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Episode 14 – The Knock at the Door: Angelica Marta on Losing Her Brother, Orlando Perez

What does it mean to lose your big brother, your protector, and your best friend at just 16 years old?

In this emotional episode of Gold Star Stories, Nick Letendre sits down with Angelica Marta, whose older brother, Specialist Orlando Antonio Perez, was killed in action in Iraq in 2008. Orlando wasn’t just a soldier—he was a hilarious, thick-glasses-wearing, shoelace-tying big brother who made every room brighter just by being in it.

Angelica shares what it was like getting “the knock” no one ever wants to get, the emotional weight of being a forgotten sibling, and the beauty she found in grief. From WWE moves and ironing his clothes every morning to the Patriot Guard’s flags waving for his return, this is a story of sibling love, loss, and resilience.

If you’ve ever loved a sibling deeply—or felt invisible in your grief—this episode is for you.

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#GoldStarStories #SayTheirNames #OrlandoPerez #GoldStarSibling #MilitaryFamily #IraqWar #KIA #SiblingGrief #MilitaryLoss #VeteranSupport #MilitaryPodcast #HonorTheFallen #PatriotGuard #GriefSupport #RememberTheFallen #AngelicaMarta #GoldStarFamilies #NickLetendre #TrueStories #AmericanHeroes

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, Nick Letendre sits down with Nicole, a Marine Corps mom, educator, and fierce advocate, to honor the life of her son, Sergeant Colin Arslanbas—a Recon Marine who died during a preventable training accident in North Carolina.

Colin was more than a Marine. He was a husband, a big brother, a soon-to-be dad, and the kind of guy who made people laugh even in the most serious moments. Nicole shares his story—from childhood memories to leadership failures that led to his death. This episode is not just about grief—it’s about truth, accountability, and a mother’s unshakable love.

From broken equipment to ignored safety protocols, Nicole exposes the systemic issues that contributed to her son’s death and raises the uncomfortable but necessary questions about how we train our elite forces. It’s a heartbreaking, raw, and courageous conversation that will stay with you long after it ends.

Due to production limitations, this episode lacks our usual intro/outro—but your support can help us fix that. If this story moved you, share it. Say Colin’s name. And don’t let silence be the final word.

To Colin. You deserved better.

🔗 Support us at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com or donate directly at BuyMeACoffee.com/GoldStarStories

When a soldier comes home, the war isn’t always over. In this powerful episode of Gold Star Stories, Nick Letendre sits down with Natalie Brett, widow of Sergeant Daniel Brett—an Army MP, a devoted husband and father, and a man whose battle with invisible wounds ended in tragedy.

Natalie shares the full story: not just of Daniel’s death by suicide in 2023, but of his life—his humor, his love, his service, and the unbearable pressure he faced in the civilian world. This episode dives into the aftermath that so few talk about: the stigma around military suicide, the lack of support for grieving families, and the quiet devastation that follows when a hero falls after the war.

She also opens up about her work with Green Star Families, her mission to honor Daniel’s legacy, and her determination to be the voice of the aftermath.

This episode isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Because if we say we support our troops, that must include the ones fighting battles we cannot see—and the families left behind.

🔔 If this story moved you, please share it. Break the silence. End the stigma. Say their names.

🍻 Final Toast:

To Sergeant Daniel Brett—a protector, a warrior, a father, a husband. And to Natalie, for her courage, clarity, and relentless love.

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#GoldStarStories #GreenStarFamilies #SayTheirNames #MilitarySuicideAwareness #InvisibleWounds #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitarySpouse #GriefSupport #PostServiceStruggles #GoldStarWidow #PTSD #DanielBrett #SupportOurTroops #HonorTheFallen #MilitaryFamilies #MentalHealthMatters

In this powerful episode of Gold Star Stories, we sit down with Paula Davis, a mother who has carried the unimaginable weight of losing her only child—Army Private First Class Justin Davis. At just 19 years old, Justin was killed in Afghanistan in 2006, a little over a year after joining the military. What followed for Paula was a journey marked by grief, service, and an unwavering commitment to making sure her son is never forgotten.

Paula shares stories of Justin’s vibrant personality, his love for music, his dream of becoming an actor, and his fierce determination to serve on the front lines. She walks us through the heart-wrenching day she received the news of his death—not with a knock at the door, but alone in a hotel room, hundreds of miles from home.

This episode isn’t just about loss—it’s about love that refuses to be silenced. It’s about legacy, resilience, and the strength of a mother who keeps showing up for her son, nearly two decades later.

🎖️ To Justin. To Paula. To all the families who live with the cost of service every single day.

If this episode moved you, please consider:

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#SayTheirNames #GoldStarStories #JustinDavis #MilitaryFamily #GriefAndLove #LegacyOfService #VeteranSupport #Podcast

🎙️ Episode 7 – Honoring SGT Andy Southard: Ashley’s Story

In this powerful and emotional episode of Gold Star Stories, host Nick Letendre sits down with Ashley Southard — a mother, a widow, and a woman rebuilding life in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. Her husband, Sergeant Andy Southard, a Black Hawk crew chief with the 160th SOAR, was killed during a training mission over the Mediterranean in November 2023.

Ashley shares the kind of story that lives in the quiet — the knock at the door, the stocking that fell from the mantle, the weight of public grief, and the burden of sudden decisions no spouse ever expects to make. She speaks openly about trauma, anger, media pressure, and the loneliness of being seen only as a widow — not a person still breathing, still trying, still here.

We also discuss family dynamics after loss, forgotten siblings in the grieving process, and the power of saying the things no one else dares to say out loud. Ashley’s courage in telling her story is matched only by her love for Andy and her desire to keep his memory alive for their daughter — and for all of us.

Say their name: Sergeant Andy Southard.

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📌 Follow Ashley on TikTok: @FromtheAshhh

📌 Follow the show: @USAGoldStarStories

🎧 Support the mission or learn more at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com

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If this episode moved you, please share it. That’s how these stories live on.

#GoldStarStories #MilitaryWidow #SGTSouthard #SayTheirName #GoldStarFamily #160thSOAR #BlackhawkCrewChief #FromTheAshhh #MilitaryPodcast #MilitaryLoss #TellingTheirStories #RememberTheFallen

In this powerful episode of Gold Star Stories, Ami Neiberger shares the life and legacy of her younger brother, Specialist Christopher Neiberger, who was killed in Iraq by an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) in 2007 — just three days after his 22nd birthday.

Ami opens up about the day everything changed, the emotional weight of sibling grief, and how she transformed her pain into purpose through advocacy and storytelling. From childhood memories and stolen traffic cones to military service and loss, this conversation is raw, real, and unforgettable.

We explore what it means to be part of a Gold Star Family, how the community often misunderstands grief, and why stories like Chris’s deserve to be remembered — loudly, and often.

🟡 Say Their Name. Say It Right. Say It Often.

🟡 Specialist Christopher Neiberger.

💛 Learn more or support the show: GoldStarStoriesUSA.com

#GoldStarStories #SayTheirNames #GoldStarFamily #MilitarySacrifice #FallenHero #RememberTheFallen #ArmyStrong #MilitaryPodcast #IraqWar #MilitaryFamily #TAPS #VeteranSupport #GriefJourney #MilitaryLoss #AmericanHeroes #Section60 #SiblingGrief #NeverForget #MemorialPodcast #HonorTheirMemory

🎙️ Episode 5 - Mallory Crabtree: A Gold Star Daughter’s Journey

Welcome back to Gold Star Stories, hosted by Nick Letendre. Today, we are honored to sit down with Mallory Crabtree, daughter of Sergeant First Class Daniel B. Crabtree, a brave Green Beret who gave everything for his country when Mallory was just 17 months old.

Mallory’s perspective is unique — growing up shaped by her father’s legacy rather than direct memories. She shares how her family, community, and her father’s brothers-in-arms helped keep his spirit alive, and how her own journey into public speaking has become a powerful tribute to his sacrifice.

We talk candidly about grief, growing up different, finding true friendships, and the urgent need for Gold Star family awareness. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of why preserving these stories matters.

💬 If this conversation moves you, please consider supporting Gold Star Stories by buying us a coffee at the link below. Every contribution helps us continue honoring these incredible families.

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🔔 Subscribe for more powerful Gold Star family stories. New episodes released weekly.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction and support message

3:14 - Mallory’s early life and her father’s legacy

5:21 - Learning what it means to be a Gold Star daughter

9:26 - The day Mallory’s mother was notified

13:57 - Finding connection through the Gold Star community

17:22 - Honoring SFC Crabtree: Jump events and memorials

21:00 - Raising awareness about Gold Star families

24:12 - Growing up differently, finding real friendships

27:36 - Future hopes and final reflections

Say Their Name:

Sergeant First Class Daniel B. Crabtree 🇺🇸

Special Thanks:

To Danielle Medal of Satellite Beach, Florida — thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the creation of this podcast.

#GoldStarFamilies #MilitaryFamily #NeverForget #GoldStarDaughter #Veterans #MilitaryHeroes #HonorTheirMemory #Podcast #VeteranSupport

Episode 4 - SSgt Daniel Merriweather: Rachelle’s Story

In this profoundly moving episode of Gold Star Stories, we’re honored to introduce you to Rachelle, an Army veteran whose incredible journey is marked by both heartwarming memories and profound tragedy. Uniquely a Gold Star spouse twice over, Rachelle courageously shares the story of her first husband, Staff Sergeant Daniel Merriweather, who was killed in action during his deployment to Afghanistan.

Rachelle warmly recalls their unforgettable meeting at Airborne School, the unexpected bond they formed over country music, late-night Crystal Burgers, and a friendship that swiftly became love. She opens up about the emotional complexities of navigating military life, motherhood, and the heartbreaking moment she received the devastating news every military spouse dreads.

Rachelle’s resilience and unwavering dedication to preserving Daniel’s legacy offer an intimate glimpse into the often-overlooked experiences of young military widows. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength required to keep cherished memories alive amidst loss.

Join us as we honor and remember Staff Sergeant Daniel Merriweather—a soldier, a husband, and a father whose legacy continues to inspire.

Say his name: Staff Sergeant Daniel Merriweather.

Support our mission at GoldStarStoriesUSA.com.

In this episode of Gold Star Stories, host Nick Letendre sits down with Andi Hefti to share the story of her brother, Sergeant Jonathan Lootens, who was killed in Iraq in 2006.

Andi opens up about the moment she got the call, the overwhelming aftermath, and what it felt like to carry the weight of planning, paperwork, and public attention—while everyone else asked how her mom was doing. Her honesty sheds light on what it means to be a Gold Star sibling, and how grief shows up in ways the world rarely sees.

This conversation explores:

• What happens after the knock at the door
• Being overlooked as a grieving sibling
• Navigating family conflict and the chaos that followed
• Finding healing and identity through TAPS
• And honoring Jonathan every year—with a sub sandwich.

This episode is about more than military service.

It’s about family. Resilience. And what it takes to carry someone’s story forward when the world expects you to move on.

🕊️ Say his name: Sergeant Jonathan Lootens

💛 Learn more or support the mission: GoldStarStoriesUSA.com

🎙️ Episode 2: Honoring Airman First Class Charles Michael Faulkner – Jennifer Faulkner’s Story

In this episode of Gold Star Stories, Jennifer Faulkner opens up about the life, love, and loss of her husband, Airman First Class Charles Michael Faulkner.

Michael was a devoted father, a joyful soul, and a man whose dream of flying led him to the U.S. Air Force. But beneath the surface, he carried the weight of past trauma and unspoken pain—pain that eventually overwhelmed him.

Jennifer shares the devastating impact of that loss—not just on herself, but on their two daughters, their community, and their future. She talks openly about grief, faith, betrayal by the system, and the power of organizations like TAPS that helped her find her voice again.

This episode isn’t just about what happened. It’s about how she survived it. And how she honors Michael’s legacy every single day.

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🎧 Listen everywhere: Gold Star Stories Podcast

💛 Support TAPS: https://www.taps.org

If this story moved you, please share it.

Say his name.

Airman First Class Charles Michael Faulkner.