Push begins for Jefferson City Gold Star Families memorial

After more than 15 years since his death, Sandy Deraps’ voice sometimes still breaks when she speaks about her son, Leon.

An Eagle Scout, Leon Deraps joined the U.S. Marine Corps right after high school, when he was 17.

In 2006, at only 19 years old, he died while conducting combat duties in Iraq.

Shortly after his death, Sandy Deraps joined a Marines parents group and packed boxes for soldiers overseas.

“When you lose somebody that’s dear to you, you want to continue what their mission was,” Deraps said. “Helping veterans and helping others is where you truly find happiness.”

She soon joined American Gold Star Mothers, an organization that finds “strength through fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive” through its work with veterans and those who are currently serving in the military and their families, according to the organization’s website, goldstarmoms.com.

Deraps is a member of a committee dedicated to creating a Mid-Missouri Gold Star Families Monument and raising awareness of families’ sacrifices.