Woody Williams Foundation

Initially the Foundation’s goal was to establish a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in founder Woody Williams’ home state of West Virginia. Once that monument was complete, a new mission became clear to Woody and those at the Woody Williams Foundation to establish these monuments in as many communities as possible in all states and US territories.

The Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments provide a place of permanence for Gold Star Families to gather and utilize in honor and remembrance of their Loved Ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the US Military. They are intended to achieve the following goals: demonstrate to Gold Star Families their community cares for them and appreciates their sacrifice while also honoring the ultimate sacrifice paid by their Loved Ones; establish local Gold Star Family communities and strengthen the community within itself through Gold Star Family outreach events associated with each monument location; educate the general public about Gold Star Families’ enduring sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice made by their Loved Ones.

Once a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is established, the culture of a community is forever changed thus providing momentum for perpetual endeavors which will continually support the mission to honor, recognize, and serve Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones.

By utilizing each Gold Star Families Memorial Monument as a "forward operating base", the Foundation expands our footprint thus providing opportunities to activate supporters and volunteers all across the Nation. This strategy allows for continued activation of the local project teams while growing a base of support within each community. By building this system of support, the Woody Williams Foundation improves the quality, consistency, and availability of services provided.

Since 2013, the Woody Williams Foundation has continually improved capabilities to reach our goals. As of February 2021, there are 76 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments (GSFMMs) which have been established with an additional 79 GSFMMs in-progress across all 50 states and Guam.

After the dedication of each monument, the foundation is focused on keeping each local Gold Star Family community engaged through sponsoring and hosting outreach programs and events. Events include memorial events, 5K runs & walks, motorcycle rides from monument to monument, riverboat gatherings, school speeches, as well as events like the Gold Star Family day at the Ball Park. These events provide opportunities for Gold Star Families to come together, honor the legacy of their Loved Ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and build a system of support, while also raising public awareness about Gold Star Families. These events also impact the general public by help educating them about Gold Star Families’ enduring sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice made by their Loved Ones as providing volunteer opportunities within the community.

Progress Report:
As of February 2021, there are 76 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments (GSFMMs) which have been established with an additional 79 GSFMMs in-progress across all 50 states and Guam. In 2018 alone, Gold Star Families Memorial Monument project brought together over 5000 Gold Star Families. Further, we hosted 95+ community events with over 23,000 attendees and we delivered 50+ educational speeches with a total of over 100,000 attendees.