Santa Clarita’s Gold Star Families were honored today during Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s annual community tree topping/decorating event. A representative of the families, accompanied by a member of the armed forces, placed the star on top of the community tree.

Standing for PFC Jake Suter, U.S. Marine Corps, DOB 7/31/1991—DOD 5/29/2010, were Michelle Suter Unthank (mother) and stepfather Chris Unthank, who along with Sgt. Michael Perez of the U.S. Army,  placed the star on top of the community tree. Standing for Lt. Cpl. Richard (Ricky) Slocum, U.S. Marine Corps, DOB 2/2/1985—DOD 10/24/2004, were Kay and Bob Slocum, and siblings Robbie and Kim; and standing for SPC Rudy A. Acosta, U. S. Army, DOB 5/2/1991—DOD 3/19/2011 was Dante Acosta (father). 

Henry Mayo’s community holiday tree is decorated with more than 3,000 lights and hundreds of ornaments placed by hospital staff and volunteers with support from Andy Gump, Inc. employees and equipment. The Gump family business is a longtime sponsor of the annual Community Tree Lighting event at the hospital.

The tree decorating is in preparation of the 26thannual Community Tree Lighting Festival, Sunday, December 4, 2 to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and includes holiday entertainment, children’s activities and crafts, and complimentary Santa Claus photos. The tree will be magically lit by Santa at 5 p.m. For more information, please call (661) 200-1306.