By Mary Hay Davis
The Alpine Sun

     ALPINE — Silver, bronze, purple and gold. These are the somber colors of a Gold Star Parent’s rainbow.
While other mothers celebrate Mother’s Day with a “World’s Best Mom” card and a fancy Sunday brunch, or Christmas mornings and dinners surrounded by their whole family; Gold Star Moms spend these days in quiet reflection of their deceased military son or daughter.
     Two local Gold Star Parents attended Rod Galloway’s “War & The American Soldier” concert on Dec. 29 at the Bert Fuller Alpine VFW Post 9578. As Galloway performed songs that saluted the experiences of American soldiers and their families, these two felt the songs more deeply than others.
     Three-fourths of the way through the concert, Galloway called the two up to the stage and introduced them — Alpine residents Vern Torres and Kirsten Yuhl-Torres, whose son Sgt. Joseph W. Perry was killed on Oct. 2, 2006, while serving in Iraq.

Kirsten Yuhl-Torres, left, and Vern Torres, right, pose with musician Rod Galloway after his concert held Dec. 29. Galloway holds a picture of Torres’ son Joseph Perry, who was killed in Iraq in 2006.

     Galloway is a neighbor of Kirsten and Vern, and the death of their son served as the impetus for Galloway to put the finishing touches on his repertoire and start performing his work in public.
     At the conclusion of the concert, both Kirsten and Vern took time to speak with the numerous members of the audience who offered both condolences and deep appreciation and gratitude for the ultimate price Joe paid in the service to his country.
     Tears, memories, and stories flowed freely as Kirsten and Vern reminisced about their son, and what military service and sacrifice meant to their family.
     While the ranks of Gold Star Moms are unfortunately many, Kirsten and Vern’s personal loss was recently acknowledged by President George W. Bush in a radio address. To hear the address, visit www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071222.html for both the written text and audio address.
     One might expect the Torres family to withdraw into seclusion during this most painful of times, but Kirsten and Vern chose to light candles instead of cursing the darkness. They are both active in making and sending care packages to soldiers overseas, and have taken their endeavor to a new level by registering their enterprise as a non-profit corporation. While it’s still in the early stages, both Kirsten and Vern see this as a lifelong mission.
     “When Joe died in 2006, I didn’t want to go into 2007, because 2006 was the year I had my son, and in 2007 I would not. But now in 2008, I am filled with hope,” Kirsten said.
     With the formal establishment of the Sgt. Joseph W. Perry Memorial Corporation, they hope to expand their work on a broader scale, focusing on three facets: Sending care packages, supporting wounded soldiers, and assisting veteran’s homes.
     They are also active in their church, Sonrise Community Church in Santee, and led a care package and Christmas card drive there. They also write letters of support to service members, hold Bible classes, and offer daily prayer for those serving in the military, as well as for their families back at home.
     Of Galloway’s mission of music, Vern said, “His commitment and caring are profound. Everyone’s called at some point, and he’s answered that call by writing and performing these songs.”
     If you’d like to contribute to Kirsten and Vern’s mission of support you can call them at 659-3525 or e-mail Kirsten at kyuhlpsych@cox.net. They are accepting food, toiletries and sundries, as well as monetary donations.