June 26, 2021
I am enclosing a donation to the Marines Memorial Association in honor of my Son, Donald Hogan who was KIA in Afghanistan in 2009. His name is on the wall on the 12thfloor, and his photo and Citation are on the wall on the 3rd floor. Thank you for honoring him, and all the fallen Marines, and for keeping the door open for Marine Families. My husband stayed at the hotel in 1960, on the way to Hawaii with his parents. His Dad had just been transferred from Camp Pendleton to Kaneohe. He was 4 years old at the time but he still remembers being there. I am writing in the hopes that you can convince the board to allow Gold Star Families to stay at the Hotel at the rates you charge Active Duty and Retired Marines. It’s a safe place to stay for Gold Star Mothers and Wives. There really aren’t that many of us (Thank God) but it would mean a lot to those of us that travel. Thank You always for hosting us once a year for the Gold Star Weekend. The event does bring us so much solace, and we are able to maintain our friendships over the years with those who truly comprehend our loss.
Carla Hogan
Gold Star Mother of Donald J. Hogan KIA Afghanistan 2009
Posthumously Awarded the Navy Cross