Mary Duty- Making sure Christmas isn't blue for our troops overseas

"Friday, December 25, 2009
The other night I got an e-mail that contained photographs of boxes loaded into Apache helicopters headed for bases somewhere overseas.
Bullets? Grenades? Nope!
The photos showed that more than 125 boxes of treats and “time-passers” from Central Texas made it all the way to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
VFW Post 6008 provided shipping for all the donations. The Heart of Texas Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America collected, packaged and processed the goodies."
This year was particularly difficult. Many people gave us a grim prognosis for our annual holiday package program. Most of the naysayers’ arguments were based on the economic pain that our community has been experiencing with the recession. I’ll admit some of us were worried a bit, but we couldn’t let Christmas go by without at least trying.
Thanks to the Tribune-Herald and our Clear Channel Radio stations, Blue Star Mothers got the word out about collecting items for our troops.
Donations poured in from all over the region, given from a place in the heart that cherishes service and sacrifice. Some donors have children overseas or had once served in faraway places themselves. Many spoke to us of knowing the loneliness of a holiday spent in a war zone. Some knew what it was like to gather around that Christmas dinner table that was missing a child or a father or a mother.
The list of churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals who helped us is far too long to publish here, but you know who you are. Thank you and God bless you all.
So with the holiday period at last here, as we immerse ourselves merrily in tinsel and twinkling lights, imagine what your donations have done.
You have brought the warmth and love of home to men and women who find themselves in harm’s way during this season of peace. You took time in October and November to remember those on the front lines. Because of your generosity, this week soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines will receive packages that bring the good wishes and heartfelt prayers of our community.
I remember a photograph that we got from our son after his first Christmas in Iraq. Proudly displayed on his bunk was an array of treats in a Christmas stocking. There were cards, cookies, candy, cigars and games. It was a modest assortment by United States standards. But the faces of those men told it all. For just a few minutes, combat missions and IEDs were faraway thoughts. Those boxes brought the smells and tastes of home. I saw smiles all around.
May your holiday be blessed, and when your celebrations begin, please know that you have shown our troops that they are both loved and appreciated.
Mary Duty, co-owner of Poppa Rollo’s Pizza, is president of the Heart of Texas Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America.

Mary Duty, Christmas guest column: Making sure Christmas isn't blue for our troops overseas:

Homecomings, goings for local military personnel

DREW WILKINS DWILKINS@KJCT8.COM

GRAND JUNCTION, CO --Most of us take for granted getting to see friends and family during the holidays.
For members of the military, every minute spent with loved ones is looked at as a gift. For PFC. Jose Martz, Monday's trip home was an early present for his family.
Patriot Guard riders lined the entrance of the airport terminal with flags late Monday morning, an indication the guest of honor was about to walk in.
Family and friends waited anxiously, until finally PFC. Martz arrived. Tears and hugs told the story of a group of loved ones happy to have their Marine back for the holidays

more... Homecomings, goings for local military personnel - KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports

Blue Star Mothers were also at the airport for the arrival early Monday.
Of course they frequently send care packages to troops overseas as well as support military families and veterans. If you'd like to help them out with a donation, visit their website:
http://gvbluestarmothers.org/default.aspx

Military service separates families at Christmas

"For most families, Christmas is a time of joy, of celebration, of gathering with loved ones to sing carols, share gifts and rejoice in the warm embrace of family."
For some Upstate families, though, there’s something missing this holiday season, one hole in the scene around the tree – a family member deployed.
“When he’s deployed, he’s constantly on our minds,” said Joyce Stanford, whose son Scott is currently in Afghanistan. “But I think during the holiday season when you have more family around, that’s that one person that’s missing.
“You’ve got gifts for them under the tree, but they just stay there until they get home,” she said.
Lillian Flemming feels that absence three times over. The mother of 10 has three sons currently serving overseas in South Korea, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
“This will be the first Christmas that none of them have been near home in all of their lives,” she said of Emanuel, J.M. II and adopted son Davit Gooseby.
For Flemming and her husband, J.M., it’ll be an altogether different holiday without a table full of people.


Military service separates families at Christmas greenvilleonline.com The Greenville News:

Soldier's mom gets homecoming holiday surprise in San Jose

"SAN JOSE, CA (KGO) -- One Blue Star mom received a wonderful Christmas surprise Saturday.
She went to Mineta-San Jose International Airport to welcome home troops returning from Afghanistan and what she did not know was that her daughter was one of the soldiers coming home.
The surprise arrival of Army Sgt. Aimee Magnus was a secret operation complete with a codename. San Jose Blue Star moms help set up the reunion that was greeted with yells, smiles and tears."

more... Soldier's mom gets homecoming holiday surprise in San Jose - 12/19/09 - San Francisco News - abc7news.com:

Community Calendar - Tribune Chronicle - Warren, OH

"- Warren Township Blue Star Mothers, 1 p.m., Johnson Community Center. Ida 330-872-3566."
10,000th coat to be given away - TribToday.com - News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Tribune Chronicle - Warren, OH:

Help DPNM & Blue Star Mothers Send Holiday Care Packages to NM Troops

Find the Good inside you this Holiday Season—


Give to the Heroes inside NM

Donate Goods for our New Mexico Troops

Blue Star Mothers’ Holiday Goods Drive for our New Mexico Troops overseas!



The Democratic Party of New Mexico is hosting a Goods Drive with Blue Star Mothers of New Mexico. We’ll be working together to get personalized care packages to our New Mexico Troops currently serving overseas.



Come out to donate between now and December 19th or come and help us pack on December 19th between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM at DPNM HQ! It’s time to find the good inside us all!



Come to DPNM headquarters located at 1301 San Pedro NE in Albuquerque and bring dry foods, necessities (click for list) and donations for postage. Contact DPNM at 505-830-3650 or info@nmdemocrats.org for more information or to donate.

American Legion Auxiliary, Billy Peterson Unit 165 and Nancy Hansen « Middlesex County Blue Star Mothers Blog

"On behalf of the Middlesex County Blue Star Mothers-CT3 and the Scholarship Committee, we would like to thank the American Legion Auxiliary, Billy Peterson Unit 165 and Nancy Hansen from Wolcott, CT for their very generous donation of $500.00 to our Scholarship fund. It is very much appreciated."American Legion Auxiliary, Billy Peterson Unit 165 and Nancy Hansen « Middlesex County Blue Star Mothers Blog:

Support Our Troops by Sending Care Packages Topped Off with Handwritten Notes and Cards

"Recently the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Blue Star Mothers shipped 780 of Christmas Care Packages to the Troops stationed around the world. Most packages were addressed to men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Along with hygiene items, snacks, and special goodies, each box was filled with messages of appreciation and encouragement.
The scene at the Troops Support Center resembled organized elves packing up presents in Santa’s workshop and loading his sleigh."

more... Linda Jewell Blog Spot: Support Our Troops by Sending Care Packages Topped Off with Handwritten Notes and Cards:

Blue Star Mothers did it again

"By Melody Reader
Published:
Friday, December 11, 2009 2:09 PM CST
Henryetta Free Lance

Mounds Post Office had a full schedule the first weekend of December as they labeled the 500 boxes that the Chapter 10 Blue Star Mothers provided for troops overseas during the holidays.

Blue Star Moms have been assembling and packing the boxes since mid-November with around 400 boxes packed at Green Country Vo-Tech in Okmulgee and around 100 boxes packed at TCC in Jenks."

more... Sapulpa Herald Online > Archives > News > Blue Star Mothers did it again:

Congressman Sestak Speaks at Blue Star Mothers Luncheon

"Congressman Sestak Speaks at Blue Star Mothers Luncheon
March 21, 2009
ESSINGTON, PA—On March 21, 2009, Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) spoke at the Blue Star Mothers Luncheon in Essington, Pa., about the dedication of military families and his efforts to care for active service members, veterans, and their families. The Congressman was introduced by Philadelphia Chapter President Marian Moran."

more... Congressman Sestak Speaks at Blue Star Mothers Luncheon >> Representative Joe Sestak:

Londonderry Wreaths Across America Ceremony “Wreaths of Remembrance” – Londonderry NH net

"Londonderry Wreaths Across America Ceremony “Wreaths of Remembrance”At 9:30am on Sunday December 6, 2009 five Blue Star Mothers held the first Londonderry Wreaths Across America Ceremony on the historic Londonderry Town Common.
Opening with a minute of silence to remember the fallen, the prisoners of war, the missing in action and honor those who have served and are serving this great nation’s armed services, the common was still with monuments draped with fresh snow. Following an opening prayer Joanne Paradis spoke on behalf of the Mothers."

More... Londonderry Wreaths Across America Ceremony “Wreaths of Remembrance” – Londonderry NH net:

Zerorez® of Albuquerque and Blue Star Mothers team up to Support Troops

"Give the gift of clean carpet and help support our troops this holiday season.

Flyline Search Marketing client Zerorez® of Albuquerque has teamed up with the Rio Grande Valley chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. to create care packages for deployed soldiers.

Schedule a regular cleaning during the month of December and Zerorez® of Albuquerque will provide one of the following additional services FREE of charge in exchange for a cash or in-kind donation to the Blue Star Mothers."

Atlanta Search Engine Marketing: Zerorez® of Albuquerque and Blue Star Mothers team up to Support Troops:

Care packages sent to Rogers County soldiers by Chelsea student groups

"Staff
Claremore Daily Progress

December 12, 2009 —
Thirty-five care packages left the Chelsea Post Office on Dec. 7 headed to troops from the Rogers County area that are serving all over the world.

These care packages were part of a group effort that involved many organizations and classes at Chelsea Public Schools.
“I am so impressed by the way the many different classes and organizations in our school came together to make this happen,” said Liberty Shere, business and information technology instructor at Chelsea High School.
Classes from McIntosh Elementary, Art Goad Elementary and the high school raised money to cover postage on the care packages. "

more... Claremore Daily Progress - Care packages sent to Rogers County soldiers by Chelsea student groups:

South Bend Tribune: In Support

"SOUTH BEND — Blue Star Mothers, whose children serve or have served in the Armed Forces, 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month, Room 106 at Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend. Call Deb Meyer at (574) 233-6326."

South Bend Tribune: In Support:

First Oklahoma City IMAX theater celebrating grand opening Friday with “Avatar” | BAM's Blog

"AMC Entertainment Inc. and IMAX Corp. are marking the opening of Oklahoma City’s first IMAX Theater, the AMC Quail Springs Mall 24 IMAX, with a grand opening celebration Friday to benefit the Blue Star Mothers of America.
Oklahoma City residents are invited to attend the IMAX Grand Opening Celebration from 6 o 8 p.m. Friday at Quail Springs Mall, directly in front of the theater box office. Attendees are asked to bring an item to donate to care packages for U.S. service men and women stationed overseas.
Suggested items for donation include individually wrapped food items, prepaid phone cards, socks, travel-size hygiene productions, gum, candy, small toys and DVDs."

more...First Oklahoma City IMAX theater celebrating grand opening Friday with “Avatar” BAM's Blog:

Star Gives Military Families Strength During Holiday Season

"Monday, the American Legion honored local military families by presenting them with a blue star banner -- a symbol that their son or daughter is currently serving in the military. Several of those families say as they get ready to spend the holiday season without their children, that banner means much more.
Reporter: Tim Ciesco
Email Address: tim.ciesco@nbc11news.com"

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo (KKCO) -- Monday, the American Legion honored local military families by presenting them with a blue star banner -- a symbol that their son or daughter is currently serving in the military. Several of those families say as they get ready to spend the holiday season without their children, that banner means much more.
The proud new owners of a blue star banner, Carl and Jan Schlueter say it was a special but emotional night. Their son Casey is currently serving in the Air Force and is getting ready for his second tour of duty in Iraq.
more... Star Gives Military Families Strength During Holiday Season:

Vodka for Veterans

"If you happen to enjoy a martini or two, there's a local brand that will help veterans, too."
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - If you happen to enjoy a martini or two, there's a local brand that will help veterans, too.
Last year, we met Joe Nedlin, a war veteran from Aspen who had a vision to make great beverages while helping veterans at the same time.When 11 News talked to him last year, his holiday spirit, Joka Vodka, was just taking off.
Not only is it a top-shelf liquor, Nedlin says all of its profits are sent directly to veterans.
Now, it's becoming a local phenomenon, especially at the VFW post on Ute Avenue where it's the only vodka they have.
Manager Jennifer Kemp says she is proud to serve it, 'Because 100% of the profit goes to support returning veterans, so that's why we sell it here."
Instead of the hundreds of vodkas they could be selling, they decided on the one with the dogtags.
One local organization has done great things because of the liquor's success, the Blue Star Mothers has gathered hundreds of dollars from the vodka's sales.
With that, help veterans at the Grand Junction V.A. Medical Center.
11 News is not condoning or encouraging anyone to consume any alcoholic beverages, but if you enjoy drinking this particular spirit around the holidays, try Joka, and help raise the spirits of local veterans at the same time.
Joka Vodka can be found for about $25 at most local liquor stores.

More...Vodka for Veterans:

GJ Participates in Wreaths Across America

Photo: Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers president Sherry Verdieck helps lay thosands of wreaths at the Veterans Cemetery.

"Saturday, Veterans' cemeteries across the country honored those who have served, and they did it by laying thousands of Christmas wreaths on graves."

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)- Saturday, Veterans' cemeteries across the country honored those who have served, and they did it by laying thousands of Christmas wreaths on graves.
Veterans and active military braved the cold to honor the brave men and woman who served our country here in Grand Junction.Servicemen say that the fallen vets fought through worse weather and the least they could do was tough it out for a few hours to honor them.



Video
More ...GJ Participates in Wreaths Across America####:

‘You would be so proud of today'

‘ "A small crowd at Jacksonville’s Coastal Veterans Cemetery joined thousands at 400 locations across the country to lay wreaths upon the graves of loved ones who served.
For the fourth consecutive year, a spectrum of community members came to observe the Wreaths Across America tradition, including war veterans and active-duty service members, gold star wives and blue star mothers, and teenage Civil Air Patrol Cadets."

You would be so proud of today' crowd, jacksonville, proud - News - ENCToday:

Overseas holiday mail is due today - The Elkhart Truth - Elkhart, IN

"ELKHART -- Today is the first deadline for holiday packages and letters being sent to military personnel overseas.
Anyone using the United States Postal Service to send first-class or priority mail to select Air/Army Post Offices or Fleet Post Offices in AE ZIP Code 093 must mail them today to ensure they reach their destination for the holidays. Most other packages and letters have a Dec. 11 deadline.
Mail being sent to military and civilian personnel deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom should:
* Use the service member's full name
* Include the unit and APO/FPO address with the nine-digit ZIP Code. Click-N-Ship customers should be advised the USPS and military will continue to add and update valid APO/FPO addresses for online labels.
* Include a return address."


Senders must mail items to specific service members. People without a specific service member in mind to send items to can contact Lisa Swann with the Blue Star Moms at lisaswann@verizon.net. A group from Blue Star will be putting together packages to be mailed to veterans on Dec. 14. People that contact Swann by Dec. 11 can make arrangements to have their items included in the packages.

Overseas holiday mail is due today - The Elkhart Truth - Elkhart, IN:

Swimming, ice skating, shopping, parade--all happening today in Pleasanton

"All day today at Thriving Ink's new store on Main Street, Brenda Dronkers and her family have put together $10-value care packages which they'll send to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through the Blue Star Moms organization for every $30 worth of purchases, and in the customer's name."
more... Pleasanton Weekly : Swimming, ice skating, shopping, parade--all happening today in Pleasanton:

Blue Star Mothers Night at Chili's

"A local group wants to give back to the families of our brave men and women who do so much for us all, and they're asking for your help to do it."
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - A local group wants to give back to the families of our brave men and women who do so much for us all, and they're asking for your help to do it.
Monday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Chili's in Grand Junction will donate 10 percent of each bill paired with a flyer to the Blue Star Mothers.
The organization says all proceeds will go to a special fund that helps local military families in crisis.
A Blue Star Mothers Night flyer must be presented at the restaurant for the donation to be made.
To download a flyer, click the link below.

Blue Star Mothers Night at Chili's:

Danbury military museum gets its blue star

"During World War II, families who had a son or a daughter serving in the armed forces hung a read and white banner in their window with a blue star in the center.
If the soldier or sailor was lost in the war, the blue star was replaced with a gold star.
When the Military Museum of Southern New England in Danbury started gathering artifacts for a new display on the home front, it needed a World War II blue star banner to hang next to the gold star banner it already had."
Millions of the blue star banners hung across the nation during the 1940s, so it was thought finding one would be easy. Wrong.
Like so many reminders of war, they'd been discarded or packed away in boxes and forgotten by a nation eagerly embracing peacetime.
Word of the search reached Bethel resident Pat Wilson-Perkins, president of the Blue Star Mothers Northern Fairfield Chapter, which serves Putnam County, N.Y., and this part of Connecticut.
She located Miguel Espinosa of Danbury, a World War II veteran and former president of the Rotary Club of Danbury. Espinosa still had the blue star his mother proudly hung in Mexico City while awaiting his return.
more...
Danbury military museum gets its blue star - NewsTimes:

With A Little Help From My Friends : Parents Zone

"When I first began with the Blue Star Moms, I wasn’t sure about how we were going to get things going as far as packages for the Troops or our Wounded Warriors. Things have moved so fast in a positive direction that I know that being a part of this, even beginning this Chapter, is something I was supposed to do. I know that may sound silly to some, but I am a firm believer that if you are meant to do something in life then the Universe will allow you to succeed. If you truly want to accomplish anything, feel it in your heart, it will come your way, in one manner or another, you will get what you need. By giving you receive." more With A Little Help From My Friends : Parents Zone:

Wreaths Across America in Londonderry Sunday – Londonderry NH net

"The Blue Star Mothers are going to have a wreath ceremony on the Historic Londonderry Town Common Sunday, Dec. 6 at 9:30 am. This is part of the Wreaths Across America ceremony, also known as “Wreaths of Remembrance” to honor America’s fallen warriors, POWs, MIAs, and all who have served or are serving."

Wreaths Across America in Londonderry Sunday – Londonderry NH net:

Mothers send worries, supplies to troops overseas

"HIGHLANDS RANCH - Mother's worry. That's what they do. Yet, when you're a mother like Brooke Pilkington, you find yourself worrying more than most."


9NEWS.com Colorado's Online News Leader Mothers send worries, supplies to troops overseas: