About Us

America’s Gold Star Families is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization created to provide honor, hope and healing to those grieving any military loss through active duty service. We include all family members representing all conflicts, all branches of service and all circumstance of death.

IRS EIN 46-5574571.

Mission Statement

America’s Gold Star Families honors our fallen heroes who served in the United States Armed Forces and cares for their survivors through programs and services at no cost to the survivors.

Advocacy and Awareness

Many people are unaware of the significance of the Gold Star banner and its meaning. America’s Gold Star Families is committed to educating others on this important designation, how to properly respond when meeting someone who has lost a loved one in service to our country and advocating for their needs.

Governance

America’s Gold Star Families is governed by a Board of Directors which serves under the oversight of a Gold Star Advisory Council comprised of gold star family members and survivors. This is to insure the Board properly meets the needs of survivors adequately with appropriate protocol.

Gold Star Advisory Council

  • Kathy Bastean, Gold Star Mother
  • Brenda Bland, Gold Star Mother
  • Jerome & Frances Maddox, Gold Star Parents
  • Dale & Mary Ann Nannen, Gold Star Parents
  • Don & Robyn Pannier, Gold Star Parents

Board of Directors

  • Patti Latch, Executive Director
  • Billy Halstead, Vice President, Chairman Peoria County Democrats
  • Frances Maddox
  • Chris Doscotch, Attorney at Law, US Army veteran
  • Art Rodriguez
  • Becky Rossman
  • Darin Funk

About the Founder

Patti Latch is a double blue star proud Mother of two US Marines who are now veterans. When her two sons enlisted in the United States Marine Corps within six months of each other, she received a crash introduction course into the military community. The emotional roller coaster of send off’s, boot camp graduations, writing letters, deployments, sending care packages, supporting other military families, homecomings—all occurred within a few short years. At one point both sons were deployed to Iraq at the same time. These life changing events altered the course of her life forever and while her sons now lead productive civilian lives, Patti serves as support advocate for Gold Star families and survivors everywhere. Along with their two sons, Patti have two daughters and several grandchildren.