05/28/2026
Since I’ve posted about GREEN STAR Families of America initially, I’ve received several messages asking about Green Star Families, White Star Families and the Red Star Foundation. Perhaps my opinion after doing some research might help provide a better perspective.
By the way, the Red Star Foundation that is supposed to support families like mine, blocked this page and removed my comment.
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My name is John Ring, founder of WalkforVets.org.
Since 2019, after serving in the U.S. Army, I have walked across the country advocating for veterans and their families. Our group has walked in 35 states, totaling more than 6,000 miles, with much of our focus on veteran su***de awareness.
Over the years, I have met and spoken with surviving families all across the U.S. I am also a member of the The American Legion, a past Post Commander, and have visited more than 175 American Legion Posts nationwide. I have met with legislators, supported families, and worked alongside local law enforcement responding to veterans in crisis.
The Green Star Families of America initiative began years before the Red Star Foundation. There has also been discussion of White Star Families, which appears to be more grassroots focused. When I started my businesses and WalkforVets.org, I did my homework to see if anyone else was using the names and I researched other people with the same initiative, the Red Star Foundation definitely new about Green Star Families. There is no need to compete and I think the Red Star Foundation should proceed but solely focusing on our first responders.
Green Star Families of America solely represents veteran su***de and our military families, just as Blue Star and Gold Star Families of America represent military families. Our first responders who battle silent wounds absolutely deserve recognition as well, but I believe it is fair and appropriate for military families to have a banner solely focused on veterans lost to su***de.
On January 7, 2026, I became a Green Star father when my oldest son took his own life after serving four years in the Army and deploying to Iraq in 2018–2019.
The Red Star Foundation was mentioned in Congress by Rep. Jack Bergman, and that appears to be the extent of its congressional recognition.
The Red Star Foundation has been backed by major donors and large fundraising efforts. Their Tampa gala had ticket prices ranging from $300 to $500, with sponsorship packages from $4,000 to $75,000. To me, that does not feel very inviting to families like mine who have lost a loved one to su***de.
I invite you to look at both organizations for yourself: RedStarFoundation.org and GreenStarFamilies.org.
When you visit the Green Star Families website, you see a focus on su***de awareness and supporting the families left behind. Yes, there are small donation tabs because nothing is free, but the initiative does not appear money-driven.
The Green Star banner also makes sense. Green represents mental health awareness, and many of our veterans lost to the silent wounds were battling mental health struggles. A red star with a blue outline does not seem to align as naturally with the existing Blue Star and Gold Star family banners.
This is my opinion, but I urge you — as a veteran, as someone who has supported these families, and as a father who lost his veteran son to su***de — to look into both initiatives and be honest about what each one represents.
And if you are a veteran, legislator, or supporter of this effort, it is not too late to do the right thing.
Our veterans lost to su***de deserve to be remembered.
Their families deserve to be recognized.
Green Star Families deserve a voice.
This is why I support Green Star Families of America. Reach out to your legislators and help the initiative. 💚
