'm a Democrat or a Republican, says I'm an American," Biden said. "I'm an American. That's who I am." Biden announced May 18 that he had been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer. The former president's office later said he had never received a prostate cancer diagnosis. The announcement came amid heightened scrutiny about Biden's mental fitness for office, following the publication of multiple books this year chronicling the deterioration of Biden's mental faculties. Likewise, leaked audio recordings of Biden's October 2023 interview with former special counsel Robert Hur were released in May, showing that Biden struggled to not slur his words and even appeared to forget the year his son died.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana Veteran Replaced Hurricane-Damaged Roof with Help of Funds from $1M FHLB Dallas Program
Program Assists Disabled Military Veterans and Gold Star Families with Housing Needs HOUMA, La., May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It's been almost four years since Hurricane Ida swept through Houma, Louisiana, wreaking havoc on the home of June and Lloyd Wallis and many others in its path. Lloyd Wallis recently received a Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) provided through FHLB Dallas member Synergy Bank to replace the couple's roof. HAVEN provides grants for home modifications, housing construction and homebuyer down payment assistance to help veterans, reservists and service members who have a service-related disability. It can also be used by Gold Star Families. The grants are provided through FHLB Dallas member financial institutions participating in the program. The Wallis' learned of the program through Rebuilding Together Bayou. "FHLB Dallas has been helping us extensively since Hurricane Ida through several of their grant programs; their assistance has been incredible," said Lee Shaffer, director of Rebuilding Together Bayou. "Veterans of the Korea and Vietnam conflicts are now reaching advanced ages, where they could use help, and HAVEN is having a dramatic and positive impact on their lives." FHLB Dallas allocated $1 million for HAVEN grants in 2025, up from $300,000 in 2024. This year, it also increased the maximum grant from $20,000 to $25,000 and opened the program, originally created for Gulf War vets, to all veterans. "Synergy Bank is proud to be able to assist veterans in our community through this impactful program," Synergy Bank President and CEO Jerry Ledet Jr. "Every repaired roof and every home restored is a reminder that when we come together, we can bring hope and healing to our community. We're grateful to be part of something that makes such a real difference in people's lives. We are stronger together." Mr. Wallis, 75, spent two years in the jungles of Vietnam with the Marine Corps. He was awarded a $23,845 grant. His home suffered major roof damage from Ida in August 2021. "We patched it up the best we could, but we didn't have the funds to replace it," said Mr. Wallis, who has lived in the home for more than 45 years. He and his wife raised their six children there and have hosted scores of grandchildren in a home that serves as the epicenter of a large extended family. When they aren't enjoying their grandchildren, the semi-retired couple operate a snowball stand and volunteer in their church. Mrs. Wallis said the couple "felt excited and blessed" to receive the grant. "We couldn't have afforded this new roof without it," she said. "Synergy Bank and Rebuilding Together are working additional HAVEN grant applications for local vets whose homes suffered hurricane damage," Mr. Shaffer said. Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said FHLB Dallas hopes to increase the fund's impact with this year's increased funding and wider eligibility. "With our expansion of HAVEN access, we are reaching Vietnam and Korea veterans for the first time, and we hope to make a positive impact in providing them access to safe and affordable housing," Mr. Hettrick said. "We value Synergy Bank's support for HAVEN and its outreach to veterans in need in the communities they serve." Learn more about the HAVEN program. About Synergy Bank Synergy is a locally owned community bank with 10 locations throughout the Bayou and Capital Regions of Louisiana. As of March 31, 2025, the company's total assets equaled $1.224 billion. Further information may be obtained from its website at About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $109.9 billion as of March 31, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Corporate CommunicationsFederal Home Loan Bank of (214) 441-8445 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Las Vegas honors fallen heroes at Memorial Day event
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Las Vegas community gathered Monday to honor the men and women who died serving the United States. The 23rd Annual Memorial Day Ceremony took place at the Lake Sahara South Park in the west Las Vegas Valley. Organized by American Legion Post 76 and spearheaded by veteran Roger John Henning, the event aimed to unite veterans, families, and residents in a tribute to America's fallen heroes. 'Memorial Day is not a happy day; it's a day of remembrance,' said Jack Ford, a veteran of World War II. 'It's sad remembering all the people that have been lost over the years to the foolishness of war.' The ceremony commenced with the presentation of colors by the Palo Verde Air Force Junior ROTC Honor Guard, followed by a flag-folding ceremony. Attendees observed a moment of silence as the names of local service members who lost their lives in combat were read aloud. Also in attendance were Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. They said the event is a personal tribute to the legacy of their loved ones. 'As people have their barbeques and celebrate, I hope that they take the time to remember those who gave their all for this country and for their freedom,' said Mark Williams, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 16 million veterans live in the United States. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alabama Gold Star wife discusses late husband on Memorial Day
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) — As we honor and remember the U.S. service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we also keep their families in our thoughts and prayers. The loved ones fallen service members leave behind are known as Gold Star families. Ashley Stegall from Trussville lost her husband, U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Stegall, in December 2009. Stegall said they were high school sweethearts who married in their 20s. She said Memorial Day has a much different meaning to her and her family now than it did 15 years ago. 'He was always helping people if he could,' Ashley Stegall said. 'He loved the military. He was going to be career military. He was a paratrooper. He loved to jump out of airplanes for fun for some reason, but he did. He loved it, and he loved his soldiers, and he loved what he did.' Ashley Stegall said her husband served a 15-month tour in Iraq, where he was shot twice. He returned home and received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal with a 'V' device for valor. 'He would've gone back five more times,' Ashley Stegall said. 'He just loved what he did.' Alabama family remembers Marine killed in 2010 Ashley Stegall said through her husband, she learned how dedicated soldiers are to serving their country and how rewarding it is to support a soldier as a wife and family member. 'It makes me proud,' Ashley Stegall said. 'I enjoy getting to show my son how awesome his dad was. It's special. It's hard. It was hard for a long time, and it still is.' Jason Stegall died when his son, Landon Stegall, was 10 months old. Ashley Stegall said even though Landon was just a baby, he still looks to his dad as his hero. 'He, still at 16 years old — that's what he wants to do,' Ashley Stegall said. 'He loves to talk about it, and it was super special to see him put on [Jason Stegall's] little beret, his paratrooper beret, and he still to this day will try it on and stuff like that.' On days like Memorial Day amid all the parades and ceremonies, Ashley Stegall said it means the world to Gold Star families to see others teaching their kids about the sacrifices the U.S. military makes and honoring the lives of fallen heroes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alabama family remembers Marine killed in 2010
MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) — Gold Star families were honored around Alabama on Memorial Day. In Montevallo, thousands gathered at the Alabama National Cemetery to lay wreaths and pay respects to those who sacrificed all for the country. 'Oh my gosh, he and his friends,' said Charon Rivers about Thomas Rivers, her late son. 'He had so many friends. He was a character. A very loyal friend.' Charon Rivers could talk about Thomas Rivers for hours. He was a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2010. Charon Rivers was honored with a wreath laying on behalf of all Gold Star mothers. 'It means a lot that people would come and put flowers and coins,' Charon Rivers said. 'I know his friends haven't forgotten him. We get texts, and we get emails. It means so much.' Trump marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery After that ceremony, a more private remembrance was held at Thomas Rivers' grave. His mother and members of the Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial VFW Post 12185 in Alabaster attended it. 'That's one way we knew Thomas would never be forgotten, so our post comes out here every year to honor Thomas for our namesake,' said Danny Sample, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Alabama District 3 commander. For Charon Rivers, Memorial Day is a painful reminder of what she's lost, but it's also a chance to see firsthand how her sons sacrifice will never be forgotten. 'I really hope people know what Memorial Day is about,' Charon Rivers said. 'It means a lot that they remember him. That's the main thing. Memorial Day is remembering those that were killed while doing battle, and it's a hard day, but yet it's peaceful to know that this community, this cemetery, our friends and family remember him and do these things.' Charon Rivers said the best way to honor those who are buried here at the cemetery is to remember them not just on Memorial Day but every day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
