Ride. Volunteer. Donate. Help Us Honor Illinois' Fallen Heroes.The countdown is on!From September 22-26, 2026, Gold Star Mission will once again take to the road for the 10th Annual Gold Star 500. This year's ride is extra special as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Historic Route 66, traveling more than 500 miles from Chester to Streamwood while honoring the lives and legacies of Illinois' fallen military service members.We're also excited to welcome more than 60 riders and support team members from Poland, making this year's event one of our largest and most meaningful yet.Whether you've ridden with us before or have always wanted to get involved, this is the year to do it!Ride for a ReasonThe Gold Star 500 is unlike any other cycling event. Yes, it's an incredible endurance challenge, but it's also an opportunity to meet Gold Star families, hear the stories of our fallen heroes, and become part of a mission that truly makes a difference.Not ready for all five days? No problem! Choose the experience that's right for you with our 1-day, 3-day, or full 5-day ride options.Every mile you ride is a tribute to the brave men and women who gave everything for our country and reinforces Gold Star Mission's commitment to Always Remember. Never Forget.Register todayVolunteerThe Gold Star 500 wouldn't be possible without our incredible volunteers.Whether you're helping with rider support, rest stops, logistics, registration, photography, meals, or support vehicles, you'll play an essential role in making this event a success. Every volunteer helps ensure our riders can focus on the journey while we focus on honoring our fallen heroes.Sign up to volunteerDonateCan't ride or volunteer? You can still make a lasting impact.As an all-volunteer organization, more than 95% of every dollar donated goes directly toward Gold Star Mission's work, including scholarships awarded in honor of Illinois' fallen service members and the Fallen Hero History Project, preserving their stories for generations to come.Your generosity helps ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.Make a donationJoin Us This SeptemberThe Gold Star 500 is more than a bicycle ride. It is a journey of remembrance, sacrifice, and purpose. Every mile traveled, every volunteer who serves, and every dollar donated helps preserve the names and stories of Illinois' fallen military service members for generations to come.Whether you ride for one day, all five days, volunteer along the route, or support the mission with a donation, you're helping carry forward a promise that defines everything we do.Join us this September as we celebrate the 10th Annual Gold Star 500, commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Historic Route 66, and stand with Gold Star Mission in our commitment to:Always Remember. Never Forget.

Gold Star Mission was honored to sponsor a special day of remembrance and fellowship as Gold Star Families from across Illinois gathered on July 18 for a boat tour aboard a historic Chicago fireboat.Hosted in partnership with the Illinois National Guard Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) program, the event provided families with an opportunity to connect, reflect, and spend time with others who understand the lifelong journey of losing a loved one in military service. Live music by the 144th Army Band and the presence of Illinois National Guard leadership helped make the day especially meaningful.Events like these are a reminder that honoring our fallen heroes also means supporting the families they left behind. Gold Star Mission is proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to ensuring Gold Star Families remain connected, supported, and surrounded by a community that remembers their loved ones' sacrifice.We extend our sincere appreciation to the Illinois National Guard, Survivor Outreach Services, Chicago Fireboat Tours, Blue Plate Catering, the volunteers, and everyone who helped make this event possible.Together, we remain committed to our promise:Always Remember. Never Forget.

On Friday, June 26, Gold Star Mission cyclists and support team members gathered at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, to begin the 9th Annual General Logan 200. Departing at 10:00 p.m., the team embarked on an overnight, 200-mile journey honoring Illinois' fallen heroes and supporting Gold Star families.This year's ride was especially meaningful as it concluded during the 100th anniversary celebration of the General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro, Illinois. Arriving around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, riders were welcomed to the historic museum, making this year's finish a fitting tribute to General Logan's enduring legacy and a memorable way to mark this important milestone.Representing Gold Star Mission on this year's ride were Tom Jackson, Brian Monahan, Rich Riedel, Paul Gibson, and Gregory Oelrichs. Throughout the night and into Saturday morning, the team traveled through communities across Illinois, making scheduled stops in Rochester, Taylorville, Morrisonville, Hillsboro, Greenville, Carlyle, New Baden, Okawville, Nashville, and Pinckneyville. These planned stops provided riders with opportunities to recharge, refuel, and take brief rest breaks before continuing their journey to the General John A. Logan Museum.The General Logan 200 is more than an endurance ride. It is a moving tribute that reflects Gold Star Mission's commitment to honoring our fallen heroes and preserving their legacies for future generations. Every mile represents our promise to Always Remember. Never Forget.Gold Star Mission extends its sincere appreciation to our cyclists, support vehicle volunteers, law enforcement partners, and the many individuals and organizations who helped make this year's ride a success. Your dedication and commitment allow us to continue honoring our fallen heroes, supporting Gold Star families, and sharing our mission with communities across Illinois.Thank you to everyone who supported the 9th Annual General Logan 200. Together, we continue to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and preserve their stories for future generations. Through every mile we ride and every life we honor, we remain committed to our promise:Always Remember. Never Forget.

Gold Star Mission extends our sincere gratitude to Unhinged Springfield Motorcycle Club for hosting the Gold Star Mission Memorial Ride on May 23, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois, in honor of our nation's Fallen Heroes and the families they left behind.Held during Memorial Day weekend, the ride brought together riders, volunteers, supporters, and Gold Star families for a day dedicated to remembrance, reflection, and community. Throughout the event, Gold Star families shared the stories of their loved ones, giving participants the opportunity to learn about the lives behind the names and ensuring their service and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations. These personal conversations are at the heart of our mission because we Always Remember. Never Forget.We are incredibly thankful to every rider who participated, each volunteer who gave their time, and every local establishment that welcomed the ride along the route. Your hospitality and support helped make the day a meaningful experience for everyone involved.Thanks to the generosity of Unhinged Springfield MC and everyone who contributed, the event raised approximately $4,000 for Gold Star Mission. These funds will directly support the awarding of four additional scholarships in honor of our Fallen Heroes, helping us continue their legacy by investing in the next generation.On behalf of the entire Gold Star Mission family, thank you to Unhinged Springfield MC for your unwavering commitment to honoring our nation's heroes and supporting Gold Star families. We are deeply honored and humbled by your partnership and look forward to continuing this shared mission of remembrance.Always Remember. Never Forget.

Saturday evening (February 3rd )we held our first annual Gold Star Mission appreciation banquet. The purpose of the event was to successfully close the 2017 season by thanking the team, the supporters, the donors, but most importantly to award the scholarships and to allow the Gold Star Families to see how we are executing our mission to preserve their loved ones name; through the academic scholarships.We had 150+ attendees, 12 Gold Star families, 14 Scholarship recipients with their parents and family, multiple general officers, and many donors and sponsors.The evening was highlighted by a motivating speech by MG (ret) Enyart who challenged the team and challenged the scholarship recipients to carry on the name of the Fallen Soldiers and Airmen they are receiving the scholarships in honor of. He also spoke of the power of the idea, the power of the team, and how now they are members of our organization.Also, Mrs. Nitta Cross (mother of SSG Kyle Wehrly) gave an emotional and amazing speech about who her son was. This speech was peppered with stories of his childhood, his love for his family, and his actions which made him the devoted and selfless Soldier that he was.We look forward to the next chapter of Gold Star Mission’s journey to ensure the legacy of our Fallen Heroes.

Gold Star Mission had a wonderful day at the 2017 Illinois State Fair. Riders in the up coming Gold Star 500 were able to link up with the Gold Star family whom they are representing. Amazing day, thank you all for the support!