Suffolk Reporter

Reps. Nick LaLota (R-NY) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), both Navy veterans, have introduced the Gold Star Children Education Act, a bicameral and bipartisan bill aimed at supporting children of Armed Forces members who died while serving on active duty. This legislation would make these dependents eligible for enrollment in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools on a tuition-free, space-available basis.

"As a Navy Veteran, I understand firsthand the sacrifices that military families make every day — sacrifices that are even more profound for Gold Star Families who have suffered the ultimate loss. My bipartisan Gold Star Children Education Act aims to honor the legacy of our fallen Service Members by ensuring their loved ones receive the support they need, including access to DoD schools," said LaLota. "Studies have shown that access to quality schools on military installations significantly enhances the quality of life for military families. We must ensure that Gold Star children can remain in familiar military communities, where they can grieve and heal with the support of experienced professionals. These families have paid the ultimate price for our country, and providing this support is the very least we can do to honor their sacrifice."

“As a nation, we have an obligation to support the families of our fallen servicemembers,” said Panetta. “The Gold Star Children Education Act ensures that children of the fallen can access Department of Defense schools, giving them a stable, supportive community as they navigate forward from the tragic loss of a parent. This bipartisan, bicameral bill honors the sacrifice of our Gold Star families by providing their children with the resources their children need to succeed.”

Earlier this week, Congressman LaLota met with Gold Star families in Washington, D.C., through the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a national nonprofit providing care and resources for those grieving over a military or veteran family member's death.

A Gold Star Family refers to immediate relatives of a service member who died while serving in conflict. The term originated during World War I when families would place a gold star over a blue star on service flags to signify their loss.

Among those present at LaLota's meeting was a Long Islander and surviving spouse of Army Major Gronenthal.

This bill serves as the House companion to S. 4721 introduced by Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). The act will allow dependents of fallen service members to enroll in DoDEA schools without traditional eligibility criteria such as location or prior enrollment.

The DoDEA manages 160 schools globally, providing K-12 education primarily to children residing on military installations.

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