Green Beret Foundation Names Alexandria Woman Gold Star Liaison

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Six years ago, Alexandria's own Krista Simpson Anderson experienced the most difficult time of her life: the loss of her husband. After Special Forces Green Beret SSG Michael H. Simpson was killed in action in 2013, his Gold Star spouse has emerged ready to help other Gold Star families after a loss.

Anderson has been appointed Gold Star liaison for the Green Beret Foundation, which supports soldiers of the U.S. Army Special Forces and their families. In her role, Anderson will assist Gold Star families in the Special Forces community nationwide. In other words, she'll be helping grieving families like the foundation helped her six years ago.

"Losing a loved one in service to our great nation can bring on conflicting feelings of grief and intense pride," said Anderson. "My goal is to assist our Gold Star families in any way I can so that they, too, may feel the same unwavering support that I did from the Green Beret Foundation throughout their own journeys."

Anderson is no stranger to helping Gold Star families since experiencing her own loss. She co-founded a nonprofit called The Unquiet Professional to serve Gold Star families, military families and veterans. She is also part of the Steel Mags group, a sisterhood program within the Green Beret Foundation comprised of Green Beret wives, sisters, mothers and daughters. She is on the boards of Gold Star Sailing, which was founded to start a summer camp for Gold Star teens, and Raise for Rowyn, which offers financial and emotional support to families experiencing the loss of a child.

"I believe we can use our tragedies for good, and allow our testimonies to be the light for others," said Anderson.

Last year, Anderson was awarded the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Award. She was previously honored by the Department of Defense for her works inside and outside of the military community.

She is now married to active duty Green Beret Gus Anderson and has two boys aged 7 and 9. She says they talk about the late Simpson every day and continue to honor his memory for the boys.

"I am so blessed to have an incredible family and that my husband, alongside me, honors Mike in all we do," she said.