https://www.va.gov/SURVIVORS/Survivors_Forum.asp

Download the slides of this joint forum - VA and DOD forum for survivors.  Lots of important information you can use and share.

The following list of Veteran and military discounts are good all year round and will be updated as we learn of more. These discounts are being shared so that Veterans, military members, their families, caregivers and survivors are aware of all resources available to them. Discounts were last verified in October 2021.     https://news.va.gov/85765/veteran-discounts-available-year-round/?utm_source=VRfeature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources

We are pleased to announce that the United States Senate has passed a bill (S 615)  to designate April 5, 2024 as national Gold Star Wives Day.  We are grateful to Senator Joe Manchin III of West Virginia for sponsoring the bill, and to both Senator Boozman of Arkansas and Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina for co-sponsoring the bill.

It is an honor to be recognized again by our U.S. Senate.  Many of you will also have proclamations and designations in your local communities.  Please share with us how you observe Gold Star Wives Day and submit any pictures you may have.  

https://www.tester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tester-leads-bipartisan-effort-to-expand-research-for-descendants-of-toxic-exposed-veterans/

The GSW store is now open! 

Some items previously available may not yet be in stock. The online store will contain only items in stock. 

Click here to visit the store.

Slides and information from the November presentation of the dental and vision options available. 

67209_2023 FEDVIP Webinar_VBF style.pptx

135945.01_VADIP Fact Sheet_v5_Final.pdf

Delta Dental FEDVIP Plan Highlights 2024.pdf

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  The 79^th national convention is scheduled for July 17-21, 2024 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Beavercreek, Ohio, near Dayton.  This will be a "in person" only event.  Rooms are standard with two queen beds for $139 per night.  The closest airport is in Dayton, Ohio.   See you all there!

Please note GSW Store (supplies) is temporarily closed. Sorry for the inconvenience. You may order at this time any supplies from our affiliate store found here: 

https://www.gswives.com/create/Gold-Star-Products?c=4496883&pn=244

The Big Dipper is a national auxiliary of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. (BSMA) that came into being in Milwaukee, WI on November 7, 1951 at its National Convention. The objectives of the organization are threefold: 1) honoring outstanding members of the BSMA 2) sponsoring a "Fun Night" at convention and 3) providing educational assistance to a Veteran, Active Duty Personnel or BSMA member; or the spouse of a Veteran or active duty personnel. The Josephine Calenda educational assistance fund is dedicated to the memory of Josephine Calenda of BSMA PA22 at National BSMA Convention in Lansing, MI in 1989. Josephine, after many years of active service in BSMA, died that year while holding the office of National Big Dipper President. The objective of Big Dipper Auxiliary has been updated over the years to include Veteran(s) Spouse.

Click here for more details.

Please see the presentation from the Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, Mr. Charles "Ray" Alexander, who welcomed our sharing this with GSW members.

2023NMDOWeekendUpdate.pdf