/mdva/assets/2017-05-16-jim-crigler-boom-island_tcm1066-294730.pngIn May 1972, combat helicopter pilot, Jim Crigler fulfilled a Vietnam battle field promise made to his mentor and brother in arms, Thomas Shaw. It was Shaw’s wish that should he be killed in action, he wanted Crigler to bring him back home to his family in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

This was the first time Crigler met a Gold Star Family. He remembers the visit as if it was just yesterday. “It was the toughest mission of the war for me,” said Crigler.

After the war, Crigler returned to civilian life, but out of the blue 40 years later the Shaw Gold Star Family reached out to him for a reunion and remembrance. He met with them, felt their still painful sorrow, and realized they were largely forgotten by their nation.

Since that time he has met with hundreds of Vietnam Gold Star Families. He was shocked to find, that due to the controversial nature of the war, the majority had never been rightfully honored for their sacrifice. The families were left to grieve alone.

“Their sons were drafted or joined the military, and then they would get a devastating telegram or knock on their door,” he said. “Ten days later, they would get a coffin with a neatly folded American flag. They buried their sons and never talked about it again.”

As a result, to honor those forgotten families, on April 22, the 67-year-old Winona resident embarked on a solo canoe trip to paddle the entire length of the Mississippi River - 2,300 miles from Lake Itasca to New Orleans. His goal is to increase awareness for the sacrifice of Vietnam era Gold Star Families and raise funds to build a museum to memorialize their service to our nation.

“I’m trying to start a movement of normal everyday American citizens to get out there and thank a Gold Star Family,” said Crigler.

With 500 miles down, Crigler hopes to make it to New Orleans by the end of June.

Canoeing to raise awareness for Gold Star Families is just the start for Crigler. In addition, he is raising money for American Huey 369, a charitable organization that gives helicopter flights to Veterans and Gold Star Families.

Crigler also wrote a book “Mission of Honor,” an autobiography about his experience as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He is donating proceeds of the book to Huey 369.

Learn more about Jim Crigler at missionofhonor.org.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs provides the /mdva/resources/familyassistance/goldstarfamilies.jspGold Star Family Program to honor the legacy of every fallen Minnesota hero, while supporting the needs of their families. Gold Star Family services include support, benefits, and resources. If you have lost a family member in military service, help us honor them by helping you. You can reach our Gold Star Family program staff by phone at (612) 970-5662.