Cathi,  I can't express in words what I am feeling upon hearing your tragic news. Please know that your family is in my prayers. My thoughts are with you, your husband, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.  Lynne B.

Cathi,

You and your family have been on my mind all day. I think it's amazing that you have taken the time to update the Forum. I'm glad you can feel some comfort from all of the prayers and good thoughts being sent your way.

I realize you don't need this info just yet, but it was one thing I could do to help you out, so I did some more research on Service Flags. There are several certified manufacturers of Service Flags, and any one of them can help you out. But I found this site to be especially helpful, in that they spelled out the DoD regs a bit:

From Richard R. Gideon Flags:

"DoD regulations call for the GOLD STAR to be appliquéd over the existing blue star so as to leave a blue border around the GOLD STAR.  As written this regulation assumes one is modifying an existing blue star flag.  For new GOLD STAR flags the blue star is unnecessary; however, since the regulations call for a blue trim around the gold star we finish our new GOLD STAR flags with a blue border, thus meeting the requirements."

So it sounds to me like you can have your existing flag changed to add the Gold Star (over the Blue Star), or get a new flag, it's up to you.

I hope this info is helpful to you. I realize it's not something you need to deal with right at the moment, but I wanted to post it now so I didn't forget about it.

Prayers from Minnesota,

Jenifer

Cathi,

I am so sorry for your loss.  My prayers are with you and your family. 

I am so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. My prayers to you and your family.

Diane

Dear Cathi and family,

As others have said, and I will too..........MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU.   Please know that since I read your post I have been praying for you, your husband, your daughter-in-law, your grand children and your son who was also in Iraq.    It is a time for you all to be strong together and for each other.   We (your AnySoldier) family are with you in prayers and deepest of thoughts.

Words can tell so small a part of the sympathy within our hearts.............

LOVE   PEACE   AND   MANY   BLESSINGS   TO   ALL OF YOU.........

 Anne Marie and family

Cathi,

I am so sorry to hear the news. You and  your family are in my heart and prayers...as are the rest of his unit.

Rest assured his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Bonnie

 Words cannot express my sadness at the loss of your son.  There is such a high price that is being paid to fight this good fight.  I honestly do not know how I would react to such news.  I am sure your son was doing what he thought was right just as my son is doing.  I know that my son knows as well as your son knew what the price could be for them and their fellow soldiers.  Your son is a true hero.  Please take comfort from that.  I will pray for your family and I will also pray that everyone understands that this price is being willingly paid for the cause of freedom.   

I am so sorry for your loss.  Please accept my sympathies

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Shelly

My prayers are with your family. Thank you will never EVER be enough, but I am truly humbled by the service and sacrifices your family has made for my freedoms. Words just fail me, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Joanne

Please let us know if there is somewhere we can make a donation in your son's memory, Thank you.

Here is a link to the local news station story on Cathi's son.  http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/jan/28/fallen-pilot-just-wanted-to-fly/?local

obit: http://www.legacy.com/StJoeNews-Press/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=123399453

 Lynne B.

My heart aches for you and your family.  I did read the articles/links someone posted about your son.  You must be very proud even thru the pain. 

 Take care,  hugs and Love,

Donna

 Dear Cathi

 I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Your strength  and attitude truly are  an inspiration .Thank you for showing us that when faced with such a devastating  loss  one can still reach out.

 Gentle Hugs

 Amy

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. You're a great woman to feel sorry for the man who had to deliver the news while you were hearing one of the worst things a mother could ever hear.

 When I heard, even though I don't know you or him, I wanted to do something so I went looking for an answer to your question about banners. I, too, did not find any banners with two stars where the were different colors. However, I did find some places that make flags that said they would make custom flags if that is something that you want to look into. Here are the websites I found:

www.annin.com

www.gideonflags.com

You could also get a small gold star and put it over the blue on, leaving a small border of blue around the outer edge like someone else suggested earlier. That was one recommendation that I read a lot while doing this research.

 My thoughts are with you and your family,

Amy

I just want you to know how deeply sorry I am to hear of the loss of your dear son.  Please know that we grieve with you during this most difficult of times.  You have our sincere prayers.