A Humbling Honor: Alexandria Resident Becomes Gold Star Liaison
“I pray for a thriving survivor community that represents our Green Berets with honor and pride,” Anderson said.
Alexandria, VA – Krista Simpson Anderson was surrounded by her family at home in Alexandria when she got the good news. The voice on the other end of the line, from the Green Beret Foundation, asked if Anderson would serve as the organization’s Gold Star Liaison, specifically to assist families of fallen Special Forces service members.
“I was filled with gratitude,” Anderson told The Zebra. “If I can assist in relieving some anxiety in a family’s journey, then they can concentrate on healing. Moving forward is a scary process. I want to live by example, make myself available for emotional support and educate our community.”
Anderson’s husband, U.S. Army Green Beret Staff Sergeant Michael H. Simpson, was killed in Afghanistan in 2013, and the organization lifted her up during her time of need.
“The Green Beret Foundation serves the Special Forces community in extreme ways,” Anderson said, adding that she credits the organization for being “the catalyst for my healing” after her first husband’s death.
Angie Fennen, Interim Executive Director of the Green Beret Foundation, said she was struck by Anderson’s ability to use her personal tragedy to help others.
“Krista is well known in the Special Forces community for this unwavering commitment to our mission,” Fennen said. “We know that Krista, with her family by her side, will bring immense comfort to Special Forces Regiment and their families, and we are proud to have her join us.”
Anderson was also named “Military Spouse of the Year” by Military Spouse Magazine last year. She is the co-founder of The Unquiet Professional, a nonprofit geared toward serving Gold Star families. Now remarried to active duty Green Beret Gus Anderson, she is a frequent guest speaker at events, where she openly shares her experience as a Gold Star wife. She is also part of the Steel Mags group, which is made up of wives, mothers and sisters of Green Berets; she serves on the advisory board of Raise For Rowyn, an organization that helps families who have lost a child and is a board member of Gold Star Sailing, which was founded to create a summer camp for Gold Star teenagers.
“Our community’s casualty rate is high. As our needs rise, the Green Beret Foundation fills any gaps necessary to create a foundation to promote healthy healing,” Anderson said. “I pray for a thriving survivor community that represents our Green Berets with honor and pride.”
