Benefits of Membership

• Networking, friendship and support through local chapters and regions
  
• Quarterly newsletter with legislative and educational information mailed every March, June, September and December
• Email alerts for activities, legislative updates, and news pertinent to surviving spouses
  
• Up to date information on legislation and advocacy that concerns survivor benefits
  
• Memorial Day and Veterans Day program involvement
• Access to a mailed annual directory with contact information for Board, Region, Chapter and other important officers and organizations
  
• Assistance with your survivor benefits questions or concerns from GSW's Service Officer
  
• Volunteer opportunities at the chapter, region and national level within GSW
  
• Volunteer work in community, military, and veterans hospitals
• Jo's Heroes Vacation Program (a retired Marine Corps family from Tucson, Arizona donation of vacations to 5-10 GSW members each year)
  
• Aid and Attendance and Housebound application assistance
• Grief support from our National Chaplain

You are eligible for membership if you meet these requirements:

Any surviving spouse of any person of the United States military who died while a member of the armed forces of our country, or who died subsequent to such service as a result of an injury or disability incurred during such service, shall be eligible for membership in the chapters of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. If there is no chapter organized in the area within which the member resides, the member may become a member-at-large, or choose any chapter of their choice.

We reserve the right to request Proof of Eligibility. During the application for membership, you agree to provide proof should it be requested in the future.  Should proof of eligibility be requested and not supplied, your membership may be suspended. 

Proof of Eligibility can be a copy of:

(a) The DIC eligibility letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs
(b) If the spouse died on active duty, the DD1300 
(c) If the surviving spouse is not receiving DIC, the DD214, the death certificate, and if necessary, other appropriate documentation.