Claire Manning-Dick

Dear Gold Star Members,

Spring is here. It is a beautiful time for new beginnings with warmer, longer days and all the trees and flowers in colorful bloom.

I am Claire Aca (Sunflower) Manning-Dick from Owyhee, NV located on the Shoshone-Paiute Indian Reservation. Where I come from, we consider our military spouses the Warriors of our families and community. When a Veteran is MIA, KIA, returned disabled or not the same, an honoring ceremony and prayers are held to heal and restore balance to the entire family and community. I am grateful to be a part of the Gold Star Wives of America organization whose values are to honor, protect, and care for one another.

I was asked to fulfill my duty and assume the position of the GSW National President and I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the Annual Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. 78th National Convention in Washington DC on July 11-16, 2023! The Convention Committee and I are hard at work planning the details for our Annual Convention with the resources we have. Please call to make your hotel reservation at the Hyatt Place Hotel and complete the Convention Registration. This year’s Convention is near the sacred Veteran Memorials in Arlington, VA. It is a welcoming space for our gathering, reflection, and healing in remembrance of our spouses and those who have given so much of themselves for our country.

I’d like to express how happy and elated I am to know of all the GSW members across the country who donated their time and volunteered in their communities and/or traveled to military events. The May Gold Star Wives events began in Washington DC for the Welcome Home event. The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration 50th event joined the Nation on May 11-13, to honor their legacy and to thank Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. were invited to participate. Thank you to all those who showed up to support.

Memorial Day weekend events will take place on May 26-29, 2023. The AMVETS Rolling to Remember motorcycle ride will escort GSW members during the event. The AMVETS want to bring attention to critical issues facing our nations’ veterans for the 82,000 service members missing and veteran suicide. Also, the Laying of the Wreaths ceremonies will be held at the Vietnam Wall, the Korean Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the WIMSA memorial. There will be an evening concert and a parade held. I will be traveling to Washington DC to represent GSW and join members attending the ceremonies. Please send pictures of your participation at your local events to share with us all.

I also wish to extend a thank you for your outstanding support for our annual fund-raising event, the Stay-at-Home-Tea. Please know that your contributions in any amount and at any time during the year are appreciated by the GSW organization.

Please fill out the ballot for national officers and Board of Directors that is found in the June newsletter and mail it to the name and address information on the form. Also please send in your proxy to the correct official name and address information on the Proxy form, if you will not be attending the National Convention. Hope to see you in person at the Annual 78th GSW National Convention!

Enjoy your summer and please continue to keep all our members in your prayers as I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Claire Manning-Dick
National GSW President