CLARKSVILLE, TN − A national community dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of the American military and their families, Wear Blue: Run to Remember, is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for its 2025 Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program (GSYMP) in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This transformative program connects Gold Star and surviving youth (K-12) with active-duty or recently transitioned service members to foster resilience, connection, and personal growth.
The Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program pairs children who have lost a parent or sibling in military service with mentors who understand the unique challenges of military life. By building these meaningful relationships, mentees gain encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Matches are carefully selected based on shared interests, hobbies, and military connections, ensuring a deeply personal and impactful experience.
Through this program, mentees develop confidence, coping skills, and a strong sense of purpose while connecting with others who share similar experiences. One of the program’s highlights is training for and participating in a Memorial Day 5K run, providing an empowering way for participants to honor their fallen loved ones through movement and remembrance.
Wear Blue: Run to Remember is currently seeking Gold Star and Surviving youth (K-12) from the Fort Campbell area who have lost a parent or sibling due to military service. The program is open to youth of all abilities and offers a safe space for growth, healing, and community. Interested youth must commit to the program and complete an interview as part of the application process.
The program is also recruiting active-duty and recently transitioned service members to serve as mentors. These volunteers play a crucial role in providing stability, encouragement, and guidance to Gold Star youth navigating life after loss. Mentors undergo a comprehensive screening process, including a federal background check and a one-on-one interview, to ensure a safe and meaningful experience for both mentees and mentors.
The impact of the Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program extends far beyond the mentorship pairings. Mentees gain confidence and resilience through shared experiences, while mentors have the unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of grieving youth, empowering them to heal and thrive.
Applications for mentees and mentors in Fort Campbell are now open. To apply, visit the official Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program page at www.wearblueruntoremember.org/gsymp.
This life-changing program is made possible by the generous support of sponsors Boeing, The Bob Woodruff Foundation, and the USAA Foundation, who proudly partner with Wear Blue: Run to Remember to host the Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program.