Gold Star Holiday Tree stands as symbol for those who made ultimate sacrifice Published Dec. 18, 2019 By Holly Logan-Arrington Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The ornament for the Whitlock Family, a family whose son, Capt. Nicholas Whitlock, died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, is displayed on the Gold Star Holiday Tree just inside the entrance to the Airman & Family Readiness Center at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Dec. 3, 2019. The tree is a symbol used at Robins to remember and honor the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rodney Speed) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The holidays can be difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one. For the second consecutive year, Robins’ Airman & Family Readiness Center is helping Gold Star families honor the memory of their loved ones who died in military conflicts with a special holiday tree, adorned in ornaments commemorating each life lost. Candace Franks, a Community Readiness specialist in the A&FRC, said the Gold Star Holiday Tree, decorated in the Gold Star official colors of purple and gold, is a small reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by these service members. As of Dec. 3, Robins has been assigned 10 Gold Star families. Franks said each of the 10 gold star shaped ornaments, along with others marked with the military members’ names on the tree represents each Gold Star family Robins serves. “Christmas is such a special time of the year so when I was given the program, I thought what better way to honor our families during the holiday season,” she said. The Gold Star Holiday Tree is displayed in the front lobby of A&FRC in Bldg. 794. “These families are still part of the Air Force family and during the holiday season we want a public reminder of what they have sacrificed,” Franks said. Gold Star Families are assigned to Robins either through Air Force Personnel Center, or families can self-identify by contacting Franks. For more information, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (478) 926-1256.