Gold Star Sailing is a charity focused on providing sailing camp activities to surviving children of fallen military service members. It uses sailing as a way to instill self confidence, build character, teach teamwork, develop leadership, and promote healing in a positive environment of hope, adventure and friendship.
VFW Post 406 often chooses to have Gold Star Sailing be the beneficiary of many of our events and fundraising efforts due to its location of a sailing camp in Newport (and another in Florida). Our own member Sharon McGinnis is a coordinator with their Newport Team. While the Newport Yacht Club Grill night was not a Post 406 hosted event, our members had a hand in it’s success. The event is evidence of the importance of collaboration of like-minded groups here in Newport, in this case the team at Gold Star Sailing led by founder and President Patrick Powers; the Newport Yacht Club represented by Commodore FJ Ritt, Coast Guard Station Castle Hill led by CWO-3 Ryan O’Hare, and VFW Post 406 and its Commander Anselm Richards and other members.
Gold Star campers arrived at the Newport Yacht Club via Coast Guard patrol boat, and then enjoyed a grill night of burgers, hot dogs and other summer foods. The real treat is for those campers not from the New England area be able to try lobster rolls and clam chowder!
VFW Post 406 will continue their support to Gold Star Sailing on July 31 when the Post members serve dinner to the campers at Coast Guard Station Castle Hill, with the meal generously donated by O’Briens Pub on Thames Street.
