A Day at the Spaaaaahhh for Gold Star Wives Day

A Day at the Spa

Fort Drum, NY - In honor of Gold Star Wives Day, established as April 5^th 2013, Fort Drum Survivor Outreach Services and The Spa at Fort Drum partnered to provide our 2^nd Annual Day at the Spa for all Surviving Spouses.

13 Spouses of Fallen Soldiers came together on the afternoon of April 6^th to relax and enjoy a brief opportunity to be pampered with complimentary services provided by The Spa at Fort Drum.

Surviving Spouses share stories  (l-r Jennifer Johnson, Elizabeth Kawehi Rodriquez, and Bridgette Schmidt)

“Such a blessing to be with people that understand the lost and such love and compassion from people with a giving heart.  Thank you for sharing the time and offering your services to us all.  It lifts our hearts and spirits when people remember our loss and their (Fallen Soldiers) sacrafice.” Elizabeth Kawehi Rodriquez, surviving spouse of SSG Trinidad Rodriquez Jr., who passed away on 13 January 2011

Thousand Islands High School Interact Club (l-r Paige Durdon, Kevin O'Connor & Kyala Clegg)

The Spa closed its doors for 4 hours to serve only Surviving Spouses. Services included Manicures, Pedicures and Facials. Refreshments were provided by the Thousand Islands High School Interact Club, a group of youths that seek out community service opportunities.  “Partnerships with outside businesses and organizations help our programs and services to grow while allowing the community to see the great work we do for our Families” said Tom Clegg, SOS Support Coordinator for the Fort Drum Region. We hope to inspire others to join in our efforts to honor the families of our Fallen.

GSW Jennifer Johnson traveled 2 hours to spend the day with other Surviving Spouses.

In the Northcountry, weather and geography play a significant factor in getting families together for activities and events, Clegg said, Fort Drum SOS area of responsibility covers Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, Essex and the northern portions of Herkimer and Hamilton Counties of NY as well as the Canadian border area. 

Survivor Outreach Services purpose is to deliver on the Army’s commitment to the Families of the Fallen. SOS is a holistic and multi-agency approach to delivering services by providing access at garrisons and communities closest to where families live. Benefits Coordinators, Financial Counselors, and Support Coordinators are professionals available to deliver individualized support and attention to Survivors across the nation for as long as they desire.

Other recent changes to enhance the Army’s commitment to Families of our Fallen are the introduction of the Gold Star Installation Access Card for Surviving family members who are not entitled to the Dependent Identification Card and the establishment of designated parking for Surviving Families.