Photo By Sgt. Isaiah Jackson | A child and her mother participate in the Survivor Outreach Services Riverboat Cruise...... read more read more
Subscribe
NEWPORT, Ky. — Gold Star Families from Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana gathered aboard the Belle of Cincinnati for the annual Survivor Outreach Services Riverboat Cruise, June 28.
The event brought together military families from across the tri-state region for an afternoon of fellowship, youth activities and community-building along the Ohio River.
Hosted by the National Guard SOS program, the cruise has become an enduring tradition for local and regional military families.
Leaders from each state’s National Guard joined attendees, underscoring that shared commitment to those who have lost loved ones in service.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey B. Watkins, director of the joint staff for the Ohio National Guard, spoke with families during the event. He emphasized the importance of continued connection among Gold Star Families and the lasting impact of shared experiences in preserving the memory of fallen Service members.
“Events like this are important because they bring together families who have also endured the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” Watkins said. “It creates a support system where their loved ones are remembered, and their legacies continue to be shared and honored.”
For attendees like Marilyn Martin, a Gold Star family member, the cruise serves as more than a recreational outing; it is an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces while welcoming first-time attendees. Conversations shared over lunch, scenic river views and moments of reflection fostered an atmosphere of mutual understanding and comfort.
“It gives us a chance to be around others from different walks of life who share something in common, which helps in healing,” Martin said. “Survivor Outreach Services provides a lot of information to help you navigate life’s challenges after a loss. They offer outings, online connections, and one-on-one support. It’s also about meeting and reconnecting with others so you don’t feel alone in this grief journey. It’s really about interacting and building fellowship. Proverbs 27:17 says, ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’ You have to be prepared to share your hero with others.”
A scavenger hunt organized by the staff encouraged families to work together while exploring the riverboat. The activity created opportunities for participants to meet new people, build friendships and strengthen relationships that often continue well beyond the event itself.
While adults visited throughout the afternoon, children participated in activities coordinated through the National Guard’s Child and Youth Program. Games and crafts gave the younger attendees a chance to bond with peers who share similar life experiences while allowing parents their own time to connect.
The SOS provides long-term assistance to grieving military families. Events like the annual Riverboat Cruise advance this mission by offering a supportive environment where families can find both advocacy and a network of peers.
As the Belle of Cincinnati made its way along the Ohio River, children searched across the decks for scavenger hunt clues while families shared memories, stories and laughter. Together, those moments paid tribute to the nation’s fallen while ensuring their survivors remain surrounded by a strong, caring network for years to come.
| Date Taken: | 06.29.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2026 09:01 |
| Story ID: | 568977 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Gold Star Families Find Community Aboard Annual Riverboat Cruise, by SGT Isaiah Jackson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
