FORT RUCKER, Ala. — Fort Rucker honored Gold Star Mothers and Families on Sept. 27 with a solemn luminary service recognizing Soldiers who died in service to the nation, bringing together families, installation leaders and spouses for an evening of remembrance, prayer and reflection.
The luminary service was hosted by Survivor Outreach Services, part of Army Community Service, which leads Fort Rucker’s support programs for Gold Star families.
The ceremony, held in the installation chapel, opened with the national anthem performed by Pamela Rhodes and an invocation delivered by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Johnson. Johnson asked attendees to “render honor to whom it is due,” praying for comfort, peace and strength for families who continue to carry the loss of their loved ones.
Gold Star Mothers and Families Day, traditionally observed on the last Sunday in September, recognizes families whose loved ones died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The observance traces its origins to World War I, when families displayed service flags bearing blue stars for each member serving in uniform. If a service member was killed, the blue star was replaced with gold.
During the ceremony, families were invited forward one by one to place luminaries beside photographs of their fallen Soldiers as short remembrances were read aloud.
Donna Halleck honored her brother and hero, Sgt. 1st Class William “Tom” Butts, describing him as “the backbone of the Army” and a cadre member of the NCO Academy at Fort Rucker before volunteering for service in Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Kevin and Marisol Yoakum remembered Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Yoakum, an AH‑64 Apache pilot killed in Iraq, noting that “your girls are thriving, and living lives you would be proud of.”
Ed and Bonnie Brown honored their son, Pfc. John Brown, who served with the 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. “Johnny, you are loved and missed by your family,” they said.
Hugh and Lisa Neenan remembered their son, Spc. Brendan Neenan, an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division. “You had so much life ahead of you… We miss you so much,” they said, recalling his courage, dedication and pride in service.
Barbara Johnson, the daughter of Sgt. James Ben Hicks, and her husband, Vernon Johnson, honored Hicks, a Vietnam veteran drafted through the Selective Service who served with the 101st Airborne Division. Hicks was killed in 1970 during hostile action in South Vietnam.
Maggie, spouse of Capt. Ben Smith, a UH‑60 Black Hawk pilot, honored and remembered Smith as a son, brother, husband and friend who “cared for others over self” and “showed light in the lives of all who knew him.”
Chris and Margaret Moore honored 1st Sgt. Brenda Moore, who served on active duty from 1977 until her death in 1996 while assigned to the 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment at Fort Rucker.
Following the family tributes, Andrea Lopez performed “God Speaking” for attendees.
Chaplain Johnson returned to deliver a spiritual reflection, drawing from John 11 and the story of Lazarus. He reminded families that “death hurts no matter who you are,” but emphasized the Christian promise of hope, resurrection and eternal life. “Physical death is not the end,” Johnson said. “We are not home yet.”
He closed with a benediction asking for strength, courage and continued comfort for the families.
Families were then escorted to the fellowship hall for refreshments and continued time together.
