🎙️ 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 episode of Gold Star Stories, host Nick Letendre speaks with Ami Neiberger, sister of Specialist Christopher Neiberger, who was killed in Iraq just days after his 22nd birthday. Ami shares her brother’s story — from his thoughtful nature and love of history, to the devastating moment her family was notified — and offers raw, deeply insightful reflections on grief, sibling loss, and building community through tragedy.

You’ll also hear an emotional toast to Chris and an honest discussion about the challenges of being a Gold Star family in today’s world.

Say Their Name: Specialist Christopher Neiberger

🎙️ 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.

🔗 Support Us: BuyMeACoffee.com/GoldStarStories

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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.

📲 Follow us on TikTok: @USAGoldStarStories

🎧 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.

🎙️ Episode 1: Honoring Chief Warrant Officer Sean Deck – Kim Deck’s Story

In the first episode of Gold Star Stories, we sit down with Kimberly Deck—widow of Chief Warrant Officer Sean Deck—for an unfiltered, emotional look into the lasting impact of military loss. Sean served 23 years in the U.S. Navy. But when his final deployment ended, the battle didn’t.

Kimberly, known on TikTok as @One_Badass_Navywidow, opens up about grief, trauma, and what it means to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss. She shares how TAPS, her children, and her own resilience helped her navigate the silence that followed Sean’s death—and why she’s now speaking out.

This episode is about more than Sean’s service. It’s about the woman who stood beside him—and the legacy their family continues to carry.

👉 Follow us on TikTok: @USAGoldStarStories

📲 Everywhere else: Gold Star Stories

If this story moved you, please share it—and say his name.

Chief Warrant Officer Sean Deck.