The Silver Star Families of America

One of the top run non profits! 97 cents of every dollar goes to where YOU want it to go.

I have been involved with SSFOA for over 10 years now. Having been involved with military support activities for over 40 years, I have found that SSFOA does an outstanding job of adhering to its mission. Their performance is only limited by the amount of donations. Everyone involved are volunteers with huge hearts ensuring that the maximum amount (97%) of funds available go directly to programs for our combat troops and veterans, veterans in palliative/hospice care, homeless veterans, the graves/memorials of veterans that have been forgotten otherwise. WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

Badly needed services for our combat wounded and their families.

One of the best non profits I have ever seen. They could use more money, but they do wonderful things for our wounded, ill and injured soldiers.

Silver star families helped my brother when he was injured. Afterwards, I joined to help.

I found Silver Star Families by accident and am so glad that I did. What they do for our sick, ill, and wounded people of uniform is just stupendous. I have done some volunteer work with the organization and can attest that they support the people that need it most in every facet they can to their fullest abilities with obvious Love, Care, and Concern! Everyone needs to support them in their endeavors to save and enhance lives of those who sacrificed for all of us.

this is a great charity/organization. good going guys keep up the good work

I have only seen one other organization come close to accomplishing what this one does with so little overhead. This is the best way a person can give to a hurt soldier without being there to give it to the soldier themselves.

I think the silver star families of America is a great way of help many in need of support and hope for those that served to fight for our country and their families.

I had asked them to help a vets family in need. And Pappy being the Good Christian he is helped the family a lot. I am a friend of the founder and also a proud member.

For the amount of money via donations the SSFOA does a lot of good. There are no paid Officers, Board members or volunteers. The SSFOA uses almost 97 cents of each donated dollar on programs and initiatives of the mission. Sometimes things get a bit backed up but they always come through and never charge a fee for first time recipients. The silver star service banner is unique and so is the SSFOA.

The Silver Star Families of America was sort of confusing for me in the beginning. It was my thoughts that it was for the military Silver Star award winners, and their families. I consequently went barreling in asking if I could get help for a Silver Star medal winner and his daughter. The winner of the Silver Star was a shipmate of mine who had recetnly passed away. I got in contact with his daughter, and found out that she had her dad cremated and wanted to get his ashes to Arlington, but with no finances to do so. I told Steve the story, and almost immediately we were on the Go Fund Me website looking for donors to help Kim Hines Halbardier make the trip to Arlington with her father's ashes. We had enough cash to get this underway within a week. I have dealt with the government for many years, and dealt with other organization for as long as I can remember trying to get the help that was needed, in whatever circumstance we were in. No one moved faster then Steve on this, and I think Dianne was the one who got us on the You Fund Me site. As a USS Liberty survivor, and knowing the past political problems we have had to put up with, I might say I was astounded to see the help we needed happen so fast, and even more happy when I told Kim that it looked like we were well on our way. I will be meeting with Kim in Billings, Montana where she takes her daughter for medical care. It will be exciting for both of us and her little girl to get together and talk a bit about the trip. Taking that last trip with her dad to get him where he needs to be, has caused this girl to awaken to organizations like this one. I know it certainly has been a wild trip for me, and thanks is never enough. Since father and daughter were not that close during their lives, this seems to me to be a sort of healing trip for KIm as she travels with her father's remains, and puts them in a place of honor, where they rightfully need to be.

I personally know the founder of SSFOA, he is a great person and is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Please support the Silver Star Families of America, they are the best nonprofit I know.

My brother was injured in combat in 2010. Unfortunately I did not find out about SSFOA until a year later. I wish I had found them sooner. The love and support they gave my family can never be replaced. They work hard to make sure the families of those injured have all of their needs met.

I appreciate this opportunity to write a review for Silver Star Families of America. I was made aware of SSFOA by a former Navy friend. After checking out their site, I called them and became a volunteer becoming the Maryland/DC Representative. This has been a most rewarding adventure for both myself and my husband. We have had the opportunity to assist in creating SSFOA's Headqarters Building in MO, place wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown, and represent SSFOA on Veterans Day at Arlington Cemetery. Additionly, we work with staff at the Veterans Hospital (Old Soldiers Home) in DC, presenting a program each quarter. Our group of card creaters do cards each quarter for the VA hospitals. We do fund raisers and other activities to raise funds for SSFOA. This is just a tiny portion of the wonderful work SSFOA does nationwide for our veterans. I have been fortunate to become a member of the Board and now hold the position of Vice President. I strongly recommend you check out the SSFOA site at: silverstarfamilies.org where you will find additional information and see photos of our wonderful veterans receiving banners and citations for their service. Hopefully, you will want to become involved with a donation of funds or your time to honor our kids, as we lovingly call them.
Thank you for your time. Margie Harich, MD/DC

The SSFOA has made many strides in serving our beloved combat wounded, ill and injured troops and Veterans for 10 years now (this month Sep 2014). We are proud of all of our volunteers whom contribute so much of themselves with time and talents toward the mission. The main mission is to present a Silver Star Service Banner (SSSB) package to all eligible requestors to honor the service in sacrifice of injury and illness on the combat lines overseas. It is our honor and duty to recognize each and every one from WWII-Present war/conflict.

We have a great groups of members, alumni, supporters across the country and overseas; thank you all. Without each of you, the SSFOA, your organization would not be able to do all that is accomplished on a shoe string budget.

Economic times have effected us all in many ways but one way unaffected has shown through in all of our volunteers caring and compassionate hearts. We thank you all.

I volunteer for The Silver Star Families of America by making and sending out cards to our veterans, mostly to Vet homes or hospitals, it is really nice to get word back that you made someone smile. Great Group that really is dedicated to our countries veterans, honoring and helping them where they can!

Silver Star Families of America is a phenomenal group of volunteers from all over the country dedicated to supporting and helping those wounded service members from all past and present US war involvement. Headed by Steve & Diana Newton and supported by many other friends and families of those that have given so much for the freedoms we so highly appreciate in this country. Honoring those injured in the line of duty on and off the battlefield and sharing information in furthering their care and support after injured. Honoring those who have given so much and pay the price every day. What an awesome organization I am proud to be supporting.

What an awesome organization! My husband was injured in the desert and thus we are a Silver Star Family. We have been welcomed with opened arms, and my husband is honored to hang our Silver Star Flag on the wall in his office! Thank you for helping our veterans, thank you for caring!!! AAA+++

I never did serve our country in the military, however I do have many friends who have. I am recently retired (2 1/2 years ago) after spending over 33 years in Law Enforcement as a Patrol Deputy and Patrol Supervisor. During my service our agency has had members injured in the line of duty as well as killed in the line of duty. I am so aware of the pain and suffering the family members, as well as those who have been injured serving the public, go through. I am a major supporter of our military and any organization that gives of their time to help those wounded warriors and their families who have been severely injured while serving in our military. I recently came across "The Silver Star Families of America" through a friend who asked me to volunteer by sending money and spending some time making cards for our wonderful veterans. I strongly urge anyone, who wants to help out to donate some time and money, if they can, with the this wonderful organization, to honor those who have served and given their all for our protection and let them know they are not forgotten and are loved and appreciated.

Great Organization.. Highly recommend it to anybody that is looking to volunteer and help out our Military wounded and Ill and Dying..

I am the mother of a Wounded Warrior, 3 times in Iraq, each time he was injured. Silver Star Families of America offers me support and information. These are people who get it because they also have been there & done that.

After almost 10 years with the Silver Star Families of America I continue to be amazed at the wonderful folks that have just as much passion for the mission as I do- sometimes more!!!

It is our duty to recognize, honor and advocate for the combat wounded, injured and ill troops and Veterans. When personally able to present the Silver Star Service banner package it is an experience like no other, even after the 1,000's of the SSSB packages that have either been presented or mailed for presentation, each one unique and touching- just like each individual recipient. I am grateful and thankful for our vital role of our mission to be able to be a part of such a wonderful thing.

The SSFOA operates on a 'shoe string' budget and the things and programs and initiatives that we accomplish on so little just goes to show that what is in the heart - not the coinpurse- is the soul of success. We thank each wounded and/or ill that we connect with and we thank the generosity of our donors, supporters, alumni and membership with gratitude. Without you there would be no SSFOA and that would be a sad day, indeed. THANK YOU all.

SSFoA is an excellent organization. Positive support and understanding. Any questions - just ask because someone may have an answer or maybe it is just a hugs & a prayer. I am Mom to a combat wounded warrior, his injury can not be seen so he "appears normal" and you just can't talk about with non military types because they just do not get it, the long waits at the VA, the VA not answering questions or following through with appointments, his raging rants.... These are people who have Been There Done That and understand your frustration and also celebrate in the victories no matter how big or small.

Silver Star Families is an amazing organization that honors our wounded warriors. Many people have seen the gold star and blue star service banners, but only a few understand the sacrifice our Veterans and their families endure day in and day out when that banner hangs in their window. With Silver Star Families providing the banner free of charge, it shows that the nation understands the sacrifice we wounded warriors have given for service to our country and wants to thank us for it. They additionally do other events to help our wounded and ill Veterans. With Gulf War Illness and now what can only be called Burn Pit Illness, they help educate American citizens about the battles we face now at home inside out bodies from the toxins we were exposed to. Without media attention, Congressional Support, and public attention we could easily be the forgotten remnants of a war. After becoming a Wounded Warrior myself in Afghanistan in 2012, the first organization I found to help me in this new chapter in my life was Silver Star Families of America. I will never forget what they have done for me!

I became involved with Silver Star Families of America in the course of my years-long association with veterans outside of official capacity. As a totally disabled veteran I spent many, many days at the GEW Memorial Veterans Medical Center in Salt Lake City over the last 15+ years of treatments. I have personally talked with hundreds of veterans over that period. What struck me as extremely important was that there just didn't seem to be anyone or any organization out there helping a lot of the really depressed and financially desperate vets I spoke to. Several months ago, through a very dear friend's recommendation, I got in touch with SSFoA and asked how I could help. This opened a whole new world of people who are dedicated to fill that void of caring and assistance! I then applied for and was accepted as an adviser for the group and have since been finding lots of new ways to make a difference in the lives of veterans nationwide. Please reach out generously and give to Silver Star Families of America. There is NO veterans' support charity in the nation that is better equipped and more dedicated to the service of our "forgotten veterans". May God bless them for the wonderful work they do.

As a volunteer with Silver Star Families of America, I have found them to be very helpful in assisting me when I need advice or help with an issue. They are a very sincere friendly group of people, and they have come a long way. Successfully bringing back May 1 as a traditional day of recognition for our wounded and sick veterans. This has been a remarkable achievement, and I am proud of being part of this endeavor. The Silver Star Flag, which is the official flag for our wounded and sick veterans, can now be seen flying across our nation. This charity provides meal cards and items for 'stand downs.' Any veteran can and does, when made known, the honor of receiving the Silver Star flag. This charity is recognised throughout the United States for its compassionate concern for our veterans of all wars.

Silver Star Families of America is a wonderful organization. My first project was to send cards to veterans who were hospitalized. The second project was sending cards at different holidays to military personnel whether Iraq or Afghanistan, or on a aircraft carrier. As the daughter of a career Army officer, it's important to show how much they are appreciated. Their honor, commitment and courage are recognized by this Patriot. I highly recommend Silver Star Families of America! Submitted by: Carol McGuinn email: isalutetheflag2@yahoo.com

Hello. My name is Carl Cronk, Veterans Service Officer, U.S. Army Ambassador. Through personal experience and working with the members of the Silver Star Families of America they are by far at the top of the list. What they do for the thousands of military personnel current and prior and their families ls admirable. Each staff member and volunteer is fastidious and pertinacious in all they do and they are to be commended. The Silver Star Families of Americal consistently show a high degree of enthusiasm, energy, and force in helping the heros of our nation.

My son was injured in Iraq and is in the process of being medically discharged from the military, Silver Star Families of America have been there to support me and provide me with many resources and answers or directions to find the answers to my many questions.

The Silver Star Families of America is a growing organization with a mission vital to the recognition of sacrifices made by our wounded warriors and their families. It's mission has become so profound that the Missouri Governor--twice yearly--holds ceremonies in his Capitol office during which he presents Missouri wounded with Silver Star Banners on behalf of a grateful state and nation. What better endorsement for our heroes than this! Thank you SSFOA for all you have done.

SSFOA is one of the greatest organizations I've been associated with. I've been a volunteer, Board Member and doner. Steve and Diana go out of their way to attend to the needs of the wounded and their families.

I joined the SSFOA after my son was wounded in Iraq while serving with the USMC. I have made lasting friends while working for this organization. It really gives you a good feeling to be able to help wounded military and veterans by writing cards and letters, collecting personal care items, and making up gift boxes for hospitalized veterans. I have also been able to give and recieve support as the mother of a wounded service man.

I have worked with Silver Star Families of America for 6 years. It is the most wonderful and warm experience of my life. They do everything they can to help our wounded and ill. They work from donations only and really does need help. Soldiers in hospitals receive help, veterans in hospitals and homes receive help, veterans on the street receive help - they go 100% of the way to find wounded or ill to help. They have a wonderful PTSD program and a hot line for those that need to talk or are suicidal. They are the best! I will work with them until they are no longer needed - but there will always be wars and the need. God bless them for the work they do.

I am a member of the letter writing team. It is so heartwarming to participate in a program that offers support to our military who are deployed as well as those who have returned home. This wonderful non-profit consistently communicates the needs of our wounded for letter writing volunteers to send cards of encouragement and well wishes. Volunteers who take on leadership roles are true examples of the spirit of giving unconditionally. The focus is on the mission and the number of people making it happen is a testament to the integrity and purpose for which this organization was founded. I am proud to say I am a volunteer for the Silver Star Families of America.

I am proud to be a volunteer with the SSFOA. Our Leadership is strong our Goal simple . Every question is answered no matter how trivial. The feed back is appreciated and advice given were needed in order to help me be a better volunteer.

The Silver Star Families gives me an opportunity to give back to those men and women who have not only given their lives literally but to the ones who made it home (sometimes with limbs missing and other horrible injuries). I personally want to do something directly to affect their situations and this was the way I chose to do it. I am so happy there are groups like the Silver Star Families who do care about the veterans who return home and while they are still away and follow up with them and keep tabs on their situations after they return. They need help; any and all kinds of help. We can go through these great organizations to give back.

Silver Star Families is truly a mission that is all about giving our combat wounded, ill, injured and dying the recognition and honor they deserve. SSFOA is very careful and protective of how these wonderful heroes are treated, both those still serving and as Veterans. The org and its members hold its mission in highest esteem and work together to see it accomplished for our "kids."

Very emotional to see those honored for serving their country from all wars. Presentations where injured were there and honored for what they had done 60 years ago, 50 years ago, 40 years ago to now.

I stand back in awe and watch how this organization honors wounded and ill from all wars. Now I have heard that they are honoring the dying veterans with prayer blankets. This is a first rate organization.

My experience with this organization was as a banner recipient. I was amazed at the beautiful banner and certificate that was presented to me. I was totally surprised by all of this and still get very emotional when I think of the whole presentation itself.

This has truly been an amazing experience watching how Silver Star Families remembers the Wounded, and Ill Veterans. I have been to several banner presentations and there is no way that one can sit through a presentation without getting tears in their eyes. Some of these Veterans have never been recognized for what they have done, but thanks to Silver Star Families they are not forgotten.

Since 2004, I have been priviledged to honor and recognize the many troops and veterans of our armed forces. In 2005 the SSFOA became a 501 (c) 3 non profit public charity with the IRS. Most of the programs are very active and benefit wounded and ill troops and veterans from all wars. It has been a wonderful and emotional experience being involved with the Silver Star Families and I am grateful for this organization and the caring folks that keep it running smoothly. A newcomer can rest assured that at least 95 cents of each dollar goes directly to SSFOA programs!! The Silver Star Families of America is a non profit that does what they say they will with transparency and expedience.

In May of 2008, I became a banner recipient of the Silver Star Banner. As a Vietnam Veteran who was never welcomed home, this was quite an experience for me. I had never been honored for my service to my country. I suffer from PTSD and a host of Agent Orange related issues as a result of my service in Vietnam. The Silver Star Families of America recognized that, and I proudly have a Silver Star Banner hanging in the front window of my home. Not only do they honor Veterans that have been wounded, or are ill but they also remember the dying veteran too who has served his country. They send prayer blankets to VA Hospices around the country and no Veteran who is wounded or ill or dying is ever forgotten by The Silver Star Families of America. They also put out information about PTSD and TBI to educate the public. There are a lot of excellent organizations out there that honor Veterans, but The Silver Star Families of America is a class act in everything that they do. As a result of all of the above I have become involved in the Wounded Warrior Watch Forum which is a place that one can go for answers, comfort and companionship.

Though The Silver Star Families of America has many programs to meet Veterans needs, it's main goal is to honor wounded, ill and dying Veterans from all wars and make sure these heroes are never forgotten. The org has succeeded in doing just that and is also working to establish May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner day across our nation, a day set aside to honor wounded, ill and dying Veterans together. I have seen the strong capabilities, determinations and accomplishments of the SSFOA and it is a pleasure to volunteer to help further this great mission.

I got involved with Silver Star Families after one of my sons best buddies in the MANG was injured, and trying to navigate the complex VA system to get his rating. He wanted to continue serving, but couldn't do so until he got his rating. After talking with him and hearing the hoops he had to jump through and continue to jump through, I wanted to make a difference. I'm a vet myself, but served during the Cold War, I wanted to make a change and difference for the returning vets, especially the National Guard service member. Especially since they are like the forgotten ones of the military. In researching organizations, I came across Silver Star families, and read what they were all about, Honoring our Wounded. That was an organization I wanted to be involved with. This organization truly cares about the wounded and trying to make changes for their benefit. I am proud to be apart of this great organization.

I joined Silver Star Families of America looking for a place I felt comfortable at while working for and with our military and veterans. I was looking for a way to honor the thousands of wounded military members and veterans that suffer from visible and invisible wounds. There are many organizations that honor the visible wounds, but very few that honor the invisible ones. The invisible wounds are the ones that are dear to my heart as I watch my son and see what he experiences. SSFOA members do not allow any hero's sacrifice to go unnoticed, the members within the organization appreciate and show they care through the pride and effort they give in all the programs. It is very heart warming to come to any member and feel when they say they support the wounded, that it comes from deep within them and they will not harm the integrity of any of those that are wounded. I feel honored and privileged to work with the members of this organization, but to be able to present a banner that the wounded member richly deserves just thrills the soul to watch them with pride written all over their face while accepting it. The wounded warriors deserve to feel human and they deserve recognition. We cannot forget those injured in war, no matter what type of injury they suffer from and no matter what war it occurred in. The volunteers and the board members keep things organized and controlled while faithfully serving. And the cofounders of SSFOA did those injured a genuine service by starting this organization and anyone can tell, as they talk with them, that their hearts are completely in this effort. The wounded will not be forgotten with this organization moving forward continuously.

I am on the BOD with SSFOA. I have served as a volunteer since 2006 (I believe). I came to find out about it through our president, Janie Orman. She and her husband have a prayer blanket ministry that was there for my husband and I (the whole family) when my husband got sick. Then I was asked to be part of the prayer team and I hooked up with that, and through the course of that Janie and I would email back and forth and then she told me about SSFOA. My husband was a VN Veteran who died from Agent Orange cancer, and Janie and Steve gave him the Silver Star Banner. I was so touched by this in many ways. The first being they wanted to honor Gene with the banner, and then to make it even more personal, Janie and her S-I-L Stephanie drove to FL from IN to personally present this to Gene. (In January no less) It was an instant connection from there on with my whole family. I talked to Steve for the first time that night in January after Gene received the banner. Then one thing lead to another and so on, and before you knew it, they asked if I would like to be the State Rep for FL and from there came Ex. State Coordinator and Letter Team Captain and BOard Member. I have grown to love SSFOA. We are a family and have a heart for the wounded and we are there for each other. I have developed many friendships through this. It also was (is) a healing for me since the passing of my husband. It is a wonderful group of people that I am blessed to call my family and friends. We have come a long way in a short few years, with many mile stones crossed and many more to go. I can see the hand of God on this from the get go. Our founder and co-founder, Steve and Diana Newton are wonderful, loving and caring. I am honored to call them friends. They have been there for me MANY times, just to listen. I have been honored to be at events and present banners and that is so rewarding. I have been part of several different things with in SSFOA. This is a WONDERFUL GROUP. Georgeine (George)