Young Announces State of the Union Guest: Gold Star Mother Sandy Terwiske

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) announced that Gold Star mother Sandy Terwiske from Jasper, Indiana, will attend tonight’s State of the Union address as his guest.

Sandy Terwiske’s son, Lance Corporal Alec Terwiske, was killed in action in September 2012 by an improvised explosive device while serving in the Marines in Afghanistan. Senator Young wears a bracelet in honor of Alec, and following last year’s State of the Union, Senator Young gave President Trump one of Alec’s bracelets.

In 2017, Senator Young wrote a letter to the Navy requesting a building at NSA Crane in Jasper be renamed in Lance Corporal Terwiske’s honor. Senator Young joined the building dedication last May.

“I’m honored to bring Sandy Terwiske as my guest for this year’s State of the Union. We have become close friends since her son’s passing in 2012, and together we are working to share Alec’s story,” said Senator Young. “As a Marine, I am committed to making sure our Gold Star families are taken care of, and I know President Trump shares this goal.”

“I look forward to attending tonight’s State of the Union as the guest of Senator Young. We’ve remained close for years now, and I know he is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Alec and all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Sandy Terwiske.

To learn more about Sandy Terwiske, click here.

Senator Young wearing the bracelet honoring Lance Corporal Alec Terwiske.

Senator Young and Sandy Terwiske at the building dedication ceremony in honor of Lance Corporal Alec Terwiske at NSA Crane last year.