President and Founder
Amber Eidem
In 2007 I married the man of my dreams, Army MP, Aaron J Eidem. We combined our families and two years later added a baby girl. In 2016, after multiple moves, several tours, and nearly 20 years in the service, my husband was killed stateside while lending aid to a couple stranded civilians on the highway. Our world came crashing down that day, and I lived in a fog and a state of delusion for over a year. I knew my two daughters needed their mom and I knew Aaron would have wanted me to "stand tall and keep moving forward", which is something he'd always say to me if anything ever happened to him. Most programs for Gold Star children age out at 18 years old, and my oldest daughter was turning 17 that year, and only experienced one retreat before aging out. After applying for a "family retreat" and being rejected I knew something had to be done; and learning that there were many young adults that aged out before having a chance to build bonds with others like them, I started brainstorming. I created The Precious Legacy to bring together aged out Gold Star young adults, by any means, so they can build lifelong friendships with others that "just get it".
In 2007 I married the man of my dreams, Army MP, Aaron J Eidem. We combined our families and two years later added a baby girl. In 2016, after multiple moves, several tours, and nearly 20 years in the service, my husband was killed stateside while lending aid to a couple stranded civilians on the highway. Our world came crashing down that day, and I lived in a fog and a state of delusion for over a year. I knew my two daughters needed their mom and I knew Aaron would have wanted me to "stand tall and keep moving forward", which is something he'd always say to me if anything ever happened to him. Most programs for Gold Star children age out at 18 years old, and my oldest daughter was turning 17 that year, and only experienced one retreat before aging out. After applying for a "family retreat" and being rejected I knew something had to be done; and learning that there were many young adults that aged out before having a chance to build bonds with others like them, I started brainstorming. I created The Precious Legacy to bring together aged out Gold Star young adults, by any means, so they can build lifelong friendships with others that "just get it".
Vice President
Kathy Atkins
My name is Kathy Atkins. I have two boys that are Gold Star children. Their dad passed away while he was active duty army. This has been something that has been very hard on our family. We are active in a few different organizations for children of fallen soldiers.
In 2016 we went to our first retreat in Branson, Missouri. While I was there I met Amber. Our friendship has grown over the years. Our children are also very good friends and have a bond that is indescribable. Amber shared her vision with me of starting a non profit for Gold Star children who were 19 and older. This is something that is needed due to there being little to no resources for aged out survivors. I was honored to be asked to be on the board and help out with The Precious Legacy. My hope is that the young adults that come to The Precious Legacy will find support and friendships that will help them throughout their grief journey.
My name is Kathy Atkins. I have two boys that are Gold Star children. Their dad passed away while he was active duty army. This has been something that has been very hard on our family. We are active in a few different organizations for children of fallen soldiers.
In 2016 we went to our first retreat in Branson, Missouri. While I was there I met Amber. Our friendship has grown over the years. Our children are also very good friends and have a bond that is indescribable. Amber shared her vision with me of starting a non profit for Gold Star children who were 19 and older. This is something that is needed due to there being little to no resources for aged out survivors. I was honored to be asked to be on the board and help out with The Precious Legacy. My hope is that the young adults that come to The Precious Legacy will find support and friendships that will help them throughout their grief journey.
Treasurer
Dusty West
My name is Dusty West. I first got involved with The Precious Legacy when Amber reached out to me, knowing that I am a numbers guy, to look over some of their plans. When she asked if I would be interested in joining the TPL Board as Treasurer, I jumped at the opportunity. After attending a Gold Star event, I was able to see first hand how much of an impact these connections are for survivors, and I wanted to do what I could to help make this a success. I am proud to have a chance to give back to our service members families and excited to work with TPL to honor our fallen's legacies.
My name is Dusty West. I first got involved with The Precious Legacy when Amber reached out to me, knowing that I am a numbers guy, to look over some of their plans. When she asked if I would be interested in joining the TPL Board as Treasurer, I jumped at the opportunity. After attending a Gold Star event, I was able to see first hand how much of an impact these connections are for survivors, and I wanted to do what I could to help make this a success. I am proud to have a chance to give back to our service members families and excited to work with TPL to honor our fallen's legacies.
Survivor Representative/Photographer
Gena Beal
My name is Gena. I lost my husband June 10, 2014, leaving behind, at the time a 6 year old and 2 already aged out children that felt forgotten because of their age. Grief is hard enough, and everyone takes different paths through it, but when a young adult child feels they don't have a place in grief support, it breaks my heart. I feel so blessed to be a part of an organization that remembers the aged out children.
My name is Gena. I lost my husband June 10, 2014, leaving behind, at the time a 6 year old and 2 already aged out children that felt forgotten because of their age. Grief is hard enough, and everyone takes different paths through it, but when a young adult child feels they don't have a place in grief support, it breaks my heart. I feel so blessed to be a part of an organization that remembers the aged out children.