Nebraska Airborne Association Road March: Supporting Gold Star Families and Raising Awareness

This November, the Nebraska Airborne Association Road March for Gold Star Families will take place at Camp Ashland, providing an opportunity for both Veterans and civilians to come together in support of families who have lost loved ones in military service. The event not only raises funds for a meaningful Gold Star Family retreat but also sheds light on the urgent issue of suicide among active-duty service members and Veterans.

Honoring Gold Star Families

For Lydia Burgdorf, whose son Carl served in the Marine Corps and died by suicide in 2019, being a Gold Star mother is a deeply emotional experience. “The simplest definition of what it is to be a Gold Star Mom is…your kids served in the United States military, and they never got a chance to take off their uniform because they died,” she shared. Events like the Nebraska Airborne Association Road March help families like hers find understanding and healing while ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten.

A Critical Cause: Addressing Veteran and Service Member Suicide

The Nebraska Airborne Association was established this year, with one of its key missions being to support Gold Star families. It also aims to raise awareness of the alarming rate of suicide among Veterans and active-duty service members—currently at 17 per day. These numbers underscore the importance of creating resources for families and fostering open conversations around mental health.

Participate in the Road March

The Nebraska Airborne Association Road March for Gold Star Families will take place on November 10 at Camp Ashland. The event welcomes everyone, whether you’ve served or are a civilian, with the focus on raising funds for a Gold Star Family retreat. Participants can take the challenge seriously or walk casually, completing one loop or as many as they can by noon.

How You Can Help

To support this cause, sign up for the road march at https://www.neairborne.org/road-march. Whether you march or donate, your contribution helps provide healing retreats for families who have endured the ultimate loss.