Gold Star mother keeps son's memory alive through veterans health advocacy
A Randleman resident was recently honored for her continued role in the local veterans' community.
Amanda Ballard is one of three recipients of the Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award. The award is given out by the veterans organization Hope for the Warriors.
"Hope for the Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family, and hope for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and military families," reads a description of the organization.
Founded in 2006, Hope for the Warriors works to connect veterans and their families to support programs.
During their annual summer soiree, Hope for the Warriors gives out the Vigiano Award. The Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award seeks to honor those who play active roles in supporting veterans and their families.
"Named in honor of the Vigiano family, who lost both of their sons in the September 11th attacks, the Hope and Courage Awards are presented to service members and military family members who have demonstrated both hope and courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances," reads the organization's description of the award.
As a Goldstar mother, Ballard said much of her participation in the veteran community was to honor her late son U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Phoenix-Jacob Levy who died in 2011 while on tour in Afghanistan. She said mental health among veterans and their families can be an overlooked topic.
"It's the 1% that is in the military and unless you have that connection to someone in the military, you really don't know what's going on until it's on the news," Ballard said.
In the years since Levy's passing, Ballard made it a point to stay in touch with soldiers who served with her son.
"After losing her son... Ballard invited all of Levy’s fellow Marines from his platoon to visit her North Carolina home," reads information from Hope for the Warriors. "Eleven years later, she still welcomes the Marines and their families to her home each year to honor his memory with stories, pictures, and love."
Ballard said the annual meetings help to keep Levy's memory alive.
"These guys can tell me things about him," Ballard said. "They are here for his brothers and nieces and nephews that he never met."
The annual meetings also benefit the participating soldiers.
"Over the years this get-together has become so much more. It is a wellness check for everyone,” said Ballard. “Our family motto is, ‘No one gives up, always reach out, because if one of us stumbles, we all stumble.’"
Ballard said cultivating a support network is important for veterans and their families.
"Believe it or not it saves their lives," Ballard said.
She hopes to keep working to help veteran families and make the kind of impact she believes her son would be proud of.
"My son died doing a job he was willing to die for," Ballard said. "He was an awesome man and an awesome Marine... and people will remember Jacob and live a long life because of him."
This article originally appeared on The Courier-Tribune: Randleman mother honored for work helping veterans
