Group aims to comfort soldiers, families

Centerville woman hoping to begin local chapter of Blue Star Mothers organizationBY BILL ENGLE STAFF WRITER

"Gloria Shuttleworth wants to make sure that Americans don't forget their servicemen or women serving overseas nor their families at home.

The Centerville woman hopes to start a local organization that will send care packages and letters to members of the U.S. military and provide comfort for families, especially mothers, waiting at home."

"I just don't ever want any soldier to think that no one's thinking of him or her," said Shuttleworth, who is starting a Blue Star Mothers organization in Wayne County. "But it's not only the soldiers who need our support. We have to remember the family back home."
Blue Star Mothers is a national non-profit organization formed to support troops and their families. Shuttleworth is planning an organizational meeting May 17 at Cornerstone Church in Richmond.

She needs five Blue Star Mothers to start the local group but wants all of Wayne County to get involved.
"I don't take my freedom for granted," Shuttleworth said. "These men and women have done so much for all of us. This is my way of saying 'thank you.'"
Her son-in-law, Sgt. James Atwell, is part of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Indiana National Guard now serving in Iraq.
Shuttleworth hopes to raise money to send care packages and mail to soldiers overseas.

She is working with Bobby Weaver, president of the chapter in Indianapolis, to organize the local group.
"Whether they are overseas or back home, whether they are recuperating in a hospital or in training, they need to know people support," said Weaver, whose son served two tours in Iraq. Her other son is in the National Guard.

"And we're here to support each other as mothers," Weaver said. "When my son was in Iraq I felt like I was the only one on earth going through this."

Shuttleworth hopes that churches, veterans groups, businesses and individuals will support her effort.
"We have 3,000 soldiers in Iraq and I want the whole community to get involved," she said. "And I plan on having them one big party when they get home."



Reporter Bill Engle: (765) 973-4481 or bengle@pal-item.com


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