I became a gold star mother on January 6, 1968 when my son, Wayne Whiteley, 19 years of age, was killed in Quan Tri Province while on patrol. His company of men saw a mine. As my son was using some corpsman scissors to cut the wire, he was hit by a sniper’s bullet. My son was killed but the rest of the company was saved.

My husband was working for IBM at the time and was called away to Boca Raton on business. So he was not there when the Major from the Marine Corps in Albany, NY came to inform me, my five daughters, and one son left at home what had happened to our beloved Wayne. My husband hurriedly returned to our home in Wappingers Falls, NY. It was such a shocking experience.

I was asked to join the American Gold Star Mothers by a World War II mother. I knew what a gold star mother was because as a child, I had seen them ride in parades. I couldn’t understand why any one would want to join a club or organization for such a sad thing.

However, through the years I have learned a lot by being a part of this organization. It seems we as gold star mothers have been selected to carry on the duties that our sons couldn’t.

The ladies are a very unique group. They are supported by other mothers who have gone through this heart-breaking situation. They are understanding, compassionate, and loving women. Even though their connection is based on sadness, they are also a lot of fun to be with. They are hard workers and spend a lot of time with veterans in our hospitals.

We have five veterans’ hospitals in New York State where the American Gold Star Mothers are represented. We put on Christmas parties, picnics, bingo, take the vets to VFW Post homes for dinner, give them gifts of canteen books, etc.

I have had the honor serving as the Department President for the State of New York in 1981-82 and again in 1996-97 and 2004. I have worked on MIA-POW issues since 1972. Anything veteran connected, you will find a gold star mother volunteering.

I feel the Lord has bestowed the highest honor on me, seven children.

He giveth and He taketh away.

Teresa Whiteley.