An American Wedding Story

"Five days ago, two young Marines both serving at 29 Palms Marine Corps Ground Combat Center in California received separate orders to their respective duty stations; One to the west coast at Camp Pendleton, the other to Camp Lejuene on the east coast.
One problem; Matt of Scottish ancestry and a Russian Orthodox Christian, and the Native American Monique were engaged to be married, but had not yet had the time to tie the knot. Even after the two Marines explained their problem to their Commanding Officer, the Marine Corps’ only answer was “We can only change your orders if you were indeed married.”

Date: 16 August 08"

More...Liberty Recon Freelance Digital Photography:

Pro-Troop Demonstration brings Iraq / Afghanistan Vets and Military Families to Denver

Wake up America: Pro-Troop Demonstration brings Iraq / Afghanistan Vets and Military Families to Denver: "Americans from near and far will assemble in Denver, CO to show their support for our troops and their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. For details and updates:"

Invited participants also include Families United for Our Troops and Their
Mission, a not-for-profit, non partisan organization consisting of Gold and Blue
Star families (whose loved ones have been killed or injured in battle, or who
are still in harm’s way) and Americans who share a deep appreciation for our men
and women in uniform. It is also comprised of patriotic Americans who have a
desire to show their support for America’s heroes and their families.

Victory Signs a Big Hit!

The Eagle's Nest Blog: Victory Signs a Big Hit!: "Yesterday we gave away 1,875 of the initial order of 2,000 'Victory Over Terrorism' signs. Again, I want to thank the Minnesota American Legion, the Minnesota Disabled American Veterans, and all those who volunteered their time and their support in making this initial printing and distribution possible. I would also like to thank Stephano's Restaurant, and the many members of Families United, Minnesota Vets for Freedom and the Minnesota Blue Star Mom's who stopped yesterday to get a sign our two."

Blue Star Mothers to honor soldiers during Fredonia festival

Blue Star Mothers to honor soldiers during Fredonia festival - Observer Today: "After first gaining support from the town of Pomfret board, and later approval from the village of Fredonia, the Blue Star Mothers of Chautauqua County will be honoring soldiers past and present this winter.
The village of Fredonia board approved that the group create and sell various colored stars to be placed on the village of Fredonia Christmas tree in Barker Commons during the tree lighting ceremony as part of the Miracle on Main Street festival."

Stars will be sold for $5 throughout Fredonia and will be colored
specifically for the individual, with blue stars for active duty service
members, gold stars for deceased service members from any war, silver for
disabled veterans, red for veterans of any status and white for anyone who would
want to support the troops. Proceeds of the purchases will go to help fund the
shipping of care packages to current soldiers overseas.

OK - Things to Do

MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK - Things to Do - BENEFITS: "GREEN COUNTRY CHAPTER 12 BLUE STAR MOTHERS, regular monthly meeting will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, Blue Star Store, 24th Street and Peak Boulevard. Dippin’ Dots will be donation a percentage of their sales of the flavor “Freedom Ice,” for the month of July to the Chapter 12 Blue Star Mothers.

GREEN COUNTRY CHAPTER 12 BLUE STAR MOTHERS, will be taking donations of cash or
items, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 11, 12 and 13, Arrowhead Mall near the food court.
It will be hosting a garage sale 8 a.m. to noon, July 18 and 19, Blue Star drop
pff location on the corner of 24th Street and Peak Boulevard. All proceeds will
go to mailing boxes to out troops in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Bands Of Freedom at First Baptist Broken Arrow OK

Bands Of Freedom at First Baptist Broken Arrow OK :: KXOJ Calendar - Helios Calendar Event Management System: "Join
Dennis and The Blue Star Mothers for a fundraising event benefiting our
troops. The fun filled celebration starts at 3:00 pm with music
featuring various artists starting at 5:00 pm. Cap off the evening
with fireworks celebrating our Nation's birth. For more information go
to http://www.bluestarfreedomconcert.org/ Tickets available at Mardels and BlueStar Freedom.org. We hope to see you there. Join
Dennis and The Blue Star Mothers for a fundraising event benefiting our
troops. The fun filled celebration starts at 3:00 pm with music
featuring various artists starting at 5:00 pm. Cap off the evening
with fireworks celebrating our Nation's birth. For more information go
to http://www.bluestarfreedomconcert.org/ Tickets available at Mardels and BlueStar Freedom.org. We hope to see you there."

Cindy's List: Farmington Blue Star Mothers 2 - San Juan County

Cindy's List: Farmington Blue Star Mothers 2 - San Juan County: "7 pm @ VFW Hall, Farmington
On the 3rd Tuesday of every month, the Blue Star Mothers gather again. Consider joining with them to get boxes out to our troops. The meeting is held at the VFW Hall on Bloomfield Hwy. Contact: www.nmbluestarmothers.org"

A mother's duty

A mother's duty lancastereaglegazette.com Lancaster Eagle Gazette: "Stella LeFever almost never goes a day without wearing a picture of her son.

Her son, James Mosley, 22, is fighting in Baghdad.

Although other relatives have served overseas, her son's departure hit home.
"It was different when it was my son," LeFever said.
That is why LeFever decided to start "Fill The Truck," a donation drive to collect goods to send to the soldiers.
For the Troops Chapter 10 Blue Star Mothers, of which LeFever is vice president, is sponsoring the event. The organization sponsors several donation drives - always to benefit the soldiers -a year.
The "Fill the Truck" drive began June 1. It ends July 4. There are four drop-off locations, including Tiki Lanes and Bob Boyd Ford."

John and Kay Helm have donated several items, mainly magazines they already have read.
"I thought that is a great way to recycle the magazines," Kay Helm said. "And hopefully after they read them, they will recycle them too."
Blue Star Mothers is collecting everything from Beef jerky, AA batteries and protein bars to playing cards and video games.
LeFever recommends donating used items that people may not need anymore.
"It's just simple things, a DVD that you've seen a couple times or a book you've read," she said. "It just makes them so happy."

Mulligans make for large donation to Blue Star Mothers

Mulligans make for large donation to Blue Star Mothers GJFreePress.com: "The Western Colorado Contractors Association recently donated $2,340 to the Blue Star Mothers, a local organization that proudly serves the military families of the Grand Valley.

Golfers stepped up to the plate and donated $1,170 from the purchase of mulligans at WCCA’s 2008 Adobe Creek Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 7.

WCCA’s board of directors decided to match the $1,170, bringing the total contribution to the Blue Star Mothers to $2,370!

Thank you, golfers, for your support of Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers!"

Concert, fireworks benefit U.S. troops

Tulsa World: Concert, fireworks benefit U.S. troops: "BROKEN ARROW — The Blue Star Mothers and First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow are teaming up for Bands of Freedom, a benefit concert and fireworks show scheduled for Friday.

Gates open at 3 p.m. on the First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow campus, 100 W. Albany St.

Children's activities will include inflatable games, face painting, balloons and an opportunity to write letters and color pictures for American troops. The letters and pictures will be included in the boxes that sent to deployed troops by the Blue Star Mothers.

The concert starts at 5 p.m. The lineup includes Dennis Jernigan, Wayne Watson, Marty Magehee, CO3 and New Fire.

Fireworks will follow the concert.

Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and older, $2 for ages 3 to 12. Family passes are $25.

Funds raised will go toward Blue Star Mothers' efforts to support the troops."

Broken Arrow: Churches to host Fourth festivities

Tulsa World: Broken Arrow: Churches to host Fourth festivities: "BROKEN ARROW —Two Fourth of July celebrations are slated Sunday at local churches.

Rhema Bible Church, 1025 W. Kenosha St., will host its annual Rockets Over Rhema, with festivities beginning at 4 p.m. The fireworks show, one of the largest displays in the area, begins about 10 p.m.

More than 20,000 people attended last year, organizers said. Highlights include inflatable games, a car show, pony rides, a mechanical bull, a rock climbing wall, face-painting, balloons and temporary tattoos.

Concessions will be available.

Admission is free. For more information, call 258-1588.

Grace Church’s Freedom Festival will begin with family games at 6 p.m. at 9610 S. Garnett Road and end with fireworks that evening. The event benefits the Blue Star Mothers."

Neighbor Newspapers - Call them the PhilherMOMics

Neighbor Newspapers - Call them the PhilherMOMics: "BROKEN ARROW - Members of the Broken Arrow Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers are so excited about their July 4 Bands of Freedom concert, they decided to form a musical group to add to the entertainment"

Blue Star Mothers of America, Arizona Chapter: Yahoooo!

Blue Star Mothers of America, Arizona Chapter: Yahoooo!: "He'll be in Tucson later today! Thanks to all of you, I made it thru his deployment. God Bless all of you!"

AIGA and concerned pet lovers paint for the cause

SolSisters Studio: AIGA and concerned pet lovers paint for the cause: "Volunteers for the event were mostly designers and students but several concerned pet lovers also arrived to help. Canyon Creative arrived in force bearing many gallons of paint that the sanctuary will use to further beautify the building. Julia (educator at IADT) brought in several willing hands including mural artist (Blue Star Mother) Cheré Pedersen who got her contact book out and called all the TV Stations to try to get some coverage for the event as well as doing the majority of the black lining on Sunday. Once the mural was near complete on Sunday, Laura Zollar pitched in to add some finishing touches while volunteers vaccumed and cleaned, leaving the building in wonderful shape."

Kilgore is named Coweta Citizen of the Year

Neighbor Newspapers - Kilgore is named Coweta Citizen of the Year:
"On Saturday, June 7 during the organization's annual awards banquet - Presenting the award to Rolling Thunder member Don Jackson was Sandy Drywater with the Coweta Chapter of Blue Star Mothers."

Veterans Memorial Wall replica in Shakopee

Veterans Memorial Wall replica in Shakopee Chaska Herald: "The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) a non-profit social services agency assisting veterans and their families statewide is hosting the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (The Wall) at Canterbury Park from June 19 to 22nd to draw awareness to veterans issue and the organization itself.
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) is a 383-foot replica of the Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The AVTT is the largest traveling tribute in the U.S.; it includes a WWII and Korean War Tribute, a Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and Tributes to 9/11, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom."

The Wall goes up for reception and daily events beginning Thursday, June
19th at 12:00 p.m. We’ll feature a special tribute to POWs and Gold and Blue
Star Moms on Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m. Senator John McCain has been invited
to accept the tribute wreath on behalf of POWs nationwide.

On the homefront | ws.gmnews.com | Woodbridge Sentinel

On the homefront ws.gmnews.com Woodbridge Sentinel: "With her husband, U.S.Marine Cpl. Brian Kevin Joseph, 25, preparing to be deployed for his first tour in Iraq, Melanie L. Joseph is doing some preparing of her own. She now has to take care of their household and their four children without him.And she plans on taking each day one day at a time.

"For me and our children - Gabriella, 13, Alexander, 9½, Adelina, 7½, and Samayah, 17 months, we have to live with this every day until he comes home," said Melanie, as she sat at her kitchen table May 31 at her home on Liberty Street in Fords. "When I woke up in the morning, Brian was already at work, so I didn't see him anyway. But when 4 p.m. rolls around and he does not walk through the door, it just hits you, especially during dinnertime."

"I also keep decorating the house with a patriotic theme- it justmakesme
feel better," saidMelanie, who added that she decorates her house for every
holiday. "The Our Soldier at War flag with the blue star [which represents a
familymember serving in a war] that the military gave us is hung on our front
door and the decorations will remain up until he comes home, even for
Christmas," she said. "

Soldiers Love Starbucks and Biker Fusion

::: Web of Support.com ::: The Blog :::: Soldiers Love Starbucks and Biker Fusion: "Tim Grever, District Manager of Northern Nevada Starbucks Coffee, his employees and local customers who purchased over 300 lbs of coffee made many soldiers happy as you can see from the photo....
Members of the Nevada National Guard met Web of Support Members and a few Blue Star Moms to pack up the coffee.....it was great fun on the patio of the Starbucks in Carson City. Members of the community wrote messages on their bags of coffee...we also sent some coffee to the 101st Airborne out of Fort Campbell, Ky.
Starbucks at Quail Roost in Carson City just started a coffee campaign and have over 9lbs donated so far......this coffee will be going to the 140th of the National Guard in Iraq."

Packers donate $20K to Blue Star Mothers

The Journal Times Online > Local News > Packers donate $20K to Blue Star Mothers: "RACINE — Because she is one of them, Sue Gourdoux understands the concerns of women with children in the military.

That’s why Gourdoux helped found the Blue Star Mothers of Southeast Wisconsin. She and her aunt, Colleen LaFave, started the local chapter of the historic organization in 2007.

Gourdoux’s intent, at the time, was to show support for her son, Joseph, who was on his second deployment in Iraq, and other members of the U.S. military, she said.

“There are lots of mothers and family members who need that extra hug — whether it is by a phone call, visit or cards — who have a hard time coping with a son or daughter in the Armed Forces. Having them away from home is stressful,” Gourdoux said. “This group can reach out to these families and give them support.”

Gourdoux’s group is one of two Blue Star Chapters in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Blue Star Mothers Chapter 1 is located in Green Bay. Their mission is to offer solace and support to active duty service men and women, veterans and their families.A $20,000 donation they received in late May, from the Green Bay Packers and American Family Insurance, will assist them in their mission.Gourdoux, president of Chapter 2, Dawn Hermann from Chapter 2 and Judy Sivert from Chapter 1 accepted the donation for the Blue Star Mothers. The donation will be split between the two chapters."

These NH veterans never forget - Sunday, Jun. 15, 2008

UnionLeader.com - New Hampshire news, business and sports - These NH veterans never forget - Sunday, Jun. 15, 2008: "Karen Thurston of Gilford is president of the New Hampshire chapter of Blue Star Mothers, an organization of military families that supports the annual Freedom Ride and weekly POW/MIA vigils. Blue Stars represent those who are serving or have served, Gold Stars those who die in war.
Thurston said it was only when her own son, Alex, an Army National Guardsman, was deployed to Iraq in 2004 that she thought about the pain felt by the parents of missing servicemen: 'There but for the grace of God go I.'
Now, whenever she attends an event honoring the troops, Thurston said, "We always say please take a moment to remember that mother who hasn't had closure and would love to have her child come home.
"A POW family is still a Blue Star family," Thurston said. "They don't become a Gold Star until (their deceased sons or daughters) are returned.""

Blue Star Mothers to host golf tournament

Blue Star Mothers to host golf tournament (Muskogee Phoenix) Best Web Hosting Service Providers: "Oklahoma Chapter 3 of the Blue Star Mothers will be hosting a charity golf tournament Sept. 8 at the Muskogee Country Club. They are currently looking for corporate sponsors for teams and advertisers."

Blue Star Mothers Memorial

MonroeNews.com - The Monroe Evening News, Monroe, MI: "Members of the Eden's Garden Club spruced up Veterans Park Saturday.

Instead of planting flowers, however, they sowed a memorial plaque into the ground in honor of those serving in the armed forces.

The 32-member club dedicated the Blue Star Mothers Memorial at a ceremony Saturday morning at the park. About 80 people attended the event to unveil themarker. It is located between the Korean Memorial and the World War II Memorial, and sits in front of a pavilion.

'It's our way of paying tribute to the armed forces of America,' said Betty Wilhelm, president of Eden's Garden Club, just before unveiling the marker to the crowd.

The National Garden Club Inc. began the Blue Star Memorial Marker program in 1944 during World War II to honor the men and women serving our country. During the war, the Blue Star Service Flag was displayed in homes and businesses as a way of honoring those serving in the military.

The project eventually expanded across the country, including memorial markers along the nation's highways. The marker dedicated Saturday is the first one in Monroe."

Blue Star Mothers at it again

Blue Star Mothers at it again HoumaToday.com The Courier Houma, LA: "Suzie Johnston got a phone call a few weeks ago from her son, Sgt. William Johnston, who is currently living stateside with his wife of three months, Alicia.


It was good for her to receive the call, because it’s always good when Billy calls.
Yes, she still calls him Billy, sergeant stripes or no sergeant stripes.
'He may be my hero, but he’s always going to be my baby,' is how she explains it.
The news was not the best she could hope for, because Billy, she learned, is now preparing for his third overseas deployment.
But she kind of expected it."

Blue Star Mothers Need Your Help to Help Soldiers

Blue Star Mothers Need Your Help to Help Soldiers: "A group of Grand Junction moms is working hard to make sure soldiers overseas get a little taste of home. The Blue Star Mothers is collecting donations for Independence Day care packages.
Some of the moms were at First Christian Church on North First Street Tuesday looking at the goodies the community has dropped off.
Tomorrow they'll put together toiletries and snacks for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Blue Star Mothers say they're doing pretty good with the basics, but they're still collecting items like water ballons and water guns.
And if you know a soldier who could use a care package you can give their name to the group.
For more information call (970) 242-3845 or click on the link below"

Local airmen return home from Iraq

Local airmen return home from Iraq: "There were many warm welcomes Tuesday at McCarran Airport for about 30 Nellis airmen just home from Iraq.
The men and woman are with the 99th Security Forces, a group of police officers who were assigned to watch over inmates.
The group left on Halloween.
Some of the people who greeted the airmen are members of the Blue Star Mothers, an organization that tries to meet every military group coming home."

Garage Sale part 2c

Welcome to the Wright Home!: Garage Sale part 2c: "It Is Finished!!! I cannot tell you how happy I am that we are done! It's was a long weekend, but a blessed one. Kind of fun to have it be a neighborhood sale- the kids were back and forth between our house and the neighbors on both sides. One couple had Catherine for a good portion of the day and the other had Samuel. He was so cute- he was helping, not playing. He sat in his little fold up chair with the neighbors as they sold things to raise money for the Blue Star Mothers. Samuel had lots of fun and told me it was an honor to do things to help people in the Army. And it is."

Blue Star mothers looking for donations

Blue Star mothers looking for donations lancastereaglegazette.com Lancaster Eagle Gazette: "Lancaster — The Chapter 10 Blue Star Mothers, along with Bob Boyd Ford and Tiki Bowling Lanes Inc., are sponsoring a Fill the Trucks For the Troops on Monday.

Donated items should be in a single-serving size. No glass, aerosol cans or sprays or lighters. The most-requested items include beef jerky, gum, phone cards, batteries, protein bars and odor eaters. Donate food, toiletries and entertainment items.
You can drop the items off at either Bob-Boyd Ford, 2840 N. Columbus St., or Tiki Bowling Lanes, 1521 Tiki Lane, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday."

Soldiers' spouses help one another

Soldiers' spouses help one another - Faith & Values - Kentucky.com: "Two other groups, Military Missions and the Blue Star Mothers, have care package parties, working with churches, businesses, and other groups that donate toiletries, snacks, and other items to be packed and sent to members of the military.
Julia Shaw, an active member of the Blue Star Mothers group, has a son in the military. Camden Jordan is an officer and a Ranger with the Army's 101st Airborne Division. Julia spent her birthday helping Camden store his belongings and pack what he needed for deployment. He left for Iraq the next day."

West Pasco happenings - St. Petersburg Times

Tampabay.com - St. Petersburg,FL,USABlue Stars Mothers: A local chapter of Blue Star Mothers is organizing in the Tampa Bay area. The nonprofit group consists of mothers who have, or have had, ...

West Pasco happenings - St. Petersburg Times: "West Pasco happenings"

Band of Mothers Founder Takes on Congress, Again

Gathering of Eagles: "Posted On: June 28, 2008 at 9:02 PM By: Chris Hill
Our very own Blue Star mother, and Band of Mothers Founder Beverly Perlson, is heading back to the nation's capital to turn up the heat on Speaker Pelosi and the rest of Congress. For several months now, she has stood on the corner in front of the Canon Office Building during high profile votes.
On 8, 9, and 10 July she will be back with patriotic music and signs telling Congress to do the right thing concerning our brave warriors in the desert. We are asking any of you in the D.C. area to consider giving up a few hours one of those days. We recognize that it is a Tuesday through Thursday, work days for those of us who pay for the machinery of the country. Bev will be out there from 0900 to 1700 hrs though come rain or come shine.
Please consider a few hours to support Bev and the brave troops who make our way of life possible. I will personally take the train in one afternoon to stand with her. I've always said three things:
1) I'll never ask any of you to do anything I won't do, 2) We don't all need to do every thing, we just all need to do one thing and 3) Not only would the men and women in the desert do it for you, They Already Are.
Let's show those brave warriors, and the honorable members of Congress just how much we care. Thank you all for your never ending service to the cause. Manchu
Chris Hill"

New state memorial unveiled - Fosters

New state memorial unveiled - Fosters: "POW/MIAs, veterans, and the families of service people were honored during this year's vigil at Hesky Park where the newly declared state memorial to the lost and missing was officially unveiled.

The ceremony took place after Thursday's Freedom Ride which started at Lowe's Plaza in Gilford and ended at Hesky Park.

Combat veterans stood by the memorial next to Blue and Gold Star Mothers at the beginning of the ceremony. A C130 aircraft — a plane that makes regular stops at the South Pole — flew overhead and soon was followed by a medic helicopter from the New Hampshire Army National Guard."

Fisher House, Womack, Silver and Gold Star

The Needle in a Haystack: Fisher House, Womack, Silver and Gold Star: "..I NEVER run out of laughs with my own Chapter 7 Blue Star Moms... add into that Barb from Chapter 4 and Deborah & Mary Jo from Chapter 5 (hope that's right MJ) and I know it will be a day of hugs and love...
.. after food and potty breaks on our way to Ft Bragg, we arrived at Fisher House , a sort of Ronald McDonald House for soldiers and their families. I was so excited to hear Spence from the 1132nd was there and passed on the well wishes...he was having surgery for wounds from April 6.. I met Paula & Lucy, 2 of the most wonderful ladies you will ever want to meet who run Fisher House... if you have a moment would you say a prayer for Lucy's son Ryan... He is preparing for a bone marrow transplant very soon... the great news is they have found three matches... ALL PERFECT 10s!! How amazing is that??? When things start moving along with it I'll keep you updated..."

East County mourns another hero

"The last time Denise Aragon spoke with her son, the 22-year-old sergeant was tired and stressed and couldn’t wait to come home on leave in July.
But a mother’s intuition left her with an unsettled feeling, a restlessness she couldn’t quite describe. Now, she says it all makes sense."

More...East County mourns another hero:

Historic Support of U.S. Troops From the Front Lines -

Historic Support of U.S. Troops From the Front Lines - Progress Report: "More big name celebrities have signed on to support Move America Forward’s pro-troop push to send the largest single shipment of care packages to U.S. troops in history - and will be joining the June 26th Internet web-a-thon broadcast of “From the Front Lines.”"

Hooray for the red, white and blue -

Hooray for the red, white and blue - Monday, June 16, 2008 - Copyright 2007 Ourtribune.com: "There’s nothing like celebrating the Fourth of July for bringing out families and fun. This year’s lineup is sure to have something for everyone: fireworks, cookouts, top stars, parades and even “weiner” dog races. It’s enough to make one don his red, white and blue, and carry a sparkler.
The myriad of choices begins with taking a drive east to the Crosby Fairgrounds on June 28 to kick the season off. The East Lake Houston Fourth of July Celebration will feature a car show, fireworks music, a pie-baking contest, kid zone, karaoke, cook-off and wiener dog races.
It will be a chance to see patriotism put to work as hundreds of veterans are fed lunch as part of the celebration. Admission is free."

Although the event is free, donations for the lunch will be accepted and
funds raised will benefit a local charity, Blue Star Moms, which provides care
packages to men and women in the military and supports their families at home.