MANISTEE, MI -- Starla Ownes was at work when she got a call that would change her life.
“My companion said two soldiers are standing at your door and you need to come home…I screamed, dropped the phone and drove 27 miles home alone,” Owens recalls.
At home, she learned her son, U.S. Army Specialist Joseph Lancour, 21, was killed in action.
Nearly five years later, Starla Ownes is part of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., which is a 501-c3 that serves veterans, active duty military and their families.
Next weekend, Gold Star Mothers will be honored along with other military families at the third annual Thunder at the River in Manistee.
The two-day event includes a memorial ride, memorial wall, prayer service and music.
You can find out more information about the event by visiting the Thunder at the River website.
