In a moving tribute, North Carolina honored Gold Star Families and Families of the Fallen, reflecting a deep commitment to those who have borne the ultimate sacrifice. During a reception hosted by Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the state recognized September as Gold Star Families Month, paying homage to the families of fallen U.S. servicemembers.
Honoring Unseen Sacrifices
Governor Josh Stein solemnly acknowledged the profound loss experienced by Gold Star Families, stating, “Gold Star Families belong to a heartbreaking club that no one seeks to join.” Stein emphasized North Carolina’s dedication to veterans and military families, highlighting ongoing support beyond the loss of a servicemember. “This Gold Star Families Month, and every month, we must do everything we can for military families to honor all that they have sacrificed for our country and its freedoms,” he added.
Further echoing this sentiment, Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs remarked, “The sacrifices made by Gold Star Families and Families of the Fallen can never fully be repaid, and their losses will never be forgotten.” She praised the resilience and courage of these families, reaffirming the state’s promise to remember their heroes and uphold this commitment.
North Carolina’s Military Presence
As home to the fourth-largest military presence in the United States, North Carolina hosts the world’s most populated Army base and the primary East Coast Marine Corps base. The state supports over 90,000 active-duty military personnel, more than 40,000 National Guard and Reserve members, over 600,000 veterans, and nearly 150,000 military family members. Governor Stein’s administration has shown continued dedication to enhancing the welfare of military families and veterans.
In May, Governor Stein signed an executive order to appoint a Military Affairs Coordinator in all cabinet agencies to streamline support for servicemembers and tackle challenges faced by military communities.
Legislative and Community Support
Governor Stein has enacted several measures to aid military families, including facilitating professional license transfers for military spouses, simplifying remote driver license renewals, assisting school enrollments, and supporting military students in the University of North Carolina System. Additionally, in August 2025, North Carolina joined the Do Your Part State initiative, collaborating with Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association to bolster military family support.
Upcoming Honors and Support Initiatives
On November 17, Governor Stein will award six exemplary North Carolinians with the North Carolina Award, the state’s premier civilian accolade, including to Lt. General Kevin Vereen (Ret.). Proceeds from the ceremony will benefit Blue Star Families and Camp Corral. Both organizations are devoted to supporting military families and children of fallen servicemembers through community integration and skill-building programs.
For more insights from the event, click here to hear from the speakers. Media outlets are welcome to utilize B-roll from the event in their coverage.
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