Photo By Staff Sgt. Jessica Traylor | Gold Star family members gather aboard the Belle of Cincinnati during the 11th annual...... read more read more
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NEWPORT, Ky. – Hundreds of Gold Star families came together from across the region to ride aboard the Belle of Cincinnati for the 11th annual Riverboat Ride on the Ohio River, June 1, 2025.
The event, hosted by the Kentucky National Guard's Survivor Outreach Services (SOS), has evolved into a model for similar gatherings nationwide. The owners of BB Riverboats, Alan Bernstein and his daughter, Terri, are Gold Star family members themselves, and donate the vessel each year to honor fallen Service members and their loved ones.
"This started out as the very first one 11 years ago, and it's inspired similar events across the country," said retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dave Orange, SOS coordinator. "Last year, it was up to 11 different riverboats, from New Orleans to Portland, Oregon. But, this was the very first one."
Gold Star families are those who have lost a loved one in military service. Kentucky's program is unique because its doors are open to all survivors, regardless of service branch or component. The program embraces families from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard, fostering a community of shared experience and mutual support.
"For all the Gold Star families who gather, it's a remembrance event for their Soldier, Airman, Sailor, whatever service they came from," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, Kentucky's adjutant general. "They want to know their Service member is still remembered and appreciated for what they did, and it brings them together with others who have been through a similar loss. It's a unique group that understands each other in a way no one else really can."
While the event honors grief and sacrifice, it also celebrates the legacy and continued impact of those who served. The two-hour cruise included more than sunshine and clear blue skies; families were served lunch, an ice cream sundae bar, activities, and face paintings for all aboard.
"You can feel the loss of your family member," said Lamberton. "But you can also celebrate what they've done—and the other families get that."
The riverboat cruise is one of many annual events hosted by KYNG's Survivor Outreach Services. Other major gatherings include a Louisville Slugger baseball game in August, and a day at the races each November.
After more than a decade of dedicated service, Orange participated in his last ride as Kentucky's SOS coordinator and will retire in the coming weeks.
"To draw the resources, to create something like this, is a tribute to his creativity and dedication," said Lamberton. "There's no other program like Kentucky's in the country. What Dave has done with our Survivor Outreach Services may have impacted more families than anything he did in uniform, and that's saying a lot. He's continued his service to an even greater degree."
For more information about Survivor Outreach Services, how to get involved, or to connect with the Gold Star family community, visit https://ky.ng.mil/Benefits-Resources/Survivor-Outreach-Services/.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2025 09:33 |
| Story ID: | 499562 |
| Location: | NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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