Woody Williams Foundation

08/26/2026

On this solemn anniversary of the August 26, 2021 attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport’s Abbey Gate, we pause to honor the 13 U.S. service members and the approximately 170 Afghan civilians whose lives were taken by an ISIS‑K su***de bomber — a violent extremist organization responsible for widespread harm, loss of life, and human rights violations.

In the chaos of evacuation, these American heroes stood their post with unwavering purpose. They placed themselves in harm’s way so others could reach safety. Their final acts were acts of compassion — guiding families, protecting children, and upholding the values that define our nation.

At the Woody Williams Foundation, we believe service and sacrifice must never be forgotten. Today, we honor:

Their courage, shown in the face of danger and uncertainty.

Their devotion, lived out through selfless service to strangers in need.

Their legacy, carried forward by Gold Star Families, fellow service members, and a grateful nation.

We also hold close the Afghan families who suffered unimaginable loss that day. Their grief is woven into the fabric of this tragedy, and their loved ones deserve remembrance.

May the memory of those we lost at Abbey Gate strengthen our resolve to support the families who carry their names forward. May we continue to honor their sacrifice with actions worthy of their service.

08/26/2026

This National Wreaths Across America Day, we welcome you to join families, volunteers, and communities nationwide in honoring the lives behind every wreath. Your support ensures their stories continue to be heard.

Volunteering is more meaningful when you do it together. Who will you volunteer with on National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 19, this year?

08/26/2026

October 2, 2013 — The Start of a National Movement
At the Donel C. Kinnard West Virginia State Veterans Cemetery, the first-ever Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was dedicated.

For Hershel “Woody” Williams, this was more than the completion of a monument. It was the beginning of a mission that would continue to impact families, communities, and generations across the country.

The dedication ceremony also marked the official launch of the Foundation and the beginning of what would become Woody’s lasting legacy. The day was filled with pride, emotion, and gratitude.

Woody spoke at the dedication, along with West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and Gold Star Mother Shirley White. The presence of Gold Star Families made the meaning of the monument even more powerful.

For Woody, seeing the monument completed represented the fulfillment of a promise — a promise to ensure that the families of fallen service members would have a place where their sacrifice was recognized and remembered.

Brent shared: “The very first one was obviously very exciting. Woody was so proud, he was so happy that he could make a difference for the Gold Star Family members who were in attendance.”

The first monument became a powerful reminder of just how meaningful this mission was.

It showed Woody and the Foundation team that these monuments were not simply memorials. They were gathering places for families. They were places of healing, reflection, education, and connection.

This was the moment the Foundation realized: this is the mission. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was what Woody’s legacy was meant to continue.

Not long after the first dedication, communities began reaching out. Other locations wanted to create their own monuments and provide a place of honor for Gold Star Families in their communities. Communities such as Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and Tampa, Florida, were among those that followed.

The movement had begun.

Interested in starting your own monument? https://woodywilliams.jotform.com/form/230546475159159
Share your Woody Stories: https://woodywilliams.jotform.com/260926263426964

08/25/2026

Who Are You Remembering?

Kondor died in Ba'Qubah, Iraq when an apparent improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany. Died on April 29, 2004.

Martin just began his senior year in Eastern York High School when the 911 attack happened. He came that night and said, "We have been attacked on our sovereign soil, and I am going to do something about it." Martin joined the Army, trained as a tanker and while in Germany, volunteered for a Personal Security Detachment that was guarding then Colonel Dana Pittard.

Martin enjoyed the outdoors and had an enjoyable sense of humor. He was easy going with a strong duty to protect this nation. "He toiled for peace but was nevertheless a man of action from whom no fears could turn from the path of action", Winston Churchill. This was Martin.

Beloved son. Never Forgotten. His death inspired York Pennsylvania's Gold Star Garden.

08/25/2026

Join the tradition this morning!

Wave your with us at 9:30 a.m. ET!

08/24/2026

The bond between a Veteran and a service dog can open doors to healing, connection, and renewed purpose. Paws for Patriots makes those moments possible.
To every Veteran in this program—you are valued, supported, and surrounded by a community that believes in you.

Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was looking for a faithful battle buddy. 🇺🇸

When he visited our partners Paws Crossed Animal Rescue 🐾 he met Sage, a 3 year-old German Shepherd mix who looks like she knows she's going home.

Our work helps people save pets and pets save people.

If you're a current or former veteran or spouse of a fallen service member, learn about our programs at pfp.care/adoptions ❤

Oorah!

08/24/2026

The road after service can be heavy, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
The Veterans Crisis Line offers confidential support 24/7 for Veterans, service members, and their families.
Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Your story matters. Your life matters. We stand with you.

Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to face it alone.

The Veterans Crisis Line is here 24/7:

📞 Dial 988, then press 1
📲 Text 838255
💻 VeteransCrisisLine.net

08/21/2026

🇺🇸 GOLD STAR FAMILIES MONUMENT SPOTLIGHT: OHIO 🇺🇸

Across Ohio, communities have come together to ensure that Gold Star Families know their sacrifice—and the sacrifice of their Loved Ones—will never be forgotten.
Ohio is home to 15 Gold Star Families Memorial Monument projects, each creating a permanent place for remembrance, reflection, and connection.

Today, we’re highlighting five of those communities:
⭐ Columbus
⭐ Cincinnati (Green Township)
⭐ Grove City
⭐ Lorain County
⭐ Willowick

From some of the earliest Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in the state to the newest communities carrying Woody’s vision forward, each represents a commitment to Honor, Recognize, and Serve Gold Star Families and preserve the legacy of their Loved Ones.

We are grateful for the Gold Star Families, volunteers, donors, community leaders, and partners throughout Ohio who have helped make these lasting tributes possible.

“The Cause is Greater than I…” – Woody Williams

08/21/2026

A New Memorial Journey Begins in Palmetto Bay, Florida

The Palmetto Bay Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Project began on January 30, 2025, with a powerful mission: to honor, recognize, and support Gold Star Families and the heroes they lost.

The Village of Palmetto Bay is proud to honor our nation’s veterans and Gold Star Families with a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Charles and F***y Dascal Veteran’s Park. As the centerpiece of the new Veterans Park, the monument will provide a place for the community to pause, reflect, and remember the lives forever changed by the ultimate sacrifice.

A special part of this project is the involvement of Dawn Rowe, whose husband, Major Allan Rowe, was tragically killed in action in western Al Anbar Province in September 2004. Dawn has continued a remarkable career of public service and leadership, carrying forward a legacy of service and commitment to her community.

The Palmetto Bay team shared that choosing Veteran’s Park was intentional—the monument completes the park’s overall mission of honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Their advice to other committees beginning their journey?

“Enjoy the process!”

Building a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is about much more than creating a physical memorial. It is about bringing people together, sharing stories, honoring heroes, and creating a place where Gold Star Families know their loved ones will never be forgotten.

A special shoutout to Andrea Candelaria, Honorary Board Member, and her incredible team for their dedication and work to bring this meaningful project to life!

Honor. Recognize. Support.

Learn more about the Palmetto Bay Florida Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at https://woodywilliams.org/monuments/palmetto-bay-fl.html
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