Soldier still haunted by shooting

"Wounded at Fort Hood, Amber Bahr returns to a hero’s welcome in Random Lake but says she’s not a hero, just a soldier living with physical and emotional scars
Amber Bahr, the 20-year-old soldier from Random Lake whose efforts to save others even after she was shot during the Nov. 5 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, garnered acclaim from President Barack Obama, came home to a hero’s welcome on Sunday.

At the airport, she was met by 38 Patriot Guard Riders, all holding flags, and Blue Star Mothers, as well as a musician playing patriotic songs on his bugle.

At home, firefighters drove her on a fire truck for a mini-parade through the village to a celebration at Globe Lanes.

“It was overwhelming,” Bahr said. “I knew there were going to be a few people there. I didn’t know the whole town was going to be there. It was crazy.

“It made my heart feel really full toknow that people cared.”
It’s not often a national hero comes from a small town like Random Lake, so it’s natural that the community would turn out to welcome Bahr, who tended to wounded soldiers during the shooting without realizing she had been shot.

But Bahr said she’s not a hero, just a soldier who did her job and looked after her battle buddies."

Soldier still haunted by shooting:

Cub scout Packs 335 &228: cub scout committee notes 2/2/2010

Cub scout Packs 335 &228: cub scout committee notes 2/2/2010: "Saturday, Feb 27 - Our 1st service project of the year!! YAY!! We are going to help out the Blue Star Mothers of Rio Rancho. We did this in December. Everyone who went had a great time. They also got 'MR GOOD BARS' at pack meeting for their service.

We will meet at the church at 11am. We have to be up in Rio Rancho, behind Intel at 12noon. The boys need to be in uniform, too."

Freedom Festival set for Sept 11

"The Board of Works on Wednesday gave the Blue Star Hoosier Mothers permission to hold the third annual Freedom Festival on Sept. 11 at Milligan Park.

The festival, which honors those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, features speakers, entertainment and an auction to raise money for care packages sent to military men and women around the world.

Blue Star Hoosier Mothers President Gayle Sosbe represented the group on Wednesday.
She said that in the past four years the local chapter has sent out more than 600 boxes to soldiers filled with gifts. The Blue Star Hoosier Mothers’ next packing party will be on Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. at the New Ross Steak House."
The Journal Review:

Blue Star Mothers seeking new members

"Blue Star Mothers of America North Jersey no. 3, a non-profit service organization made up of mothers who have, or have had children honorably serving in the military, is seeking new members. The annual dues are $20 per year for Mothers.
For more information, visit Blue Star Mothers of America North Jersey no. 3 Facebook page. To join, contact Alice Miller, President, at 973-409-4422, or visit the national Web site at bluestarmothers.org."

NorthJersey.com: Blue Star Mothers seeking new members:

Daily-Jeff.com - Blue Star Mothers want banner back

he local Blue Star Mothers of America organization is seeking the return of a banner reading "Welcome Home Hero. Thank You For Your Service."
The banner was last seen displayed at the Guernsey County Courthouse.
"I don't know what happened," said Laura Edwards-Conrad, president of the local Blue Star Mothers of America. "I would hate to think that somebody stole the banner, but it's definitely missing."
Edwards-Conrad said the organization has a standing agreement with the county commissioners to have the banner erected when a soldier returns from a combat zone.
"It means a lot to our group to have the banner on the courthouse lawn to welcome back our soldiers," she said.
When not on display, the banner was stored by the county.
"It was on display during the holidays because we had a lot of soldiers who were home," said Edwards-Conrad. "We recently went to have it put up again because we have a couple soldiers home and it's gone."
Anyone with information regarding the banner can call Edwards-Conrad at (740) 260-3883.
The banner was donated by Speedy Print of Cambridge.
"Speedy Print has agreed to donate another banner so we can recognize the soldiers we have coming home, but we still want to get the banner returned," said Edwards-Conrad.
The local Blue Star Mothers of America was founded in Cambridge three years ago in order for military families to support each other and soldiers returning home.
The Blue Star Mothers of America meet at 6 p.m. on the last Monday of each month in the Crossroads Branch Library. All military families are welcome to attend the meetings.
(rstillion@daily-jeff.com)


Daily-Jeff.com - Blue Star Mothers want banner back

Luncheon to Honor Military

"American Legion Post 507, 24527 Spruce St., Newhall, will host a BBQ luncheon in honor of the active military, recently discharged military, Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Mothers. 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. RSVP by Feb. 13 to: elindgreen@sbcglobal.net."

The Signal - Santa Clarita Valley News - Your Community: Dates to Watch and Upcoming Events:

Day of Thanks

"American Legion Post No. 81 launched a new Day of Thanks Sunday to recognize military support personnel who are an important part of military operation but have never been deployed to a war zone."

We want to acknowledge military personnel support with at least a thank you,” said Rick Villegas, president of the American Legion Riders. “We would like to do it twice a month as long as there is somebody who wants to do it.”Recipients are not usually veterans of the front lines but more along the lines of military service personnel, Villegas said.The first military support personnel recognized during the first-time Day of Thanks ceremony was Sarah Jo Lively.

The ceremony was attended by Lake Havasu City Vice-Mayor Don Callahan, Councilwoman Margaret Nyberg, Blue Star Mothers, American Legion members, the VFW commander as well as Lively’s family members.


Today's News-Herald - Serving Lake Havasu City & The Lower Colorado River Area:

Blue Star Mothers of NH: North Country BSM Parents Group

"Hello to the Blue Star Mothers of the North Country!

We are all set for our first meeting at the *American Legion Post on Tasker Hill Road in Conway .

This first meeting will be held on Saturday, February 13th at 1:00.

This meeting will give us a chance to meet one another, discuss future meeting dates, filling the required positions and the possible activites to support our military family members.

Any questions:"



Blue Star Mothers of NH: North Country BSM Parents Group:

A Resolution to honor the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc

House Resolution 104 - Introduced
PAG LINK
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.
BY SWEENEY, WINDSCHITL, ALONS, GAYMAN, ISENHART
ARNOLD, WHITEAD, BUKTA, KEARNS, FICKEN, VAN
ENGELENHOVEN, WATTS, and CHAMBERS

1 1 A Resolution to honor the Blue Star Mothers of America,
1 2 Inc.
1 3 WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., was
1 4 founded as a patriotic service organization on February
1 5 2, 1942, to unite mothers who had sons or daughters in
1 6 the United States armed forces; and
1 7 WHEREAS, the nonpartisan, nonsectarian, and
1 8 nondiscriminatory nonprofit organization was chartered
1 9 by the Congress of the United States in 1960; and
1 10 WHEREAS, persons eligible for membership in the
1 11 organization include mothers and stepmothers who have
1 12 sons or daughters who are currently serving in the
1 13 United States military or who are honorably discharged
1 14 veterans; and...

more...http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Legislation/83rdGA/Resolutions/Introduced/HR104.html"

Students sending Valentine's wishes to the troops - My News 3

As of November 30, 2009, a total of 115,000 U.S. troops have been deployed to Iraq.

Although the fight overseas for these men and woman continues to be a difficult one, a local group of elementary school students is taking a lesson in humanity by helping our soldiers to get through the war in a very heartfelt way.

They are some of the most genuine words spoken directly from the heart, written to the men and women who are serving our country and protecting our freedoms.



Students sending Valentine's wishes to the troops - My News 3

Sending gifts and love to the troops

"When the United States fought in World War I, Americans at home did their part to conserve food so there would be more to feed American soldiers and to ship to our European Allies. Food schedules were posted, denoting which meals should be meatless, wheatless, porkless or some combination of the three. On Saturdays, for example, breakfast was meatless, lunch was porkless and the evening meal was supposed to be both wheatless and porkless.*"
It was quite a contrast to today, when the country is engaged in two wars that have had little impact on the day-to-day existence of most Americans.
For family members of those troops, however, the fighting is not something they can or want to forget.
In Duluth, a group of mothers decided that they would form an organization for mothers and stepmothers of servicemen and women that would meet on a regular basis. That was about a year ago; now they are called the Lake Superior Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers.

more...

Sending gifts and love to the troops Duluth News Tribune Duluth, Minnesota:

Helping those who serve: Even though Americans have not been asked to cut down on the amount of meat, pork or wheat

"There are several remarkable organizations in the Duluth
area that focus their services on helping veterans, current military members and their families. There's the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, recently recognized by Gov. Pawlenty. Another group doing a great job is the Family Readiness Group at the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota
Air National Guard. There's the Blue Star Mothers (see Page 1) and the Family Assistance Center."

We are grateful to all those organizations.
But it's not enough.
Even though Americans have not been asked to cut down on the amount of meat, pork or wheat products we eat so the government can send more food to war zones, there are many measures we can take to support the troops.
We can help the family members who struggle -- to make ends meet or to shovel the nasty combination of ice and snow that keeps carpeting the Northland -- while their loved one is away.

EDITORIAL: Helping those who serve: Even though Americans have not been asked to cut down on the amount of meat, pork or wheat p TradingMarkets.com:

'Blue Star Moms' offer support when loved ones in military

Corey Friedman

"While her son sweated and gasped through U.S. Army boot camp, Tammie Hayes found comfort and friendship on Facebook.
The captain of her son’s platoon at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., posted photos and videos from basic training on the popular social networking site, Hayes said. The Facebook page provided her with a link to new military moms just like her.
“It gave the mothers, the spouses, the siblings and everyone the opportunity to talk to each other and ask questions,” Hayes said. “We can help each other and give that support.”"
It also gave Hayes an idea. The Belmont resident decided to start a local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers, a group for mothers of active and honorably discharged military service members. The organization helps families of fallen troops, sends care packages overseas and raises money for other projects.
“I think it’s going to be a good support group, but we also want to help our soldiers,” said Hayes. “There are more and more who are going to be deployed.”
The Blue Star Mothers of America is a nonprofit organization authorized under the U.S. Code. It is nonpartisan and apolitical, according to its Web site.
“They’re just out for one thing,” Hayes said, “to support each other and support our troops.”
The local group will be the 11th chapter in North Carolina and will be called the Queen City Blue Star Mothers. With the next nearest chapter in Hickory, Hayes hopes Charlotte-area residents as well as those in Gaston County will join.
Despite the name, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins and grandparents are welcome to join the Blue Star Mothers. These relatives are admitted as associate members, according to the group’s Web site.
Hayes is still working to find a meeting place for the group. She has contacted military recruiters and local churches to find prospective members and said many people with links to the armed services seem receptive.
“It’s a big help,” she said. “It’s a good support group, and it’s good to have each other to lean on.”
Hayes’ son, Pvt. Michael Dawkins, is now training at Fort Sill, Okla., to become a cannon crew member in the Army. She said his time in boot camp was difficult for her, but the support of other Army parents helped ease the sting of separation.
“The first week I cried,” she said. “It was rough, but it eventually got better. It’s the communication, it’s having other people there to support you.”
Anyone interested in joining the Queen City Blue Star Mothers can contact Hayes at 704-860-4907 or thayes39@hotmail.com.
You can reach Corey Friedman at 704-869-1828.
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/son-43136-loved-comfort.html

Military wives, mothers gathering socks for troops

"Two groups of military
wives and mothers are on the hunt for one item we often take for granted that U.S. service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan lack: socks.
The Gold Star Wives of America group in Arizona, as well as the Blue Star Moms organization, launched a sock and valentines drive earlier this month with help from Ahwatukee, Chandler and Tempe area schools."
Military wives, mothers gathering socks for troops:

Local woman witnesses State of the Union address

"BLOOMINGTON - A local advocate for military families said witnessing President Barack Obama deliver the State of the Union address was the experience of a lifetime, but she also kept thinking of wounded soldiers she met in Washington, D.C.
Sharon McCauley of Bloomington, whose son is an Army Reservist, heads Corn Belt Blue Star Mothers. She also oversees the Adopt-A-Soldier program for the Military Affinity Group at Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance Cos., where she works.
She was invited as a guest of U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, a Democrat from Crete and a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, but she said the contents of the speech or the name of the president delivering it weren't that important to her.
'The politics didn't matter. It was being a part of history that made it such an honor,' she said from Washington, D.C."

Local woman witnesses State of the Union address:

Blue Star Mothers to host lecture

A"LEOMINSTER — The Blue Star Mothers MA Chapter 1 will host a lecture by Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Sam Rhodes at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Veterans Center, 100 West St., Leominster. Rhodes is a PTSD survivor who now travels the country offering his story as hope for our military heroes who find themselves in the same postion"
Blue Star Mothers to host lecture www.thecommunityjournal.com Community Journal:

Hearts go out to service members

By MELINDA MAWDSLEY/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Briana Chavez admitted it has been years since she created valentines from scratch, but the chance to be creative for a cause enticed the teenager to spend part of her Saturday helping others.
Chavez, 15, glued hearts on top of hearts as she made two homemade cards that will be shipped overseas to men and women in the U.S. military in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day. “It’s nice to show appreciation,” Chavez said.

Hearts go out to service members

Valentine Factory at Mesa Mall

Briefs, Jan. 20, 2010: "Valentines for soldiers accepted at mall
The third annual Valentines Factory, hosted by Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Mesa Mall.
People are encouraged to drop off valentines for U.S. soldiers deployed overseas or make one at the Blue Star Mothers table. They also will be collecting cash donations and donations for care packages.
Call 640-1065 for information."

Minn. moms of deployed soldiers support each other (Wahpeton, ND and Breckenridge, Minn.)

"ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) ” Barb Kriesel's son Ryan decided to join the Army when he was 19. Six weeks after enlisting, straight out of boot camp in Fort Carson, Colo., he was deployed to Iraq, where he drove a tank for one year.

That's when the sleepless nights and constant worrying began for his mom.

'I was pretty much a basket case and searching thing online and I stumbled on Blue Star Mothers on the Internet,' she said."

Anyone with a loved one serving in the military knows the anxiety that a late night phone call or knock on the door can cause. Military moms have long come together to talk about these concerns, especially in times of war. One of the groups that helps them cope is the Blue Star Mothers, which has been around since World War II.There are about 240 Blue Star Mothers in a dozen chapters around Minnesota. Moms like Kriesel say they share a mixture of fear and pride for their children.As moms, they admit they'd do anything to have their sons and daughters stay in the United States, working safe jobs that keep them out of harm's way. As citizens, they speak with pride of their children's service in the military.For Kriesel, no one quite understands that emotional conflict like the women in her group.

Breaking News : Minn. moms of deployed soldiers support each other (Wahpeton, ND and Breckenridge, Minn.):

Organization to build house for veteran in Colorado

Organization to build house for veteran

By Ashley Dieterle

Published: 01.18.10

After suffering severe injuries while serving in Iraq, Marine Lance Cpl. Kade Hinkouse was changed forever.

In October 2005, Hinkouse was patrolling in a vehicle during a late-night mission when part of his convoy was hit by a dual-stacked IED, causing the vehicle to explode. Hinkouse was ejected. He was left with a depressed skull, collapsed lungs and a serious leg injury.

Since then it has been a long recovery. He lost his right leg and 45 percent of his skull was removed for cranial plastic surgery. After spending hours in rehabilitation, Hinkouse’s life is slowing returning to normal.

The injuries left Hinkouse disabled and in a wheelchair. Because of his bravery and heroic duties for his country one nonprofit organization is giving back to Hinkouse.

Homes for Our Troops is an organization that builds and remodels specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans at no cost to the veterans. Hinkouse was chosen by Homes for Our Troops for a new home in the location of his choice.

Homes for Our Troops is the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc, National President's Project for 2010

Hinkouse, who lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Becky, chose Elizabeth as his new home. He said he wanted to live in a small community but not be too far from the city.

“I wanted to be close to a fire station and also close to good hospitals,” he said. “Becky and I both grew up in small communities, so Elizabeth was the right choice for us.”

more... Organization to build house for veteran Colorado Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town Lone Tree Voice News

Heart of Texas Blue Star Mothers Christmas

Girl Scout cookies are for sale

... "The cookie sale began Jan. 8 and will continue through March 26. The girls will be walking door to door through their neighborhoods, making presentations to businesses and community groups, e-mailing friends and family as well as hosting cookie booths at local businesses.

Some troops will participate in Cookies from Home, in which they ship care packages of Girl Scout cookies to service personnel stationed overseas, with the help of Blue Star Mothers and the USO.

This year's theme for the cookie sale is 'Leap 2 Lead! Be the Change!' All proceeds from the sale of Girl Scout cookies stay in the local community.

'Our annual Girl Scout cookie activities, in addition to United Way funding, help us make the Girl Scout experience available to all girls who want to participate,' Bonifas said."

More... Girl Scout cookies are for sale:

Idaho Guard members deploy for duty in Afghanistan

Idaho Guard members deploy for duty in Afghanistan Idaho News from KTVB.COM Boise news, Idaho weather, sports, traffic & events News: "BOISE -- Eight more Idaho soldiers are off to war.

It's the second round of deployments since Christmas.

So far, a total of 16 service members are being sent to Afghanistan.

For many this is not their first tour, but regardless, it's time away from family and friends while serving in harm's way.

KTVB was on scene for the departure Saturday morning,"

...


...At the airport, armed with patriotism, were mothers of other service men and women deployed to the War on Terror.They're called the Blue Star Mothers of America and while they don't personally know the soldiers who left today, they have the soldiers in their thoughts."As mothers we all feel the same way concerning how our children are being sent into harm’s ways, and so we are just here to support not only the service men themselves, but their mothers," said Darlene Biar of the Blue Star Mothers of America.It's a group that has only been in existence for six months in the Treasure Valley, but for decades around the nation.They hope their presence shows those leaving and those left behind that their service is supported."We don't know what is going to happen,” Biar said. “And so, they are trying to be as supportive as they can. They are trying to hold back their tears, but there are tears here today, not only from the mothers, but wives, fathers (and) children. And we are here to offer them any support that we can."

LaJollaLight.com | Bird Rock Elementary School fifth graders make Valentines for the troops

"The fifth graders from Ginny LaRowe's class at Bird Rock Elementary School were busy Thursday making Valentine cards for the troops. The Blue Star Mothers of San Diego will include them in Valentine boxes along with bags of goods that they'll send overseas."
The Blue Star Mothers is a nonprofit made up of mothers who now have, or have had, children serving in the military. For information go to www.bluestarmotherssandiego.org
LaJollaLight.com Bird Rock Elementary School fifth graders make Valentines for the troops:

Surprise Marine Homecoming

"Grand Junction, Colo.

Private First Class Cody Bell, 19, arrived home to the Grand Valley Friday night. He was greeted back to Grand Junction Regional Airport to a crowd of 75 people."

More krextv.com - Surprise Marine Homecoming: