Meet The Board

Patti Latch

Executive Director

Patti founded America’s Gold Star Families in 2006 from heartfelt gratitude to those who carry daily the sacrifice of loss in exchange for our freedom.

(309) 231-5090

Darin Funk

President

President Board of Directors, Since November 2022

Art Rodriguez

Vice President, Specialist 4, US Army veteran Normal Township Trustee

Art Rodriguez was nominated to the Board of America’s Gold Star Families in 2022.  Art works on the Legislative Committee for America’s Gold Star Families and considers it an honor to support our Gold Star Families.

Janice Thiese

Secretary

Janice had many varied opportunities during her work career. In the late 60’s and early 70’s she was a long distance telephone operator and later as an investigator for wrong number billings, with Southern Bell Telephone Company.

Ron Crouch

LtCol (retired) US Air National Guard/Air Force

We must never, never forget those who gave their life for our freedom.   If we haven’t experienced it, we cannot comprehend the pain and anguish of those left behind.

Frances Maddox

Gold Star Mother

Frances has been a Gold Star Advisory Board Council member for America’s Gold Star Families (AGSF) since 2016, and the project chair for the Fallen Heroes Tree of Honor Project. In the fall of 2022, Frances began serving as an AGSF Board Member representing the Gold Star Advisory Council.

Carl Haney

LtCol (retired) US Air Force

Carl served 21 years in the United States Air Force retiring in 2019 as a lieutenant colonel.

Billy Halstead

I have served as a board member and Vice President of Gold Star Families for many years.

Chris Doscotch

Board member

Chris lives in Peoria, IL where he has worked as an attorney and judge in Central Illinois for over 30 years.

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