The Gold Star

Dear Gold Star Family,

Happy New Year! I hope this letter finds you and your family well especially in these very different times.

Becoming a Gold Star family member is no one wants to be a part of. The unbelievable sadness and grief that we experience everyday can be lonely and overwhelming. My name is Nora and I am a Gold Star sister. My brother’s name was Eric Paul Valdepeñas and his story is much like your own hero’s story. Eric served in Iraq and was killed in 2006. I struggle every day to try to remember his face and voice and am always looking for a way to keep his memory alive.

I have found solace and positivity in this Association and I hope you will join me in in our efforts to honor and protect the memory of our fallen heroes. They ask nothing from us, just the chance to remember our loved ones, support their virtues, and help provide assistance to those in need.

The 1st Battalion, 25th Marines Association is a non-profit permanent organization whose goal is to develop the common bonds between all the men and women who served with the Battalion as well as be a source of support to us, the Gold Stars. I have found that we are stronger together and through this association we can achieve goodness. Our goals are to:

Honor and perpetuate the memory our heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their Country

Offer inspiration to association members to make our heroes sacrifice meaningful

Nurture a support system to connect warriors that served with our loved ones through reunifications, social gatherings, and correspondence

Obtain the opportunity to educate the community and remind them about the cost of freedom that we all too often take for granted in this country

Recognize their selfless devotion and outstanding courage

Please join me and this association in our efforts to never forget our fallen heroes. Stay up to date with information by becoming a member free of charge and following our website, Instagram, and Facebook sites to share and disperse material and events. I look forward to hearing from you, my extended Gold Star family.

Semper Fidelis,

Nora V. Lough

Nora Lough

Gold Star Ambassador

1st Bn, 25th Marines Association