Gold Star Weekend in Illinois: Luncheon Honors Service of Gold Star Mothers [Image 57 of 65]

WHEATON, IL, UNITED STATES

09.29.2019

Photo by Lt. Col. Bradford Leighton 

Joint Force Headquarters - Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

Gold Star Mother Jackie Gulczynski, mother of U.S. Army Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski I, hugs First Army Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas J. James while holding a yellow rose in memory of her 19-year-old son. Pfc. Gulczynski was a avid athlete playing football and starring in volleyball. He was assigned to the 610th Engineer Support Company, 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash. Pfc. Gulczynski died Sept. 17, 2008 in Baghdad of injuries sustained when his vehicle was involved in an accident. The Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Star Mothers Luncheon gives senior civilian and military leaders a chance to thank Gold Star mothers for their service to our nation and its military. Governor JB Pritzker thanked the Gold Star Mothers and said he was humbled to have the opportunity to speak with them. In addition to the sacrifice their sons and daughters gave to their nation, many Gold Star mothers keep their Fallen Heroes memories alive and continue their service to the community and to the military, said Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James, the Commander of First Army and keynote speaker at the luncheon. The luncheon was held at the First Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, Illinois, on Sunday, Sept. 29.

• Date Taken: 09.29.2019
• Date Posted: 09.30.2019 18:08
• Photo ID: 5796170
• VIRIN: 190929-A-OH563-679
• Resolution: 1610x2490
• Size: 600.14 KB
• Location: WHEATON, IL, US