Survivors of Suicide Loss Virtual Support Group

In January 2025, the Navy Gold Star Program launched our first virtual Support group for Survivors of Suicide loss. The intent of the support group is to allow attendees, whose loved one died by suicide while serving on Active Duty or who are active duty themselves and lost a dependant to suicide, to express their thoughts and feelings as well as allowing them to find connections, understanding and hope through shared experiences.

This group is hosted by both a Navy Gold Star coordinator and a clinical counselor but will be Survivor driven and designed as a peer-to-peer support group. You are welcome to join as you feel ready and may attend as often as you would like.

Sessions are hosted once a month, and typically last 1.5 hours. If you are interested in attending a session, please contact Emily Kolenda at emily.c.kolenda.naf@us.navy.mil or call 901-930-8258.

Upcoming Sessions

November 17, 2025 - 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT

December 15, 2025 - 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT

January 26, 2026 - 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT

February 23, 2026 - 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT

March 23, 2026 - 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT

April 27, 2026 - 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT

Tributes

PO3 Corneilius Brown
10.06.1998 - 04.24.2021

My son Corneilius Donte' Brown was a humble, funny, and caring person. He never met a stranger, ...

- PO3 Corneilius

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Testimonials

To: Hailey Chittick

This Thanksgiving I wanted to let you know how thankful I am for you and your consistent efforts to serve Northwest Gold Star Families. Your emails are always so helpful and informative. It's because of your emails that I'll be running my first marathon, next Sunday, in memory of my brother (Ryley Gallinger-Long) as part of the San Antonio Rock N'Roll Marathon. All of my coaching, my running gear, my travel, my race fees, and my hotel are being paid for by the Wear Blue: Run to Remember program...which you told me about! For the last three months I've been training diligently and the big day is nearly here! When I cross that finish line after 26.2 miles in memory of my brother, please know that you had a part in that! ??

Furthermore, I learned (from another email of yours) that I can help rebuild homes in Puerto Rico in January as part of the Travis Manion Foundation. And...I recently received news that I have been accepted into this program as well. I'll be flying out in about 7 weeks to serve alongside other gold star family members as we help people in need. This is yet another opportunity I would not know about if not for your consistent work and dedication! Thank you for all that you do! Your work is making a difference in my life and the lives of many others.

- Zack Gallinger-Long

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