In this episode of Gold Star Stories, we share the life and sacrifice of Corporal Thomas Steven Hickman, a young soldier from Loogootee, Indiana, who served with courage and heart during the Vietnam War. Told through the voice of his younger brother Scott Hickman, this story reflects the love, loss, and resilience of a family forever changed by war.As time passes, stories like Steve’s risk being forgotten — but through Gold Star Stories, we’re making sure their names remain spoken and their legacies live on.⚠️ AI & Visual DisclaimerWhile this episode focuses on the audio story, accompanying visuals shared online include AI-assisted recreations used to enhance storytelling.Some scenes may not be historically or visually accurate. With limited surviving photos and resources, these recreations help illustrate moments that would otherwise be lost to time.Gold Star Stories operates on limited means, often working with only a few affordable AI generations and restored family photos to tell each story.With your support, the quality of these episodes and documentaries can grow exponentially — helping us restore real images, capture new interviews, and preserve even more voices from America’s Gold Star Families.🎖️ Support the mission:Visit GoldStarStoriesUSA.comYour tax-deductible donation through Veterans Collaborative helps us record, restore, and remember.Say their name. Remember their story. Honor their sacrifice.#GoldStarStories #Vietnam #GoldStarFamily #SayTheirNames #Veterans #Legacy #DocumentaryPodcast

Some stories begin long before a uniform. In this episode of Gold Star Stories, Kevin Graves remembers his son, Specialist Joseph A. “Joey” Graves—a California kid who loved golf, pranks, and looking out for the underdog. After 9/11, Joey chose the Army’s Military Police, earned his wings, served in Korea, then deployed from Fort Hood to Iraq. On July 25, 2006, during a convoy near Sadr City, a well-planned ambush took his life at 21.You will hear the knock at the door no parent wants, a community lined in flags, and the long road from shock to purpose. Kevin shares the last hug before deployment, the procession to Golden Gate National Cemetery, and how grief became motion—a memorial golf tournament that is now in its 20th year, a foundation that gathers survivors and funds scholarships, and a gym that carries Joey’s name so students see it every day. This is not a story about how someone died. It is about how a father keeps love working in the world.If this mission matters to you, please consider supporting our work so we can keep recording and preserving these stories. Donations are tax deductible through our partnership with Veterans Collaborative. Learn more at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com.#GoldStarStories #SayTheirNames #JosephAGraves #ArmyMP #SadrCity #IraqWar #ServiceAndSacrifice #LegacyLivesOn #California #MilitaryFamilies

A mother’s love, a son’s calling. In this Gold Star Stories interview, Jill Stephenson shares the life and legacy of her only child, Corporal Ben Kopp—an athlete turned Army Ranger whose True North formed after 9/11. Jill walks us through three deployments in two years, the call no parent wants, the race from battlefield to Walter Reed, and the hard truth that followed. She also tells how Ben’s written wish to be an organ donor saved four lives, including a family friend’s—proof that courage can outlive the body. We talk about honoring final wishes, a Black Hawk flyover back home, and Ben’s resting place in Section 60 at Arlington. If this mission matters to you, help us keep these stories alive at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com.

Private Karl Jacob Sellner was the kind of son who lit up every room — a prankster, musician, and loyal friend with a heart for service. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Karl followed his grandfather’s footsteps into the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer. He trained hard, got married, and served proudly at Fort Riley, Kansas. But behind his smile were struggles with addiction, marital strain, and the weight of his own expectations.Weeks away from an honorable discharge, under daily watch in the barracks, Karl died by suicide.In this episode, his father Rad Sellner sits down with host Nick Letendre to share Karl’s story — the laughter, the love, and the loss that reshaped their family forever. Rad also opens up about his mission to bring a Gold Star Family Memorial Monument to Pittsburgh through the Woody Williams Foundation, giving families a sacred place to remember and be seen.This is a story of resilience, grief, and purpose — a reminder that not all battles happen overseas, and not all heroes fall in war.💛 Say Their Name: Private Karl Jacob SellnerTimestamps :00:00 – Nick’s introduction & Gold Star Stories mission00:47 – Remembering Private Karl Sellner03:00 – Growing up in Pittsburgh08:00 – The perfect storm: marriage, addiction, and pain10:00 – The knock at the door14:00 – How the family carried on18:00 – Building the Gold Star Monument in Pittsburgh25:00 – Life after loss: identity, healing, and awareness38:45 – Remembering Karl’s laughter and loveSupport the Mission:Gold Star Stories is now fiscally sponsored by Veterans Collaborative, allowing your donations to be tax-deductible. Your support helps us continue recording, sharing, and preserving the legacies of fallen heroes and their families.🎙️ Donate or learn more: GoldStarStoriesUSA.com#GoldStarStories #SayTheirNames #GoldStarFamilies #RememberTheFallen #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteransSupport

In this episode of Gold Star Stories, we sit down with Lyndsey Theobald, widow of Air Force OSI Agent Brian Theobald.Brian was a son of Pittsburgh, a dedicated Airman, and above all, a husband and father. He deployed twice to Iraq before he turned 20, served in Security Forces, and later cross-trained into OSI. On paper, his career was exemplary. But behind the uniform, Brian carried invisible wounds — from burn pits, combat, and years of pressure that the system never properly addressed.Lyndsey shares who Brian truly was: a teammate, a gym rat, a sports fan, and a man full of love. She also speaks with heartbreaking honesty about the stigma he faced when he finally reached out for help, the week leading up to his death by suicide, and the devastating aftermath. Instead of support, she was met with blame, isolation, and judgment — and yet she chose to tell her story so others would not feel alone.This episode is not about drama. It’s about courage, love, loss, and the silence families are often left to face. Lyndsey’s voice is powerful, painful, and necessary.If Brian’s story moves you, please share this episode and remember his name.Support our work at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com#GoldStarStories #SayTheirNames #MilitaryFamilies #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSD #NeverForget

In this episode of Gold Star Stories, we sit down with Karry Birnley, widow of Petty Officer First Class Darrel Birnley. Karry opens her heart to share Darrel’s life, his Navy service, and the love they built together. She also speaks candidly about the unexpected battles she faced after his passing—including the shock of foreclosure and the struggle to navigate a system that too often leaves families behind.Through it all, Karry’s resilience and her ability to still find happy remind us what true strength looks like. This is not just a story of loss—it’s a story of courage, love, and carrying forward a legacy.Say their name—Petty Officer First Class Darrel Birnley.

In this deeply personal episode of Gold Star Stories, host Nick Letendre sits down with Bryan Philippon to remember his big brother, Lance Corporal Lawrence Robert “Larry” Philippon. Larry was larger than life—a 6’5” athlete, a prankster, and a devoted mentor who carried his strength and humor into the Marine Corps until his life was cut short in Iraq.Bryan shares what it meant to grow up with Larry as both a hero and best friend, and how his loss reshaped the course of his own life—from joining the Marines to seeking healing in the wide-open spaces of America’s national parks. Together, Nick and Bryan reflect on carrying the weight of being Gold Star siblings, preserving their brothers’ legacies, and finding purpose in the face of grief.This conversation ties two families together—Larry’s and Nick’s—through sacrifice, memory, and resilience. It’s a raw, honest look at love between brothers, the cost of war, and the enduring strength of Gold Star families.Say their names:Lance Corporal Lawrence Robert Philippon

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Gold Star Stories, we sit down with Georgia, wife of Staff Sergeant Edvin Franco, a U.S. Army tank mechanic whose life and legacy continue to shine through those who loved him most.Edvin was known as the soldier who kept morale high, the one whose laughter carried teammates through long days, and the man whose recovery vehicle was trusted across his brigade. To Georgia, he was her perfect match in humor, spirit, and love. To their infant son, he was a devoted father—protective, gentle, and always present, even in the sleepless nights of early parenthood.In March 2025, Edvin’s life was cut tragically short when the recovery vehicle he operated sank into a peat bog in Lithuania during a mission that should never have unfolded the way it did. What followed was days of agonizing uncertainty, an international recovery effort, and the devastating confirmation of his loss.Through Georgia’s words, Edvin’s story comes to life—not just as a soldier, but as a husband, a father, a friend, and a man who lived unapologetically as himself. This conversation is about more than loss. It’s about pride in one’s craft, laughter in the face of hardship, the resilience of love, and the weight of carrying forward a legacy that should never be forgotten.We honor Staff Sergeant Edvin Franco—his humor, his devotion, his courage—and we say his name.

In this deeply moving episode of Gold Star Stories, we sit down with Renee Tomlinson, the proud mother of Lance Corporal Albert Garcia, a U.S. Marine who lost his life in a tragic car accident on base in 2022.Renee shares the powerful connection she had with her son — a bond so strong, she physically felt the moment he left this world. From the chaos of that unimaginable day to the heartbreaking task of planning his funeral, Renee walks us through the raw truth of sudden loss. But this isn’t just a story of grief — it’s one of miracles too.Months after Albert’s death, Renee received a message from a stranger: “You don’t know me, but you have a grandson.”This episode is about a mother’s intuition, the strength it takes to hold a family together, and the unexpected ways love continues after loss.From midnight snack traditions to answering the question “What is a Gold Star family?” — this conversation is unfiltered, emotional, and unforgettable.🕊️ Say his name: Lance Corporal Albert Garcia.📢 Share his story.⸻Support the mission:🌐 GoldStarStoriesUSA.com☕ BuyMeACoffee.com/GoldStarStories⸻🎧 Listen & Follow Gold Star Stories:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music

Today’s episode of Gold Star Stories hits close to home. Nick Letendre sits down with Shannon Duffy—veteran, advocate, and proud Gold Star sibling—to honor the life of her brother, Sergeant Shane Duffy.Shannon was only 18, getting ready for senior prom, when she opened the door to two casualty officers. That moment changed everything. But in this episode, she shares so much more than loss. She tells us about Shane—the goofball, the protective big brother, the one who made people feel seen. We hear stories of towel-stealing humor, AIM chats from Iraq, and quiet acts of compassion that defined who he was long before the battlefield.This isn’t just a story of service and sacrifice. It’s about the ripple effects of grief, the bond between siblings, and how one person’s light keeps shining years after they’re gone.This one is especially for the siblings—for the ones who carry the weight no one else sees.Say his name. Remember Sergeant Shane Duffy.🎧 Full episode available now. Subscribe and share to keep these stories alive.

🎙️ Episode 14 – The Knock at the Door: Angelica Marta on Losing Her Brother, Orlando PerezWhat does it mean to lose your big brother, your protector, and your best friend at just 16 years old?In this emotional episode of Gold Star Stories, Nick Letendre sits down with Angelica Marta, whose older brother, Specialist Orlando Antonio Perez, was killed in action in Iraq in 2008. Orlando wasn’t just a soldier—he was a hilarious, thick-glasses-wearing, shoelace-tying big brother who made every room brighter just by being in it.Angelica shares what it was like getting “the knock” no one ever wants to get, the emotional weight of being a forgotten sibling, and the beauty she found in grief. From WWE moves and ironing his clothes every morning to the Patriot Guard’s flags waving for his return, this is a story of sibling love, loss, and resilience.If you’ve ever loved a sibling deeply—or felt invisible in your grief—this episode is for you.👉 Help us continue to tell these stories. Like, share, subscribe, and visit GoldStarStoriesUSA.com.#GoldStarStories #SayTheirNames #OrlandoPerez #GoldStarSibling #MilitaryFamily #IraqWar #KIA #SiblingGrief #MilitaryLoss #VeteranSupport #MilitaryPodcast #HonorTheFallen #PatriotGuard #GriefSupport #RememberTheFallen #AngelicaMarta #GoldStarFamilies #NickLetendre #TrueStories #AmericanHeroes

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, Nick Letendre sits down with Nicole, a Marine Corps mom, educator, and fierce advocate, to honor the life of her son, Sergeant Colin Arslanbas—a Recon Marine who died during a preventable training accident in North Carolina.Colin was more than a Marine. He was a husband, a big brother, a soon-to-be dad, and the kind of guy who made people laugh even in the most serious moments. Nicole shares his story—from childhood memories to leadership failures that led to his death. This episode is not just about grief—it’s about truth, accountability, and a mother’s unshakable love.From broken equipment to ignored safety protocols, Nicole exposes the systemic issues that contributed to her son’s death and raises the uncomfortable but necessary questions about how we train our elite forces. It’s a heartbreaking, raw, and courageous conversation that will stay with you long after it ends.Due to production limitations, this episode lacks our usual intro/outro—but your support can help us fix that. If this story moved you, share it. Say Colin’s name. And don’t let silence be the final word.To Colin. You deserved better.🔗 Support us at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com or donate directly at BuyMeACoffee.com/GoldStarStories

When a soldier comes home, the war isn’t always over. In this powerful episode of Gold Star Stories, Nick Letendre sits down with Natalie Brett, widow of Sergeant Daniel Brett—an Army MP, a devoted husband and father, and a man whose battle with invisible wounds ended in tragedy.Natalie shares the full story: not just of Daniel’s death by suicide in 2023, but of his life—his humor, his love, his service, and the unbearable pressure he faced in the civilian world. This episode dives into the aftermath that so few talk about: the stigma around military suicide, the lack of support for grieving families, and the quiet devastation that follows when a hero falls after the war.She also opens up about her work with Green Star Families, her mission to honor Daniel’s legacy, and her determination to be the voice of the aftermath.This episode isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Because if we say we support our troops, that must include the ones fighting battles we cannot see—and the families left behind.🔔 If this story moved you, please share it. Break the silence. End the stigma. Say their names.🍻 Final Toast:To Sergeant Daniel Brett—a protector, a warrior, a father, a husband. And to Natalie, for her courage, clarity, and relentless love.Support the show:🌐 GoldStarStoriesUSA.com💸 CashApp: $GoldStarStories☕ BuyMeACoffee: BuyMeACoffee.com/GoldStarStories#GoldStarStories #GreenStarFamilies #SayTheirNames #MilitarySuicideAwareness #InvisibleWounds #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitarySpouse #GriefSupport #PostServiceStruggles #GoldStarWidow #PTSD #DanielBrett #SupportOurTroops #HonorTheFallen #MilitaryFamilies #MentalHealthMatters

In this powerful episode of Gold Star Stories, we sit down with Paula Davis, a mother who has carried the unimaginable weight of losing her only child—Army Private First Class Justin Davis. At just 19 years old, Justin was killed in Afghanistan in 2006, a little over a year after joining the military. What followed for Paula was a journey marked by grief, service, and an unwavering commitment to making sure her son is never forgotten.Paula shares stories of Justin’s vibrant personality, his love for music, his dream of becoming an actor, and his fierce determination to serve on the front lines. She walks us through the heart-wrenching day she received the news of his death—not with a knock at the door, but alone in a hotel room, hundreds of miles from home.This episode isn’t just about loss—it’s about love that refuses to be silenced. It’s about legacy, resilience, and the strength of a mother who keeps showing up for her son, nearly two decades later.🎖️ To Justin. To Paula. To all the families who live with the cost of service every single day.If this episode moved you, please consider:👉 Sharing it with someone who needs to hear it👉 Sponsoring a future episode or connecting us with a brand who can👉 Donating at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com#SayTheirNames #GoldStarStories #JustinDavis #MilitaryFamily #GriefAndLove #LegacyOfService #VeteranSupport #Podcast

🎙️ Episode 7 – Honoring SGT Andy Southard: Ashley’s StoryIn this powerful and emotional episode of Gold Star Stories, host Nick Letendre sits down with Ashley Southard — a mother, a widow, and a woman rebuilding life in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. Her husband, Sergeant Andy Southard, a Black Hawk crew chief with the 160th SOAR, was killed during a training mission over the Mediterranean in November 2023.Ashley shares the kind of story that lives in the quiet — the knock at the door, the stocking that fell from the mantle, the weight of public grief, and the burden of sudden decisions no spouse ever expects to make. She speaks openly about trauma, anger, media pressure, and the loneliness of being seen only as a widow — not a person still breathing, still trying, still here.We also discuss family dynamics after loss, forgotten siblings in the grieving process, and the power of saying the things no one else dares to say out loud. Ashley’s courage in telling her story is matched only by her love for Andy and her desire to keep his memory alive for their daughter — and for all of us.Say their name: Sergeant Andy Southard.———📌 Follow Ashley on TikTok: @FromtheAshhh📌 Follow the show: @USAGoldStarStories🎧 Support the mission or learn more at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com———If this episode moved you, please share it. That’s how these stories live on.#GoldStarStories #MilitaryWidow #SGTSouthard #SayTheirName #GoldStarFamily #160thSOAR #BlackhawkCrewChief #FromTheAshhh #MilitaryPodcast #MilitaryLoss #TellingTheirStories #RememberTheFallen

In this powerful episode of Gold Star Stories, Ami Neiberger shares the life and legacy of her younger brother, Specialist Christopher Neiberger, who was killed in Iraq by an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) in 2007 — just three days after his 22nd birthday.Ami opens up about the day everything changed, the emotional weight of sibling grief, and how she transformed her pain into purpose through advocacy and storytelling. From childhood memories and stolen traffic cones to military service and loss, this conversation is raw, real, and unforgettable.We explore what it means to be part of a Gold Star Family, how the community often misunderstands grief, and why stories like Chris’s deserve to be remembered — loudly, and often.🟡 Say Their Name. Say It Right. Say It Often.🟡 Specialist Christopher Neiberger.💛 Learn more or support the show: GoldStarStoriesUSA.com#GoldStarStories #SayTheirNames #GoldStarFamily #MilitarySacrifice #FallenHero #RememberTheFallen #ArmyStrong #MilitaryPodcast #IraqWar #MilitaryFamily #TAPS #VeteranSupport #GriefJourney #MilitaryLoss #AmericanHeroes #Section60 #SiblingGrief #NeverForget #MemorialPodcast #HonorTheirMemory

🎙️ Episode 5 - Mallory Crabtree: A Gold Star Daughter’s JourneyWelcome back to Gold Star Stories, hosted by Nick Letendre. Today, we are honored to sit down with Mallory Crabtree, daughter of Sergeant First Class Daniel B. Crabtree, a brave Green Beret who gave everything for his country when Mallory was just 17 months old.Mallory’s perspective is unique — growing up shaped by her father’s legacy rather than direct memories. She shares how her family, community, and her father’s brothers-in-arms helped keep his spirit alive, and how her own journey into public speaking has become a powerful tribute to his sacrifice.We talk candidly about grief, growing up different, finding true friendships, and the urgent need for Gold Star family awareness. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of why preserving these stories matters.💬 If this conversation moves you, please consider supporting Gold Star Stories by buying us a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps us continue honoring these incredible families.🔗 Support Us: BuyMeACoffee.com/GoldStarStoriesGoldStarStoriesUSA.com🔔 Subscribe for more powerful Gold Star family stories. New episodes released weekly.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and support message3:14 - Mallory’s early life and her father’s legacy5:21 - Learning what it means to be a Gold Star daughter9:26 - The day Mallory’s mother was notified13:57 - Finding connection through the Gold Star community17:22 - Honoring SFC Crabtree: Jump events and memorials21:00 - Raising awareness about Gold Star families24:12 - Growing up differently, finding real friendships27:36 - Future hopes and final reflectionsSay Their Name:Sergeant First Class Daniel B. Crabtree 🇺🇸Special Thanks:To Danielle Medal of Satellite Beach, Florida — thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the creation of this podcast.#GoldStarFamilies #MilitaryFamily #NeverForget #GoldStarDaughter #Veterans #MilitaryHeroes #HonorTheirMemory #Podcast #VeteranSupport

Episode 4 - SSgt Daniel Merriweather: Rachelle’s StoryIn this profoundly moving episode of Gold Star Stories, we’re honored to introduce you to Rachelle, an Army veteran whose incredible journey is marked by both heartwarming memories and profound tragedy. Uniquely a Gold Star spouse twice over, Rachelle courageously shares the story of her first husband, Staff Sergeant Daniel Merriweather, who was killed in action during his deployment to Afghanistan.Rachelle warmly recalls their unforgettable meeting at Airborne School, the unexpected bond they formed over country music, late-night Crystal Burgers, and a friendship that swiftly became love. She opens up about the emotional complexities of navigating military life, motherhood, and the heartbreaking moment she received the devastating news every military spouse dreads.Rachelle’s resilience and unwavering dedication to preserving Daniel’s legacy offer an intimate glimpse into the often-overlooked experiences of young military widows. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength required to keep cherished memories alive amidst loss.Join us as we honor and remember Staff Sergeant Daniel Merriweather—a soldier, a husband, and a father whose legacy continues to inspire.Say his name: Staff Sergeant Daniel Merriweather.Support our mission at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com.

In this episode of Gold Star Stories, host Nick Letendre sits down with Andi Hefti to share the story of her brother, Sergeant Jonathan Lootens, who was killed in Iraq in 2006.Andi opens up about the moment she got the call, the overwhelming aftermath, and what it felt like to carry the weight of planning, paperwork, and public attention—while everyone else asked how her mom was doing. Her honesty sheds light on what it means to be a Gold Star sibling, and how grief shows up in ways the world rarely sees.This conversation explores:What happens after the knock at the doorBeing overlooked as a grieving siblingNavigating family conflict and the chaos that followedFinding healing and identity through TAPSAnd honoring Jonathan every year—with a sub sandwich.This episode is about more than military service.It’s about family. Resilience. And what it takes to carry someone’s story forward when the world expects you to move on.🕊️ Say his name: Sergeant Jonathan Lootens💛 Learn more or support the mission: GoldStarStoriesUSA.com

🎙️ Episode 2: Honoring Airman First Class Charles Michael Faulkner – Jennifer Faulkner’s StoryIn this episode of Gold Star Stories, Jennifer Faulkner opens up about the life, love, and loss of her husband, Airman First Class Charles Michael Faulkner.Michael was a devoted father, a joyful soul, and a man whose dream of flying led him to the U.S. Air Force. But beneath the surface, he carried the weight of past trauma and unspoken pain—pain that eventually overwhelmed him.Jennifer shares the devastating impact of that loss—not just on herself, but on their two daughters, their community, and their future. She talks openly about grief, faith, betrayal by the system, and the power of organizations like TAPS that helped her find her voice again.This episode isn’t just about what happened. It’s about how she survived it. And how she honors Michael’s legacy every single day.📲 Follow us on TikTok: @USAGoldStarStories🎧 Listen everywhere: Gold Star Stories Podcast💛 Support TAPS: https://www.taps.orgIf this story moved you, please share it.Say his name.Airman First Class Charles Michael Faulkner.