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American Gold Star Mothers of SWFL:

Honoring Through Service

by Kim Hayes

n the spring of 2017, and grieving the recent death of my
son, I received a welcome phone call: “Hello dear heart, this
Iis Carlynn ‘Polly’ Crews. I am the oldest Gold Star Mother
in the state of Florida…” Little did I know how that phone call
would change my life.
Polly shared about receiving that horrible knock at the door in
1968. Her beloved son, Sergeant Robert Louis Crews, had been
killed in Vietnam. Other than support from her faith and family,
she had largely grieved alone. At 91, Polly was petite, with tenacity
softened by southern charm. She had a singular purpose: starting
a local chapter of the national organization American Gold Star
Mothers, Inc.
“Miss Polly” was not the first to recognize that sorrow provides
a powerful fuel for service. In 1928, Grace Darling Siebold
founded American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. While volunteering at Miss Polly, third from left.
her local VA hospital, she learned of her pilot son George’s death
in World War I. At that time, families would display a banner with There is no organization like American Gold Star Mothers
a blue star for each member serving in the military. If they died, which, while actively serving, simultaneously reaches out to new
a gold star was placed over the blue one to honor their sacrifice. Gold Star Mothers who are grieving and feel alone. We are able to
Serving alongside other Gold Star mothers, Grace recognized the provide “boots on the ground” hands-on tasks, where new, grieving
mutual benefit of aiding those with whom they had such a deep moms can honor their fallen son or daughter, and hopefully begin
heart connection. to heal.
In that same spirit, Miss Polly’s dream was realized in the We currently have seventeen mothers (and family associates)
Spring of 2017 when the Southwest Florida Chapter of in this group that no one wants to be eligible to
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was formed. As a join. Criteria for membership is having a son Naples # 1 Lifestyle Club
501(c)3, our service in Naples has included assisting or daughter who died during United States
homeless veterans, providing holiday meals for veterans active duty military service, or officially as
in transitional housing, awareness/support for PTSD, a result of their service (as determined by
female veteran support, school supplies for children the VA). Our fallen sons and daughters
of veterans in need, and CPR training for JROTC died in various locations, by various When you join Naples Bay Club, you are joining a lifestyle!
cadets. means, and represent every branch of
the military. Enjoy the benefits of Private Club Membership with luxurious amenities including resort pools and
We often wear white, and hope that
our presence at public events reminds cabanas, a relaxing lazy river, state of the art fitness and wellness center, full-service spa, 6 Har-Tru
a sometimes forgetful public about the tennis courts, our poolside Bluewater Bar & Grill, and a private member lounge.
very real cost of freedom. We get tired and
discouraged, but we are mothers. We will
Private Lifestyle Club Memberships Available.
always say the names of our sons and daughters,
and commit to honor their lives by serving our local Please visit NaplesBayClub.com or call (239) 530-5111 to arrange a tour or for
more membership information.
veterans, the military community, and one another.

Kim Hayes is the mother of SPC Steven Taylor Hayes, US Army 1800 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida 34112 � aples Bay Club
(866) 605-1199 I NaplesBayClub.com
(8/23/1990-8/1/2016) and President, SWFL Chapter of American
Gold Star Mothers, Inc. GoldStarMothersSWFL.org

28 Life in Naples | December 2021