My son was Lance Corporal Dale A. Pulliam “C” Co. 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. On May 14, Mother’s Day, 1967, he was KIA in the Quaing Tu Province at Da Nang near the DMZ. May 15th, 1967, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon two Marine Majors rang our door bell to tell us he had died.

It was not until 1971 that I was contacted by the Gold Star Mothers Chapter in Wichita, KS. I went to a meeting with two other mothers from Clearwater at Gladys Stutzman’s house, where we signed up to become a member of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. I signed because I would be with other mothers who had suffered the same loss as I had. I guess it’s rather like a support group, you share stories, hugs, and tears. I joined in remembrance of my son Dale, to be here for other mothers and for all of our veterans and it has been well worth it, because I have met so many lovely ladies and wonderful Veterans.

It has been such a fantastic experience serving on the National Executive Board and I have gotten to do thing I never dreamed I’d do. Such as carrying the AGSM ‘s Banner and the American Flag at Arlington Cemetery, going to the White House, the Capital and the Pentagon, which happened to be on my birthday where an officer sung Happy birthday to me.

Belonging to the American Gold Star Mothers can mean so much to a mother who has lost her child in Service, A wonderful role is open to all who are interested. Bless each and everyone. Your 1st VP.

Betty Jean Pulliam.