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Our Organization

The Woody Williams Foundation is a charitable 501c(3) nonprofit organization that pursues specific endeavors and goals through the vision of Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams. The Foundation encourages, with the assistance of the American public and community leaders, establishing permanent Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities throughout the United States, conducting Gold Star Families Outreach across the country, providing Living Legacy scholarships to eligible Gold Star Children, and advocating for educational benefits for all Gold Star Family members.

The impact of the Foundation’s work helps to raise public awareness about Gold Star Families’ enduring sacrifice and the ultimate sacrifice made by their Loved Ones. The Foundation wishes to educate the community about these sacrifices, reminding us all that freedom has not been and is not free.

Foundation Overview

Our Goals

The goals of the Foundation include:

  • Assisting in the promotion, creation, and implementation of Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities in every State and U.S. territory. These efforts are focused to provide a space the Gold Star Families can call their own in honor of their Loved Ones and their family.
  • Hosting Gold Star Family Outreach events program with a custom plan designed for each Gold Star Families Memorial Monument location across our footprint of service.
  • Awarding scholarships to eligible Gold Star Children per the Woody Williams Foundation scholarship guidelines.
  • Advocating for educational benefits for all Gold Star Family members
  • Educating and raising awareness in the American public about Gold Star Families and the sacrifices that have been made for the freedoms we enjoy every day as Americans.

Mission Statement

To honor, recognize, and serve Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Pillars of the Foundation

The Foundation developed the mission and goals for honoring Gold Star Families based on five philosophical pillars representing Homeland, Family, Patriot, Sacrifice and Legacy. These pillars not only inspired the creation and concept of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, but are also the basis of our Outreach and Education programming. The meaning and additional insights for each of these pillars are

Homeland

This pillar represents where we live. It is the people, it is our family, it is our Freedom.

Family

This pillar represents the uniquely brave spirit of our Military families who provide support to their Loved Ones serving in our Armed Forces.

Patriot

This pillar represents those who vigorously support and defend our great nation through selfless service in our Armed Forces.

Sacrifice

This pillar represents the sacrifices made by our Gold Star Families.

Legacy

This pillar represents the legacy of the Loved Ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

These pillars and concepts have been carefully selected and developed by the Foundation and are used today to direct the design for all Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments as well as guide our Outreach and Education programming.