Military Mothers Feted At Dinner

"A dinner was recently given at College of the Canyons in the newly remodeled Student Center cafeteria honoring Blue and Gold Star Mothers, Prayer Angels For the Military and military families living in the Santa Clarita Valley. The dinner was prepared and served by American Mothers, Inc., which is the official sponsor of Mother's Day here in the United States.
Guests of honor enjoyed a program which began with the U.S. Coast Guard presenting the Flag Ceremony. Army Veteran, Rodrigo Ceja touched hearts as he expressed gratitude to be back home alive and thanked the many supporters. This was followed by the song, "God Bless America", sung by Stacey Sanders."

It seems that a certain lady, (Diane Miller), had made a beautiful quilt
top and decided to donate it to charity, but did not know which one.
Shortly afterwards, Myrna Condie called and asked if Diane knew of someone who
could help make a quilt for the Blue and Gold Star Mothers to present at the
upcoming dinner.

Hometown Station AM 1220 - Santa Clarita Radio - Military Mothers Feted At Dinner:

A little taste of home - Bluffton Today

"Ingenuity, generosity combine to put a smile on troops’ faces.
little dough and even a few anchovies will soon give American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and a small taste of home.
Throw in some pepperoni and some lucky Marines and soldiers might even find a slice of heaven.
During his second deployment to Iraq in less than a year, Cpl. Brandon Polly posted a message on his Facebook account recently that would send many Bluffton, Sun City and Beaufort moms on a mission.
“I miss pizza,” he wrote.
Like a general, his mom — who just happens to be president of the local Low Country Blue Star Moms — came up with a plan and marshaled her troops."

A little taste of home - Bluffton Today:

Welcome Home Honor Flight -- WWII

Don't miss: 'Rivets'

"The musical celebrating 'Rosie the Riveter' and the home-front soldiers - the women and men who flocked to the East Bay to work the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond during World War II - returns to the S.S. Red Oak Victory, the last surviving Victory ship to be built there.

With song and dance, it tells the heartfelt stories of people grappling with daily troubles and small joys amid rapid cultural change and never-ending worry about their loved ones overseas. Rosies, WWII vets and uniformed service members get in free, and there's a $2 discount if you bring something for the Blue Star Moms' care package collection.
8 p.m. Fri. and 3 p.m. Sun. Through Sept. 27 (also 3 p.m. Sept. 12, 19 and 26). Aboard the S.S. Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6-A, Richmond. (925) 676-5705. www.rivets.homestead.com.
- Mary Eisenhart, 96hours@sfchronicle.com
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/27/NST019AQ58.DTL#ixzz0PVY0pwUa"

Don't miss: 'Rivets':

Blue Star Moms collect toiletry items for troops

Blue Star Moms collect toiletry items for troops - Marin Independent Journal: "Packaged foods and toiletry items for military personnel care packages will be collected between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday in front of Safeway at the Hamilton Marketplace in Ignacio.
The effort is organized by Blue Star Moms of Marin, which can provide a list of needed items to shoppers before they head into the store. Items will be shipped to military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For information, send e-mail to info@ bluestarmomsofmarin.org."

World War II vets humbled by heroes' reception

By MELINDA MAWDSLEY/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
"Cleo Elliott and Bob Strong received the welcome home reception of their dreams Wednesday.
Thousands packed the Grand Junction Regional Airport terminal to cheer for the more than 100 area World War II veterans who returned to Grand Junction aboard their charter flight arranged by Western Slope Honor Flight.
The 36-hour trip began Tuesday when veterans boarded the free flight from Grand Junction to Washington, D.C., to tour war memorials. On Wednesday afternoon, the group returned home to band music, patriotic signs and thousands of American flags.
“I’m awed with this reception we got today,” said Strong, 83. “I don’t shed a tear often, but I almost had a tear in my eye.”
Strong wasn’t alone.
Tears poured down the faces of women carrying flags and men wearing military hats inside the airport."

World War II vets humbled by heroes' reception:

Homes For Our Troops: HFOT was pleased to join the Blue Star Mothers at their 67th National Convention in Boise, Idaho

"On August 13th I had the pleasure of speaking about Homes for Our Troops at Blue Star Mothers of America’s 67th Annual National Convention in Boise, Idaho! It was an honor and a pleasure to meet the courageous mothers of our military heroes. Their energy was palpable as they offered to volunteer to support our mission. We thank them for the sacrifice they and their children have made in service to our country.
I know with The Blue Star Mothers assistance we will be able to ensure that each of our veterans’ projects have the care and attention they deserve. Their volunteerism and service to our military members and their families is commendable. Being an honored guest at the Blue Star Mothers National Convention was truly a memorable experience for me. Together we can do great things!"

Homes For Our Troops: HFOT was pleased to join the Blue Star Mothers at their 67th National Convention in Boise, Idaho:

Letter: Appreciation for our servicemen

"Yesterday I received a copy of a letter written to the editor of the Baton Rouge Advocate. The copy came from a mom of a marine and she is also a member of our local Blue Star Moms group here in Baton Rouge. This mom didn't write the letter but she thought it worthy to share and I agree with her. It's not a a complaint or rant about local road construction, or how high taxes are, it's just a simple letter of appreciation for the sacrifices our armed forces members and their families willingly make in service to our country."
Letter: Appreciation for our servicemen Gather:

World War II musical comes to Victory ship

"The drama of life on the home front of World War II will be re-enacted where it took place more than 60 years ago. 'Rivets,' a musical by East Bay playwright Kathryn McCarty, will tell the sweeping story of the war shipyards and the men and women who worked there, in a month of performances that begin Aug. 28 aboard the S.S. Red Oak Victory.
The Red Oak, built in Richmond and the last surviving victory ship, is one of the central pieces of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park and is anchored at the former Kaiser shipyard No. 3, now part of the Port of Richmond.
'Rivets' was well received when it debuted last fall, leading to a return engagement for which several new songs have been added."
Admission is $20 general, $15 seniors and students, with a $2 discount for those who bring a donation for the Blue Star Mom's Holiday Care Packages for soldiers.
World War II musical comes to Victory ship - ContraCostaTimes.com:

View from a Sawmill: A Richer Life

"View from a Sawmill: A Richer Life
There are times when I am reminded that my life has been enriched by the service and courage of others.
By: Greg Hull, Lake County News Chronicle"
There are times when I am reminded that my life has been enriched by the service and courage of others. It’s something I need to be reminded of, and challenged about. A few weeks ago I went with my father to his USMC reunion. Most of the veterans of B Company out of Duluth are now grey-haired and stooped with arthritis.
...

But by courage and with sacrifice many have served. Consequently lives have
been enriched. Being the “young kid” in a room of elderly Marine veterans
reminds me of that. So does seeing a Blue Star hang in someone’s kitchen window,
or yellow ribbons around a mailbox post.
Maybe our courage and sacrifice can
make their lives richer at the same time.

View from a Sawmill: A Richer Life Lake County News Chronicle Two Harbors, Minnesota:

Right in a Left World: Organizing For America Offends Families Of Troops & Veterans

"Although we missed the initial gathering of activists who may have volunteered, we did see that there were not one, but two tables set up by Organizing for America activists... the sites chosen for both of their tables could not have been more inappropriate or offensive. If it wasn’t a deliberate act of confrontation to set up where they did, it shows their lack of class and how they don’t care whom they offend to get their way. The one booth was alongside the booth set up by a brand new chapter being organized for Blue Star Mothers, Moms who have Sons or Daughters who volunteered for our Military and are actively serving America at this time.
But, nearly directly across the sidewalk from the Blue Star Mothers was an active table of Organizing For America displaying their signs condemning...

Most offensive to the Moms manning the Blue Star Mother booth was that Organizing For America chose to put out a sign directly across from their booth saying, “Trillions for Wars and nothing for healthcare?” "Read Blog... Right in a Left World: Organizing For America Offends Families Of Troops & Veterans:

Blue Star Mothers benefit dinner

MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK - Benefits and Fundraisers: "BLUE STAR MOTHERS GREEN COUNTRY CHAPTER 12 BENEFIT DINNER, hosted by Order of the Eastern Star Muskogee Hope Chapter, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25, Muskogee Masonic Temple, 121 S. Sixth St. Menu: Spaghetti with meatballs and sauce, garlic bread, salad, desserts and drinks. Cost: $7, adults; $3, child. Proceeds will help this Blue Star Chapter continue efforts to provide service men and women with basic comforts from home."

Blue Star Mothers of America to meet next Thursday

Blue Star Mothers of America to meet next Thursday - The Paper of Montgomery Co. - Crawfordsville, IN: "Blue Star Mothers of America

The West Central Indiana Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation Community Center.

The Blue Star Mothers of America provides moral and emotional support for our men and women in the military and their families. These activities include sending 'Freedom Boxes' to our troops who are deployed.

For information call Gayle Sosbe at 362-5713."

Local Moms Organize Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America

"It was my honor today to meet three ladies at Esther Short Park who are organizing a local chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America.
Clark County is long over due a chapter of Blue Star Mothers as our Mothers have had their sons and daughters serving in both fronts since the beginning of this war.
It is to the credit of Stephanie Wesztergom, Donna Eisinger and Cyrsta Alger that a chapter is now formed and seeking members in Clark County.
Between these three Moms, there are four sons serving or who have served in this war. Lt. S.L. Whitesell, U.S. Army, Sgt. Alex Eisinger & Sgt. Austin Eisinger, both U.S. Army and Lt. Daniel Alger, United States Marine Corps who is currently in flight school.
These Moms worry and are concerned for their children who go off to war, just like the Moms before them. They seek each other and reach out to other Moms and families to support each other and our country.
This new chapter is the second in Washington State and forming as the South West Washington Warrior Moms, Wa #2."
Local Moms Organize Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America « Clark County Conservative:

ITEMS SOUGHT TO SEND TO TROOPS

"INFO: Modesto-Central Valley Blue Star Mothers & Families is looking for items to send to service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will be packing boxes this month. Items can be dropped off at the Stanislaus County American Red Cross, 1230 Sixth St., Modesto. Items needed include food, such as beef jerky, tuna in foil packages and microwave popcorn, and toiletries. For a complete list, go to www.mcvbluestarmothers.org. Military families can send their service members' addresses to modesto.bluestarmothers@yahoo.com so they can receive care packages."Around The Region - Local - The Modesto Bee:

Drop off items for overseas troops at Fairfield Township fire headquarters

Drop off items for overseas troops at Fairfield Township fire headquarters - Butler County News at Cincinnati.com: "The Fairfield Township Fire Department is teaming with the Blue Star Mothers of America’s Oxford chapter to collect items for troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Items may be dropped off at fire headquarters, 6048 Morris Road, through Aug. 24. There will be a collection box in the entry foyer for items to be placed.

Suggest items are: drink mixes, cereal, granola bars, peanuts, Slim Jims, heat resistant candy – no chocolate, cough drops, dried fruits, new or used DVDs, thank you notes for the soldiers, writing paper, pens, stamps, books, magazines, game books."

Reservists deploy to Afghanistan :

"CORPUS CHRISTI — Pvt. 2 Carrie Romans picked up her 5-year-old daughter, Deven, Monday and closed her eyes.
In front of them was a charter bus waiting to take Romans and 34 other reservists in the 453rd Cargo Transfer Company from Naval Air Station Corpus Christi to Houston as part of the unit’s deployment to Afghanistan.
After Romans hugged Deven, she looked at her 3-year-old daughter, Hailey, who asked her if she could go on the bus, too.
“No, it’s mommy’s bus,” said Romans, 25, a supervisor at McAlister’s Deli."

Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud to be an American” blared from a sound system as
the bus passed the crowd, which included members of Bahia Bay Residents/Troop
Project, based in Rockport, and Blue Star Mothers.

Reservists deploy to Afghanistan : Corpus Christi Local Caller-Times :

Ingebrigtsen to address veteran's issues at American Legion meeting | Alexandria Echo Press | Alexandria, Minnesota

Ingebrigtsen to address veteran's issues at American Legion meeting Alexandria Echo Press Alexandria, Minnesota: "Senator Bill Ingebretson, R-Alexandria, will give an update on veterans’ legislation from the past session and what to expect in the next session.
All veterans are encouraged to attend.
The Legion will also be at the Douglas County Fair as a part of the Veterans Council booth along with representatives from the Veterans Affairs clinic, Minnesota National Guard’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Blue Star Mothers, VFW posts and American Legion posts."

Local Military Moms Raise Money For Airman Read

"You might remember, in July, Airman Colman Read went to Travis Air Force Base, near Sacramento, for a surgery to remove his gall bladder. A mistake was made and due to excessive blood loss, both of his legs were amputated. Read now needs numerous surgeries to fix the mistake. That is why The Tri Counties Blue Star Moms organization held a fundraiser in Live Oak, Thursday, to help pay for the medical expenses. From buying a plate of pasta to participating in raffles, people from all over California came to this event to give their support.

California Senate Candidate, Rick Keene told Action News, "We have it so good here in this country and we don't realize that there are people here that are really giving their all to make sure we can have time to enjoy what we have so coming out and just lending a little of support with financial help is the least we can do."Military mothers say this event is not just about raising money for Read, but it is also about raising awareness. Danby said, "If our military can't take care of our own kids, it's a real problem."A problem supporters hope Read will overcome. "I wish him the best, I pray he has the courage to go on everyday and to recover to the best of his ability," Danby expressed. Organizers raised $4,500 from Thursday's fundraiser. Airman Colton Read was transferred to an Air Force Base near his hometown in Texas, Thursday, where he will undergo additional surgeries and rehab. "

Local Military Moms Raise Money For Airman Read - CBS 12 Action News:

Purple Heart Ceremony, Jacksonville, FL

"All of us know about Memorial Day and Veterans Day…and we go to great lengths to honor those that have died and served. Sometimes forgotten on these days are those that were wounded in combat. Do you know when Purple Heart Day is? Do you know the history of the medal? Did you know we have a Purple Heart Trail in Jacksonville which connects the Memorial Wall to the Veterans Arena? The Purple Heart Trail in was dedicated in 2006 through the hard work of Veterans and MAJ Maggie Weitzel.
The Purple Heart Ceremony is run by volunteers from the community—Navy Wives, Blue Star Moms, Florida Fallen Heroes, Order of the Purple Heart to name but a few. Keynote Speaker: BGEN Patrick Donahue, Deputy CG, 3rd ID, Ft. Stewart, GA Guest Speakers: WWII Purple Heart recipient, 91-year-old John Testy Iraq War Purple Heart recipient, Jason Noles At the conclusion of the ceremony there will be a walk down the Purple Heart Trail. All those who have been awarded the Purple Heart are especially encouraged to attend and be recognized. "

HOTH - Purple Heart Ceremony, Jacksonville, FL, 06 AUG 09 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing > Patriot Guard Riders:

Blue Star Mothers to hold annual bash

"ESCONDIDO ---- The San Diego North County Blue Star Mothers will hold their annual bash, 'Denim to Diamonds,' from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 12 at the American Legion, 230 E. Park Ave. The event will include dinner, live and silent auctions. Tickets cost $20. Mail check to SDNC Blue Star Mothers/Bash, P.O. Box 301456, Escondido, CA 92030. Include an address where tickets are to be mailed. Visit sdncbluestarmothers.org."

COMMUNITY NEWS: NCT, August 8, 2009:

Sharing the loss

"Community pulls together to support family of fallen soldier"
Jayne Boykin
The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — When GayLynn McCormick helped to organize the Duncan chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America in 2008, she never realized how close war would strike to the Duncan community.
After the death of Spc. Dennis Pratt on July 20 in Afghanistan was announced, McCormick and her group quickly mobilized to assist the Pratt family. The Blue Star Mothers became the clearinghouse for offers of support, information and other assistance for the family and the community in general as the people of Duncan came together to honor one of their own.The Blue Star Mothers were not alone, however. A Duncan woman whose husband has been in the Army for 23 years and who has helped support many Army families in time of loss called The Banner and was placed in contact with McCormick’s group. Rochelle Fetterley refers to herself as “just an Army wife.” Dennis Pratt’s funeral was the 201st military funeral Fetterley has attended since 2004. Because of her experience with grieving families and her ties with Army wives at Fort Sill, Fetterley had resources to add to what the Blue Star Mothers were doing."

The Duncan Banner - Sharing the loss:

Display honors Delco’s servicemen and women

"MEDIA — A display in the lobby of the Government Center, unveiled Tuesday, honors men and women of the armed forces with a pictorial tribute board featuring photos of those serving in the United States, Iraq, Afghanistan and other military campaigns.

The display was launched at a ceremony attended by the families and friends of several members on active-duty and members of the Delaware County Council. In all, pictures of 10 armed forces personnel were put on the tribute board.
Five pictures were posted on the board by family members or friends. They include:n Army Spc. Anthony Crocetto, of Norwood, by his aunt, Joyce Calabrese, of Glenolden, who works in the county Office of Judicial Support. He is serving in Iraq.
n Army Spc. Philip George of Chester, by longtime friend Eileen Ricketts, a county employee in the controller’s office. He is an Army engineer.n Airman 1st Class Matthew Heiser, of Marple Township, by his parents Maureen and Tony Heiser. He is based out of Spangdahlem, Germany, and is now serving in Afghanistan.
n Staff Sgt. Nicholas Miccarelli, of Ridley Park, by his parents, Linda and Nicholas Miccarelli, and friend, Derek Spaccone. Miccarelli is the state representative for the 162nd Legislative District and is serving his second tour of duty in Iraq.
n Lt. Kevin Moran, of Middletown, by his mother, Marian Moran, president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers. He is a Navy aviator.
n Also posted were photos of Marine Cpl. Peter Browne, of Radnor, Navy Lt. Robert Koroly, of Upper Darby, Army Pvt. Marc Lare, of Collingdale, who is serving in Iraq, Marion Sewell Jr., of Chester, who is serving with the Army in Iraq for a second tour of duty, and Navy Ensign Ian Wessels, of Newtown Township, serving aboard the USS Jarrett.
“Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the actions of American military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere have given us a renewed appreciation of their dedication, sacrifices and patriotism,” said county Vice Chairman Jack Whelan, council’s liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs. “We hope the tribute display will increase awareness and appreciation for those who are now serving here and overseas.”Delaware County residents who have family members actively serving in the military are invited to submit the individual’s military photograph and information on their service to the Veterans Affairs, Room 225, Delaware County Government Center, 201 W. Front St., Media, Pa. 19063. The 4-inch-by-6-inch colored photographs should include the name of the person serving in the military, town of residency and their official military address."


Display honors Delco’s servicemen and women - The Delaware County Daily Times : Serving Delaware County, PA(DelcoTimes.com):

Birth of the Blue Star Canteen - Canandaigua, NY

"Canandaigua, N.Y. — Chainsaws, hammers and gas grills were in full swing Saturday as dozens of Navy reservists and community members spent the day renovating an old house on the grounds of the VA Medical Center.

Why the gas grills? The moms with Blue Star Mothers — a not-for-profit organization that supports veterans and troops — were making sure the Navy Reserve Seabees with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 21, based in Rochester, and the volunteers working alongside them, were well-fed.
While Blue Star moms alternated between restocking tables of food to helping with various carpentry jobs, the reservists and volunteers worked up a sweat fixing porch screens, resetting light fixtures, building closets and scraping off old paint."

VIDEO: Birth of the Blue Star Canteen - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow:

Blue Star Moms give Vets warm welcome home!

Click HERE for the article and many more pictures..

Backpack Brigade - School supplies for kids of military families

"It's a group effort - one that makes sure military families are able to send their children to school with everything they need.
Operation Homefront teams up with the Dollar Tree before the school year to fill backpacks with much-needed school supplies for military children.
Now, the Blue Star Mothers are handing out those backpacks ahead of the school year.
If you're part of a military family, all you have to do to outfit your child is click the link below.
Your children’s names are not required - only the number of children and their grades.
The Blue Star Moms will make arrangements to either have you pick up
your backpack or they'll have them delivered.
For more information contact 970-242-3845 or email them at info@gvbluestarmothers.org."

Backpack Brigade - School supplies for kids of military families: