Nelson explains Silver Star families and identifies three roundtable priorities
Nelson defines Silver Star families as family members of veterans who served, were injured, or have mental health issues. She identifies three roundtable priorities: awareness and education, communication and language, and ensuring families know their designation. She shares an anecdote of a woman who didn't know she was a White Star family member.
You suggested, and I think it's a great idea, you suggested convening a roundtable with white star families to hear directly about their needs.
I'd certainly be interested in doing that.
If we organized a roundtable through this committee, what are the three most pressing issues you'd want us to address?
And would you be willing to help us bring those families together?
Yes, and I would believe to bring together also Silver Star because not too many people know what a Silver Star family is.
Do anybody know what a Silver Star family is?
I only know through, because I've heard you speak on this before, but why don't you tell the public?
Shall I?
Please.
So Silver Star Family Member is a family member of a veteran that served our country.
Whether they was injured, have mental health issues, or even work in everyday jobs.
Like our family at DVS, that is a Silver Star family.
Their families are considered Silver Star.
So that's what it is.
Gold Star are families like me, our veterans who died by suicide.
But that definition changes because...
This particular Gold Star mom's son, Pat,
in a different way, but they still labeled her as Gold Star.
White Star, we obviously know what that is because we're speaking about it today.
And before I was speaking about it, no one knew a word about what it was.
And it was heartbreaking.
And to finally...
Be able to be present here to speak about it.
It's a big thing.
And the three points I think we would focus on is awareness.
Awareness meaning education around it, acknowledging it.
And I do believe the communities don't know that they are a silver star.
The communities don't know that they are white star.
I was at something with CEC and there was a, oh, she was,
in her 50s, and we was having conversations.
I was telling her what I do, and she said, oh, I didn't know I was a white star.
My father actually died by suicide because he couldn't take no more after he served our country.
So, and those are the things that I feel in the communication and the language and how they speak with us.
That's a third one.
I could give you a list of more, but those three points.
Sure.