Cindy became a Gold Star Mother on December 24, 2007, when her son, Cpl. Daniel Lee Tatum, USMC, was killed outside of Camp Pendleton in an automobile/train collision. Daniel had served two deployments in Iraq.

Approximately two years after the death of Daniel, Cindy knew she had to “do” something to help keep the memory of her son’s service alive. At that time, she was introduced to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. Cindy believed it was a worthy organization because of their mission’s emphasis of service to veterans, active duty military personnel and their families. In 2009, Cindy joined American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. She is an active member at the Chapter and Department levels in her home state of TN. Cindy served on the National Executive Board of AGSM from 2013-2021, serving as the 2020-21 National President.

In 2014, Cindy spearheaded a project to have State Route 1, which reaches across 538 miles in Tennessee, designated “Gold Star Families Memorial Highway.” She has participated in the annual Gold Star Mothers-Bumpus Harley Davidson Tour of Duty Ride campaigns for the past ten years, helping to raise almost $200,000 for causes that assist veterans, active-duty military, and their families. She enjoys visiting older veterans at the local VA Home!

As an educator for much of her adult life, Cindy was delighted when she was approached by Wreaths Across America and asked to help develop curriculum for the Teach component of the Wreaths Across America-Remember, Honor, Teach Mission!
Cindy currently serves as Gold Star Liaison on the Woody Williams Gold Star Families Monument Committee for the Memphis Liberty Park Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.

Cindy lives in Milan, TN with her husband of 39 years Andy, and her Service Dog Linus. They have two adult children and four wonderful grandchildren. She retired in May 2020, after spending 26 years as a Government and Economics teacher at Milan High School.