Mission

The Gold Star Family Support Center mission is to offer support and create programs to
address the needs of all families who suffer the loss of a service member.

Vision

Our vision is for Gold Star Families to receive continuing care and support from the
Military Family and the community at - large.

Purpose

    To provide care services to all families who have suffered the loss of a Soldier, Marine,
    Airman, Sailor or Guardsman with a primary focus on the Gold Star Families. This
    includes facilitating support groups, coordinating events, as well as, linking families to
    community resources and services. HUGSS will also be available for community
    training and serves as a resource for the Military Family.

Who We Are

HUGSS (Helping Unite Gold Star Survivors) is a non profit 501c(3) charitable organization
with emphasis of providing needed support to surviving families whether, mom, dad,

          a brother / sister, daughter or son, who have lost their lives as a member of our military.
          HUGSS is independent of the Department of Defense military programs, however, we are
          headquartered on the largest military installation in the world at Fort Hood, Texas. At this
          location our organization operates the Gold Star Family Support Center which provides
          necessary hands-on program activity for Gold Star Families nationwide.

Founders Committee, Board of Directors, Advisory Committee

Founders
Debbie Busch - Founder
The Honorable David Hodges - Co-Founder & Legal Adviser

Board of Directors
Earl Williams
CSM, USA (Ret.)
President

Ursula Pirtle
Gold Star Family Survivor
Vice President

Shirley Best
Secretary

Wallace Vernon
Treasurer

Linnie Blankenbecler
Gold Star Family Survivor

Inge Colton
Gold Star Family Survivor

Marlene S. McMichael

Pat Turck

Advisory Committee
Donald Jones
LTG, USA (Ret.)

Will Chapman
Maj, USAF (Ret.)
Gold Star Family Survivor

Charlie Clark, DDS

Louis Gamino, Ph.D., ABPP

Jean Shine