Blue Star Mothers to attend Cincinnati funeral

Blue Star Mothers to attend Cincinnati funeral: "Blue Star Mothers to attend Cincinnati funeral
Saturday, April 26, 2008
BY Lori Monsewicz

NORTH CANTON Seven members of the Blue Star Mothers of America's Akron-Canton chapter plan to travel to Cincinnati to attend Sunday's funeral for Army Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin. Maupin, 20, was missing for nearly four years after his fuel convoy was attacked near Baghdad. His remains were found last month about 12 miles from the ambush site. A memorial service has been scheduled for Sunday at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. "We're traveling there to support his family," said Janet Lasater, of Plain Township.

The local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers comprises nearly 90 people whose children are serving or have served in the military. "We support the ones who are deployed as well as their families back here, and the veterans no matter when they served," she said. Lasater has two military children. Maj. Kevin Lasater is serving in the Army in California and is preparing to be deployed to the Philippines.

Bryan Lasater served in the Army in Bosnia and Kosovo. He currently works for an independent defense contractor. Both graduated from Central Catholic High School in Perry Township, Bryan in 1991 and Kevin in 1993. Bryan went on to graduate from Walsh University in 1995, and Kevin from West Point in 1997, their mother said.

She said that in addition to attending Maupin's funeral Sunday, her chapter plans to attend the state convention for Blue Star Mothers in Dayton. Anyone interested in joining her group may call at (330) 312-3655 or check the Web site http://www.bluestarmothers.net/. She said fathers are welcome, too. "We have several dads who are members and we have associate members who are just interested in our cause," she said. Reach Repository writer Lori Monsewicz at (330) 580-8309 or e-mail: lori.monsewicz@cantonrep.com"