Gold Star Weekend Workshop 2025
Imaging one day, getting that knock on the door. The knock all knew could possibly come when their son or daughter signed up to serve the United States of America, but most never even dreamed, or in this case had a nightmare, that they thought would ever come true. Then it came. That knock on the door delivering the message of a casualty from war: the death of a son, daughter, father, brother. This has been the case and continues to be the reality for many military families throughout the 8 years and 8 months Iraq and 20 years in Afghanistan. For some, including upwards of 45 a day according to some, the toll of war was beyond them resulting in death by suicide after returning home. For many Gold Star families the outpouring of love may have come and gone. But that nightmare, for many Gold Stars, never goes away. That’s where the Michael Strange Foundation and its great leaders come in to help, support, and facilitate healing and friendships that help Gold Stars both grieve and celebrate.
This past weekend, April 2025, The Michael Strange Foundation hosted Gold Stars from around the country to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A weekend of fun, crying, and laughing, A weekend to bring Gold Stars together to let them know they are not alone in the fight in losing a loved one at a time war. A weekend some always welcomed and a weekend some originally resisted. But a weekend to remember, write to, and celebrate their loved one.
The weekend started off with an evening at a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game on Thursday night. Then, they went to a staple of Philadelphia: Tony and Nicky Lukes Steaks for some tasty cheesesteaks. Not only do Tony and Nicky support Gold Stars by showcasing fallen heroes at various displays within their restaurant— they donated all the money from sides and drinks made that day to the Michael Strange Foundation, which supports the weekend workshop as all expenses are taken care of by the foundation.
Charles Strange, President of the Michael Strange Foundation and Gold Star Father of PO1 Michael Strange, cryptologist on SEAL Team 6, again welcomed Gold Stars to the weekend workshop. Charlie shares his story of losing Michael in Afghanistan on Extortion 17 and his mission of helping other Gold Stars cope with their loss. Grief Counselor and long-time friend of the Michael Strange Foundation, Mandi Love spoke about grief and copping with loss. She continually supports Gold Stars through the foundation and her counseling services.
Saturday morning of the workshop, the Michael Strange Foundation leads Gold Stars through the difficult task of writing a letter to their loved one and reading it aloud to the group. Gold Stars bring photos and mementoes in to share with others as they tell stories, share grief, and make new friends. Each had their own unique stories yet they all found a common bond remembering the tragic consequences of war on American families. Pictured below is Mandi holding a photo of Michael Strange. Also in the photos are Charles sharing his letter, Gold Stars sharing their stories including Kaitlyn Strange who supports Gold Star siblings for the Michael Strange Foundation, and Mary Strange, Charles wife, who continually supports the foundation, and took care of this years administrative tasks of booking all the flights, hotels, etc. The Michael Strange Foundation is a family affair as it continues to grow and serve Gold Stars throughout the country.
On Saturday of the Weekend Workshop, after letters are written and shared, the Foundation led Gold Stars to releasing balloons in honor and remembrance of sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters. This symbolic event, filled with patriotism and love, and is followed by an evening of fun, live music, celebrations, and creating memories with newfound Gold Star friends. When the weekend came to an end, those Gold Stars in attendance appreciated and welcomed the support and friendship of the Michael Strange Foundation. Thank you to all the sponsors that made this weekend workshop possible by covering all of the travel expenses and all other expenses associated with the weekend. A special Thank You to Specialty Freights, Cardinal Communication, the PATRIOT FUND , Concelations, Tony & Nicky’s and so many more. If you with to support the foundation you can do so by donating here: https://michaelstrange.foundation/donate/
Note: Francois Garcia of Impact Media is currently working on a documentary featuring Charles and his personal quest for truth and justice regarding Michael’s death. To find out more, sign-up for the release of the documentary, and purchase the DVD set with extras, please visit ext17.com
