Woman donates $11K to state veteran program

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KABC) -- The mother of a Marine killed in Iraq made an $11,000 dollar donation to a new state program honoring fallen veterans.

Diane Layfield raised the money for Project Gold Star through a charity golf tournament.

The project allows California's Department of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates honoring the families of slain soldiers.

"I feel really sad the Gold Star families are having to raise this money ourselves and step up to the plate, but if that's what it takes to get it done, the families will get it done to honor our loved ones," said Layfield.

The first Gold Star plates will be produced by the end of 2010.

Layfield's son was Lakota Sioux, and his plate that reads, "SAM123" means "fallen warrior."

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