Bethel woman is founder of support organization for military mothers

"BETHEL--They've traveled to military bases across the country to see their children who are about to be deployed to trouble spots overseas, or to ships stationed in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere.
They wait anxiously for the text messages and e-mails their offspring send from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and cry when they miss the phone calls home.
But for Danbury-area women with sons and daughters in uniform, there were few places to turn to discuss their deepest fears, or just to talk about the numberless issues that arise while their children serve their country thousands of miles away."

"Whatever you're worrying about or experiencing, somebody else has been
through it," said Pam Tibbits of Bethel, whose son Paul has been stationed north
of Baghdad since last July.

Bethel woman is founder of support organization for military mothers - NewsTimes.com:

Coverty Public Library Honors Hometown Heroes

"Christine Sagar Reporting

The Covert Public Library is teaming up with a local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. to put up a permanent display for Covert's Hometown Heroes. Blue Star Mother Liz Halliburton says the display will help people in the community send care packages and cards to local men and women serving active duty in the military. Halliburton says the Blue Star Mothers have put up a successful display in the past."

WSJM AM 1400 & FM 94.9 - Coverty Public Library Honors Hometown Heroes:

Korean War memorial dedicated in Operation Welcome Home launch in Myrtle Beach

"Looking at the Korean Conflict plaque on a granite stone dedicated today in Myrtle Beach's Valor Memorial Garden, Dolores Braginton realized that war began June 25, 1950 -- nine years before her birth date.
The Myrtle Beach resident was among a group of area Blue Star Mothers of America serving cookies and treats for many of the 200 people who turned out for a breezy, but sunlit, ceremony to honor all living and deceased Korean War veterans and announce the kickoff of Operation Welcome Home in Myrtle Beach."
Korean War memorial dedicated in Operation Welcome Home launch in Myrtle Beach - Breaking News - Myrtle Beach Online:

Two Star Mom

"Deployment is taking on a whole new meaning these days as Stephen's missions in the sand get longer and longer. It means that he isn't able to call, doesn't have the time to write, and internet access isn't something easily come by - he does have his computer with him, but internet access is expensive. And so, we hunker down now, write more letters, send more Kasey pictures and 'artwork' and wait for the time when he can have a better schedule."
More... Two Star Mom:

A request from Blue Star Moms

"Guest column
Saturday, February 21, 2009

In January 1942, a Michigan newspaper ran an ad about a way for mothers of servicemen to aid in the war effort. It drew over 1,000 responses.
A few months later, the creation of an organization called Blue Star Mothers of America was first read into the Congressional Record.
Throughout World War II, these mothers tirelessly manned the coffee pots and sandwich counters in train station canteens. They sat by the bedsides of the wounded, wiping a feverish brow, helping write letters home. They packed care packages. They served because their children were serving.
It is the same with us today. We are ready."

More... Mary Duty, guest column: A request from Blue Star Moms:

A community remembers

"A community remembers
Kristine Maguy lifts a candle skyward in honor of Pfc. Roberge. Roberge's mother, Pauline and sister, Meghan comfort one another during the vigil. Friends and classmates of 'Jonnie Ro'' feel the weight of his loss. Thousands of residents showed up to City Hall, breaking the darkness of a cold February night with blazing points of light. Gold and Blue Star Mothers know the pain of the Roberge family all too well. John Roberge addresses the crowd, sharing stories of his 'big deal' son."
More pictures -- A community remembers www.leominsterchamp.com Leominster:

Girl Scout Cookie Sales Up, Booth Sales Underway

"In partnership with Blue Star Mothers, Girl Scouts support our service men and women through “Cookies for Soldiers,” a project which sends Girl Scout cookies to military personnel serving abroad. Last year, Mountains to Midlands shipped over 11,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to soldiers. Customers may participate in this great program by purchasing cookies specifically for service personnel overseas. Blue Star Mothers will also accept contributions for shipping costs. Customers are encouraged to continue this wonderful tradition of offering our military heroes a “taste of home” again this year."

Girl Scout Cookie Sales Up, Booth Sales Underway WSPA:

Douglas woman's son dies in Iraq

"'He loved his family more than anything in the world,' she said. 'He wrote letters to each of his children individually and he called them regularly.'
Wiley and Barbara Clark, also of Gardnerville, are members of the Sierra Nevada Blue Star Mothers. A handful of Blue Star Mothers went to Wiley's house to offer support.
'We've done a number of ceremonies, but this is the first time we've lost from the inside,' Clark said 'There is a lot of numbness in the group right now.'"
More Douglas woman's son dies in Iraq www.rgj.com Reno Gazette-Journal:

Gold Star Families Heal Together

"'Yeah, I'm going to be presenting a gold star banner,' Marge Greenfield says. Greenfield is with the Truckee Meadows blue star moms. Her group supports military families with loved ones on active duty with Blue Star banners. But, once a military loved one dies or is killed they are honored with a Gold Star Banner. 'I think the hardest venue to do is right in front of a casket,' Greenfield says. Greenfield is honoring Millie Jury's son, William, with a Gold Star Banner Saturday."

KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Gold Star Families Heal Together:

Blue Star Kids program honored

"Bosque Farms- On a recent chilly morning, more than 30 Bosque Farms Elementary School students were willing to sit at a cafeteria table and work on coloring sheets as part of the Blue Star Kids program.
The program, begun in September of 2007, has fun and lighthearted activities at times, but it's got a very serious motive and message behind it. That's why the program received a New Mexico Quality Education Award for its program design.
Submitted by Ruth Vollmer, Gwen Gordon and Theresa Blythe, the program helps support students whose parents are serving in the military overseas."

The News-Bulletin: Blue Star Kids program honored:

One child’s dream and determination causes Blue Star Mothers to come to Georgia

"A Blue Star flag waves in front of several Catoosa residents’ homes in support of U.S. troops
The flag represents mothers of military men and woman across the world who not only show support for their children but also for each other. The North Georgia and Chattanooga chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America has found its new home in Ringgold after one mother had to fight an internal battle of having her child go to a warzone."

Catoosa County News:

Local women form chapter of Blue Star Mothers

"SHALIMAR, Feb 09, 2009 (Northwest Florida Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- BUSRF Quote Chart News PowerRating -- Although it has been around for nearly 70 years, Blue Star Mothers of America is new to the Emerald Coast."

"We were the seventh chapter to be formed in Florida and the only chapter
to be formed in Northwest Florida," said Cindy Maney, founder and president of
the chapter.

Maney said she formed the group to help mothers get involved in volunteering opportunities, support each other and share a wealth of knowledge.
Membership is open to anyone who has or has had a child in the military. Others can attend meetings and participate in functions as an associate.
MembersoftheNorthwest Florida Blue Star Mothers met recently to make care packages for deployed family members.
Like the organization itself, the packages served two purposes. They were symbols of the love and support the deployed soldiers had waiting at home and helped members of the new organization bond over a common thread.
Rosie Taylor's son will be called to serve in Afghanistan sometime this year. The Fort Walton Beach resident joined the new chapter in search of the support she would need while he was gone.
"Belonging to this group has already given me the heads up on several issues," Taylor said.
Although she grew up in the military and has a husband who served, Taylor said she had a lot to learn when her son joined the U.S. Marine Reserves.
"I didn't really know what to expect when my son was away at boot camp. I had to learn very quickly what support he would need from me," she said.
"You can send a husband to war but sending a son to war is a completely different feeling, and you need that support," Maureen Taylor said.
The women swap their own version of war stories at the monthly meetings. None have more to tell than Mary Jane Hickman.
"I don't have any in the service right now, but I did," she said. "I had three boys. They were all in it at once. One was killed in Vietnam."
"I have a son in the Army and two sons in law in the Air Force," said Barbara Dunbar of Crestview. "I thought it would be nice to get together with other moms."
Since last October's inception, the organization has participated in card and letter writing activities and prepared care packages.
"We are looking forward to growing so that we can get involved in some service projects and support as many mothers as possible who may be interested in joining us," Maney said.
Blue Star Mothers of America got its name from the Blue Star Service Flag, which is displayed during wartime, Maney said.
"It is our sons' and daughters' commitment to serve their country that binds us together," the Shalimar mom said. "As difficult as it is (sending a child to war), I feel a deep sense of pride knowing that my two sons are helping to defend our country's freedom. I can come together with these other moms who share my concerns as well as my pride."
The group meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Shalimar.

BUSRF Local women form chapter of Blue Star Mothers:

Belmond Independent - SHORT PLAY COMING TO ROWAN

"The Iowa River Players will present two matinee performances of a short play called 'Blue Star Mother' by Tom Johnson of Amana.

The play is approximately 45 minutes long and will be presented on the IRP stage in Rowan at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22. Tickets will be available at the door for $5.
Set in the summer of 1944, the two characters in the play are based on the playwright's mother and her best friend. It concerns the coping strategies of Maggie and Charlotte as they wait for the mailman to bring word from Maggie's sons overseas. Luanne Krabbe plays Charlotte and Kathy Schnell plays Maggie. Becky Ahrendsen of Clarion is the director.
'Blue Star Mother' will be presented at the Iowa Community Theatre Festival in Okoboji March 7."

Belmond Independent - SHORT PLAY COMING TO ROWAN:

Community news - Serving Middletown, CT

"CROMWELL — The Middlesex County Blue Star Mothers will meet Feb. 18. Meetings are open to any Connecticut mother who has a child serving and or who has served in the military and take place every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Cromwell Town Hall, 41 West St., Room 229. For information, e-mail info@middlesexcountybluestarmothers.org or visit www.middlesexcountybluestarmothers.org."

Community news - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT:

LSU will study brain injury treatments - Veterans Pilot Study | HBOT - Harch Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

"The Advocate
Baton Rouge, LA, Newspaper
February 6, 2009
Dr. Paul Harch, an LSU Health Sciences Center emergency medicine professor, is starting a pilot study on treating people with chronic traumatic brain and posttraumatic stress disorder, according to a statement from LSU Health Sciences Center.
The study will examine 30 participants, half with traumatic brain injury and half with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, the statement says."

LSU will study brain injury treatments - Veterans
Pilot Study · Dr Paul Harch M.D. speaks to Congress about value of Hyperbaric
Oxygen Therapy · Dr Harch spoke at a picnic hosted by the Blue Star Mothers
Association ·
LSU will study brain injury treatments - Veterans Pilot Study HBOT - Harch Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:

Veteran's Beat: Hudson group hopes to rekindle Blue Star banner tradition

Members of the Auxiliary to American Legion Lee-Bishop Post 464 in Hudson are active in promoting the Blue Star Service Banner as one of their many Americanism programs.
President Cindy Suchan and 2nd Vice President Cathy Williams of the unit tell me that they are spreading the word about the program in hopes of encouraging members of the community to contact them about a Blue Star Banner presentation.
Now a little history.
Hudsonhubtimes.com - Veteran's Beat: Hudson group hopes to rekindle Blue Star banner tradition:

"On April 4 there will be a gathering of veterans and their supporters, including
The Gathering Eagles (www.gatheringofeagles.org) and Gold and Blue Star Mothers,
on the Mall in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the victory of our brave troops in
Iraq, according to Jim Szabo of Ohio Vets for Freedom, in Macedonia.
'Many have argued for some time now that victory in Iraq was not only impossible, but
that it was not even quantifiable,' said Szabo. 'This victory is the result of a
strategy known as 'the surge' that was successfully implemented by the men and
women of our armed forces, and those Iraqis who had the opportunity, at risk of
their own lives, to play a major role in determining their own future."

Novato woman starts chapter of Blue Star Moms

Novato woman starts chapter of Blue Star Moms - Marin Independent Journal: "A Novato woman is creating a new chapter of a national organization for families and friends of people serving in the military.
Barbara Travis saw a story in the Independent Journal about a long-dormant program of distributing blue star banners to the mothers of active military personnel and gold star banners to those who have lost a son or daughter in combat. The star program had not been active in Marin since the Korean War, according to local veterans groups."

Honoring her son; Blue Star Mothers chapter forming

"Janis Dearman doesn’t know when or if her 22-year-old Army son will be sent to Iraq.

What she knows is that she plans to support him whenever he goes.

At one point fervently opposed to his enlistment in any branch of the military, Dearman now is forming a chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America to show her support for her son.

“I mainly just wanted Sam to know that I was behind him,” she said."

The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA - Honoring her son; Blue Star Mothers chapter forming:

Notes from overseas |

"Rosemary Daughters, with Blue Star Mothers, shared with the Gazette an e-mail sent to the organization by Kim Saultz, the mother of a son stationed in Afghanistan and another stationed in Iraq. The e-mail contained an excerpt from an e-mail Saultz had received from one of the sons, Daniel, talking about what contributions sent to the troops meant to them."
Notes from overseas chillicothegazette.com Chillicothe Gazette:

Blue Star Mothers packing Valentine boxes for military

The Edmond Sun, Edmond, OK - Blue Star Mothers packing Valentine boxes for military: "EDMOND — Blue Star Mothers will have a packing party from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 E. Danforth Road. They will fill Valentine boxes for young men and women serving in the military.

“We are looking for community members who would sign a Valentine card and bring it by to be included in the boxes,” said Blue Star Mothers’ President Sherry Stensrud."

Hometown Heroes | SCNow

Hometown Heroes SCNow: "Carol Dion’s daughter, Melissa, is a Staff Sergeant in the US Army stationed at Fort Drum in New York. She’s been deployed to Iraq twice since 2003.
01/26/09 10:44 AM"

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