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| "We believe surviving spouses and dependent children need an organization dedicated solely to their needs, concerns, and welfare.” |
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2018-2019 Chair of the Government Relations CommitteeDonna Eldridge
Donna Eldridge’s introduction, as a new military wife, began at FT Rucker with numerous tours of duty in Europe, as well as stateside assignments, from California to DC. They were fortunate to have a son born while stationed in California. He has brought much joy and happiness to their family. This wonderful journey came to an end, when her husband, Colonel Bo Eldridge, passed due to a service connected cause. Donna is an active member of Gold Star Wives’ of America, Potomac Area Chapter, in Northern Virginia, where she serves as President. She has been a member of the Government Relations Committee for the last three years. Donna feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve as a high school administrator, working with and learning from the outstanding teenagers of today. It is with honor that she gives back to the community through volunteering, in numerous organizations, supporting the military and military families.
About the Committee:The purpose of the Government Relations Committee (GRC) is to improve and maintain a positive, working relationship of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. (GSW) with Congress, while keeping members informed of important legislative issues pertaining to surviving spouses and their families. GRC is comprised of volunteers from all regions of the GSW Organization who wish to help further the Committee’s goals. The GRC provides both oral and written testimony when requested to Congressional committees regarding benefits for both survivors and their families. We also work with VSO’s to jointly support the improvement of benefits for Veterans as well as for surviving spouses and their children. We are striving to create a more informed community of GSW Members through social media, the GSW web-site, mail outs, and the quarterly newsletter. Questions, concerns, and ideas regarding our benefits are welcomed and encouraged from all members of GSW. Currently the GRC is working with Senator Tester, (D-MT) to introduce a “stand alone“ bill in the Senate for a DIC increase that will not further affect the SBP/DIC Offset. The GRC is also actively seeking Co-sponsors to support and VOTE FOR the passage of these two bills that pertain to survivor benefits: H.R. 553 and S.622: Repeal of SBP/DIC Offset. We encourage all GSW members to speak to their Congress to support and VOTE for these very important issues. On March 12 and 13, some GRC members, some members of the local chapters, the Board Chair, and the National President were present for GSW testifying before the Joint House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs and participated in “Color the Hill Gold.” To Contact Donna with questions or ideas for the GRC, check your 2018-2019 Directory Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. Other members of GRC are Misty Brammer, Jeanette Early, Cyndie Gibson, Lupe MaGuire, and Pat Collins Miller. Region Presidents/LiaisonsSouth East: Barbara Jones-Glaze | NAVIGATE
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Thank you to our 2020 Corporate Sponsors!
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Bronze Level Become our first 2020 Bronze Level Sponsor!
Additional Sponsors: CarolMarie Smith
For additional information, or to become a Gold Star Wives Corporate Sponsor, please visit our sponsorship page.
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.Gold Star Wives is a Congressionally Chartered non-profit service organization that is capable of providing services to the active duty and service-connected military surviving spouses. | Birmingham, Alabama Office |
| Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is a non-profit 501(C)4 National Military Widow/Widowers Service Organization chartered by the United States Congress. Donations are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes but may be deductible as trade or business expenses. |
