Blue Star Moms: 'Mothers are a very important part in these solders' lives'

COLLEGEDALE, TN. (WRCB) – Monday night, the American Legion in Collegedale took time to recognize and honor local military families.
A ceremony was held for Blue Star Moms, which are mothers with sons and daughters actively serving in the military.
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The faces of service, dedication and sacrifice were honored by the American Legion Post 257 in Collegedale, which gave its full attention to seven Blue Star Moms.

Thanks for community help at OTD 2009

"To the sponsors, to the vendors, entertainers, those attending the day’s events, All Start Audio, Pyro Shows (fireworks company), emcee John Forcinelli, Parade Committee Chairman William Haley and his committee, city workers, our sponsors and others who made the day the most special one yet, the committee offers a large thank you!"
This year’s weather was good and the festival was a great day for everyone involved. We’ve had nothing but compliments about the event.Congratulations to the parade winners: Main Stage (Best Musical float); Express Automotive (Best Vehicle), Roy Waldron Dance Team (Best School); Cain Ridge Freewill Baptist Church (Best Church float); Miracle Baptist Church (Best Float); Police Athletic League (Best Youth); Music City Blue Star Moms (Enthusiasm); Al Menah Shriners (Spirit of La Vergne) and Ultimate Family Martial Arts (Mayor’s Cup). Thanks to the judges who picked these winners.
Next year’s event is set for Sept. 18, so start planning now to be there. Also, entertainment packages can be sent to Angie Mayes from Nov. 1, 2009 - Feb. 28, 2010 only. The address is 5093 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne, 37086. Vendor (food, craft and sales, and business) and parade applications will be accepted after January 1, 2010.


Thanks for community help at OTD 2009 : WGNS Radio:

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

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

Catoosa County News:

Honoring her son; Blue Star Mothers chapter forming

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

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

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

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

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

Tennessee: Military mothers forming support group

"As she sorts through the many emotions surrounding her 22-year-old son’s upcoming deployment to Iraq, Janis Dearman knows she’s not alone.
But the strong support network she’s developed through church and family somehow still isn’t enough when it comes to her youngest child’s first tour of duty, she says.
“I want to have an association with other mothers who are going through the same thing I am,” said Mrs. Dearman, of East Brainerd. “There’s this combination of pride and patriotism and fear about the potential harm. It’s not political. It’s not partisan. There are just so many things involved, and it helps to have the support and encouragement of people who understand.”"

Chattanooga Times Free Press Tennessee: Military mothers forming support group:

Welcome Home -

Welcome Home - MP Jason Elsea, Army, Nashville TN, 15 JAN 08 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing > Patriot Guard Riders:
Annette Robeck
aka Dreamcatcher
TN State Captain

Proud Blue Star Mom of an Army National Guard Daughter
"WELCOME HOME MISSION

FOR

MP JASON ELSEA
US ARMY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15TH, 2008

Metro Airport, Nashville, TN"

Blue to Gold

The Mountain Press: "Gold Star Mother helps others with same loss By: STAN VOIT EditorNovember 06, 2007 Email to a friend Voice your opinion Parents aren't supposed to outlive their children. When Gayle Thomas lost her only son and oldest child to the war in Iraq in 2005, it shattered her world. It would have done the same to any loving parent. Advertisement In the two and a half years since Paul Thomason III died in a vehicle explosion, Thomas has had a hard time getting over it. But she has found new purpose in her life as a Gold Star Mother. Before her son was killed, she didn't even know what a Gold Star Mother was. 'I knew about Blue Star Mothers,' she said. 'I was a Blue Star Mother, which means a mother with a child serving in war.'"