Keller Gold Star Family Monument Dedication with Woody Williams

Keller Gold Star Family Monument Dedication with Woody Williams. Indeed she was just a 13-year-old middle school student. But Erin Stillinger had a dream of bringing a Gold Star memorial monument to Keller. However, two years later came the fulfillment of that dream. Truly an incredible effort by the Tarrant County teen and residents and supporters of Keller.

Erin Stillinger

As aforementioned, Erin was just thirteen years old when this journey began. As the project chairman, Erin was as as well the Honorary Board Member for the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument. She and her father Randy spent 3 years diligently working from beginning to dedication. For her tireless efforts, Erin is the recipient of 2 awards:

Youth Volunteer Award from the Texas Daughters of the American Revolution – March 13, 2021
A Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce Hometown Hero – May 20, 2021

Certainly she was passionate about Keller getting a Gold Star Families monument. Yet, knowing the price tag was more than she could cover, she began raising funds.

Raising Funds

Additionally, the USVET.fund took part in a fundraiser auction that produced over $21,000. The veterans who participated in the consignment program received approximately $7,000 for their efforts. Then over $14,000 went directly to the Woody Williams Foundation. Rodney Eiland, a REALTOR with Mike Bowman Century 21, who resides in Keller was responsible for securing then paying for the event space at the Bowden Center – where the fundraiser event was held. Consequently, over 150 people joined in during the auction. Chad Graham and Brent Casey were in attendance with. Iwo Jima survivor Don Graves sang “God Bless America”.

Aside from the auction, an additional $60,000 was raised with Erin’s community efforts and donations from many individuals and businesses in Keller. Additionally, a Gold Star Mother from Weatherford donated another $20,000 from another fundraiser. Donations such as these keep the Woody Williams Foundation moving forward. This happens to be part of the reason for Woody’s Salute, to be held in October. Not only with a tribute paying respect to the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, lofty goals have been set to raise funds for Woody’s organization.

Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments

Notably, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams is the last living Medal of Honor recipient from WWII. His foundation, the Woody Williams Foundation, is placing Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments across the nation. To date there are 86 monuments in 160 communities. And 74 are in progress. Gold Star Families are those who lost a loved one while serving in the armed forces. Consequently the monuments are tangible reminders of the sacrifice of fallen soldiers and their families.

A Dedication During the Pandemic

On November 22nd, 2020 came the Keller Gold Star Family monument dedication at Keller Town Hall. Indeed nice fall weather greeted many city officials, families, veterans, citizens, and more. However, the year’s bout with COVID19 kept the monument patriarch from attending. Woody Williams was absent – understandably choosing to avoid large gatherings.

Therefore, attending and speaking on Woody’s behalf was Afghanistan Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Major Matthew Williams. Also attending was recording artist Brian Stair performing his song “Fallen, Not Forgotten”. Not to mention Gold Star Family members, city officials, veterans and citizens.

Re-Dedication: Gold Star Families Show Support

However, six months later came the rededication ceremony. This time Woody was able to attend. And joining him at the ceremony were Erin and her parents Randy Stillinger and Sharon Claywell Stillinger. As well as Mayor Armin Mizani. Gold Star Family members placed yellow flowers on the monument.