When Joan Van Swol's son was deployed to Iraq the first time, she didn't have the unique level of supportive understanding that she gets with Blue Star Mothers.
"I have a terrific family, but unless you're the mother of a deployed service member, you just don't know what it's like," she said. "No one knows what military moms go through except other military moms."
Blue Star Mothers is a support, social and service group devoted to supporting the moms of active and retired military personnel. The Southeast Wisconsin, Chapter 2 group meets the third Thursday of each month at Sturtevant Village Hall. They share a pot luck meal and discuss upcoming events in which they'll participate, like the Memorial Day parade or putting together care packages for troops currently deployed.
More...
Showing posts with label WI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WI. Show all posts
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Soldier still haunted by shooting
Amber Bahr, the 20-year-old soldier from Random Lake whose efforts to save others even after she was shot during the Nov. 5 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, garnered acclaim from President Barack Obama, came home to a hero’s welcome on Sunday.
At the airport, she was met by 38 Patriot Guard Riders, all holding flags, and Blue Star Mothers, as well as a musician playing patriotic songs on his bugle.
At home, firefighters drove her on a fire truck for a mini-parade through the village to a celebration at Globe Lanes.
“It was overwhelming,” Bahr said. “I knew there were going to be a few people there. I didn’t know the whole town was going to be there. It was crazy.
“It made my heart feel really full toknow that people cared.”
It’s not often a national hero comes from a small town like Random Lake, so it’s natural that the community would turn out to welcome Bahr, who tended to wounded soldiers during the shooting without realizing she had been shot.
But Bahr said she’s not a hero, just a soldier who did her job and looked after her battle buddies."
Soldier still haunted by shooting:
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Mom cherishes chance to spend day with son
This will be the first Thanksgiving in four years that Beth Nelson has spent with her son, Tyler.
Tyler Nelson, 25, has spent the past three Thanksgivings overseas.
Three years ago he was stationed at an Army base in Vicenza, Italy preparing for deployment to Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne.
The next year, he was in Afghanistan, where he awoke to the sound of mortar blasts, he would tell his mother during a Thanksgiving Day chat."
more... WITH VIDEO: Mom cherishes chance to spend day with son:
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Send Off - PFC. Brandon Walker
"My son, PFC Brandon Walker, is headed to do a 12 month tour to Iraq soon .
Brandon will be home on leave before his deployment. They are having a send-off event for him at home on Saturday, 03 Oct. 09. Brandon would be so honored if the PGR could attend his send-off.
Brandon’s mother is a PGR member and a member of Blue Star Mothers. We hope to be able to have the circle of their cul-de-sac lined with US flags as well as the PGR lining our front yard. The send-off is to be in the form of an 'open house' from 2-4 pm."
Send Off - PFC. Brandon Walker, Sun Prairie WI, 03 OCT 09 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing > Patriot Guard Riders:
Brandon will be home on leave before his deployment. They are having a send-off event for him at home on Saturday, 03 Oct. 09. Brandon would be so honored if the PGR could attend his send-off.
Brandon’s mother is a PGR member and a member of Blue Star Mothers. We hope to be able to have the circle of their cul-de-sac lined with US flags as well as the PGR lining our front yard. The send-off is to be in the form of an 'open house' from 2-4 pm."
Send Off - PFC. Brandon Walker, Sun Prairie WI, 03 OCT 09 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing > Patriot Guard Riders:
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Blue Star waves for our nation's heroes
"Updated: Sunday, 24 May 2009, 6:53 AM EDT
Published : Saturday, 23 May 2009, 9:18 PM EDT
Story by: Sara Welch
Madison (WTNH) - A Blue Star flag waves in the air for courage and commitment as a special tribute to our nation's heroes.
Downtown Madison serves as the backdrop as proud parents admire the symbol for those who serve.
'We are just so excited to see a labor of love come true on behalf of all the kids who are in harms way right now,' said Bob Russell of Madison.
In the center of the flag, a blue star honors the work of their sons and daughters.
The star represents the sacrifices of those serving but also the support of those standing by at home.
"I'm thinking about a lot of the mothers and that's what that's all about," said Katy.
"It really brings home the pride that we fell for our kids," Debbie said.
"We are thinking of all of them, so we thank you," Katy.
Monday's parade kicks of at 10 a.m. in Madison.
Families in Madison are working on starting their own Blue Star Mothers Group. And right now they are gathering information from families in that area who have had loved ones serve between 1990 and the present."
Blue Star waves for our nation's heroes WTNH.com:
Published : Saturday, 23 May 2009, 9:18 PM EDT
Story by: Sara Welch
Madison (WTNH) - A Blue Star flag waves in the air for courage and commitment as a special tribute to our nation's heroes.
Downtown Madison serves as the backdrop as proud parents admire the symbol for those who serve.
'We are just so excited to see a labor of love come true on behalf of all the kids who are in harms way right now,' said Bob Russell of Madison.
In the center of the flag, a blue star honors the work of their sons and daughters.
The star represents the sacrifices of those serving but also the support of those standing by at home.
"I'm thinking about a lot of the mothers and that's what that's all about," said Katy.
"It really brings home the pride that we fell for our kids," Debbie said.
"We are thinking of all of them, so we thank you," Katy.
Monday's parade kicks of at 10 a.m. in Madison.
Families in Madison are working on starting their own Blue Star Mothers Group. And right now they are gathering information from families in that area who have had loved ones serve between 1990 and the present."
Blue Star waves for our nation's heroes WTNH.com:
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Packers donate $20K to Blue Star Mothers
The Journal Times Online > Local News > Packers donate $20K to Blue Star Mothers: "RACINE — Because she is one of them, Sue Gourdoux understands the concerns of women with children in the military.
That’s why Gourdoux helped found the Blue Star Mothers of Southeast Wisconsin. She and her aunt, Colleen LaFave, started the local chapter of the historic organization in 2007.
Gourdoux’s intent, at the time, was to show support for her son, Joseph, who was on his second deployment in Iraq, and other members of the U.S. military, she said.
“There are lots of mothers and family members who need that extra hug — whether it is by a phone call, visit or cards — who have a hard time coping with a son or daughter in the Armed Forces. Having them away from home is stressful,” Gourdoux said. “This group can reach out to these families and give them support.”
Gourdoux’s group is one of two Blue Star Chapters in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Blue Star Mothers Chapter 1 is located in Green Bay. Their mission is to offer solace and support to active duty service men and women, veterans and their families.A $20,000 donation they received in late May, from the Green Bay Packers and American Family Insurance, will assist them in their mission.Gourdoux, president of Chapter 2, Dawn Hermann from Chapter 2 and Judy Sivert from Chapter 1 accepted the donation for the Blue Star Mothers. The donation will be split between the two chapters."
That’s why Gourdoux helped found the Blue Star Mothers of Southeast Wisconsin. She and her aunt, Colleen LaFave, started the local chapter of the historic organization in 2007.
Gourdoux’s intent, at the time, was to show support for her son, Joseph, who was on his second deployment in Iraq, and other members of the U.S. military, she said.
“There are lots of mothers and family members who need that extra hug — whether it is by a phone call, visit or cards — who have a hard time coping with a son or daughter in the Armed Forces. Having them away from home is stressful,” Gourdoux said. “This group can reach out to these families and give them support.”
Gourdoux’s group is one of two Blue Star Chapters in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Blue Star Mothers Chapter 1 is located in Green Bay. Their mission is to offer solace and support to active duty service men and women, veterans and their families.A $20,000 donation they received in late May, from the Green Bay Packers and American Family Insurance, will assist them in their mission.Gourdoux, president of Chapter 2, Dawn Hermann from Chapter 2 and Judy Sivert from Chapter 1 accepted the donation for the Blue Star Mothers. The donation will be split between the two chapters."
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Packers Donate Black Cap Money
"The Green Bay Packers help give military organizations a financial boost.
This week, the team, along with American Family Insurance, presented a $340,000 check that'll be split-up among groups like the American Legion, the USO, Operation Homefront, and the Blue Star Mothers.
The money was raised through the packer's charity cap campaign. More than $68,000 worth of the black caps were sold.
The proceeds will help active-duty service men and women across the country -- as well as their families and our nation's veterans."
More...Packers Donate Black Cap Money:
This week, the team, along with American Family Insurance, presented a $340,000 check that'll be split-up among groups like the American Legion, the USO, Operation Homefront, and the Blue Star Mothers.
The money was raised through the packer's charity cap campaign. More than $68,000 worth of the black caps were sold.
The proceeds will help active-duty service men and women across the country -- as well as their families and our nation's veterans."
More...Packers Donate Black Cap Money:
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
RadioMilwaukee’s Soundboard
Blue Star Mothers: Sue Gourdoux
"Blue Star Mothers is an support organization for moms with sons and daughters currently serving in all branches of the US Armed Forces. Sue Gourdoux recorded a message for her son, Sgt. Joe Gourdoux, who has served two tours in Iraq.
(Listen to recorded message for Sues son)
Memorial Day. « RadioMilwaukee’s Soundboard:
Friday, May 16, 2008
Out & About calendar | Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
Out & About calendar htrnews.com Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: "Lakeshore Blue Star Families, 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at the Best Western Lakefront Hotel, Manitowoc."
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A natural calling
A natural calling: "The Blue Star Mothers of America, which since 1942 has provided blue stars for mothers to hang in their windows to show they have a child who is in the armed services or was previously, presented Gold Star Banners to Booker's father; his wife; his mother; and his brother, Kaleb Daniel Booker of Madison. The blue star is changed to a gold star when the service member is killed."
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Blue Star Memorial Highway Rededication Honors Veterans
"Blue Star Memorial Highway Rededication Honors Veterans
-- Sunday a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker was unveiled on Highway 51 in Rothschild.In 1950 the first Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker in Wisconsin was put on Highway 51 in Rothschild. "It was just down the street here a couple of blocks and then the state moved it out to the highway and then it was taken down and so many people missed it," says Joseph Kelbley, a Vietnam Veteran and Quartermaster of VFW Post 8895 in Rothschild, Scofield and Weston.
But Veterans Day, a day to honor and remember the men and women who have served our country, was the perfect day to rededicate the Blue Star Memorial Highway. A tribute to the Nation's Armed Forces who served in World War II. "I've lost four of our World War II Veterans in the last year and when I realized that these men are dying and we didn't have a monument here for them we're hoping that this will take the place of a primitive marker," says Kelbley. While the Blue Star Memorial Highway is a tribute to World War II veterans, a second plaque was up in the garden to honor all veterans of all wars. "Today is a very emotional day. It's extremely hard but its very sobering because you see what has become its so good to see the community come together," says Jessica Maple, an Afghanistan Veteran. A community who helped Joseph Kelbley and Jessica Maple raise $30,000 for this project. Since last spring the two have been going around to local organizations and individuals asking for donations. "It ended up being more successful than we anticipated and because of the success we want to keep the project going," says Maple. They are hoping to add bronze statues and expand the garden for future generations to enjoy."
-- Sunday a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker was unveiled on Highway 51 in Rothschild.In 1950 the first Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker in Wisconsin was put on Highway 51 in Rothschild. "It was just down the street here a couple of blocks and then the state moved it out to the highway and then it was taken down and so many people missed it," says Joseph Kelbley, a Vietnam Veteran and Quartermaster of VFW Post 8895 in Rothschild, Scofield and Weston.
But Veterans Day, a day to honor and remember the men and women who have served our country, was the perfect day to rededicate the Blue Star Memorial Highway. A tribute to the Nation's Armed Forces who served in World War II. "I've lost four of our World War II Veterans in the last year and when I realized that these men are dying and we didn't have a monument here for them we're hoping that this will take the place of a primitive marker," says Kelbley. While the Blue Star Memorial Highway is a tribute to World War II veterans, a second plaque was up in the garden to honor all veterans of all wars. "Today is a very emotional day. It's extremely hard but its very sobering because you see what has become its so good to see the community come together," says Jessica Maple, an Afghanistan Veteran. A community who helped Joseph Kelbley and Jessica Maple raise $30,000 for this project. Since last spring the two have been going around to local organizations and individuals asking for donations. "It ended up being more successful than we anticipated and because of the success we want to keep the project going," says Maple. They are hoping to add bronze statues and expand the garden for future generations to enjoy."
Monday, November 12, 2007
Veteran's Day Parade In Downtown Milwaukee
"Veteran's Day Parade In Downtown Milwaukee Charles Benson Katie DeLong MILWAUKEE – Thousands paused to honor Wisconsin veterans Saturday. They lined the streets of downtown Milwaukee to say thanks. From marching bands to Milwaukee politicians, the veteran’s parade moved through the streets of Milwaukee for the 44th straight year. Diane Rettig was there for her son. “My son is serving. I am a Blue Star mom. I’m very proud. There is a lot going on in our nation right now and people are seeing what’s happening and supporting our troops, so we’re out here to encourage that and let the troops know that we care,” Diane Rettig said."
More... Veteran's Day Parade In Downtown Milwaukee Today's TMJ4 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin News, Weather, Sports, WTMJ Local News:
More... Veteran's Day Parade In Downtown Milwaukee Today's TMJ4 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin News, Weather, Sports, WTMJ Local News:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)