Veteran Notes
How They Started
For generations, military families have been recognized through the Blue Star and Gold Star traditions—symbols that honor service and sacrifice. But one group of families remained unseen: those who lost a veteran to suicide.
Green Star Families of America emerged to fill that void. Their founders recognized a painful truth—families impacted by veteran suicide often feel invisible, unsupported, and disconnected from the broader military community. They built the Green Star movement to change that, creating a national symbol of recognition and a platform for connection, advocacy, and healing.
Their work is now tied to H.R. 6022, legislation aimed at establishing national recognition for Green Star Families and ensuring these families receive the acknowledgment they deserve.
Mission & Purpose
Green Star Families exists to ensure no family feels invisible after losing a veteran to suicide. Their mission is built on three pillars:
1. Recognition
Establishing the Green Star as a national symbol honoring families affected by veteran suicide. This recognition validates their loss, honors their loved one’s service, and brings visibility to a community often overlooked.
2. Community
Green Star Families is building a nationwide network of families, veterans, supporters, and advocates. They share stories, connect people to trusted resources, and create a space where families can grieve, heal, and find strength together.
3. Connection
Through advocacy, outreach, and storytelling, they help families feel seen and supported. Their platform highlights real stories—mothers, spouses, children, and loved ones whose lives were forever changed.
Their Service to the Veteran Community
Green Star Families provides a critical service by:
- Raising awareness of veteran suicide and its impact on families
- Sharing family stories to humanize the issue and honor loved ones
- Connecting families to resources, support networks, and community
- Advocating for national recognition through H.R. 6022
- Building a movement that encourages public understanding and involvement
- Offering ways to take action, including donating, volunteering, and contacting Congress
- Creating campaigns like the 22 Letters Campaign to drive awareness and legislative support
This is not a statistics‑driven mission—it’s a people‑driven one. Every name represents a life, a family, and a story.
How-To: Supporting Green Star Families
1. Learn About H.R. 6022
Understand the legislation that would formally recognize Green Star Families nationwide. This is the backbone of the movement.
2. Donate
Even small donations help another family feel seen and supported. Funds go toward outreach, advocacy, and community-building efforts.
3. Contact Congress
Green Star Families provides tools to help supporters reach their representatives and advocate for national recognition.
4. Share the Mission
Awareness is a force multiplier. Sharing the Green Star symbol and stories helps others understand the importance of recognition.
5. Join the Movement
Sign up for updates, stories, advocacy news, and events. This keeps supporters connected and informed.
6. Submit a Story
Families can share their loved one’s story to honor their memory and help others feel less alone.
The Process & Program
Green Star Families operates through a clear, structured process:
Recognition Program
- Establish the Green Star symbol
- Promote national adoption
- Advocate through H.R. 6022
Community Program
- Build a nationwide network
- Share stories publicly
- Connect families to resources
Advocacy Program
- Raise awareness
- Educate the public
- Encourage legislative action
Support Program
- Provide outreach
- Offer connection pathways
- Ensure families never feel invisible
This multi-layered approach ensures that families receive both emotional support and national acknowledgment.
Visit their website: Green Star Families – Honoring Families of Veterans Lost to Suicide
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