Navy Gold Star program a valuable resource for military families

Published 6:00 pm Thursday, June 28, 2018

When a member of the U.S. Navy dies, family members often need long-term help. 

That’s where the Gold Star program comes in. 

Emily Kolenda, Navy Gold Star Coordinator, said the program works with parents, siblings, spouses, and children of the fallen to provide long-term support and resources.

That includes counseling, financial education, education benefits, maintaining community camaraderie, and dealing with military paperwork.

Kolenda works with about 1,100 families, 200 of those being in Mississippi. She serves others states including Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and South Carolina.

“My job is to provide awareness to the community, and also for different events that may be happening,” Kolenda said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have access to every single survivor, so by providing that education and awareness component, we may be able to assist additional people that we haven’t been able to identify.

Family members aren’t always aware of the Gold Star program – unless something happens to their loved one, Kolenda said.  

When a service member dies, a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) is available to provide information, resources, and assistance. After the CACO has completed their work,  Kolenda steps in to introduce the program that offers that long-term component.

“We will provide that support as long as they reside in the state or in the area,” Kolenda said. “If they relocate, we will connect them with a coordinator that covers that area.”

One of the most popular benefits is education, according to Kolenda.

“Education benefits are huge because a lot of spouses and children would like to go to college, or back to college,” she said. “Most benefits are provided through the Veterans Affairs Department, however, there are great organizations that are also supporting Gold Star kids who provide additional funding to be able to offset some additional costs – so they reconnect to be able to get that information.”

She said one of the most underutilized benefits is counseling.

“It’s not the most utilized, but it’s the most needed,” Kolenda said. “I provide the information regarding the counseling – there is no monetary benefit I can give out. If someone lives near an installation like Meridian or Gulfport we may be able to connect them with the Department of Fleet and Family Support Center who offers a counseling service.

“If someone is in a remote area, it is my role to find a resource that is near them that would be able to have limited or no cost to them so that they can receive the benefit.”

Kolenda said although Gold Star is Navy specific, other branches are not excluded. The Navy recognizes any cause of death, whether it is combat-related, illness, suicide, homicide, or accident. Support is provided, no matter the cause.

“If they call us, we will provide those same resources, and will include them in events and activities, so they can still have that camaraderie,” Kolenda said. “Gold Star families that I have met just want to meet other Gold Star families, because they feel they are relatable. Anytime we can get groups together, no matter the branch, I think they are just appreciative of that opportunity.”

More information 

To find out more about the Gold Star program, visit www.goldstar.com or www.facebook.com/navygoldstar or call 888-509-8759 the Navy Gold Star Hotline.

Families of the Fallen can contact the Fleet and Family Support Center, 5301 Snead Street, Gulfport, MS 39501-5001 or call (228) 871-4569 or 1-800-342-3525 or email: emily.kolenda@navy.mil