AU student who started Gold Star Family Organization named Red Cross Hero

Everyday heroes often emerge during ordinary moments, like Caitlyn Burner, a fourth-year Augusta University student majoring in kinesiology. Burner created AU’s first Gold Star Family Organization (GSFO) last year to support those who have experienced the loss of a loved one as the result of active-duty military service.

For her efforts, Burner was honored on Sept. 10 as a 2024 American Red Cross Hero and awarded the Good Samaritan Youth Hero award at the organization’s annual hero event, celebrating those who represent the best of the human spirit and reflect its ideal of helping others.

“Caitlyn was the perfect choice for the Good Samaritan Youth Hero for her extraordinary efforts in bringing awareness to local Gold Star families,” said Susan Landreth-Everitt, executive director for the American Red Cross of East Central Georgia. “We could not be prouder to recognize her for the difference she makes in the lives of so many in our military community. She is a true hero and an inspiration to us all.”

Augusta University student Caitlyn Burner (center) was recently honored and awarded, along with others, at the annual American Red Cross Hero event.

Landreth-Everitt said this year’s honorees were chosen from a competitive field. The American Red Cross received impressive nominations across the board, but she is proud to say that the 2024 honorees rose to the forefront for making a difference – in some cases, a lifesaving difference – in their communities and are true heroes.

However, Burner was hesitant to accept the honor when she first learned of her nomination.

“I was kind of shocked when I first heard that I had been nominated for the award,” said Burner. “At first, I didn’t think that I fit the mold or the description for the award because I just know that there are other heroes like military, first responders, teachers and so many more who could have gotten this honor instead. But by accepting this award, I hope it gets the word out about the Gold Star Family Organization and helps us gain more members.”

Courtesy of the American Red Cross

Burner’s passion for Gold Star families comes after the loss of her father, U.S. Army Sgt. John Franklin Burner III, who died while serving in Iraq in 2010. From her childhood to college years, Burner has created spaces for Gold Star families and raised funds for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, which provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

A man in an Army uniform stands in front of a tree with two young girls on either side of him holding stuffed soldiers with his face on them on his shoulders. — Caitlyn Burner (left) and her sister, Celina (right), with their father.

“If my father was here today, I think he would be very proud,” said Burner. “I think that he would be especially proud of the organization and what I am trying to do in helping others.”

Burner’s desire to create a supportive community for individuals like herself has influenced her personal and professional goals. She plans to pursue a profession as a physician assistant and ultimately work at the local hospital where she can provide patients with care and compassion.

Since its creation, the GSFO has hosted several events, including athletic events and Wreaths Across America, as well as helping with Tunnel to Towers. Burner has also been in communication with students at other colleges interested in creating a similar organization.

“The sole reason that I began the club was because I felt alone,” said Burner. “AU is such an inclusive environment, and there’s so many military and veteran clubs that offer support, but there wasn’t one specifically for Gold Star family members.”

Burner’s vision to foster a community for Gold Star families has certainly resonated with other students seeking a similar connection, including Ja’Niayah Ellis, a second-year student majoring in nursing. Ellis also lost her father, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Darren Ellis, who was serving in Iraq in 2006. For her, the organization allows her to connect with a group of people who understand her life experiences.

A man in an Army uniform is holding a baby. — Ja’Niayah Ellis with her father.

Ellis appreciates the friendships she has made and the unique opportunity for support and understanding.

“This club is so important to the AU community,” said Ellis. “Many people were affected so long ago, but it is still happening to this day. I think it’s important to bring this awareness to the school because, as military children, I would say that we go through a lot mentally, physically and emotionally. That said, we are not just here for awareness. We also aim to support our service members and retired veterans in the community.”

Stefane Raulerson, EdD, director of Military & Veteran Services, serves as the club’s adviser. She works firsthand with the organization’s members planning for fundraising and event logistics, as well as providing valuable support and guidance.

“Much like creating community with our military community, this is a very unique journey for Gold Star students,” said Raulerson. “So, I think that this gives them a place to see that there’s other students on campus who understand what they have been through, the journey that has brought them here and their hardships. It gives them a very unique sense of belonging because we all want to see ourselves in other people.”

Those interested in joining the Gold Star Family Organization can learn more by visiting the organization’s website or following its Instagram page (@aug_goldstarfamilyorg). Membership is $5, which is directly donated to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.