PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Starting in mid-October 2019, Gold Star families and service members wounded in the line of duty will have designated parking spaces. Master Sgt. Richard Greiner, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of requirements and optimization, confirms that signs have arrived and will be installed over the course of the second half of October, pending weather concerns.
“The Gold Star Program is for families that have lost loved ones in a war,” says Rhonda Sargent, 21st Force Support Squadron career focus manager. “They gave the ultimate sacrifice, and we’re just trying to let them know they’re still part of the Air Force family.”
Sargent says the project started after a conversation she had with Col. Thomas Falzarano, 21st Space Wing commander, about how to take care of Gold Star families, a program which falls within her purview. Spots for recipients of the Purple Heart became part of the conversation shortly after.
“Giving them parking spots is one little thing that we can do to make their lives easier when they're coming on base to get services,” says Sargent.
She also hopes the spots will give Airmen reason to pause and reflect on the nature of service, and to think about those who’ve made great sacrifices in the name of America and the mission of the U.S. Military.