American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

Our Founders

The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on providing support to mothers whose sons or daughters made the ultimate sacrifice as a result of war. This organization unites mothers across the nation in support and service.

In the 10th Annual National Convention of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. a plan was unveiled to build a national memorial home for pensioned members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. This was the birth of the American Gold Star Manor.

To find out more about this inspiring organization, their mission, and their achievements, please visit their website:

GoldStarMoms.com

The last remaining Truman Boyd Manor Naval housing building located on the Northern end of the property of American Gold Star Manor

1941 - Early Beginnings

Built as a “temporary war housing” project by the Federal Government, the Truman Boyd Manor was constructed to house defense workers and armed forces personnel.

In 1953, the 93 acres of Truman Boyd Manor were purchased by America Gold Star Mothers, Inc in order to create a national memorial home for dependent and pensioned members. Over time the hastily built war structures were replaced with more suitable structures. Members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. joined the community as vacancies arose and residents who had occupied the property since the war remained. In  time, Truman Boyd Manor became a thriving, vibrant, and diverse community.

1972 - Expanding

A massive reconstruction effort demolished all but one of the remaining military housing apartment buildings and replaced it with 10 new apartment buildings with a total of 348 units. These buildings remain on the property today.

As time passed, American Gold Star Manor expanded its mission to include veterans and other military service related groups. American Gold Star Manor also became a senior living community for residents ages 62 and over.

In the 1990s, American Gold Star Manor opened its doors to low-income seniors living in the community to ensure that the benefit of affordable housing was extended to as many people as possible.

Picture taken from the south of the newly built three story apartment buildings in 1972. There is also a gray car and a brown wooden gazebo on a paved patio.
Metal plaque in textured black with smooth gold trim and lettering reading American Gold Star Manor Long Beach, California Renovated for the purpose of maintaining a national home for members of American gold star mothers, incorporated dedicated august 21, 2015 by terry L. Geiling president and CEO Ms. Gail B. Schwander president board of trustees Mrs. Cindy Kruger National President American Gold Star Mothers Incorporated. The time capsule sealed under this plaque will be ope [text cuts off] and the contents made known to all present by [text cuts off]. At the top of the plaque is a five pointed gold star.

2015 - Renovation

Beginning in 2016 and concluding in 2019, American Gold Star Manor undertook a $56 Million renovation project to modernize the property and all of the units.

The 348 units of American Gold Star Manor received a full remodel inside and out to bring them up to date. Improvements included the installation of  a solar powered hot water system, solar electricity, LED lights, all new energy efficient appliances, and modern fire safety systems.

Around the property, the landscaping was upgraded to water efficient plants that beautify the property.

Today

The American Gold Star Manor is a clean, quiet, safe, and affordable senior retirement community in Long Beach, California. It provides independent living for Gold Star Mothers, fathers, veterans, and other eligible seniors. These fortunate residents live in a gated, 25 acre, park-like setting with sumptuous trees, lawns, flowers, and gardens. The campus features a community recreation hall, social programs, life enrichment programs, recreation facilities, pool and spa, picnic areas, game room, computer room, meditation chapel, and 10 low-rise buildings with well-maintained studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.

We are honored to provide support, friendship, and enjoyable living accommodations for those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

External view of Building 3001 at American Gold Star Manor from the North

Board & OFFicers

Nick Sramek

CHAIR

Executive Committee Chair, Human Resources Committee, Audit Committee, Development Committee, Investment Committee

Steve Keesal

VICE CHAIR

Executive Committee, Audit Committee, Development Committee, Investment Committee Chair, Nominating Committe Chair

Greg Pierson

SECRETARY

Executive Committee, Human Resources Committee Chair, Audit Committee, Development Committee, Investment Committee, Nominating Committee 

Febien Ghebreyesus

TREASURER

Executive Committee, Audit Committee, Investment Committee

Nancy Kindelan

TRUSTEE

Human Resources Committee, Audit Committee Chair, Development Committee, Investment Committee,  Nominating Committee, Housing Grant Committee

Gail Schwandner

TRUSTEE

Human Resources Committee, Gold Star Mother Committee, Nominating Committee, Housing Grant Committee Chair

Diane Jacobus

TRUSTEE

Gold Star Mothers Board Liaison, Gold Star Mother Committee Chair, Resident Services Committee

Jill Rosenberg

TRUSTEE

Resident Services Committee Chair

Tim Scott

TRUSTEE

Development Committee Chair, Resident Services Committee

Sarah Taylor

TRUSTEE

National President of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Housing Grant Committee

Pam Stemple

TRUSTEE

National 1st Vice President of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

Ryan Antes

TRUSTEE

Development Committee

Glen Patrick

President and Chief Executive Officer

Sarah Bergman

Chief Financial Officer