Sgt Maupin found

"Ohio Soldier's Remains Found in Iraq
Mar 31, 2008 (2:07a CDT)
By TERRY KINNEY (Associated Press Writer)

BATAVIA, Ohio - Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin's parents vowed to never let the U.S. Army forget about finding their son.

Their efforts included trips to the Pentagon and even meeting with President Bush, but they ended in disappointment Sunday: An Army general told them the remains of Maupin, a soldier who had been listed as missing-captured in Iraq since 2004, had been found.

'My heart sinks, but I know they can't hurt him anymore,' Keith Maupin said after receiving word about the remains of his son, who went by Matt."

Qwest.Live.com News:

Parents of Marines help other families | GoUpstate.com | Spartanburg, S.C.

"By Dudley Brown
Published: Sunday, March 23, 2008 Updated: 8:07 am

Sheila and Wade Seay have learned more than military lingo since their sons became Marines. They understand that the entire family's life is changing.
Phillip, 24, and Joshua, 19, became Marines right after high school and both have been to Iraq.
The Seays have spent time talking to other military families and veterans to learn what to expect. Now, they give advice to other parents.
"Sometimes as a military family you feel alienated from your regular family," said Sheila Seay, president of the local Blue Star Mothers chapter. "It's not that they mean to or you want to.""


More...Parents of Marines help other families GoUpstate.com Spartanburg, S.C.:

Blue Star Mothers collecting unwanted cell phones

Blue Star Mothers collecting unwanted cell phones: "CENTERVILLE — Blue Star Mothers of America, Miami Valley Chapter 3, is collecting old cell phones to be exchanged for phone cards for the troops.
The organization will team up with Liberty Tax Service, 175 E. Alex Bell Road, Suite 224, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22, to collect them at Cross Pointe Center."

Putting ‘a face on the war’ -

Putting ‘a face on the war’ - Rochester, NY - MPNnow: "Canandaigua, N.Y. -
The names could be heard from the front door.

They echoed through the hallways in a solemn and slow cadence.
William D. O’Brien, 19; Juantrea T. Bradley, 28; Dustin C. Jackson, 21; Tenzin L. Samten, 33 ...

The list was so long that it took the entire school day to read. There were about 3,990 names of soldiers who have died in the Iraq War, which began five years ago yesterday. Each name was read by a student, staff member, Blue Star mother or community member in the main atrium of Canandaigua Academy."

Good Friday vigil will run all day in Jeffersonville

The News and Tribune - Good Friday vigil will run all day in Jeffersonville: "Friday vigil will run all day in Jeffersonville
By TARA HETTINGER
Tara.Hettinger@newsandtribune.com

Vanessa Coulter knows what it’s like to have a loved one serving overseas.

Her son spent about a year in Iraq from 2005-06.

So, she decided to start a local chapter of Blue Star Mothers, a group dedicated to helping military families cope.

“The families make sacrifices every day being away from their soldier,” Coulter said. “We want to link the military families and the community together so it increases the awareness on what the military families actually go though.”"

USMC Mom

USMC Mom: "I did not go as a Blue Star Representative. I left that shirt at home. I did wear my Army Mom T-Shirt, and my sons 'corpsman Doc hat from the Marines' and another pin that said my son is in the Navy. I handed out Army Strong pins to anyone in the group that had an Army member. We marched forward. Just a little band of us mums, against the hate mongers! We were happy to see the Tampa Marine Moms join us.
The protesters said they were there for Peace. What a joke!"

New License Plates to Honor Gold Star Military Parents

The Chronicle Online: "The Chehalis family of a fallen Iraq War Marine was honored Wednesday during bill signing in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Capitol office. A new law will allow specialized Gold Star licence plates to be issued, at no extra charge, to the parents of those who fought and died in military conflict.
Wayne Bier, a Gold Star father, stood smiling in the busy conference room. Accompanied by his 19-year-old daughter Sarah, Bier looked over the governor’s shoulder as she signed the bill, and shook hands with other military families.
Traditionally, stars are displayed at homes on a service banner. Blue stars signify the number of family members in active service, and the Gold Star honors a family member who has died in combat.The Chehalis family of a fallen Iraq War Marine was honored Wednesday during bill signing in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Capitol office. A new law will allow specialized Gold Star licence plates to be issued, at no extra charge, to the parents of those who fought and died in military conflict.
Wayne Bier, a Gold Star father, stood smiling in the busy conference room. Accompanied by his 19-year-old daughter Sarah, Bier looked over the governor’s shoulder as she signed the bill, and shook hands with other military families.
Traditionally, stars are displayed at homes on a service banner. Blue stars signify the number of family members in active service, and the Gold Star honors a family member who has died in combat."

With relatives in Iraq or Afghanistan, they're Blue Star Kids

"With relatives in Iraq or Afghanistan, they're Blue Star Kids
Kenn Rodriguez News-Bulletin Staff Writer; krodriguez@news-bulletin.com
Bosque Farms As a member of the Valencia County chapter of the Blue Star Mothers, Ruth Vollmer has seen many adults struggle to deal with a loved one in the military being shipped overseas.
But seeing elementary school-aged children dealing with the same thing at Bosque Farms Elementary, she knew she had to do something.
So Vollmer, the nurse at the school, began the Blue Star Kids in September of 2007."

The News-Bulletin: With relatives in Iraq or Afghanistan, they're Blue Star Kids:

Soldier's Mothers Gather for Support

"The Blue Star Mothers is a national organization made up of mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of those fighting in Iraq. The local chapter held a meeting Wednesday night to commemorate the anniversary.
Wade Oglesby died in the line of duty on April 18th, 2007, his mother Sheila DeCocq keeps his memory alive. She says about her son, "he may not be where we can see him and touch him, but he's not gone." Wade was on his way to the same village his convoy had been protecting for 10 months, when his hummer hit an IED, Wade and another soldier were both killed.
Its every mothers worst nightmare, and that’s where the Blue Stars come in, group member Wendy Hoffman says, "that's part of the idea behind the blue star mothers, if you're outside of that you don't necessarily understand it."
The Blue Star Mothers serve as a support group for each other but for the soldiers fighting to defend our nation, they send care packages to let the soldiers know that people back here care about them and are thankful for their service.
The Blue Star Mothers will be outside of City Market on 1st street April 4th and 5th collecting donations for care packages to send over to troops."


More...Soldier's Mothers Gather for Support:

Vintage Valley Blue Star Moms

Vintage Valley Blue Star Moms: "Home for the Holidays"

Girl Scout cookies make their way to troops in Iraq

"Girl Scout cookies make their way to troops in Iraq
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 03/16/2008 03:05:57 AM PDT


U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ WILL SOON BE SWEET ON BLACKHAWK. Ten 7-year-old Brownies from Troop 2426 of Blackhawk have sold boxes of Girl Scout cookies to family members, friends and neighbors, offering cookie patrons the chance to buy cookies for themselves and/or for U.S. soldiers overseas.

"They sold their hearts out this year," said Susan Trainer of Blackhawk, the Brownie mom who coordinated cookie sales for her daughter's troop. Susan, who runs Trainer Communications, Inc. in Pleasanton, utilized her marketing and communications background to teach valuable skills to the Brownies.
"They learned about setting goals, teamwork, leadership and communication -- how to be successful businesswomen," she said, "while supporting the Girl Scouts organization and bringing a little piece of home to our soldiers."
Debbie Ayres of Blackhawk, Brownie mom and leader of the troop, concurs. "We all decided the need for valuable life lessons and how to become good members of the community," she said. "Susan, with her vast marketing experience, suggested a goal of 50 boxes per girl (a total of 500 boxes for the troop). The girls are so excited -- they had a vision and exceeded their goals."
These 7-year-olds indeed exceeded all expectations by selling 1,455 boxes of cookies in one month -- nearly triple their goal. More than 500 boxes of cookies purchased from Troop 2426 will go to U.S. soldiers in Iraq through the Blue Star Moms."
More...Girl Scout cookies make their way to troops in Iraq - ContraCostaTimes.com:

Soldiers’ Angels Louisiana » Girl Scout Girl fest and Soldiers’ Angels

"On Saturday March 15th, 500 girls met at Whispering Pines Camp outside of Independence, LA. One of their requirements to earn their “Troops Helping Troops” badge this day, was to have them donate items for care packages, bring a quarter for shipping and help pack them up and make cards to go in them. We are happy to say, that with the help of Tammy Ribbey (a Girl Scout volunteer), Janet Scaruffi (a Blue Star Mom) and Janet’s daughter Patti, we packed 39 care packages and collected enough funds to cover the shipping! A group effort made by 500 little Angels and their troop leaders!
Janet wrote this to her BSM chapter President:"

Read here...Soldiers’ Angels Louisiana » Girl Scout Girl fest and Soldiers’ Angels:

Moms on a mission. Mothers gathered, despite what NewsNine says.

"Moms on a mission. Mothers gathered, despite what NewsNine says.
Imagine my surprise when I flipped on NewsNine WMUR TV Sunday morning to have to watch reporting on the antiwar protesters gathered in Concord, and hear that there were no counterprotesters on the scene because, well, it's just not true. Sorry Newsnine, you really blew this one! Our friend Blue Star Mother Sue Peterson sent the following pics and notes:"

More (and pictures)...GraniteGrok: Moms on a mission. Mothers gathered, despite what NewsNine says.:

Blue Star Moms collecting items

Community Press - Blue Star Moms collecting items: "BURLINGTON - The Northern Kentucky Chapter 5 of the Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. is hosting a donation drive on Saturday, March 22, in the Pebble Creek subdivision's clubhouse for soldiers who are overseas.
Burlington resident Wanda McNees said the group is looking for snack foods, personal hygiene items (men and women), men's crew socks, candy, mints, lip balm and lotions. Canned meat such as tuna and beef jerky are also good.
"Anything that we can do to help (the soldiers) and to thank them and to let them know that we're thinking about them is why we do it," said McNees, whose son is in the Army National Guard and earlier this month arrived home after serving in Afghanistan.
The chapter will be at the subdivision's clubhouse from 2-6 p.m. that day. The clubhouse is on Pebble Creek Way in Burlington. They are also accepting monetary donations. Checks can be made out to Blue Star Moms or cash can be given."

Sonora says farewell to Rapp

UnionDemocrat.com - The Union Democrat Online: "Pat Padavana, founder of the local chapter of Operation MOM, a military support group, presented the family with the Gold Star flag on behalf of the Blue Star Mom Organization, a nonprofit service organization which offers support to families who have children in the military. The blue star is replaced by a gold star to indicate when a soldier has died."

Blue Star Blog: More in March

Blue Star Blog: More in March: "More in March
March 11 was our regular VAVS meeting at the VA Hospital. Wendy (REP) and Sheila D (DEP) attended.
March 13, James Park. Legion Post 200 presented a Service Flag to Cindy Deardon at the VA hospital. SPC Sean Deardon, Army, Rita Parks, Legion Auxiliary and Wendy Hoffman of Grand Valley Blue Star mothers were on hand for the presentation.
March 13 was a homecoming at the airport for SSG Thomas Moore, Army, home on leave. It was well attended by Blue Star Moms, VFW, Legion and PGR.
March 14th and 15th was our fundraising and item drive at Sam's Club. Despite the changing weather and the wind we collected a reasonable amount of items and $700 from sales and cash donations.
March 15 Rachel Terlow and Troop 42 donated 115 boxes of Girl Scout cookies for the troops and $57 in cash to help with postage."

‘No news is good news’ for Brockton mom

‘No news is good news’ for Brockton mom - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise: "BROCKTON — Danielle Grealish says she has tried to be upbeat and positive since her only child, Sean, was deployed to Iraq in February of last year.
“Some days are a lot better than others, I’ll tell you,” said Grealish, 52, an accountant. “We have a really wide circle of friends, relatives. I have the Blue Star mothers. God bless them all.”
Army 1st Lt. Sean Grealish, 25, is serving his first tour of duty in Baghdad, his mother said Tuesday."

Area military families join forces for support :

: "Area military families join forces for support
Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Ben mark war's 5th anniversary
By David Kassabian (Contact)
Originally published 03:19 a.m., March 19, 2008
Updated 03:19 a.m., March 19, 2008"
Most of the servicemen and women showed the archetypical military stoicism gazing past the camera.
But in the hands of their mothers and fathers Tuesday night, the framed pictures of their sons and daughters gave a feeling of warmth. More than 40 parents gathered Tuesday night with photos of their relatives in the military for a group photograph to show their unity and mark today's fifth anniversary since the start of the Iraq war.
The event was organized by the Texas Coastal Bend Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America. The group invited family to show up with an 8-by-10-inch framed photo of their military relative.
"We're here to put a face to what we are doing so people can see we do have sons and daughters," said Marsha Jones, president of the local chapter whose daughter, Sarah Haller, and son-in-law, Josh Haller, are in the Army and have served in Iraq for more than eight months.

More...Area military families join forces for support : Corpus Christi Local Caller-Times

Blue Star Moms seeking cell phones for soldiers

Blue Star Moms seeking cell phones for soldiers: "Blue Star Moms seeking cell phones for soldiers

The Blue Star Mothers, Miami Valley Chapter #3, will be collecting old cell phones that will be exchanged for phone cards for our troops.
The collection drive will be held Saturday, March 22 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Liberty Tax Service at Cross Pointe Center in Centerville. If you cannot make the event on March 22, you can drop off your cell phones at the Troop Support Center which is located at the Town & Country Shopping Center in Kettering. They are located next to Sweetwater
Sweets Candy Store."
According to Chapter President Beverly Payton, the first phone card will go to a soldier in Iraq who is a new father so that he can call home. The next 67 cards will go to a sergeant major who will give them to the 67 soldiers under his command. Peyton said the sergeant major told her that their spirits are low right now and getting a phone card to call home would definitely put a smile on their face.
They don’t need the chargers, booklets, etc. They just need the phones, and Peyton said they don’t care how old or how ugly they are, they just need those phones to help brighten the spirits of soldiers overseas.
For more information, visit www.bluestarmothersdayton.com.

White Cross Protests

San Francisco,CA,USABlue Star Moms Peggy Conklin and Michelle Giannini brought brownies for the recruiters. Between them, the two women have four sons who have all served in ...

3x5: Military Moms

"In case you are wondering, Blue Star Mothers is a support group of mom who's children are serving in the military. They were going to take a group photo at their monthly meeting to mark the 5-year anniversary of the war, so I decided to crash their party with my own little photo session."

View slide show 3x5: Military Moms:

The war at 5: Pride, regret, anger in North County on fifth anniversary of Iraq invasion

The war at 5: Pride, regret, anger in North County on fifth anniversary of Iraq invasion : North County Times - Californian: "Five years of yellow ribbons. Five years of candlelight vigils. Five years of Blue and Gold Stars, welcomes home and tearful goodbyes.

Five years of war.

Some thought it would be a cakewalk. Some thought it would spark a third World War. Few could have predicted with confidence that at today's fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the outcome would still be so uncertain, the next move so debated and the number of dead so great."

Busy Day in Concord

Bosse 2008: Busy Day in Concord: "Busy Day in Concord
Spent this morning with the Gold and Blue Star Mothers in support of the troops in combat overseas. Listening to mothers who've lost their sons reminds us how little we have to give to enjoy our freedoms, and how much others have sacrificed. It was very moving,"

Blue Star Mothers support Louisiana troops, each other

"CAMP BEAUREGARD - National Guard soldiers in Louisiana have their mothers to thank for their strength.
'We take pride in the fact that we have children protecting our freedom during a time of war,' said Janet Broussard, leader of the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Baton Rouge chapter."

More...The Daily Advertiser - www.theadvertiser.com - Lafayette, LA:

Members of the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana march in a parade in Baton Rouge to show support for the troops. The BSM-LA works to promote patriotism for the deployed troops as well as support each other during the difficult time their loved ones are deployed

Lake Elsinore chapter of Blue Star Mothers starts anew | Inland News | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

Lake Elsinore chapter of Blue Star Mothers starts anew Inland News PE.com Southern California News News for Inland Southern California: "A dozen mothers of U.S. armed services members will meet Saturday morning in Lake Elsinore to revive an organization that went dormant there more than 10 years ago.
Attending the meeting will be Marlene Paltza and Betty Jane Lane, the two women who breathed life back into the Lake Elsinore chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America.
The Lake Elsinore Blue Star Mothers group had a rich history before it faded in the late 1990s due to lack of membership. Lane, 89, was the co-founder and former president."

Family, friends welcome paratroopers home

News 14 24 Hour Local News TOP STORIES Family, friends welcome paratroopers home: "FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Fort Bragg paratroopers part of the surge in Iraq are starting to come home.


On Wednesday friends and family welcomed home about 600 members from the 82nd Airborne division. The 504th infantry regiment served a 15 month tour of duty in Baghdad.


The mother of one returning soldier told us it's important for Americans not to take their freedom for granted."

Video

Steve Stucker - Cookies 4 Soldiers Follow Up

Steve Stucker - Cookies 4 Soldiers Follow Up: "COMMENT: Mr. Stucker, I was advised that a Sgt. Adam T. Harris
contacted you regarding Girl Scout Cookies. What a surprise that he and
did this for his sister and the Blue Star Moms. I did not realize he had
done this until I got calls yesterday wondering if it was my son who
contacted you and if so where on the blog the contact info was. Yes, I
did claim him and advised I did not get a chance to see the news due to
having to run early errands, but gave the contact info. Thank you so
much for helping to get the word out for us. I watched the video last
night. Very charming and informative. My 24 year old son loves you and
grew up watching you for most of his life and loved seeing you in person
at the Balloon Fiestas. He has not seen one of them for a couple years
unfortunately."

Troop homecoming: A surge of emotions

"FORT BRAGG (WTVD) -- About 350 members of the 82nd Airborne Division are returning home to their families. The members of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment have spent the past 15 months fighting in Baghdad.Families waited for their loved ones to return from combat at Fort Bragg Wednesday morning."

Blue Star Moms from NC were on hand to welcome them home.

"They have been in the country since January 2007. Their return marks an end to the surge that has been credited with reducing violence in many parts of Iraq, especially around Sadr City.
Col. Stephen R. Lyons, the acting commander of the 82nd, told the paratroopers that what they did will some day appear in history books. The 2nd Brigade controlled several neighborhoods in the western part of the capital along the Tigris River.
The area includes parts of the city run by the Mahdi Army, the militia of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr that has been blamed for much of the Shiite-on-Sunni violence in Baghdad.
“You took the toughest section of Baghdad and turned it around,” Lyons said."

More...From a Canadian Cadet to an American Soldier:

Soldiers welcome this kind of friendly fire - The Reporter

Soldiers welcome this kind of friendly fire - The Reporter: "Soldiers welcome this kind of friendly fire
Reporter Editor:
Article Launched: 03/09/2008 08:13:00 AM PDT


Did you know that within the walls of the Vacaville Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center in Vacaville is an unsung group of people? They call themselves the Blue Star Grandmothers (and Company), and I call them heroes.
They are veterans and spouses of veterans from wars of our past. It is a time most have forgotten about and is now read about in history books. They gave of themselves and their loved ones when called upon by our great nation, and they have once again joined in the fight.

They are part of the Blue Star Moms. They now live at the Vacaville Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center on fixed and limited incomes. Like the troops they support, they do not let anything stop them from their objectives. They make special arrangements to go shopping for items to place in the packages and ingredients to bake cookies with. They have had time to perfect their recipes, as this is not the first conflict that prompted them to mail cookies. "

After-school group an outlet for children with loved ones serving in the military

· West Central Tribune ·: "Six-year-old Julia Walquist knew just what she would do with her new pillow made of red, white and blue fleece. “I’m going to put it on my bed with my other two pillows,” the first-grader said. One of those other pillows, the one she usually sleeps with, has a picture of her dad on it. Julia’s dad, Lt. Robert Walquist, is serving with the National Guard in Iraq. He’s scheduled to come home sometime in late April. Julia and a dozen other kids with relatives who are deployed got together after school a week ago. The members of the Military Kids Club talked a little about the dads and moms who are gone but they veered off into other topics, too. Sometimes it seemed that it was enough for them to just spend time with people who are going through the same thing. A group of school social workers organized the club last year to help kids in grades K-6 who are affected by deployment.
Saturday, March, 08, 2008 - West Central Tribune - News"

Groups, individuals recipients of the Red Cross Community Impact Award

"GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE — Several groups and individuals were honored Saturday morning with the Red Cross Community Impact Award."

Linda Humphrey for her work with the Blue Star Mothers Chapter 57, the
largest Blue Star Mother’s League in the U.S., made up of mothers from various
parts of the state that have children serving in the military;

More...The Star Beacon; Ashtabula, Ohio - Groups, individuals recipients of the Red Cross Community Impact Award:

Skillman supports military mothers: Blue Star Mothers helps families of troops

"Skillman supports military mothers: Blue Star Mothers helps families of troops
Friday, March 07, 2008; Posted: 04:29 AM

Bound together by feelings of fear, and hope: Blue Star mothers, who have sons and daughters in combat zones, help each other cope

Feb 29, 2008 (Kokomo Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX)

Denise Young can't wait for her son to arrive back home, even knowing he'll only be around for two weeks or less before he's off to his next duty station.
The fact U.S. Army PFC Richard Young's future could include a stint in Iraq or Afghanistan only adds to her nervousness, but that's the main reason Denise and a group of other local military moms have banded together.
Last week, Denise Young and the group she's helped form, the North Central Blue Star Mothers of Indiana, received some unexpected support from one of the highest officials in the state, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman. "

More...Skillman supports military mothers: Blue Star Mothers helps families of troops:

Blue Star Mothers start Grand Strand chapter

"By Thema Ponton
E-mail Biography
Eastern Carolina families with loved ones serving in the armed forces have a new way to support each other.

The newly formed group's members have a common thread, they are all mothers.

Anne Parker, who has a son and daughter serving in the military, is the driving force behind the Grand Strand chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, said the group’s members are mostly women who have children serving in the military."

Blue Star Mothers start Grand Strand chapter - News - South Carolina Now (SCNow.com):

Word From War Zone

"We are approaching day 30, one-third of the way through the tour. I am stationed at Al Asad in Anbar province, which is in the western desert of Iraq. It is a large base that supports several forward operating bases throughout the western part of the country.
My departure on Jan. 26th was emotional -- the Blue Star Mothers arranged a surprise send-off for me and were at the airport pre-dawn with a group of supporters. They presented my mom with a Blue Star flag.
First stop was Fort Benning, Ga., for in-processing. For the first time, the harsh reality of this adventure sank in -- the briefs on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It's amazing how many ways the insurgents have found to turn ordinary looking items into deadly weapons, and how many ways they have developed to detonate them. Casualties from IEDs are the greatest threat right now.
Next was 20 hours of flying to get to Kuwait, where the clock started for my 90-day tour."

ReviewJournal.com - News - Word From War Zone:

Sharon M. Love - Army Mom - Army of Two

Sharon M. Love - Army Mom - Army of Two:
"The Service flag is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the United States may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities."

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES/IRAQ

Steve Stucker - GIRL SCOUT COOKIES/IRAQ
Dear Viewers,The following email made me laugh and cry at the same time.Please read it carefully, and then show our soldiers how much welove them by sending them what they are asking for....Girl Scout Cookies! Contact info is at the bottom of the note....ss
NAME: Sgt Adam Harris
CITY: Rio Rancho/Albuquerque
COMMENT: Mr. Stucker, I am writing from my station overseas. I cannot give a phone number for that very reason. One of the things I miss is your newscasts. I wanted to let you know of an effort happening with the Girl Scouts and Blue Star Mothers in Rio Rancho. The Girl Scouts andBlue Star Mothers are hoping to get donations of cookies to send totroops overseas. This is something we look forward to every year and thebox that we share does not go very far, but we are always so grateful!It is one of those things that remind us of home and helps us rememberwhy we are here. My mom is with Blue Star Mothers , and my little sister is with theGirl Scouts. They both have a real passion for this endeavor which I canhear in their voice and notes to me. Anyone who would like to purchasecookies to send to troops or give $ can do so by contacting my own mom,Mrs. Harris who is working with Girl Scouts and Blue Star Moms. I knowthat Albuquerque has their own effort and she would be able to help asneeded there as well. But for purely selfish reasons I am plugging ourRio Rancho moms who serve the west side, Bernalillo and Rio Rancho.Any company who has the urge to sponsor a mailing or purchase cookies(or both) would be eligible for a tax deductible donation since thecookies would not be comsumed by themselves and would be donated to a501C3 . I know that Rio Rancho Blue Star Mothers would send a letter ofthanks and provide more info. If you can get the word out, that would begreat. I would help my mom and sister, but since I have been here for acouple years and expect to be here for more since I reenlisted, I canonly do so much from where I am at and I thought you would be theperfect person to ask for assistance. On behalf of my mom, my sister,Rio Rancho Blue Star Moms and the Girl Scout office (Phyliss) I sign offas---- Very respectfully yours, Sgt. Adam Harris, US Army .

Contact Info: .Phone: 505-7264 Email: rrbluestar@yahoo.com
Checks to: Rio Rancho Blue Star Mothers P O Box 15594, Rio Rancho, NM87174

Blue Star Mothers meet; take a walk with Muscle Powered

"Blue Star Mothers meet at 6 p.m. at Silver Oak Golf Course, 1251 Country Club Drive. A Support group for mothers of military personnel.

For information, call 841-7000."

Blue Star Mothers meet; take a walk with Muscle Powered Nevada Appeal Serving Carson City, Nevada:

Welcome Home - 1132nd Eng Det NG, Mooresville, NC,

Welcome Home - 1132nd Eng Det NG, Mooresville, NC, 05 APR 08 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing > Patriot Guard Riders: "The Blue Star Mothers Southern Piedmont Chapter has invited the PGR to this welcome home event in Mooresville, NC on Saturday, April 5th @ 2 PM.

The 1132nd Engineering Detachment of Well Drillers of the Mooresville National Guard has returned home from a 12 month deployment to Djibouti, Africa. While in Djibouti this unit drilled a record number of wells and fixed numerous more. On Saturday, April 5, 2008 there will be a Welcome Home Ceremony at 2pm at the Southside Baptist Church at 525 S. Broad Street in Mooresville. All citizens are invited to attend. Afterward, there will be a reception held in their honor at the Mooresville National Guard Armory at 720 N. Broad Street."

Hart Cheerleaders Take First

Hart Cheerleaders Take First: "This year the team also took time to help others and was involved in the community, volunteering for many different local organizations including Special Olympics, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and Blue Star Mothers. Hart Cheer parent Emily Chiominto is responsible for coordinating many of the volunteer projects.

'I think it is good to do something not for yourself, but for someone else,' Chiominto said."

The Hart cheerleaders also created Valentine's Day cards in January for the armed forces. The cards were given to an organization called the Blue Star Mothers, a support group in Santa Clarita that creates care packages for the troops stationed around the globe. The cards went to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In total, the cheerleaders made about 160 valentines for the troops."I think it is good to support the troops because my brother is in the Army and I think it is an important cause," junior Ali Lawrence said.

Mark your calendar

newsobserver.com Mark your calendar: "HELPING MILITARY FAMILIES: Blue Star Mothers of America will hold an organizational meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday in Youngsville in Franklin County.
Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1960, the group encourages families of service members to display the Blue Star Flag in their window as a sign of support and a symbol of hope. It also provides support for all service personnel, promotes patriotism, assists veterans' organizations and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts. The meeting will be at the Youngsville Library, 218 U.S. 1-A. For more information, go to http://www.bluestarmothersnc.org/ or contact Patti Elliott at 495-2283 or mailto:NCBlueStarMom@aol.com"

Kingwood Chamber Lifts Up Non-Profits and Volunteers

Kingwood Now - Kingwood Chamber Lifts Up Non-Profits and Volunteers: "The Go Texan Lifters Lunch is a way for the Kingwood Chamber of Commerce to recognize and say thank you to the many non-profit and volunteer organizations in the Kingwood area within its membership. The venue for this year's lunch was the beautiful Nathaniel Center. Because of the tremendous audio/visual capabilities found at The Nathaniel Center, organizations were not only recognized and thanked verbally but visually as well."

Welcome Home - National Guard, 1132nd Engineering Detachment,

Welcome Home - National Guard, 1132nd Engineering Detachment, Mooresville, NC 05 APR 08 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing > Patriot Guard Riders: "The Blue Star Mothers Southern Piedmont Chapter has invited the PGR to this welcome home event in Mooresville, NC on Saturday, April 5th @ 2 PM.

The 1132nd Engineering Detachment of Well Drillers of the Mooresville National Guard has returned home from a 12 month deployment to Djibouti, Africa. While in Djibouti this unit drilled a record number of wells and fixed numerous more. On Saturday, April 5, 2008 there will be a Welcome Home Ceremony at 2pm at the Southside Baptist Church at 525 S. Broad Street in Mooresville. All citizens are invited to attend. Afterward, there will be a reception held in their honor at the Mooresville National Guard Armory at 720 N. Broad Street."

593rd Transportation Company Welcome Home Dinner Dance

"593rd Transportation Company Welcome Home Dinner Dance
Hello wonderful members, friends, family and supporters,
So many of you have been sending emails as to why I have not sent out a newsletter ((smile))) thanks for your concern.....everything is just fine.....I wanted to wait until our wonderful Nevada National Guard Dinner Dance was over....so you could share in the event if only through photos and my commentary.


The weekend started early, by 11:00 AM Friday, Irma Manor, American Legion High Desert Post #56 had the 'Hospitality Suite' donated by the Grand Sierra Resort set up with beverages and snacks..it was beautifully organized and hosted 100% by Marco Manor, Commandor on behalf of the post, thanks also to the American Legion Members who hosted, tended bar, cleaned up and entertained the soldiers and families who visited both Friday and Saturday......Thank you not only for this event but also for helping to host the welcome home party for the 593rd in September, telephone cards at Christmas and the other zillion things you do so generously thoughout the years....HOOAH

We were honored by having several 3 Star Generals, MAJ GEN Cynthia Kirkland, Major Amadeo Flores and his staff who were in
Iraqwith the 593rd. This was my first military event, the ceremony for the MIA/POW was deeply touching as was the moment of silence for our fallen soldiers......awards were given to various guests....imcluding my Web of Support, Don and Pat Lindsay of Soldiers Angels, Paula Fleming of Blue Star Moms (also a web member) and Marco Manor of American Legion High Desert Post #56, "

::: Web of Support.com ::: The Blog :::: 593rd Transportation Company Welcome Home Dinner Dance:

GoE on Long Island

"After introductions we set about getting flags set up and starting our normal practice of energizing the traffic passing the site with our Honk for Victory signs and enthusiastic waving and thumbs up to motorists who pounded their horns for us.
We were joined by Lee Zeldin, the Iraq veteran and candidate for the 1st NY Congressional District, Ed Walsh, Chairman of the Suffolk County Conservative Party, Donna Dickinson, a Blue Star Mom, and others too numerous to list."

More...After Action Reports : Gathering of Eagles: