|
|
|
|
Submit
|

Custom Search
CivicLifeSportsSchoolsBusinessFoodOur HomesLetters/OpinionsCalendar

Published November 2nd, 2016
Gold Star Families Star at Town Hall Theatre
Jolie Vega and Tom Stack Photo Pippa Fisher

Town Hall Theater will be holding a very special bonus component to the Nov. 5 Midnight Flyer concert as it will be holding a fundraising event on behalf of Gold Star Families - those who have lost family members in military conflicts.
Orinda real estate agent Tom Stack has worked as a volunteer on the board of THT for nine years and has brought in more than 30 rock and roll bands during that time.
"All the shows are benefits for the theater but in this case," says Stack, "we are extending a hand to a group in need. Years ago, after a flood shut us down for a while, and threatened to shut us permanently, we have recovered, and feel that our current stability allows us to extend a helping hand. We will be fundraising on behalf of the Gold Star Families."
Stack says he first thought about giving back to these families after he caught sight of his Lafayette neighbor, Yolander (Jolie) Vega, on the show "60 Minutes," which was running a segment on Gold Star Families. The story made such an impact on him, he decided to find a way to give back using the show at THT that falls right around Veterans' Day.
Vega lost her son, Senior Airman Jonathan (Jake) Vega Yelner in 2008 when the vehicle he was driving was struck by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Jake, as he was known, was 24 years old. He grew up in Lafayette with his brother, attending St. Perpetua School and De La Salle High School.
Vega remembers her son's senior officer telling her that her son, when asked why he never seemed afraid, replied that his mother is a red-haired Puerto Rican and she is the only one he has ever been scared of! She says that Jake loved being part of the military. "It made a man out of him."
Vega, now retired, worked for many years for BART. There is a plaque honoring Jake at the Lafayette station, which was placed there by BART's Facilities Department and paid for by the workers.
Vega remembers that she felt very isolated in the days and weeks after her son's death. She recalled that people would see her in the grocery store and head off down another aisle rather than have to say something to her. She said, "People don't know how to handle it. Even in the military, they don't know what to say."
And yet, in the first week after she got the awful news, she received a visit from a couple of Blue Star Moms (mothers of members of the armed forces serving overseas). Vega cannot say enough positive things about the organization. She says they were so supportive, particularly the Danville Chapter 101, including Patty Harris and Michelle Miller. Vega comments, "We (Gold Star Families) are their worst nightmare." But, she continues, "I couldn't have done it without them."
It was a Blue Star Mom, Deb Saunders, who recognized the need for support of Gold Star Families and who started an annual event at the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco, which was featured on "60 Minutes." Saunders says, "You can express your sympathy but you cannot empathize with someone unless you're walking in their shoes and that's what I knew we had to do; (was) somehow gather these folks together, that they were better equipped in their journey to help one another." Gold Star families are honored at this event. They talk about and remember their children - their lost ones are always referred to as "children." As Vega says, "We don't want our children to be forgotten."
"We are not meant to be alone," reflected Stack, as he described how he is hoping to bring the community together for a short while before the Eagles tribute band, Midnight Flyer, takes the stage on Saturday, Nov. 5 for education, awareness-building and fundraising for the Gold Star Families.
Stack, who worked for many years with the Grateful Dead, says, "There are many direct examples in my life, in my experiences, from the likes of Bill Graham, Carlos Santana, Ken Kesey, the Grateful Dead.
... continued on page B7

Jake Vega Yelner Photo provided

print story

Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime.
download pdf
(use the pdf document for best printing results!)
Comments
Send your comment to:
Reach the reporter at:

This article was published on Page B4:



Quick Links for LamorindaWeekly.com
Home
Archive
Advertise
send artwork to:
ads@lamorindaweekly.com
Classified ads
Lamorinda Service Directory
About us and How to Contact us
Submit
Letter to the Editor
Send stories or ideas to:
storydesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Send sports stories and photos to:
sportsdesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Subscribe to receive a delivered or mailed copy
Subscribe to receive storylinks by email
Content
Civic
Lafayette
Moraga
Orinda
MOFD
Life
Sports
Schools
Business
Food
Our Homes
Letters/Opinions
Calendar


Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA