VFW Post 3278 and the auxiliaries presented a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action ceremony along with honoring Gold Star, Blue Star and Silver Star families on Tuesday, September 22nd.

The ceremony took place at the VFW Post in Brownwood, where a special table was reserved to honor the missing men.  The table, set for six, represented each of the branches of the United States military – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard – and civilians, who were all considered to be at the ceremony in spirit, according to organizers.

Gold Star families have lost a son or daughter during military service.  Blue Star families are those with sons or daughters in active duty.  Silver Star families are those who have sons or daughters who were combat wounded, or are ill and dying members of our armed forces.

Gold Star Mothers and families recognized are as follows:

Lance Corporal Mario Castillo – Parents Guadalupe & Maria Castillo, sister Sonia Sandoval, and niece and nephew Areli and Alexis.

Corporal Craig Ledsome – Mother Tammy Frias, grandparents Richard & Joann Smith and Keith & Joann Ledsome, and brother Brad Ledsome.

SPC Marieo Guererro – Wife Jenn Guerrero

SPC Donald Allen “Wesley” Burkett – Mother Carolyn Gray, grandmother Faye Gray, brother Wayne Burkett, and wife Brandi Burkett.

CPL Tevan Lee Nguyen – Parents Tam and Amy Nguyen, grandfather C.R. Salazar, aunt Marlin Salazar, and uncle Martin Bootris.

Pictured above are Gold Star Mothers as they were honored.  Pictured below are more photos of the event and families being honored.