Students sending Valentine's wishes to the troops - My News 3

As of November 30, 2009, a total of 115,000 U.S. troops have been deployed to Iraq.

Although the fight overseas for these men and woman continues to be a difficult one, a local group of elementary school students is taking a lesson in humanity by helping our soldiers to get through the war in a very heartfelt way.

They are some of the most genuine words spoken directly from the heart, written to the men and women who are serving our country and protecting our freedoms.



Students sending Valentine's wishes to the troops - My News 3

Sending gifts and love to the troops

"When the United States fought in World War I, Americans at home did their part to conserve food so there would be more to feed American soldiers and to ship to our European Allies. Food schedules were posted, denoting which meals should be meatless, wheatless, porkless or some combination of the three. On Saturdays, for example, breakfast was meatless, lunch was porkless and the evening meal was supposed to be both wheatless and porkless.*"
It was quite a contrast to today, when the country is engaged in two wars that have had little impact on the day-to-day existence of most Americans.
For family members of those troops, however, the fighting is not something they can or want to forget.
In Duluth, a group of mothers decided that they would form an organization for mothers and stepmothers of servicemen and women that would meet on a regular basis. That was about a year ago; now they are called the Lake Superior Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers.

more...

Sending gifts and love to the troops Duluth News Tribune Duluth, Minnesota:

Helping those who serve: Even though Americans have not been asked to cut down on the amount of meat, pork or wheat

"There are several remarkable organizations in the Duluth
area that focus their services on helping veterans, current military members and their families. There's the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, recently recognized by Gov. Pawlenty. Another group doing a great job is the Family Readiness Group at the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota
Air National Guard. There's the Blue Star Mothers (see Page 1) and the Family Assistance Center."

We are grateful to all those organizations.
But it's not enough.
Even though Americans have not been asked to cut down on the amount of meat, pork or wheat products we eat so the government can send more food to war zones, there are many measures we can take to support the troops.
We can help the family members who struggle -- to make ends meet or to shovel the nasty combination of ice and snow that keeps carpeting the Northland -- while their loved one is away.

EDITORIAL: Helping those who serve: Even though Americans have not been asked to cut down on the amount of meat, pork or wheat p TradingMarkets.com:

'Blue Star Moms' offer support when loved ones in military

Corey Friedman

"While her son sweated and gasped through U.S. Army boot camp, Tammie Hayes found comfort and friendship on Facebook.
The captain of her son’s platoon at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., posted photos and videos from basic training on the popular social networking site, Hayes said. The Facebook page provided her with a link to new military moms just like her.
“It gave the mothers, the spouses, the siblings and everyone the opportunity to talk to each other and ask questions,” Hayes said. “We can help each other and give that support.”"
It also gave Hayes an idea. The Belmont resident decided to start a local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers, a group for mothers of active and honorably discharged military service members. The organization helps families of fallen troops, sends care packages overseas and raises money for other projects.
“I think it’s going to be a good support group, but we also want to help our soldiers,” said Hayes. “There are more and more who are going to be deployed.”
The Blue Star Mothers of America is a nonprofit organization authorized under the U.S. Code. It is nonpartisan and apolitical, according to its Web site.
“They’re just out for one thing,” Hayes said, “to support each other and support our troops.”
The local group will be the 11th chapter in North Carolina and will be called the Queen City Blue Star Mothers. With the next nearest chapter in Hickory, Hayes hopes Charlotte-area residents as well as those in Gaston County will join.
Despite the name, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins and grandparents are welcome to join the Blue Star Mothers. These relatives are admitted as associate members, according to the group’s Web site.
Hayes is still working to find a meeting place for the group. She has contacted military recruiters and local churches to find prospective members and said many people with links to the armed services seem receptive.
“It’s a big help,” she said. “It’s a good support group, and it’s good to have each other to lean on.”
Hayes’ son, Pvt. Michael Dawkins, is now training at Fort Sill, Okla., to become a cannon crew member in the Army. She said his time in boot camp was difficult for her, but the support of other Army parents helped ease the sting of separation.
“The first week I cried,” she said. “It was rough, but it eventually got better. It’s the communication, it’s having other people there to support you.”
Anyone interested in joining the Queen City Blue Star Mothers can contact Hayes at 704-860-4907 or thayes39@hotmail.com.
You can reach Corey Friedman at 704-869-1828.
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/son-43136-loved-comfort.html

Military wives, mothers gathering socks for troops

"Two groups of military
wives and mothers are on the hunt for one item we often take for granted that U.S. service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan lack: socks.
The Gold Star Wives of America group in Arizona, as well as the Blue Star Moms organization, launched a sock and valentines drive earlier this month with help from Ahwatukee, Chandler and Tempe area schools."
Military wives, mothers gathering socks for troops:

Local woman witnesses State of the Union address

"BLOOMINGTON - A local advocate for military families said witnessing President Barack Obama deliver the State of the Union address was the experience of a lifetime, but she also kept thinking of wounded soldiers she met in Washington, D.C.
Sharon McCauley of Bloomington, whose son is an Army Reservist, heads Corn Belt Blue Star Mothers. She also oversees the Adopt-A-Soldier program for the Military Affinity Group at Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance Cos., where she works.
She was invited as a guest of U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, a Democrat from Crete and a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, but she said the contents of the speech or the name of the president delivering it weren't that important to her.
'The politics didn't matter. It was being a part of history that made it such an honor,' she said from Washington, D.C."

Local woman witnesses State of the Union address:

Blue Star Mothers to host lecture

A"LEOMINSTER — The Blue Star Mothers MA Chapter 1 will host a lecture by Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Sam Rhodes at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Veterans Center, 100 West St., Leominster. Rhodes is a PTSD survivor who now travels the country offering his story as hope for our military heroes who find themselves in the same postion"
Blue Star Mothers to host lecture www.thecommunityjournal.com Community Journal:

Hearts go out to service members

By MELINDA MAWDSLEY/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Briana Chavez admitted it has been years since she created valentines from scratch, but the chance to be creative for a cause enticed the teenager to spend part of her Saturday helping others.
Chavez, 15, glued hearts on top of hearts as she made two homemade cards that will be shipped overseas to men and women in the U.S. military in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day. “It’s nice to show appreciation,” Chavez said.

Hearts go out to service members

Valentine Factory at Mesa Mall

Briefs, Jan. 20, 2010: "Valentines for soldiers accepted at mall
The third annual Valentines Factory, hosted by Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Mesa Mall.
People are encouraged to drop off valentines for U.S. soldiers deployed overseas or make one at the Blue Star Mothers table. They also will be collecting cash donations and donations for care packages.
Call 640-1065 for information."

Minn. moms of deployed soldiers support each other (Wahpeton, ND and Breckenridge, Minn.)

"ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) ” Barb Kriesel's son Ryan decided to join the Army when he was 19. Six weeks after enlisting, straight out of boot camp in Fort Carson, Colo., he was deployed to Iraq, where he drove a tank for one year.

That's when the sleepless nights and constant worrying began for his mom.

'I was pretty much a basket case and searching thing online and I stumbled on Blue Star Mothers on the Internet,' she said."

Anyone with a loved one serving in the military knows the anxiety that a late night phone call or knock on the door can cause. Military moms have long come together to talk about these concerns, especially in times of war. One of the groups that helps them cope is the Blue Star Mothers, which has been around since World War II.There are about 240 Blue Star Mothers in a dozen chapters around Minnesota. Moms like Kriesel say they share a mixture of fear and pride for their children.As moms, they admit they'd do anything to have their sons and daughters stay in the United States, working safe jobs that keep them out of harm's way. As citizens, they speak with pride of their children's service in the military.For Kriesel, no one quite understands that emotional conflict like the women in her group.

Breaking News : Minn. moms of deployed soldiers support each other (Wahpeton, ND and Breckenridge, Minn.):

Organization to build house for veteran in Colorado

Organization to build house for veteran

By Ashley Dieterle

Published: 01.18.10

After suffering severe injuries while serving in Iraq, Marine Lance Cpl. Kade Hinkouse was changed forever.

In October 2005, Hinkouse was patrolling in a vehicle during a late-night mission when part of his convoy was hit by a dual-stacked IED, causing the vehicle to explode. Hinkouse was ejected. He was left with a depressed skull, collapsed lungs and a serious leg injury.

Since then it has been a long recovery. He lost his right leg and 45 percent of his skull was removed for cranial plastic surgery. After spending hours in rehabilitation, Hinkouse’s life is slowing returning to normal.

The injuries left Hinkouse disabled and in a wheelchair. Because of his bravery and heroic duties for his country one nonprofit organization is giving back to Hinkouse.

Homes for Our Troops is an organization that builds and remodels specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans at no cost to the veterans. Hinkouse was chosen by Homes for Our Troops for a new home in the location of his choice.

Homes for Our Troops is the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc, National President's Project for 2010

Hinkouse, who lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Becky, chose Elizabeth as his new home. He said he wanted to live in a small community but not be too far from the city.

“I wanted to be close to a fire station and also close to good hospitals,” he said. “Becky and I both grew up in small communities, so Elizabeth was the right choice for us.”

more... Organization to build house for veteran Colorado Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town Lone Tree Voice News

Heart of Texas Blue Star Mothers Christmas

Girl Scout cookies are for sale

... "The cookie sale began Jan. 8 and will continue through March 26. The girls will be walking door to door through their neighborhoods, making presentations to businesses and community groups, e-mailing friends and family as well as hosting cookie booths at local businesses.

Some troops will participate in Cookies from Home, in which they ship care packages of Girl Scout cookies to service personnel stationed overseas, with the help of Blue Star Mothers and the USO.

This year's theme for the cookie sale is 'Leap 2 Lead! Be the Change!' All proceeds from the sale of Girl Scout cookies stay in the local community.

'Our annual Girl Scout cookie activities, in addition to United Way funding, help us make the Girl Scout experience available to all girls who want to participate,' Bonifas said."

More... Girl Scout cookies are for sale:

Idaho Guard members deploy for duty in Afghanistan

Idaho Guard members deploy for duty in Afghanistan Idaho News from KTVB.COM Boise news, Idaho weather, sports, traffic & events News: "BOISE -- Eight more Idaho soldiers are off to war.

It's the second round of deployments since Christmas.

So far, a total of 16 service members are being sent to Afghanistan.

For many this is not their first tour, but regardless, it's time away from family and friends while serving in harm's way.

KTVB was on scene for the departure Saturday morning,"

...


...At the airport, armed with patriotism, were mothers of other service men and women deployed to the War on Terror.They're called the Blue Star Mothers of America and while they don't personally know the soldiers who left today, they have the soldiers in their thoughts."As mothers we all feel the same way concerning how our children are being sent into harm’s ways, and so we are just here to support not only the service men themselves, but their mothers," said Darlene Biar of the Blue Star Mothers of America.It's a group that has only been in existence for six months in the Treasure Valley, but for decades around the nation.They hope their presence shows those leaving and those left behind that their service is supported."We don't know what is going to happen,” Biar said. “And so, they are trying to be as supportive as they can. They are trying to hold back their tears, but there are tears here today, not only from the mothers, but wives, fathers (and) children. And we are here to offer them any support that we can."

LaJollaLight.com | Bird Rock Elementary School fifth graders make Valentines for the troops

"The fifth graders from Ginny LaRowe's class at Bird Rock Elementary School were busy Thursday making Valentine cards for the troops. The Blue Star Mothers of San Diego will include them in Valentine boxes along with bags of goods that they'll send overseas."
The Blue Star Mothers is a nonprofit made up of mothers who now have, or have had, children serving in the military. For information go to www.bluestarmotherssandiego.org
LaJollaLight.com Bird Rock Elementary School fifth graders make Valentines for the troops:

Surprise Marine Homecoming

"Grand Junction, Colo.

Private First Class Cody Bell, 19, arrived home to the Grand Valley Friday night. He was greeted back to Grand Junction Regional Airport to a crowd of 75 people."

More krextv.com - Surprise Marine Homecoming:

21 Soldiers get Grand Sendoff

Across the Grand Valley, residents gathered on street corners to wave goodbye to 21 local soldiers heading to Iraq.


Reporter: lizz marrs

Email Address: lizz.marrs@nbc11news.com


With heavy bags, and heavy hearts, the 282nd Engineering Company prepared to depart for Iraq.




More than 50 motorcyclists, law enforcement patrol cars, and military hum–vees were part of honoring these troops with a heart–felt farewell.



While history repeated itself for mother Amy Ocampo, this is the 3rd time she's saying goodbye to her son. Ocampo says, "it doesn't get easier, it never gets easier."



And Private First Class Aleisha Klouzek, for the first time, gave final hugs, for 400–days, to her two little girls. She said,"it's really hard, it's really hard, but they are what will keep me strong."



But at least despite the tears, they would all have a sendoff to remember.

Letter from the head of the Patriot Guard Riders SF Bay Area - 2009 in Review

Letter from the head of the Patriot Guard Riders SF Bay Area - 2009 in Review: "Riding with the PGR has been one of the most fulfilling things that I have done this year! This letter came from Sgt Major Dave, the head of our area's PGR. I would highly recommend that you look into the PGR in your area! Here is Dave's letter:"

I've had the additional pleasure of working with Blue Star Mom's, Mom's,
Pacifica Military Mom's, Soldiers Angels, Pleasanton Military Families, League
of POW/MIA Families, Operation Mom, Operation Tango Mike, and of course, Gold
Star Mom's (Dad's and Families).

The Patriot Guard Riders' focus has never wavered - The Veteran.

Read the letter.

Blue Star Mothers collecting items for soldiers

"The Blue Star Mothers Miami Valley Chapter 3 is collecting items, cards and donations for soldiers serving in Iraq and other areas overseas. Support is needed, especially for those soldiers not getting any support from home. Donations are being accepted at the office of Dr. Beverly Fanz, DDS located at 625 W. National Road in Englewood."
Area News:

Thousands turn out to bid farewell

"The funeral for Army Spc. Brian R. Bowman, 24, was held in Woodland Christian Heights Church.Bowman, a medic, was killed with two fellow soldiers when their unit was attacked with improvised explosives and small-arms fire. All of the soldiers were from Fort Carson, Colo.The funeral procession, led by the Patriot Guard motorcycle group, went through the heart of downtown before turning on Indiana 47 to make its way to Waveland Presbyterian Cemetery in the small town of Waveland."

John Downey of Crawfordsville stood along Washington Street with his sons Jarett, 10, and Clayton, 8. The trio held a 3-by-5-foot American flag.
"I got the boys out of school for this," Downey said. "It's important because it is educational.
"They can learn to understand and respect patriotism, and have an appreciation for the flag and the troops."
Before the funeral procession reached downtown, members of the Blue Star Mothers group passed out small flags to people on the sidewalks.
"I've given out more than 100 flags," said Stacey Larkin, whose son-in-law and nephew served in Iraq.

more... Thousands turn out to bid farewell jconline.com Journal and Courier:

Workers encounter flag problems

"Four communities took part in raising a mammoth flag on Main Street, to be displayed as Spc. Brian Bowman's funeral procession drove by.

But there were a few obstacles along the way, including the fact that the first flag they secured when opened had pink stripes inside of white.

'It looked like it must have been wet when the put it away and it faded,' said Eric Small, Crawfordsville fire chief. 'Then we had to find another one.'

The flag used came from the town of Brownsburg.

In order to have the flag fly over Washington Street, two aerial trucks were needed. Crawfordsville has one and the Greencastle fire department agreed to bring its truck to assist."

Then came the issue with the wind. When the flag was hung around 10 a.m. it was getting tangled in the stoplights. It was taken down until just before the funeral procession came through downtown. Before that, it got tangled in one of the aerial trucks and had to be fixed approximately 10 minutes before the procession drove under it.The funeral procession lasted approximately seven minutes in downtown.Blue Star Mothers volunteers were out distributing American flags to businesses and individuals. Those handing out the flags were Stacey Larkin, Brook Groves, Shannon Claycomb and Carla Claycomb.

Workers encounter flag problems - The Paper of Montgomery Co. - Crawfordsville, IN:

Facebook | Blue Star Mothers: Blue Star Mothers seeking new members

"Blue Stars seeking new members Blue Star Mothers of America North Jersey no. 3, a non-profit service organization made up of mothers who have, or have had children honorably serving in the military, is seeking new members. The annual dues are $20 per year for Mothers.For more information, visit Blue Star Mothers of America North Jersey no. 3 Facebook page. To join, contact Alice Miller, President, at 973-409-4422, or visit the national Web site at bluestarmothers.org.Blue Stars seeking new members"


Facebook Blue Star Mothers: Blue Star Mothers seeking new members:

Ozark Blue Star Mothers

"The Ozark Mountain chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America will meet Monday, January 11th at 6:00 P M at the Golden Corral Restaurant in Branson. We are mothers(wives, sisters, aunts etc.) who have, or have had, children honorably serving in the military. We are a non-profit (501[c]3) service organization supporting each other and our children while promoting patriotism. The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., is a non-partisan, non-political organization. We do not support any political candidate, nor do we endorse any religious organization. The military represents all aspects of America as does our organization. Our organization not only provides support for active duty service personnel but also promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and are available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong. We meet the second Monday of each month at the Golden Corral Restaurant in Branson and are open to ladies in Arkansas as well as Missouri. For further information contact our chapter President, Fran Davis, at JDs Fran@aol.com. Submitted by Kathy Lane-Herman, chapter secretary, lakehome@omahaweb.net., 870-426-4186."


News-Leader.com Springfield Community Calendar Springfield News-Leader:

Carole D. Smith

"Born Jan. 30, 1942, in Dayton, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Charles K. Sr. and Florence V. (Kennel) Weikert.She was a charter employee of Eaton Medical Transport, Inc., working in the billing department. Carole had formerly worked at Dayton Flex Products (Baxter) in Eaton; was a member of the Eaton Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America; member of F.O.E. 2202 of Eaton; and the Ohio Music Association."

Carole D. Smith pal-item.com Palladium-Item:

Kids For America Show – Big Hit

"Friday night’s show at the Nazareth Center for the Arts, Kids for America presented by Alexandria Manor and Lafayette Ambassador Bank raised $750!
The forty plus people in attendance donated $250, and Alexandria Manor and Lafayette Ambassador Bank contributed $250 each.
Kids for America is comprised of five brothers and sisters from Easton, who sing, dance, and talk with the audience. They performed a wide range of music from the 60s, 70s, Broadway shows, and ended the night with ten minutes of patriotic songs.
Donations will be split between the two organizations. Kids for America work with Blue Star Mothers to help local military families in need."

Kids For America Show – Big Hit! « Nazareth Arts Center's Latest News:

Your Town, Dec. 27, 2009

"Happy New Year!
Grand Junction has been selected for the site of the National Blue Star Mothers 2010 Convention Aug. 10-14 at the DoubleTree Hotel.
The Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers, Colorado Chapter 4 celebrated its second anniversary earlier this month and is adding new members. It has been a busy year for the military family support organization as members have participated in numerous activities for both young and old. In addition to offering a Christmas party to active military children, one of their ongoing projects is Operation Melody, which collects musical instruments to give to veterans.
The chapter’s business meetings are at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. The support meeting is at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at First Christian Church.
If you would like to learn more, go to www.gvbluestarmothers.org."

Your Town, Dec. 27, 2009:

Osage Employees Donate to Blue Star Mothers

"Osage Million Dollar Elm casino employees donated $870 from an annual holiday employee party to Tri County Blue Star Mothers in December. Funds were gathered from donations during a pie-in-the-face event to casino managers.
Linda Lewis, president of Tri County Blue Star Mothers, says the group can spend as much as $1,000 on postage each month and these funds will help to deliver more than 100 packages to local men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. A few local soldiers have already been redirected from Iraq to Afghanistan, she said.
Tri County Blue Star Mothers supports families of soldiers in Skiatook, Sperry, Owasso and Collinsville. Osage Million Dollar Elm casino has also donated dozens of decks of playing cards to Blue Star Mothers to include in the packages to soldiers."

GTR Newspapers Find Local Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Union, and Owasso News, Sports, and Entertainment:Osage Employees Donate to Blue Star Mothers:

More Blue Star Banners go up on Main Street

"Jan. 5, 2010 — Be extra careful when you’re driving on Main Street on Tuesday, Jan. 5 because The Soaring Eagle Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers will be hanging a new group of 13 banners honoring local warfighters and their families, weather permitting.
The first location will be on the west end of town, at the south side of the triangle in front of the Susanville Elks Lodge. That banner will be hung at 9 a.m. and the group will hang other banners along Main Street throughout the morning."
Those depicted in the new set of banners and the banners’ tentative locations include Shawna Schuyler (in front of Papa Murphys), Brian Duffy (in front of Forest Office Equipment), Casey Treat (North Mesa and Main streets), Tyler Treat (near Susanville Ford), Sam Lima (North Lassen and Main streets), James F. Lowe II (in front of Century 21), Dana Robson (near the old Lincoln School), Cory Harper (in front of Frontier Communications), Brad Lee Williams (North Spring and Main streets), Kenneth Bolivar, Jr. (in front of Ken’s Repair), Curtis Bortle (North Union and Main streets), Cameron Stokes (south side of triangle at the Elks Lodge) and Drew Kelley (in front of Deal and Davie).
Jim Chapman, Lassen County District 2 supervisor and a big supporter of the banner project, said with the addition of the new banners, nearly 25 warfighters and their families will be recognized all along Main Street. more...


More Blue Star Banners go up on Main Street:

Oklahoma City IMAX grand opening Friday to benefit Blue Star Mothers

"Friday’s grand opening of Oklahoma City’s first IMAX Theater, the AMC Quail Springs Mall 24 IMAX, will benefit the Blue Star Mothers of America.
The IMAX Grand Opening Celebration is for 6 to 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. Blue Star Mothers of America will be on-hand to collect all donated items."


More... Oklahoma City IMAX grand opening Friday to benefit Blue Star Mothers BAM's Blog:

Army Mom Strong

"Are you the Mom of a son or daughter who is serving, or has been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States? If so, you are probably experiencing emotions that you have not felt before. Finding the daily strength to cope with your son or daughter’s deployment can be daunting. No one really understands what you are going through except for other Military Moms"

Blue Star Mothers Support Moms with Children Serving in the Military : Army Mom Strong:

Atlantic Avenue Orchid & Garden Raises Over $1,000 for Two Charities

"Raleigh, NC – Atlantic Avenue Orchid & Garden helped provide much needed funds to both Hospice of Wake County and the Blue Star Mothers of America as a result of activities held during its annual holiday festival.

The funds and products donated to the Blue Star Mothers of America were used to send holiday care packages to United States military troops stationed overseas. “We had $163 in donations and 86 pounds of product donated,” said Patti Elliot, president of the North Carolina Chapter 7 for the Blue Star Mothers of America. She adds, “We truly appreciate all that you and the staff did. We made some wonderful contacts, too, and have a couple of other groups wanting to help - all because of the visibility there!”"

Atlantic Avenue Orchid & Garden Raises Over $1,000 for Two Charities : published at CarolinaNewswire.com - Stay on top of the day's business & technology news:

DONATION MADE TO BLUE STAR

"The Business Professionals of America chapter at Mid-East Career and Technology Centers-Zanesville Campus collected hundreds of items for the Blue Star Mothers of America to be shipped to service men and women in Afghanistan. Pictured left to right are Sauni Wilcox, Cindy Fisher, Blue Star Mothers of America representative Laura Edwards-Conrad, Maryiah Howard and Matt Starrett."

DONATION MADE TO BLUE STAR zanesvilletimesrecorder.com Zanesville Times Recorder:

'We have our own Santa Claus' A family's encounter with 'Christmas spirit'

"Mallie Murray, who serves as the Wounded Warrior and Fisher House Committee Chair for the Richmond Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, is impressed that just one man - with a heart full of love and a vision for bringing joy to children - could accomplish so much for so many.
'I have been to his warehouse on two occasions and it's the eyes, it's the eyes, baby. When those children see all the presents, it's a blessing from God! And I'm sure it transforms the child,' Murray said"'

More... We have our own Santa Claus' A family's encounter with 'Christmas spirit' - News - Progress-Index:

Town Talk - Farmington Daily Times

"7 p.m. Monday - The Blue Star Mothers meets at The Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St. Blue Star Mothers have sons or daughters in the military. Anyone wishing to help the troops is welcome to attend. Information: (505) 325-3834."

Town Talk - Farmington Daily Times:

Blue Star Mothers seeking new members

NorthJersey.com: Blue Star Mothers seeking new members:
"Blue Star Mothers seeking new members
Friday, January 1, 2010

West Milford

Blue Stars seeking new members Blue Star Mothers of America North Jersey no. 3, a non-profit service organization made up of mothers who have, or have had children honorably serving in the military, is seeking new members. The annual dues are $20 per year for Mothers.For more information, visit Blue Star Mothers of America North Jersey no. 3 Facebook page. To join, contact Alice Miller, President, at 973-409-4422, or visit the national Web site at bluestarmothers.org.Blue Stars seeking new members
Blue Star Mothers of America North Jersey no. 3, a non-profit service organization made up of mothers who have, or have had children honorably serving in the military, is seeking new members. The annual dues are $20 per year for Mothers.
For more information, visit Blue Star Mothers of America North Jersey no. 3 Facebook page. To join, contact Alice Miller, President, at 973-409-4422, or visit the national Web site at bluestarmothers.org."

Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq reality of post-9/11

Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq reality of post-9/11 GoUpstate.com Spartanburg Herald-Journal Spartanburg SC:

War has marred much of the past decade.


From the devastating attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11, 2001, to the ever-growing number of lives lost by America and its allies overseas, the past 10 years have epitomized the fight to retain a way of life.


"Our military has done a wonderful job in keeping us free for the last 100 or so years, and they're not going to let us down now," said Jim Harbison, American Legion Post 28 adjutant. "I can't talk for the politicians" -- he laughs -- "but I know the military will not let us down."

...
"Just this month, Lowe's Home Improvement chipped in $25,000 of the $35,000 needed to bring 200 National Guardsmen training in Wisconsin home to Spartanburg and Fort Mill for the holidays.
And groups like the Blue Star Mothers regularly send care packages overseas -- despite the high cost of postage."

Red Bulls caught with their hands in the cookie jar

"COB BASRA, Iraq – Soldiers on Contingency Operating Base Basra were delighted and eager to tear open buckets of Sweet Martha’s cookies and dunk them in fresh milk, all courtesy of a joint-effort with the Blue Star Mothers of America and the Exchange Clubs of Minnesota to send the classic holiday treat to those deployed during the holidays.
A taste of home"

more... The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division : Red Bulls caught with their hands in the cookie jar: