Friday, April 30, 2010

The Santa Clara Weekly: Blue Star Moms Raise $10K for Care Packages for Troops at Sold Out Spaghetti Feed


"By Diane Andrews

The South Bay Blue Star Moms 4th Annual Spaghetti Feed April 17 to raise money for care packages for the troops brought in about $10,000—an impressive amount to raise through ticket sales, a silent auction, and raffle donations. Additionally, instead of passing the hat, a pair of well-used combat boots was passed.

Star-shaped red, white, and blue balloons were anchored to the tables at St. Justin Catholic Church, Santa Clara, for the dinner organized for the fourth year by Blue Star mom Robbie Hansen. Guitarists with StrummingForVets.org, a group of veterans using guitar therapy to ease the trauma of war, provided music."
more...The Santa Clara Weekly: Blue Star Moms Raise $10K for Care Packages for Troops at Sold Out Spaghetti Feed:

A Salute to Military Moms


Low Country Blue Star Mothers in Bluffton

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Blue Star Moms list unforgotten veterans

Blue Star Moms list unforgotten veterans » Recent Local News » Evening News and Tribune: "Southern IN Blue Star Mothers recently offered Southern Indiana families an opportunity to recognize or honor friends and families that serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The group can still be reached about their holiday plans to honor veterans by contacting Vanessa Coulter, P.O. Box 2943, Clarksville IN 47131-2943 or via e-mail at inbluestarmom@insightbb.com."

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Home to be built for injured veteran - The Denver Post


Homes for our Troops and Douglas Colony Group will spend three days building a new home for a war-injured veteran.
Douglas Colony, which specializes in roofing, metals, solar and waterproofing, is donating the building materials and labor. Aaron Lovelace of Western Classic Desing LLC is the general contractor. Work on the house is scheduled to start April 30.
The home is being built in the Wild Point Subdivision in Elizabeth for Marine Lance Cpl. Kade Hinkhouse, who served in Ramadi, Iraq. In 2005, while patrolling on a late-night mission, the vehicle Hinkhouse was riding in was hit by an explosive device. The Humvee exploded and Hinkhouse was ejected, leaving him with a skull fracture, collapsed lungs and a severe leg injury.
Margaret Jackson, The Denver Post

Blue Star Mothers of America, National President, along with Denver, Grand Valley and Rampart Range Blue Star Mothers chapters will be helping with this build.




Home to be built for injured veteran - The Denver Post

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Military moms collecting cash for Memorial Day care packages

"Boots and bullets are always available, but the military doesn’t issue candy and chewing gum to its troops on the front lines.
The Queen City Blue Star Mothers is providing deployed American service members with the comforts of home this Memorial Day, and the fledgling group is seeking donations to help defray the cost of sending nearly two-dozen care packages.

“We can all go to the convenience store and get a Coke or a candy bar or a book or a magazine or whatever we want, but they can’t do that in Afghanistan,” said Tammie Hayes, the group’s founder. “It’s nice to send them a little piece of home.”
Organizers hope to send 20 care packages to deployed service members later this month. The gifts take three to four weeks to reach the troops and will be sent so they arrive on or before Memorial Day.
“It brightens their day to get something that has nothing to do with the war or with what’s going on,” Hayes said. “It’s just something from home.”
The packages will be stuffed with books, magazines, snacks, prepaid phone cards and small games such as dominoes. Some may also include squeeze balls for stress relief, compact discs and coffee."

more... Military moms collecting cash for Memorial Day care packages military, moms, collecting - Local News - Gaston Gazette:

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Charity game raises funds for those who assist U.S. troops

"Chillicothe Gazette
34 hours ago Article ID# 438138
Original URL


Blue Star Mothers
CHILLICOTHE, OHIO (Chillicothe Gazette) - Competitive sports revolves around classic rivalries.

Duke and North Carolina in college basketball. Ohio State and Michigan in college football. Red Sox/Yankees, Lakers/Celtics, you name it, they draw attention whenever they are played."

In this grudge match, however, the final score really wasn't important. The
real winner in this charity event is the Blue Star Mothers organization, whose
purpose holds a special place in the hearts of many area public safety
personnel.

more... Charity game raises funds for those who assist U.S. troops:

GoBlueRidge.net - Blue Star Mothers of the High Country Sending Supplies to Military Personnel Overseas - Constantly Updated High Country NC News Source

"10:07 a.m. - The Blue Star Mothers of the High Country are collecting items to send in boxes to military personnel overseas.
Debbie Branch of the Blue Star Mothers said they plan on sending items like cotton balls, eye drops, snack crackers, canned air, dried fruit, jerky, hard candy, playing cards and other related items.

Residents can drop off these items in the red, white and blue boxes at both front entrances of Boone United Methodist Church through Thursday.

Branch said the Blue Star Mothers will have a packing party to prepare the boxes to ship overseas on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Boone United Methodist Church."

GoBlueRidge.net - Blue Star Mothers of the High Country Sending Supplies to Military Personnel Overseas - Constantly Updated High Country NC News Source:

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Kurdistan Regional Government Representative Attends Iraq Liberation Day Ceremony

"WASHINGTON, April 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq's Representative to the United States, Qubad Talabani addressed the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery commemorating Iraq Liberation Day on Friday, April 9. Members of American and Iraqi forces, including members of the Peshmerga, attended the event, alongside veterans and family of those soldiers who have fallen in support of Iraq's freedom.

'On this day, it is appropriate and right for us to commemorate the sacrifices made to liberate Iraq from decades of brutal tyranny under Saddam Hussein,' said Mr. Talabani.
'So to be absolutely clear: Iraq thanks you. I thank you. And the people of Iraq's Kurdistan Region, most of all, thank you.'"

During the ceremony, members of American and Iraqi forces laid wreaths at the joint gravesite of fallen soldiers from the U.S. and Iraq. Ms. Hayyam Sami Mahdi Al-Shather and Ms. Debra Argel-Bastian, whose husbands are buried at the site, attended and spoke at the event. Iraqi Air force Captain Ali Abbas Rubaie, Ms. Al-Shather's deceased husband, is the only Iraqi buried at Arlington Cemetery.

Other speakers included General Nasier Arkan Abadi, Vice Chief of Staff, Iraqi Joint Forces of the Republic of Iraq; U.S. Brigadier General Judd Lyons, Adjutant General of Nebraska; and Ms. Wendy Hoffman, National President of Blue Star Mothers of America.

Kurdistan Regional Government Representative Attends Iraq Liberation Day Ceremony -- WASHINGTON, April 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --:

Yellow Ribbon event helps prepare soldiers, family for mobilization

"By Tammy Pearson
Nebraska City News Press
Posted Apr 11, 2010 @ 01:34 PM
Last update Apr 11, 2010 @ 01:48 PM
Nebraska City, Neb. — When members of the 192nd Military Police Detachment, which is based in Nebraska City, are mobilized May 22, they will have many concerns on their minds — not the least of which will be the family they are leaving behind.

Putting their minds at ease is one of the most important goals of the “Yellow Ribbon” pre-mobilization event held Sunday, said 1st Lt. Joseph Sanchez, the unit’s commander.

The event, held at Northside Elementary School, provided the soldiers and their families with briefings on a variety of topics ranging from medical coverage to personal finances, child and youth services, and “emotional cycles of deployment.”

“Everyone worries about family when deployed,” said Sanchez. The briefings help “put their minds at ease knowing there are resources and support available” for their families.

“It alleviates the stress on the service member so he or she can focus on the mission and returning safely,” said Sanchez.

“We know if there’s an issue (back home), there will be help available,” said Sanchez."
A variety of organizations had informational booths available at the Yellow Ribbon event including veterans groups, the Nebraska Ministerial Association, and several Department of Defense organizations that provide services to military members and families, such as the Joint Family Support Assistance Program and the Nebraska Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

The Nebraska City chapter of Blue Star Mothers was also represented. Paula
Waterfield and Lucille Sharp, both of whom have sons in the military, manned the
booth to share information about the support the group offers to family
members.Anyone with a family member in the military can join the group, they
said.

Waterfield’s son has served in the military for 21 years and is currently in Iraq. Sharp’s son has served 17 years and will be stationed in Heidelberg, Germany soon.Both women said representing Blue Star Mothers is a way they can serve those who serve their country. The group also sends packages overseas to support the military.With members of the 192nd Military Police Detachment coming from a wide area, most do not have family in Nebraska City; however, the community is important to the unit’s members, Sanchez said.

Yellow Ribbon event helps prepare soldiers, family for mobilization - Nebraska City, NE - Nebraska City News-Press:

Treasure Valley Chapter Blue Star Mothers of America

"Treasure Valley Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America meets the first Wednesday each month, 6 pm, at VFW Post 63 located at 3308 W. Chinden Blvd. in Garden City. This military support group is comprised of mothers of enlisted personnel or those who have previously honorably served. Ongoing service projects are underway for both enlisted personnel and military veterans. For more information about this nonprofit service organization please call 208-939-8883 or visit the chapter website at www.treasurevalleybluestarmothers.org. New members welcome!"

Treasure Valley Chapter Blue Star Mothers of America :: Idaho Press-Tribune Community Calendar:

Motorcycle club aids Blue Star Mothers

"Staff Report
Posted: 04/12/2010 11:46:18 PM PDT


The Rip City Riders motorcycle club recently made a $3,000 donation to the Blue Star Mothers of Marin in the name of U.S. Army Spc. Jake Velloza, a soldier from Inverness who died in Iraq in May 2009.
Velloza's parents, Susan and Robert Velloza, were present at the donation ceremony and are Gold Star members of the Blue Star group, signifying that they lost a member of their family in the line of military duty. A fund in Velloza's name was established.
The group also gathers items to send to troops overseas. To donate or learn more about Blue Star Moms of Marin, check www.bluestarmomsofmarin.org or call 898-0133."

Motorcycle club aids Blue Star Mothers - Marin Independent Journal:

Friday, April 2, 2010

Family gives hero's welcome to Air Force daughter

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) -- A hero's welcome. That's what three soldiers got as their returned home to their families on Friday.
But for one family, the wait has been longer than most.
The Andersons, who see their daughter about once a year, welcomed her home. The visit will only last four days, but the family says they'll make every minute count.
Andrea Anderson flew home from Omaha, Nebraska. She'll be home for the weekend before heading off to Washington, D.C. to start a language class.
The 11-year Air Force Sergeant last visited her family around this time last year. Despite rarely seeing her daughter, Diana Anderson says she's very proud of Andrea's accomplishments.


Family gives hero's welcome to Air Force daughter - KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports |

Blue Star Mothers Offer Home Front Support

Family Focus: Blue Star Mothers Offer Home Front Support - Video - WSOC Charlotte

New chapter starting

Cenla Blue Star Mothers group to meet Monday, April 5 |

 "The Cenla Blue Star Mothers group is meeting Monday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m at Ryan's in Pineville."
The group will meet the first Monday of each month
Cenla Blue Star Mothers is composed of mothers who now have, or have had, children honorably serving in the military.
The non-profit veterans service organization members support their military children while promoting patriotism.
Cenla Blue Star Mothers group to meet Monday, April 5 thetowntalk.com The Town Talk:

Blue Star Mothers to Meet Next Weekend

"6:44 a.m. - A meeting for military mothers will be held next Sunday, April 11.
According to president of the local Blue Star Mothers organization, the meeting will be held at the National Guard Armory at 2:00 p.m.

The Blue Star Mothers is a support organization for mothers of military sons or daughters serving in any branch of service who live in Ashe, Avery or Watauga County.

You can E-mail Branch at branchfamily@earthlink.net for more information about how to get involved with Blue Star Mothers of the High Country."
GoBlueRidge.net - Blue Star Mothers to Meet Next Weekend - Constantly Updated High Country NC News Source:

Local Easter Events

"EGGSTRAVAGANZA — April 3
Breakfast, egg hunt, carnival. Donations will benefit Blue Star Mothers' program for care packages to troops abroad. 9 am.-noon. Trinity United Presbyterian Church , 1600 Carver Road , Modesto. Donation. 529-3228."
Local Easter Events - Faith & Values - Modbee.com: