Saturday, October 31, 2009

High Country Military Mothers to Meet Next Weekend

The High Country Blue Star Mothers will meet next weekend at the National Guard Armory.
According to Gail Walker, of ASU’s Reich College of Education, the organization is for mothers in Ashe, Avery, or Watauga County who have sons or daughters serving in the military.The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the chartering of a High Country Chapter of the National Organization of Blue Star Mothers. Nationally, the organization holds activities to support both the families and those serving in the military.Interested residents can contact Debbie Branch, the chair of the event, at branchfamily@earthlink.net.

GoBlueRidge.net - High Country Military Mothers to Meet Next Weekend - Constantly Updated High Country NC News Source

Blue Star Mothers of America « Celebrate America


"On January 22, 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking Mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of this first meeting. It was decided that after receiving 1000 responses from the ad to form a permanent organization. That’s was the start to the Blue Star Mothers of America.
On February 6th the organization was reported on Congressional record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In June of 1960 the organization was chartered by congress.
Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers and were a working part of homeland security during times of war. The organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. In recent times we have began to grow in strength. Being attacked on our own soil has once again started mothers hanging flags in their windows at home proclaiming pride in the fact that we have children protecting our freedom during at time of war
Their organization not only provides support for active duty service personnel, promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and are available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong."




Blue Star Mothers of America « Celebrate America:

‘Night Under Stars’ for Blue Star Mothers


"By Alicia Dukov
For The Signal
Posted: Oct. 29, 2009 9:33 p.m.
POSTED Oct. 30, 2009 4:55 a.m.

Mothers of children in service were served with moral support at the recent SCV Blue Star Mothers Chapter #91, 'A Night Under the Stars.'

Held at the Elks Lodge in Canyon Country, the event was organized by the local chapter of the organization for mothers who have children serving or who have served in the armed forces of the United States."

Gathering for a goal, the evening of dinner and dancing raised funds for the chapter's creation of care packages that will be sent to veterans as well as overseas troops during the holidays. From 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. families and friends gathered to honor service members and those who stay by the sidelines rooting for their safe return home. Chapter president Sandy Baer was on hand to welcome newcomers to the group and also recommence with veterans of the cause."I am glad that we are all able to come together in support of our troops and definitely each other," said Baer. "My son is in the Army and I know how it has affected me. Being able to reach out to other mothers who are going through something similar is really important to me. It helps a lot."

More... The Signal - Santa Clarita Valley News - ‘Night Under Stars’ for Blue Star Mothers:

Friday, October 30, 2009

Supporting loved ones serving in Afghanistan


"Massive explosions and constant gunfire continue to ring out in the streets of Kabul, Afghanistan. (View Video)
Officials say several people were killed in the latest round of violence, including six United Nations staff members. Earlier this week, eight U.S. servicemen were killed after dozens of others in recent weeks.
This makes October the deadliest month on record for U.S. troops since the war began. This level of violence hasn't been witnessed since the aftermath of 9/11."
It's been eight years and President Obama is said to be considering sending more troops to the region. In the meantime, local families with loved ones serving in Afghanistan are coming together.
They say now is when our troops need our prayers and support the most.
The images on television are hard to avoid: escalating violence in Afghanistan, eight more American troops killed Tuesday - 55 total in just the last few weeks.
Blue Star Mom Dorothy Fusco has endured this sort of thing before. Her son Anthony is a First Sergeant in the army; he's on his sixth trip to the war zone, his third to Afghanistan. And now Anthony is married to First Lieutenant Melissa, who is serving there as well.
"She deployed in May and he deployed in August. It is difficult to hear that there are casualties but you have to learn to deal with it. And we support each other and we pray a lot."
While the Fuscos try to avoid the images, they do stay current on the issues and the politics; they both favor sending more troops to the region.
"I don't know why we're hesitating," says Richard Fusco, Anthony's father. "We're going to wait for some more to get killed. Maybe if they had more troops these eight wouldn't have gotten killed (Tuesday)."
The Fuscos' spare room is a workshop of sorts, where care packages and supplies are assembled. One batch in particular is intended for shipment right before the holidays.
"They need to have that contact to see that life is normal. Not everything is bombs and bullets."
The Fuscos keep in touch with both Anthony and Melissa via the Internet but communications are limited. For security reasons, the Fuscos don't always know exactly where Melissa and Anthony are located.
But what they do know is that they're almost always in harm's way. Anthony has already received three Bronze Stars for bravery.
Blue Star Mothers is a national, non-political support network for U.S. troops. If you're interested in donating or helping with care packages, log on to BlueStarMothers.org.



Supporting loved ones serving in Afghanistan:

Monday, October 26, 2009

Elsie Gertrude Fleming Rader

Lima, OH


"Elsie Gertrude Fleming Rader, 84, died at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 2009, at Golden Living Center, where she had been a resident since June 2004. She succumbed after a long struggle against Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born March 23, 1925, in Jackson Township, near Lafayette, to John Wesley and Bertha Louisa Binkley Fleming, who preceded her in death. On Dec. 29, 1951, she married Wayne Roger Rader, who died Feb. 18, 2008.
Mrs. Rader was a teacher before her marriage and again when her children were all in school. She taught at Lafayette-Jackson, Liberty Benton, Whittier Elementary and Kinder Kottage Preschool. She graduated from Lafayette-Jackson High School and attended Bowling Green State University.
She was well-known for her volunteerism. She had been active in the PTA, American Heart Association, Lutheran Church Women, Church Women United, and Blue Star Mothers, in which she held several local, district and national offices, including Ohio and national president. In 1988 and again in 1995, she laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. She was given the PTA Founders Day Award, Soroptimist Woman of the Year 1978, and LaSertoma Woman of the Year 1990. She was a longtime member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, and had been very active in church activities, including church choir, Women’s Church Circles and Altar Guild.
She was always willing to help other people. She had looked after several elderly neighbors and did many canning, baking, cooking and craft projects to help support her family, church and organizations to which she belonged. Yet, she always had time for her family. She was a loving wife of 56 years, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include eight children, Elayne (Tim) Redding, Miriam Rader-Downing, Philip (Mary) Rader Sr., Rachael Lewis, all of Lima, John (Betty) Rader, of Parma, Timothy (Beverly) Rader, of Elida, Mary (fiancé Tom Glick) Evans, of Lima, and Mark (Lori) Rader, of Spencerville; 19 grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; nine stepgreat-grandchildren; three sisters, Gladys Wagner, of Findlay, Betty Hawk, of Lafayette, and Jean (Dan) Holyoak, of Moab, Utah; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Fleming; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Linda A. Rader; 11 siblings, Walter (Barbara) Fleming, Clarence (Geneva, Anna) Fleming, Ralph (Edna) Fleming, Guy (Ruth) Fleming, Gerald (Dorothy) Fleming, Helen Fleming, Lester Fleming, Dorothy (Robert) Lambrecht, Edith (Paul) Stager, Mabel Fleming and infant Stella Mae Fleming; and two brothers-in-law, Charles Wagner and Richard Hawk.
Services will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Pastor Lars Olson will officiate. Burial will be in Desenberg Cemetery, Lafayette.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Chiles-Laman Funeral Homes, Lewis Eastside Chapel.
Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association."



Elsie Gertrude Fleming Rader elsie, fleming, gertrude - Obituaries - LimaOhio.com:

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Group gathers messages for military

A Central Virginia organization that supports families of service members is gathering messages and care packages to send overseas.




The Blue Star Families of Central Virginia, which includes participants from throughout the area, will collect messages to send to the troops at the Nelson Memorial Library, an effort that began Monday and will conclude Nov. 8.



The care packages are a hit with the troops, said chapter President Jacqui Cecalupo, who teaches gifted students in the Albemarle County public schools.

One of her sons, John, is an Army major who taught at Virginia Military Institute and is serving a second tour of duty in Iraq. Her other son, Michael, is an Army captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and now is transitioning out of the military.


The chapter is unique in that it is an affiliate of the Blue Star Moms, mirrors that mission and includes male family members.

“Our intent was to include the husband and wife” of service members, Cecalupo said.


The chapter was formed in 2003 and approximately 80 families are participating.

Veteran Tickets Foundation hosts Military Appreciation night at Fear Farm

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Active Duty Military, Veterans and their families will all be honored with a FREE spooky treat as Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) hosts Military Appreciation night on Oct. 25 at Fear Farm located at 2209 N. 99th Ave. Phoenix, AZ.




From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. anyone with an active duty military, Veteran, American Legion, VFW ID or DD214 form is invited to come out to Fear Farm to enjoy five scary mazes, kids activities, military displays including the National Guard #88 NASCAR and Patriot Chopper, and special appearances by the Suns Gorilla and Coyotes mascot Howler.



The regular fee for entry to Fear Farm is $25.



“We couldn’t be more pleased to work with groups like Fear Farm to host events like this,” said Vet Tix CEO Michael Focareto. “The venue is donating thousands of potential dollars they could be making in profit so that military members might enjoy a fun filled night with their families, and we sincerely cannot thank them enough.”



In addition to the corn maze, guests can expect Army recruiters to be on hand with a target shooting game, a pie walk sponsored by Village Inn and Blue Star Moms, face painting and carnival games with prizes sponsored by Kohl’s Department Store.



Activities for young children will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Adult corn maze and activities will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Blue Star Moms Care Package Donation Collection

Blue Star Moms Care Package Donation Collection: "East Bay Blue Star Moms are collecting items for their upcoming annual Holiday Hugs mailing event at the Pleasanton Walmart, 10 am - 3pm. For more information, please go to our website, www.bluestarmoms.org"

One for the troops


One for the troops troops, deploying, biden - News - Jacksonville Daily News: "Deploying troops in the Second Combat Engineer Battalion were surprised with an executive send-off this week when the second lady of the United States, visited Camp Lejeune.
Dr. Jill Biden, a “Blue Star Mom” military mother herself with a son, Beau, who recently returned from a year-long deployment in Iraq, mingled with about 150 troops and their families on Wednesday. The troops were preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan’s Helmand province. Biden has made a priority of reaching out to service members and her families in a public capacity."

One for the troops | troops, deploying, biden

One for the troops troops, deploying, biden - News - Jacksonville Daily News: "Deploying troops in the Second Combat Engineer Battalion were surprised with an executive send-off this week when the second lady of the United States, visited Camp Lejeune.
Dr. Jill Biden, a “Blue Star Mom” military mother herself with a son, Beau, who recently returned from a year-long deployment in Iraq, mingled with about 150 troops and their families on Wednesday. The troops were preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan’s Helmand province. Biden has made a priority of reaching out to service members and her families in a public capacity."

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Iraq’s women, families topic of conference here this week

"Iraq’s ambassador to the United States, Samir Sumaidaie, also will attend one of the public events, “A Hero’s Salute,” to be held at the S.C. Aviation and Technology Center at Donaldson at 2 p.m. Friday. He will join Gold and Blue Star Mothers and military service personnel to honor those who served and died in Iraq. The event’s speakers include the Iraqi women delegates, 4th District U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Garry L. Parks."
Iraq’s women, families topic of conference here this week GreenvilleOnline.com The Greenville News:

Sunday, October 11, 2009

A Hero's Salute at SCTAC in Greenville, SC

Gunner's Military News Blog - from USAFNS: "Greenville, SC – On October 16th at 2:oo PM, as Marines in dress blues escort the last few Gold and Blue Star Moms, Iraqi delegates and special guests to their respective places, Families United Toward Universal Respect/ FUTURE presents A Hero's Salute at SCTAC in Greenville, SC. There, among a sea of waving American flags, North Greenville University's Brass Ensemble will set the tone for the afternoon's featured speakers, which include Iraqi delegates, SC Congressman Bob Inglis and retired Lieutenant General Garry L. Parks – former Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs U.S. Marine Corps. To show support on an official visit, Iraqi ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Samir Sumaidaie, will be attending and and participating."

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Letters of Appreciation

Donations: "'No one has left this hospital without being taken care of thanks to organizations such as Blue Star Mothers. Blessings and thanks again…' CH Leathers, 10th CSH, Iraq
'Being so far from home makes me sad but groups like SDNC Blue Star Mothers keep our Moral up and keeps us going when the bad times come up. Every little thing brings warmth to our hearts.' Spc. R.R. - Bagdad
Certification of Appreciation 'For hard work and dedication in providing care packages for our paratroopers.' Battalion Chaplain - Afghanistan
Tonight we came to work and we had a huge pile of boxes waiting for us when we arrived. They were all support boxes from you all. Thank you. “the kids” gathered around as I opened them and dumped them on the mail cart for all to share. Let me tell you seeing them start there day off with a smile is something I will never be able to say thank you enough! Everyone got something to there liking from the boxes and all started off the day with a smile... GySgt A.,, Marine Corps, Iraq"

Fresno Blue Star Mom Visits Her Wounded Son

"Fresno, CA (KFSN) -- A Fresno woman who comforts military families is now dealing with her own son's injuries suffered in Afghanistan."




more...Fresno Blue Star Mom Visits Her Wounded Son - 10/07/09 - Fresno News - abc30.com:

LA’s Sale-abration a huge success

Soldiers Angels LA » LA’s Sale-abration a huge success: "Hi everyone and thanks for all your work. WELL IT PAID OFF. $ 3,000.00 ($2,250 to Soldiers’ Angels and $750 for other charitable uses & a $100 to set aside for the next sale – read on). Plus all the items to ship overseas that were put in the Jeep by loving Americans for their troops. These will be shipped out by Blue Star Moms this month to La. Military overseas. We will be shipping items to American Indians and Appalachia, filling special Louisiana homemade pouches for the females in the group that will be leaving us in Jan. We donated 2 lg. boxes of books to the group that sends reading materials on request to our military."

Gunner's Military News Blog - from USAFNS

"Greenville, SC – On October 16th at 2:oo PM, as Marines in dress blues escort the last few Gold and Blue Star Moms, Iraqi delegates and special guests to their respective places, Families United Toward Universal Respect/ FUTURE presents A Hero's Salute at SCTAC in Greenville, SC. There, among a sea of waving American flags, North Greenville University's Brass Ensemble will set the tone for the afternoon's featured speakers, which include Iraqi delegates, SC Congressman Bob Inglis and retired Lieutenant General Garry L. Parks – former Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs U.S. Marine Corps. To show support on an official visit, Iraqi ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Samir Sumaidaie, will be attending and and participating."
more... Gunner's Military News Blog - from USAFNS:

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

8th Anniversary of Afghanistan War

"Today marks the 8th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan.
So far 21,000 troops have been sent over this year alone, which brings the total to 68,000 armed forces for the entire war to date.
On this anniversary, the Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers hopes that people won't forget about those who are still fighting as well as those who have served in this war.
Nearly 800 soldiers have lost their lives in the Afghan War.
President Obama is expected to make a decision Friday on General McChrystal's request of an additional 40,000 troops."

8th Anniversary of Afghanistan War:

Tampa Bay Newspapers

: Largo Leader - Tampa Bay Newspapers: "Family support assistance is provided by several groups, including the Navy Seabee’s Department of Florida, the Blue Star Mothers, and the Tampa Area Marine Parents’ Association."

UCP partners with Buckeye Military Moms


"You’d be surprised how many items will fit in a box when preparing a care package for the troops overseas. The Chapter President of the Buckeye Military Moms chapter of the Blue Star Mothers, Trina Dunlap, invited UCP of Central Ohio to be part of a Packing Party on Saturday, October 3, 2009. UCP sold OSU Buckeye bears and Brutus holiday stockings to include in the packages with a portion of the proceeds benefitting both organizations."

American soldiers and people with disabilities both benefited from this partnership as over 600 care packages were stuffed to be shipped to the troops. The packages contained food and hygiene items, and several fun items including water balloons and Nerf footballs! The boxes were complete with a stuffed Brutus doll or stocking to make a place far away feel a little more like home


more...UCP partners with Buckeye Military Moms chapter of Blue Star Mothers to support our Troops UCP of Central Ohio:

Blue Star Moms offer support for military mothers

"COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO -- Mothers who have a child serving in the military know first-hand how difficult the possibility of their child never returning is. And that's where Blue Star Moms come in.
Blue Star Moms meet once a month for two hours to talk about anything. They talk about the first day their child becomes a soldier to finding out that soldier is being deployed to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan.
These moms told FOX21 News they understand each other better than anyone else since they're going through the same struggles every day."
“You know I have friends and they just don't understand. But all these ladies in this room understand what I’m going through,” said Carol Dial, Blue Star Mom.
Blue Star Moms also come up with ways to give back to the military by sending care packagesand letters, and they help veterans who are readjusting to life after the military.
“There are a lot of strong military parents in Colorado and we reach out to them and say, 'Don't be alone, don't worry about your child without having someone else. We are here to help you,'” said Tari Cofield, Blue Star Mom.
For more information on how you can become a member of Blue Star Mothers of America, log onto the Colorado chapter's Web site.

more... Blue Star Moms offer support for military mothers : News : KXRM FOX 21:

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Town Talk - Farmington Daily Times

Town Talk - Farmington Daily Times: "7 p.m. first Monday - The Blue Star Mothers will meet at a new location, The Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St. Blue Star Mothers have sons or daughters in the military. Anyone wishing to help the troops is welcome to attend. Information: (505) 325-3834."

Blue Star Mothers of America:

Blue Star Mothers of America: Wednesday, 10/7 at 7:00pm at Niles Veterans Hall - when.com: "Are you the parent of a US servicemember, current or having honorably served? Please join the Alameda County Blue Star Moms, Chapter CA23 the 1st & 3rd Wed. of each month. ALL family members are invited to our organization as we continue to support the Troops. We are a support group, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to the service and support of our Troops/Veterans and Families."

Friday, October 2, 2009

Support The Blue Star Moms - San Francisco

"Furniture and other items available at sale to raise funds to support our troops. Items include loft bed, computer desk, matching sofa, chair and ottoman and TV. Sale is Oct 3 at 19001 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. Hours are 8-1. Early birds can pay $5 for early entrance (starting at 7am). Rain or shine. Cash only.

www.bluestarmoms.org"

Support The Blue Star Moms - San Francisco :: For Sale General: