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WASHINGTON D.C. (January 18, 2008) - For decades, mothers and
wives who lost a loved one in combat had a community of others who
faced similar feelings to turn to for support.
Today, brothers and sisters of those killed in action have a
similar support network.
Karen A. Hickman, of Indiana, founded Gold Star Siblings, Inc.,
so that siblings of deceased servicemembers had someone to lean on
who understands what they're going through. "There has never been
an organization just for siblings," she said. "Our goal is to
become one voice, to reach out and help the ones trying to deal
with such a traumatic loss."
That was something she didn't have when her brother was killed
while serving in Vietnam.
"When the funeral took place, I felt like an outsider," Hickman
said. "I had to grieve alone and where my parents couldn't see me
because I had to be strong for them and my younger brother.
"I have never felt so alone," she added.
Gold Star Siblings grew from those feelings of isolation and
Hickman's desire to never let another sibling suffer in silence.
And while the members of her organization are not professional
counselors, they certainly can understand what many siblings are
facing today.
"We are just like (them): confused, angry, sad and always
wondering, 'Why him or her, and not me? Why was our world turned
upside down?'" she said. "We have been there, and everyday the
thought is always with us."
Helping each other through grief, in part, means presenting a
Gold Star flag to the oldest sibling, Hickman said. If there are
other siblings, they receive Gold Star lapel pins.
If the family requests, Gold Star Sibling members also will stay
with them during a servicemember's funeral.
Gold Star Siblings is a new supporter of America Supports You, a
Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations
with military personnel and their families serving at home and
abroad.
Hickman said she hopes the affiliation will offer her
organization exposure and the networking opportunities to let
everyone know she and other Gold Star Siblings are there for those
who need their help.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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