Tango Alpha Lima welcomes Gold Star widow

The American Legion’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast welcomes Joanne Steen, Gold Star widow and founder of Grief Solutions, a company that provides practical training and resources on grief to professional assistance providers who work with the bereaved.

Her dozens of clients have included the Department of Defense; the Canadian Military Forces; Army Survivor Outreach Services and the Navy Gold Star Program.

Steen, a Gold Star widow of Navy Lt. Ken Steen, explains in this week’s podcast the differences that family members experience when a loved one dies during their service. A spouse has a different set of needs than the surviving parents, for example. However, she emphasized, there is a role that The American Legion can play to support all family members.

“In terms of resources and ways of supporting them,” said Steen, who has more than 25 years of experience as an instructor and author on grief stress. “I think anytime a group like The American Legion can reach out and say, ‘Hey, we appreciate you. Why don’t you come for a particular event? Families want a couple of things. They want their loved ones’ service to be appreciated. They want to make sure that their sacrifice wasn’t forgotten. And we want to make sure somebody says their name. It’s so important that they are remembered in that way.”

She also emphasized that for families it’s challenging to find closure. For example, a follow-up investigation may bring out new information about the situation that rekindles memories or triggers emotions. “If it messes with the ending that you’ve gotten accustomed to, it’s like turning back the clock. It’s difficult for everyone.”

Learn more about this important topic by downloading and listening to the new episode of Tango Alpha Lima, or watch the YouTube version, at legion.org/tangoalphalima.

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or other platform-hosting sites. That helps others with an interest in military topics, veterans issues and patriotism find Tango Alpha Lima.