Gold Star families gather to honor fallen loved ones

FORT LEE, Va. — Gold Star families shared stories and memories of their fallen loved ones during Fort Lee’s Gold Star Family / Survivor luncheon Oct. 3… FORT LEE, Va. — Gold Star families shared stories and memories of their fallen loved ones during Fort Lee’s Gold Star Family / Survivor luncheon Oct. 3 at the U.S. Army Ordnance Training Support Facility here. Laughter, tears and heartfelt conversations filled a conference room as Gold Star families gathered for Fort Lee’s Gold Star Family / Survivor luncheon, standing around tables to share stories and memories of their fallen loved ones while honoring their lives and legacies. For these families, the gathering was more than an opportunity to remember.

It was a chance to connect with others who understood their grief and to ensure the memories of their loved ones continued to live on. Among those attending were Kendrick and Jihan Key, whose son, 1st Lt. Kendrick Key Jr., was killed May 2, 2026, during Exercise African Lion in Morocco while attempting to save a fellow Soldier. For the Keys, the loss remains fresh, but participating in events honoring fallen service members has become an important part of their healing journey. “We’re here, number one, to be with other families who have lost loved ones, and to just begin the healing process,”