Gold Star Mom Remembers the Day She 'Cried All Over the President's Suit'

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Sharon Belkofer introduced herself at the Democratic National Convention as a "sweet little old lady." What brought this Ohio woman and the president together is a loss no mother wants to bear.

A loss President Obama felt, too, as commander in chief, as the man who put her son in harm's way, where he gave his life for his country.

Thomas Belkofer was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. At the age of 44, while serving in Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division in 2010, he was killed in a Taliban attack on a NATO convoy. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1992, served in the Army National Guard and ROTC. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and several other medals, citations and service ribbons.

Lt. Col. Belkofer left behind a wife and two young daughters, and his parents and siblings.

On Thursday night, his mom Sharon, of Perrysburg, Ohio, spoke to thousands of people in Wells Fargo Arena and millions across the country about the day she cried all over the president's suit.

Watch Sharon Belkofer introduce the video that preceded Obama's rousing speech at the Democratic Convention and read her full remarks.

You're probably wondering: Who the heck is this sweet little old lady?

I am Sharon Belkofer – a mom to three boys who served our country, a retired nurse and a wife of 52 years, a grandma of 10, and even a great-grandma now.

I know that President Obama has meant so much to millions of Americans across the country. I'd like to tell you what he means to me.

Six years ago, on the morning of May 18, 2010, I became a Gold Star Mom – we became a Gold Star Family – when my son Tom, a lieutenant colonel, was killed in Afghanistan.

But it must have been OK, because a year later, at an event in my home state of Ohio, as I hoped to get a picture signed, someone told me, "The president would like to see you." Well, that's when I got my second presidential hug. So warm and kind, so compassionate.

I was inspired.

Maybe this sweet old lady could still make a difference.

I knew my community's schools needed more resources, so at age 73, I took a leap of faith and ran for my local school board. And when my back was bothering me and I didn't feel like knocking on doors, when the wind was blowing and it was cold and dreary, I thought of my son, Tom, who never gave up. And I thought of our president.

He never gives up. So why should I be different? Besides, they tell me walking is good for your back.

Well, guess what – I won my election. I won big! The president even sent me a handwritten note of congratulations. That's who he is – no matter how busy, he's never forgotten this little old lady in Ohio who has always had his back.

You see, some people in this world make big differences. My son, Tom, made big differences. The president continues to make big differences – and smaller ones too. Like the inspiration he poured into me – so that I might make a difference of my own.

I wish every American could hug President Obama – so that they could see the good in his eyes and feel the warmth in his heart.

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