Sisterhood Spotlight

For those who might not know, please explain what a “Gold Star Family” is.

“Gold Star Family” refers to someone who has lost a family in defense of our country. For example, if you see the term "Gold Star Spouse," that means the person’s spouse died in the line of duty protecting our country.

Tell us more about your role with the Navy League of Hampton Roads.

I am the vice president of development. The Navy League is a nonprofit organization that works with the Sea Services – the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. We work tirelessly on behalf of our active-duty service members and their families.

Can you share about Wreaths Across America and your efforts to lay wreaths at the graves at Arlington National Cemetery?

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that places wreaths at the graves of our fallen military heroes at Arlington National Cemetery and at 3,100 other cemeteries throughout the country. I created my own volunteer sponsorship group, Team Bear, back in 2013. I am proud to say we have hundreds of volunteers across the country and have raised more than $1.1 million dollars for wreaths for our fallen heroes.

How can Virginians get involved?

This year's National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 16th, 2023. If anyone would like to volunteer, they can sign up and find their nearest location by visiting www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. They can also follow my team, Team Bear, on social media (@teambearusa). We would be honored to have you join us at Arlington National Cemetery this December.

This Memorial Day, how would you encourage Virginians to interact with their veteran or Gold Star neighbors or friends?

Memorial Day is a special holiday to me and my friends. I have lost 50 friends to the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, in training accidents and from service-connected illnesses, so Memorial Day is a humbling day to me. For anyone who is in the Hampton Roads area, I highly encourage you to join us for the Run to Remember in Virginia Beach on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023. This race was created by a group of Navy SEAL Gold Star Wives as a way to honor their late husbands. You can find out more information here: https://www.runtoremembervb.org/. No matter what you do on Memorial Day, I encourage you to please take a moment to remember our fallen military heroes and the families they left behind. Memorial Day is one day our country sets aside to honor and remember those who gave their lives so we may be free. Please join me in remembering all of our nation's heroes who left their families so ours may know freedom. May we all live a life worthy of their sacrifice. Have a grateful Memorial Day!

About Bre Kingsbury

Bre has a diverse and extensive background in politics, spanning nearly two decades. She has worked in the U.S. Senate on Capitol Hill and has served various Members of Congress, gaining valuable experience in the political arena. Her expertise and contributions have been instrumental in numerous local, state, and federal campaigns in Kentucky, California, and Virginia.

Apart from her political pursuits, Bre has also made a significant impact in the non-profit sector, particularly in corporate fundraising. She has played a crucial role in raising funds for esteemed organizations such as VETS: Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Navy League of Hampton Roads, the SEAL Family Foundation, and Wreaths Across America. Her dedication and commitment to these causes have earned her opportunities to appear on Fox News, where she advocates for the welfare of Gold Star Families, active-duty military personnel, and the veteran community.

Currently residing in Virginia Beach, VA, Bre devotes her time to volunteering with various community organizations and non-profits that support military-related causes. Her passion for making a positive impact continues to drive her efforts in support of the causes she deeply cares about.