250928-F-YW699-1671

Service members and Gold Star mothers and families gathered for a photo during the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. Gold Star Mother’s Day is a nationally recognized observance that takes place on the last Sunday of September to honor mothers of fallen service members and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1695

Toni Gross, Gold Star Mother of U.S. Army Corporal Frank R. Gross, fills a jar with sand during the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. Each color of sand represents a different aspect of the fallen member’s life, red, blue, white, and gold represent values such as bravery, loyalty, peace, and honor respectively. The jars are a tribute to each fallen service member.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1676

Pictures of fallen military members are displayed on a table during the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. Since 1936, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day has recognized the loved ones of those who have died in the line of duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1654

Michele Carey, Gold Star Mother of U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Barton Humlhanz, and Toni Gross, Gold Star Mother of U.S. Army Corporal Frank R. Gross, present the symbols of service and sacrifice during the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. Since 1936, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day has recognized the loved ones of those who have died in the line of duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1643

Michele Cary, a speaker at the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event, shares a story about her son at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. The event was held in remembrance of fallen service members and provided a forum for family members to speak on behalf of their loved ones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1625

U.S. Air Force Col. Katherine Lilly, 6th Maintenance Group commander, provides opening remarks during the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. The event was held in remembrance of fallen service members and provided a forum for family members to speak on behalf of their loved ones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1615

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alexander Bartholomew, 6th Force Support Squadron military and family readiness center superintendent, narrates the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. The Gold Star is a historic symbol of recognition dating back to 1917. The event honored those who paid the ultimate price for the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1613

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jamie Coleman, 6th Air Refueling Wing chaplain, leads a moment of silence during the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. The Gold Star is a historic symbol of recognition dating back to 1917. The event honored those who paid the ultimate price for the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1601

The MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard, presents the colors during the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. Air Force Honor Guard delivers premier ceremonial honors in support of Air Force personnel and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250928-F-YW699-1565

A U.S. Air Force honor guardsman assigned to the 6th Force Support Squadron prepares for the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. The event was held in remembrance of fallen service members and provided a forum for family members to speak on behalf of their loved ones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Honoring Gold Star families and the legacy of the fallen heroes at MacDill

Published Oct. 1, 2025
By SrA Sterling Sutton
6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Service members and Gold Star mothers and families gathered for a photo during the Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day event at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 28, 2025. Gold Star Mother’s Day is a nationally recognized observance that takes place on the last Sunday of September to honor mothers of fallen service members and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sterling Sutton)

250928-F-YW699-1671

250928-F-YW699-1695

250928-F-YW699-1676

250928-F-YW699-1654

250928-F-YW699-1643

250928-F-YW699-1625

250928-F-YW699-1615

250928-F-YW699-1613

250928-F-YW699-1601

250928-F-YW699-1565