Blue Star Mothers coming to Buffalo-Niagara - YNN, Your News Now

Amherst, NY - Inspired by her sons Ryan, who is serving in Iraq, and David, who is serving in Afghanistan, Catherine Chapman of Amherst is starting a Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America.

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Blue Star Mothers coming to Buffalo-Niagara - YNN, Your News Now

"This is our way of saying thank you to those men and women who have answered the call and have stepped up to the plate and who do believe in what they're doing," said Chapman.
The Blue Star Mothers are mothers who currently have or have had children honorably serving in the military. Chapman learned about the organization after her sons enlisted. She joined a chapter in Chautauqua County in March around the same time she lost her job. It was then she decided to focus her energy on starting one in the Buffalo-Niagara region.
"It's well worth it," said Chapman. "It's been a lot of work but it's been a lot of fun too along the way, and I've met some absolutely wonderful people."
Blue Star Mothers are more than a support group. They collect items for care packages and have a "Greetings from Home" campaign as well. Chapman sews pillowcases with the goal of putting one in each care package. "This helps to boost their morale to know that somebody really cares, and we're not forgotten and we're not doing this for nothing," said Chapman.
Blue Star Mothers also tend to the needs of veterans. Chapman expects to complete the Blue Star charter application Tuesday night. That's when she'll encourage others to join the group at an informational meeting at 7 p.m. at the American Legion on Amherst Street in Buffalo. For additional information people can visit www.NY7BuffaloNiagaraBSM@yahoo.com.
"This has helped me personally to be able to, like I said, not only give back to the troops and show them appreciation, but it's also helping me to understand that I'm not alone in this," said Chapman.
Chapman proudly flies her flags and displays a blue star banner in the window of her Amherst home, one star for each son. She's looking forward to sharing her patriotic pride with a new chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America.

Stars and Stripes at Old Navy

In conjunction with Old Navy's annual Support our Troops event in Grand Junction, The Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers have an informational table available while also collecting care package donations. Anyone who brings an item into the store that is listed on the GVBSM item list and donates it to the Blue Star Mothers will receive a coupon for 10% off their Old Navy purchase.

New Military Support Group Created in WNY

Catherine Chapman of Amherst and Christina Ball of Royalton are two proud mothers. Chapman has two sons serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan and Ball's son Jeffrey just completed a tour of duty in Iraq, and in now based at Fort Drum. The mothers have now teamed up to create a new chapter of The Blue Star Mothers of America in the Buffalo Niagara Region. The national non-profit organization consists of mother who have children serving in any branch of the military and helps support them and their families. Organizers of this new chapter hope to link up with other groups to send care packages, cards, letters, and other items to our servicemen and servicewomen who are serving overseas.

New Military Support Group Created in WNY | WKBW News 7: News, Sports, Weather - Buffalo, New York | Local News

wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY | Amherst Mom Starts Local Chapter of Military Support Group

With 2 sons deployed, Catherine Cunningham of Amherst wanted support from other local Moms who had kids overseas but quickly realized the closest local chapter of the Blue Stars Mother's Organization was in Chautauqua County... so she started a new chapter for Erie and Niagara counties.
The Blue Star Mother's Organization was started in 1942 in Flint, Michigan by a few mothers' who were looking for support while their sons were overseas. Throughout the past years, the group has grown to encompass other family members. The group is known to collect items for care packages to send to troops, hold meetings for emotional support during deployment periods and ultimately, bring families together that are dealing with relatives serving in war.


wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY | Amherst Mom Starts Local Chapter of Military Support Group

Central Supports Blue Star Mothers

By Lindsey Pyburn
The money raised by this year’s Cookin’ in Central was used to support several different organizations. During their annual Gold Star Mothers banquet this year, $4000 of the total funds from Cookin’ was awarded to the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Mothers dates back to World War I when the families of active duty military placed the Blue Star Flag in the windows of their homes. The group waned after World War II, but became popular again after 9/11. The tradition of using the Blue Star Flag is still observed amongst the members of the organization. The group gives the mothers of active duty military a place to connect with others going through the same situations and allows them to participate in activities that benefit current and past military personnel.
more...

Central Supports Blue Star Mothers | CentralSpeaks.com

Healing Field of Honor draws crowd to ceremony

Healing Field of Honor draws crowd to ceremony

By SHELLEY TERRY - sterry@starbeacon.com Star Beacon

NORTH KINGSVILLE — With 400 U.S. flags lined in rows on a grassy field at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, the Healing Field of Honor serves as a memorial to men and women who have served our nation to preserve its security and freedom. ...

Healing Field of Honor draws crowd to ceremony » Local News » The Star Beacon; Ashtabula, Ohio

The Blue Star Mothers, a nonprofit veterans service organization of mothers who now have, or have had, children serving honorably in the military, read the names of those honored with a flag.

Guest speaker Gary Minadeo, American Legion Ninth District Commander, reminded the crowd the U.S. was founded on God and country. He encouraged everyone to talk to their children and grandchildren about the founders of our country and those who sacrificed their lives to uphold the Constitution.

“In battle, you are putting your life on the line to protect an ideal — the Constitution of the United States of America,” he said. “Talk to your children about faith and country.”

Blue Star Mothers visit Kirtland AFB

6/11/2010 - Cheri Bibeau looks into the cockpit of an F-16 from the New Mexico Air National Guard during a recent visit of the Blue Star Mothers. Photo by Penny Huston

Blue Star Mothers visit Kirtland AFB

Blue Star Mother's of NH Family Day Veterans Fundraiser at Cheshire Fair Grounds in Swanzey, NH - Zvents

Blue Star Mother's of NH Family Day Veterans Fundraiser at Cheshire Fair Grounds in Swanzey, NH - Zvents: "Tweet this
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Blue Star Mother's of NH Family Day Veterans Fundraiser
Saturday, July 24 1:30p
at Cheshire Fair Grounds, Swanzey, NH
Fees for the use of Eventbrite are added in addition to the $15.00 entry fee. By doing this, Blue Star Mother's is not loosing $1.36 per ticket sale. Thank you for your understanding and your donation.
This will be a state wide fundaiser for Blue Star Mother's of NH.
There will be a key note speaker, many fun activties for families, music, event sponsors will be exhibiting at the fundraiser in support of all Veteran's. read more
Age Suitability: None Specified
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Fees for the use of Eventbrite are added in addition to the $15.00 entry fee. By doing this, Blue Star Mother's is not loosing $1.36 per ticket sale. Thank you for your understanding and your donation.
This will be a state wide fundaiser for Blue Star Mother's of NH.
There will be a key note speaker, many fun activties for families, music, event sponsors will be exhibiting at the fundraiser in support of all Veteran's.
Bring a lawn chair or two, blanket, sunscreen and enjoy a great afternoon supporting our Veteran's in & from New Hampshire.
This event will be held rain or shine! Will be rescheduled only in the event of severe thunder storms!"

Grizz Bowl 2010: Bigger and badder than ever

Grizz Bowl 2010: Bigger and badder than ever: "The Soaring Eagle Blue Star Moms will be on hand making their second appearance at the event. The moms are scheduled to sell their delectable five fan favorites.
These sweet treats are $1 each and include Rice Krispie treats, chocolate chip cookies, frosted sugar cookies, brownies and cupcakes.
The mothers will also be tossing patriotic beach balls and miniature footballs into the crowd to keep energy levels high.
All proceeds from sweet treat sales will be put in the group’s general fund, which provides support for troops serving their county, veterans and the Susanville chapter of Blue Star Moms.
The group has grown tremendously according to chapter president Christine Boyd. The moms are currently at 68 members.
The Susanville chapter ranks at No. 5 out of the 21 chapters in California ahead of San Diego, Fresno, Yuba City and Lancaster. Nationwide the chapter is ranked 11th out of 215 for membership.
“I guess someone forgot to tell us we were a small town,” said Boyd. “The support that we have received from this community is incredible. There is so much pride and patriotism here. The Blue Star Mothers date back to 1942 and to be a part of that history means everything to me.”
Boyds son, Lane Morrow, recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan and Boyd could not be happier.
Donna Spaan, another Blue Star Mother, spoke of her son Justin who is serving as a combat medic for the U.S. Army in Basra, Iraq.
“I have raised my children wanting to volunteer, to give of themselves more than they have received. I stand in awe of what my son is doing.”"

Vollies May Get $50,000 from Assemblyman | GerritsenBeach.net

"Now for some good vollie news!
The Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department may receive a $50,000 grant from the state assembly to help with the structural upkeep of the Blue Star Mothers Hall at 43 Seba Avenue.
As of right now the Vollies are being cautiously optimistic because they still have to fill out the appropriate paperwork, jump a hoop or two but in the end it sounds like they will get the money.
Although $50,000 sounds like a lot of money, it is specifically earmarked for the building and not for any other expense.
Don’t think that you shouldn’t give whatever you can to the Vollies because they are rolling in money cause they are not."

Vollies May Get $50,000 from Assemblyman GerritsenBeach.net:

Blue Star Moms to collect food, toiletries

Staff Report
Posted: 05/23/2010 10:12:25 PM PDT


The Blue Star Moms of Marin will collect donations of food and toiletries that will be used to assemble care packages for combat military personnel.
Donations can be made between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. June 5 at Safeway at 1 Camino Alto in Mill Valley. Blue Star Moms will be on hand to provide a list of requested items before individuals start shopping.
For information, e-mail info@bluestarmomsofmarin.org."

Blue Star Moms to collect food, toiletries - Marin Independent Journal: "Blue Star Moms to collect food, toiletries

Yuba City Dance: Blue Star Moms Gala on Saturday 6/5

Saturday, June 5 6:00p to Sunday, June 6 12:00a
at Sutter County Veteran's Hall, Yuba City, CA
USO Themed Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction to benefit the Tri Counties Blue Star Moms who support our troops with care packages and their children with Mommy and Daddy Dolls - free of change. The event also benefits Home for Our Troops - they build, free of charge, homes for severely injured combat soldiers and Marines."

Yuba City Dance: Blue Star Moms Gala on Saturday 6/5 - Appeal-Democrat

Havasu onlookers come to honor, cheer on vets

By NATHAN BRUTTELL
Today's News-Herald
Published Wednesday, May 19, 2010 11:15 PM MST
They ride for those who cannot . And because he could not, Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Holland, of Lake Havasu City, knew he had to see the Run to the Wall riders come through Mohave County Wednesday afternoon."

“This is about them and about what they’ve done,” Holland said. “Someday
I’ll be a veteran but right now I’m here to support them.”Lake Havasu Blue Star
Mothers President Kimberly Nier said the welcome party was simply a “way of
showing our support in any way we can.”“This is the third year we’ve been coming
out here to do this,” she said. “It just gets bigger and better every year.
Seeing these trucks and bikes drive by is just really inspiring and we need to
let them know how much what they did means to us.”

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

Area troops deploying Sunday

"By Marty Touchette
Daily Review Atlas
Posted May 19, 2010 @ 10:01 PM

MONMOUTH — Units from the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery will be deploying Sunday for the Sinai Peninsula. The deployment will involve units from Milan, Galesburg and Macomb with several individuals from the Monmouth area.

The Macomb unit will be traveling north on US Route 67, through Good Hope, past Roseville, Monmouth, and through Viola. People in the Monmouth area who wish to send off the units should gather at the North Junction (US Routes 67 and 34) no later than 9 a.m.

Sunday. Blue Star Mothers of America member Megan Grant will have approximately 25 American flags on hand to help well wishers show their support."

Area troops deploying Sunday - Monmouth, IL - Daily Review Atlas:

Blue Star Mothers honor members of the Armed Forces

"A group in the Grand Strand honored the Armed Forces in a special way on Saturday.
The Blue Star Mothers, a group of about 30 moms of active duty military, gathered at the Veterans Café and Grill behind the Market Common. While there, they placed pictures of their sons and daughters on one of the walls of the restaurant."
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Blue Star Mothers honor members of the Armed Forces - WMBFNews.com Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC News, Weather, Sports:

Military families make sacrifices for all of us

The Daily Local News : Serving Chester County: "Chester County Commissioners' Chairwoman Carol Aichele knows what it means to be in a military family. Her husband served in the U.S. Navy when they were first married, and she lived the life of a navy bride. Her son chose also to serve in the military, and has spent time overseas in the Persian Gulf conflict.

And although one could not accuse Aichele of being someone who spends too much time looking backward and not forward, she makes a point when discussing the difference between those families whose children are fighting our country's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those who fought our nation's war against germany, Italy and Japan."

"Unfortunately, the public has a very short memory," Aichele said at a ceremony last month declaring May to be Blue Star Mothers' Month, in honor of the organization that supports those families who have sons and daughters on active duty overseas in time of war.

Aichele pointed out that when the Blue Star Mothers organization began in 1942,
more than 60 percent of all American families had family members in the service;
now, less than 1 percent do.

What that adds up to is that service families at times feel adrift in a world that does not always recognize the sacrifices that they are making.

UMES Vets Information Fair

"PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Veterans on the Lower Eastern Shore had a chance to learn about information that could help them both as they return home from a deployment, and as they get older.
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs held an information muster at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore's Richard Henson Center on May 22. Groups were handing out information not only to veterans, but to their families as well. Among those groups were the Delmarva Blue Star Mothers, which provide support for families with loved ones serving overseas, along with medical groups with locations to help returning soldiers cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans have a right to utilize these resources."

more.::. WMDT 47 News Delmarvas Choice .::.:

For Wounded Veteran, New Home a Gift of Independence

Iraq veteran and double-amputee Frank Pierson hasn’t had it easy since a projectile hit the vehicle he was driving in Baghdad, Iraq in March 2008. But he has a lot to look forward to.

Construction began in Plainfield on Friday on a new home for Pierson and his wife, Arielle, that will make it easier for Pierson to get around. Having lost both his legs, Pierson is confined to a wheelchair. The couple currently lives with Arielle’s mother in a house that makes it difficult for Frank to get from room to room.

"Being independent is a huge thing," he said in an interview for Homes for our Troops, the organization that is sponsoring the construction. "I don’t like people helping me all the time. With a new house, it would limit that."

The house is designed for Pierson and his chair. Some of its features include a waist-high stove in the kitchen, and a roll-in shower in the bathroom.

Source: For Wounded Veteran, New Home a Gift of Independence | NBC Chicago

OK Parade for Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day

Supporters came out in full force for Del City's 25th annual armed forces day and Shriners' parade. Some of the folks marching included Blue Star Mothers, women with children in the military. The rain failed to slow the parade, which showed support for all sections of the military.

Watch the video!KOKH FOX 25 :: Top Stories

Sea to Shining Sea — Ride Across America

Group of Injured Veterans to Bicycle Sea to Shining Sea — Ride Across America Led by World T.E.A.M. Sports

State Farm® sponsors cross-country ride to honor our nation’s service men and women and their commitment to being there for our country

SAN FRANCISCO, May 12, 2010 – A team of exceptional athletes, many of whom are wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans representing all military branches, will depart from the Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday, May 22 for World T.E.A.M. Sports’ inaugural bike trek across America called Sea to Shining Sea. The goal of Sea to Shining Sea is to honor the courage of our service men and women, recognize the strength of the American spirit and challenge perceptions of how we view athletes. The ride will conclude in Virginia Beach on July 24.

Wounded Warriors are riding from SF across the US! Alameda County Blue Star Moms and the Pacifica Military Moms will be providing breakfast to the riders. If you would like to donate please bring your donation to the Veterans Hall in Niles on the 19th of May between 6 pm and 8 pm.
The press release has crossed the media wires!Below is the link to the press release, fact sheet, and ride itinerary. http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/statefarm_00506/index.html
Please encourage folks to come out and rally, cheer these heroes on as they ride through each town! Please help spread the word with your military supporters to celebrante and honor these men and women.

State Farm | For Immediate Release