Operation Gold star is a DQS effort whereby we are striving to fulfill the hopes, dreams and needs of Gold Star Mothers who lost their sons or daughters in Vietnam. These ladies still mourn, still seek closure and have a strong desire/need to see and experience the area where their children drew their last breath. We can help them to walk where their son or daughter walked!

DQS’ effort in Operation Gold Star is two-fold. First, we raise the funds necessary to allow the lady’s dreams to be fulfilled. Second, we escort them on the trips (at our own expense). Won’t you do your part? You may participate in either or both facets of our effort. Even if you have no desire to return to Vietnam yourself (and this is very understandable), you can contribute to the accomplishment of our mission and you can share in the warmth of the mothers’ gratitude. It will be worth the effort — I guarantee it! Time is of essence, as the ladies are all in their upper 60’s or older. Won’t you take the opportunity to help make their dreams come true while it is still feasible? Contribute what you can and when you can — don’t wait until you can make a large contribution. Every donation brings a Gold Star Mother that much closer to her dream! Send your donation today! (As many of your DQS brothers have.) But don’t stop there — raise money in your area and/or contact others (individuals, organizations, businesses and etc) and ask them to donate. Do what you can. Do it now! We have a separate account for monies donated in support of Operation Gold Star and these monies can only be used to fund trips for Gold Star Mothers.

Send Donations to: Clyde Larsen     353 Dartmouth     Elgin, IL 60123     (mark donations ‘for Operation Gold Star’)

It will take all of our efforts to continue (the 1^st trip occurred in July 2000) this operation. Our mission is clear, the cause is dear — with everyone doing their part - we will succeed! Surely the membership of DQS alone could fund a few trips! Only a few of us, with the aid of some friends, were able to launch the initial trip. A portion of the dollars needed for the second trip is in hand and as soon as we are comfortable that the funding will be there we will plan the next trip. (We were hoping that a trip would depart this spring, but are looking at a little later at this time.) Let’s allow the planning to begin! Only $10 from each DQS member would go a long way towards funding 2 OGS Trips — I know we can do better than that!

DQS Volunteers are needed to escort the GSM’s on these trips. Please indicate your interest now! You will not be obligated to go or to go at a specific time; but we need to know what and who we have to work with so that we can plan ahead. Not sure? Check it out and then decide. You will have the opportunity to serve the GSM’s and to see your old AO (fulfill a dream of yours?). We will try to match DQS Vets and Gold Star Mothers by the AO’s desired to visit. (I can attest that seeing other AO’s is very interesting also.) OGS Trips will be from 10 to 14 days in length for planning and funding purposes. DQS Vets will have the opportunity to extend their time in Vietnam to see more of their or other AO’s, if they desire. This is an opportunity to experience great feelings and fulfillment from being with and serving the Gold Star Mothers and to visit what is a very huge part of each of our lives in a much more agreeable manner.

Please indicate your name, address, phone &/or e-mail and Unit, AO (s) of interest or primary interest. Any availability issues (time frames — good or bad) and other factors that would affect your participation should be noted also. They can answer your questions about trips also.