Army Veteran, Gold Star Mother Honors Son’s Legacy

Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Candy Martin stood before a crowd of U.S. Army South Soldiers at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre, her voice trembling with emotion. She shared, “I still hear his voice each day, and I dread the day that I forget what that voice sounds like.” Martin became a Gold Star Mother in 2007 when her son, 1st Lt. Thomas Martin, tragically lost his life during combat operations in Al Busayifi, Iraq.

A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

As a resilient Gold Star Mother, Martin has dedicated her life to honoring her son’s memory and supporting fellow Gold Star Mothers and Families. She spoke about the history of the Gold Star, a symbol displayed by Families of Soldiers during World War I. A blue star represented a living family member, while a gold star signified a loved one who died on the battlefield.

According to the Arlington National Cemetery, the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was formed in 1928 by a group of 25 women who lost their sons. Congress later designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day, now known as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.

Continuing a Family Legacy

Martin’s Family has a long history of military service, predating the Gold Star. An ancestor from every generation has served the nation since the American Revolution. Her son, Thomas, aspired to continue this legacy. Despite initial setbacks, including being denied admission to West Point, he enlisted in the Army and later gained acceptance after three years of enlisted service.

Thomas graduated from West Point in 2005 and deployed to Iraq as a sniper-scout platoon leader, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. This deployment overlapped with his mother’s own combat tour to Iraq, creating a unique bond between them.

A Mother’s Last Conversation

Halfway through his deployment, Thomas returned home for rest and recuperation leave. Before he had to return to Iraq, Candy Martin expressed her concerns as a mother. She told him how much she hated for him to go back, knowing the hardships he would face. Thomas simply responded, “Mom, it’s what we do.” Little did she know, this would be their last face-to-face conversation.

Honoring the Fallen

On October 14, 2007, Candy Martin received the devastating news that her son had been shot and did not survive his injuries. Despite the heartbreak, she had faith in the Army to bring him home. The casualty assistance team arrived, and the Martin Family began their journey of grief.

Candy Martin believes that self-contained grief can become self-destructive. To overcome the pain, she encourages others to devote their time to something bigger than themselves. She has made it her mission to memorialize her son’s legacy and raise awareness about Gold Star Mothers and Families.

Through speaking engagements, media appearances, and the establishment of the 1LT Tom Martin Memorial Foundation, Candy Martin ensures that her son’s story lives on. She believes that conversations about loved ones lost in service are not only healing for the Families but also for those who knew them.

In a heartfelt plea, Candy Martin asks everyone to approach Gold Star Families and ask about the story behind their star. By remembering and celebrating the lives of these fallen heroes, we honor their memory and acknowledge the sacrifices made for our country.