Honoring a Mother’s Sacrifice
Windsor Mill, MD – Joy Goode had no reservations about her son Keon’s choice to serve. Although she was surprised by his choice, she had always wanted it for him. With a strong family legacy of service, Keon enlisted in the Navy following in the footsteps of his uncles. Joy remembers her son fondly, saying he was “very generous, very intelligent, and just an awesome dude”. Keon Askew enlisted in the Navy and began service in 1996 before his high school graduation. After completing the Navy’s submarine school, he began his career aboard the USS San Francisco. His dedication to our country never waivered, and he made the brave decision to reenlist after the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001. Petty Officer Keon A. Askew, FT2 U.S.N. died on June 10, 2002 during active duty, onboard the USS San Francisco nuclear submarine. He was just 23. He is buried at Garrison Forest Veteran Cemetery, in Owings Mills, Maryland.
Joy had always hoped to visit Hawaii with Keon to visit his favorite spots, especially Big Kahuna pizza. Sadly, he passed before they could plan their trip, but Joy could visit his church, the barracks, and many places he frequented which helped her feel connected to him. It was especially lucky when he heard his favorite song, the theme to Love Story, playing in the airport on her way back home. Ms. Goode has continued a legacy of service since the passing of her son. She is a member of the Gold Star Mothers – Maryland Chapter. She also volunteers with various organizations, Warrior Events and Trucking for Troops, the American Freedom Fund, and other Veteran Service groups. She served as chairperson for the Veterans Military Affairs Advisory Council at the Social Security Administration, where she helped Veterans with employment retention and hardship transfers.
Joy is currently the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 122 Chaplain and comforts the sick or bereaved members. She volunteers for Post 122, Sons of the American Legion, and Auxiliary functions. She is a member of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) where she mentored other mothers whose children died while being on active military duty. She is also a member of the Navy Gold Star family. She chaired food bank donations to the elderly, and the community, toiletry drive to the Maryland VA Hospital, and Bingo for the veterans at Loch a Raven Medical Center. Joy was nominated for a free roof from Operation: Raise the Roof by a fellow Gold Star Mother who felt she was deserving because she’s always giving back to others and this replacement was so needed. We couldn’t think of a better recipient for a new roof.
The community will gather to honor Ms. Goode and celebrate the gifted installation of her brand-new roof in recognition of her sacrifice and her son’s service to this country. The public is welcome to help Raise the Roof for Joy Goode. There is no cost to attend or enjoy this Operation: Raise the Roof, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, powered by Valor Home. This donated roof is made possible through the support of generous sponsors including Beacon Supplies Beacon of Hope program, GAF’s Roofs for Troops, and through the generous support of community members, especially customers of Valor Home.
Conclusion
Joy Goode’s unwavering dedication to her son’s memory and her tireless support of the veteran community exemplify the selfless spirit of service. Her involvement in numerous organizations that assist veterans and their families has left a lasting impact, making her an inspiration to many. As the community comes together to honor her through the Operation: Raise the Roof initiative, we celebrate not just a new roof over her home, but the profound legacy she continues to build in memory of her son, Keon. With the support of generous sponsors and local heroes, this project is a testament to the power of community, love, and resilience.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to honoring our veterans.
To support a new roof for a veteran in need, please visit Operation: Raise the Roof at https://operationrtr.com
Your donation will ensure we can support more veterans.
For more information, contact:
Brianna Herndon
Operation: Raise the Roof, Powered by Valor Home
(219) 406-4341
Brianna@OpRTR.com
