Blue Star Mothers of America, Arizona Chapter 2

Minutes of May 18, 2010 Meeting

2010-06-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Blue Star Mothers Meeting
May 18, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 6:23 by President Debbie Seifert. Debbie welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting started late in hopes that other members would join us.

Linda Cagle, our Treasurer, was running late so Debbie approximated the balance of the bank account to be $1011.00 as of the 1st of May. Debbie is now on the bank account and was issued a Debit Card.

New Business:
Barbara League volunteered to be the Second Vice President. Voted and passed unanimously.

Blue Star Mothers National Convention: The Convention will be held in Grand Junction, Colorado on August 14th, 2010. National requested each Chapter send a representative. Debbie volunteered to represent us unless someone else would like to go. It was also requested that each Chapter donate an item or items, including a State basket for the Silent Auction. There was some discussion as to what to include, but it was tabled until the June meeting.

VFW Riders: Debbie will get in touch with the President and will report back. There were many ideas discussed as to how we can participate and support.

Treasurer’s Report: Linda arrived and reported the bank balance at $1021.54.
Debbie received a book written by Janice Schmidt, “My Soldier, Seeing the basics through a Mother’s Eyes.” It has a great deal of information for the mother whose children have recently enlisted. Linda made a motion that we purchase at least two copies to lend, or sell, to members that would be interested. Motion was seconded and passed.

Our meeting was closed at 7:30 with the Serenity Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted on June 9th, 2010.
Vicki Payne

2010-04-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Blue Star Mothers Meeting
April 20, 2010

Jacqueline Steele welcomed all members. The meeting was called to order at 6:04pm. Jacqueline Steele led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The first order of business was the induction of our new officers – Jacqueline passed the gavel to Debbie Seifert as President, and Chrissy Harlan as our 1st Vice President.

We introduced ourselves to the prospective-new member, Gabby Mercer. Gabby’s daughter is a Marine that has been recently deployed to Afghanistan.

Old Business:
1. Jacqueline thanked the Junior League and reported the service project, Pack a Box for the Troops, was a great success with 13 boxes filled and shipped. Several Blue Star members attended the packing. Every Blue Star member’s child, regardless of where they are serving, received a box. Junior League has expressed an interest in doing the project again next year.
2. Gold Star Banner. Vicki presented our dear friend, Lois, with the Gold Star Banner.

New Business:
1. Transition- expanding the Board. The Board would like to add a 2nd Vice President as well as a Financial Secretary to help organize and assist. We also discussed the possibility of adding Trustees to audit the books quarterly such as the VFW Women’s Auxiliary has done for years.
2. Funds that had been donated to Jacqueline from various sources but not yet deposited were passed to Debbie Seifert.
3. Chaplain Fund. All the chapters have been asked to donate $25.00 to the Chaplain Fund.
4. Chapter Historian. Vicki Payne nominated Jeanne Varns, an Associate Member, to be the Chapter Historian. The nomination was seconded by Chrissy Harlan and passed.
5. Spring Package event. Chrissy Harlan is going to get information from Kim Sloan and pass it along.
6. Blue Star National Convention in Colorado. National requires at least one member from each chapter attend. Debbie Seifert will attend but extended the invitation for others to join her.
7. Chrissy Harlan advised us of the sudden passing of Loren “Corky” Gripp. Corky was the Commander of the VFW, prompting the need for a Chaplain from our midst. Vicki will get a sympathy card sent to Corky’s wife for the Blue Star Mothers.
8. Open and close of meetings. Bylaws require that we open with the Pledge of Allegiance and close with a prayer.

Debbie shared some pictures of banners that her cousin, David England, quilts specifically for the Blue Star Mothers. For further information, contact daveengland@hotmail.com.

The meeting was closed at 7:18 pm with a prayer read by Jacqueline Steele.

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Payne
April 24, 2010

Free Welcome-Home Banners!!

2010-02-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

This will be linked permanently in "Links of Interest" on the right side of the page.

Greetings from BuildASign.com!

We are asking for your help in spreading the word about a free offer that over 60,000 military friends and family have taken advantage of so far. BuildASign.com is giving away Free Banners to military families for their welcome home celebrations at www.BuildASign.com/Troops. Please help us out by forwarding this link out to your organization: Free Welcome Home Banners

Here at BuildASign.com, we are very proud of the continued service and sacrifice that our military personnel selflessly provide every day. To express our support of our brave men and women in uniform, we want to invite you to take part in our free "Welcome Home" banner promotion.

Beginning in July 2008, we began offering free "Welcome Home" banners to the friends and family of members of the armed services coming home from overseas. To date, we have given away over 60,000 banners. All banners can be customized in full color, including pictures; all we ask is that the customer pay the shipping and handling fee, usually about $13.

Christmas Dinner at El Corral

2009-12-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

Good food - good friends, and family - what more can we ask for? Or as Jacqueline put it,
holiday grab bag $10.00; dinner out on the town $65.00; evening spent with friends PRICELESS!

Tucson Holiday Light Parade

2009-12-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

It's agreed - everyone had a great time preparing for, and participating in the Tucson Holiday Light Parade. Our theme was, "Hero's Holiday" - lots of packages wrapped with an APO address from Mom!

Veteran's Day Parade/Float Pictures

2009-11-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

Chrissy, Barbara Jacqueline, Vicki & Margie arrived at the VFW bright and early to carpool downtown:

(Below) Preparing the Float - Theme was, "Honoring Veterans - Past, Present and Future":

Sgt. Rowland with the trophy awarded for "Best Theme".
Congratulations!

Blue Star Mothers Meeting Minutes

2009-11-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

November 17, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 6:01pm by President Jacqueline Steele. Jacqueline welcomed all members and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Jacqueline introduced an "associate member-to-be", Jan Hueller. Ten members, one guest, and two soon to be associate members were present.

Business/Communications:
A representative for the Deca Club at Palo Verde High School contacted Jacqueline. The Deca Club is looking for a Community Service Project and are interested in gathering supplies for the Troops. Jacqueline gave them information about Tucson Troop Support and suggested things for the Stocking Stuffing event. At the time of the meeting it was still unconfirmed if it would come to fruition.

Holiday Parade. Conversation centered on the lack of information available about the parade and the possibility that we had already missed the entry deadline. Chrissy Harlan suggested we contact Tucson Department of Parks and Recreation. Jacqueline Steele agreed to research and follow-up with all members. Update: Barbara League checked into the possibility of ordering Blue Star Sweatshirts to wear at the Parade. Members posed questions that required follow up with Tee Time to answer. Barbara suggested that we wear the Blue Star Sweatshirts and Santa Hats to walk in the Parade. It was also suggested we have informational handouts about Blue Star Mothers. Debbie Siefert suggested business cards that she obtained for free from Giggleprint.com

The Junior League event is still on for late January/early February - to get to the Troops by Valentine’s Day.

Tucson Troop Support/Stocking Stuffer Event is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., December 5th at the VFW. If you have a loved one that is currently serving overseas, send their address to: Jacqueline Steele memrs4us@yahoo.com and she will forward all names to Kim Sloan at auxvfwarizona@msn.com.

At exactly 6:30 p.m. Jacqueline received a call from Jane Davis, National First Vice President of Blue Star Mothers to install the Officers. She read the Oath of Office. Jacqueline Steele, Barb League, Vicki Payne, and Linda Cagle were offically installed at the 2009-2010 AZ2 Board Officers.

December 15th Meeting. It was agreed that our next meeting would be a Holiday Dinner with gift exchange. Helen Quigley will seek out a centrally-located restaurant that will offer a private area.

Sgt. Daniel Rowland, Chrissy Harlan’s son, stopped by to announce the Veteran’s Day Float, “Honoring Veteran’s Past, Present, and Future“, won Best-Themed Entry and he wanted to thank us for our involvement and show off the Trophy.

Associate Member-to-Be, Jan Hueller, introduced herself and shared with us her volunteer work. Jan is a “Snowbird” that got started with the Blue Star Mothers in Colorado after reading an article about Operation Melody. Jan now sews bags for walkers and wheelchairs that she donates to the Veteran’s Hospital. She is currently awaiting orientation so she will be able to volunteer at the Veteran’s Hospital.

Chrissy announced that the VFW would be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner for patients at the Veteran’s Hospital on Saturday the 21st of November. She invited us to attend and help serve.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer.

Respectfully submitted by Vicki Payne

October 27, 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-11-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Jacqueline Steele welcomed all members and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was called to order at 6:32pm with 8 members in attendance. Jacqueline read the Preamble to the Blue Star Mothers Constitution and thanked us for attending. Jacqueline introduced a new member, Margie Sanchez, and reminded us that our main focus should be to support one another.

Business:
Changing locations for meetings was discussed. The room provided for us at the VFW is smoke free, allows us the option of taking in our own food (we need to clean up after ourselves), and has a restroom. The ability to say the Pledge and/or a Prayer, or shed a tear, without fear of drawing attention to ourselves was also a factor. We have access to the rear entrance for those that prefer to avoid the front.

Meeting dates: Because the 4th Tuesday falls close to Thanksgiving and Christmas, Linda Cagle made a motion, seconded by Barbara League, that we permanently move the meetings to the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Motion passed.

The Veteran's Day Parade was addressed. Because the Blue Star Mothers have had an entry for the last two years, Chrissy Harlan entered Blue Star Mothers in the Parade lineup, next to the VFW's entry - the deadline was early October. If we chose not to participate it would not be a problem. It was agreed that we would participate and carry our banner. We are in Group II - White Group, Entry 8. Line up at 9:15am. Meet at the VFW at 8:30 to carpool. There will be an Open House at the VFW afterward - bring a dish to pass. Barbara League suggested that we add to our banner by purchasing some other flags. It was agreed that we look into "Support our Troops" and "God Bless America" Flags. Linda Cagle reports that we have $827.10 in funds.

Action: Barbara League will follow up with Service Flags for something appropriate.

Projects: The National Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America strongly suggest local Chapters find and participate in Community Service Projects at least once a quarter. To volunteer at the Veteran's Hospital, one is required to go through their Volunteer Training. Jacqueline is in touch with a new member that is currently training with the VA Hospital and hopefully will be able to give us some insight as to what to expect. Chrissy Harlan suggested that we team up with one of the other Organizations such as the DAV or the VFW and get involved with their Community Service Projects.

Action: Get a list of Community Projects.

The Junior League Care Package Project has been put off until February. More info to come.

Blue Star To Gold Star: Protocol needs to be followed.

Dues/Membership Applications - Dues in the amount of $20.00 are due and payable.

VFW Auxiliary is teaming up with Tucson Troop Support to stuff stockings. Date: 11/14 - more information will follow. Location will probably be at the Armory - Volunteers needed.

Action: Chrissy will advise location/time.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm.

--
Vicki

Tucson GI made it through Iraq duty, died in barracks

2009-09-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

Published: 09.11.2009

By Carol Ann Alaimo

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

The Army is investigating the death of a Tucson soldier who survived a war, only to be claimed by an apparent illness back at his home base.

Spc. Nathan Spangenberg, 21, was found dead in his room at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii on Tuesday, a few days after he told loved ones by phone that he wasn't feeling well, family members said.

It isn't clear when he died, they said. Because of the holiday weekend, the soldier wasn't noticed missing until he failed to report for work on Tuesday.

Spangenberg, an infantryman, returned in February from a 15-month tour in Iraq with the 2nd Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, his family said.

Loved ones who rejoiced when he came home from the war safely were stunned to see Army officers at their doorstep Wednesday.

"You worry so much while they're gone and then he comes home and you think you can stop worrying. And now this," said the soldier's girlfriend, Aleisa Krug, 19, of Tucson, a student at Arizona State University.

Nathan's mother, Lois Spangenberg, a northwest-side resident, said her son called her from Hawaii late last week and said he had strep throat. He also said he was undergoing more medical tests because he had blood and protein in his urine, she said.

He told his mother he planned to stay in his barracks for the weekend to watch movies and rest.

That was their last conversation. When she came home Wednesday from her job at Sunquest Information Systems, men in uniform were waiting for her.

"It's so hard to believe," she said. "It's hard not knowing what happened."

She said officials told her the investigation could take some time, and they couldn't immediately say when her son's body would be returned to Tucson.

Army officials couldn't be reached for comment late Thursday.

Nathan was the baby of the Spangenberg clan, and the family clown, his mother said.

After he deployed to Iraq in late 2007, he sent home a string of comical photos, she said. In one, the soldier is sitting on his bunk in Iraq, holding up a sign that says "I (heart) my Mommy."

In another, taken as he marked his 20th birthday in Iraq, he's in full battle gear wearing a cone-shaped birthday hat atop his helmet.

"He really cared about people. He was a very giving and loving person and a lot of fun," his mother said.

"His friends would all describe him as a person who could make them laugh."

The soldier attended Mountain View High School from 2004 to 2006, then transferred to Mountain Rose Academy, a charter school, before earning a general equivalency diploma. He joined the military in 2007.

He is the fifth service member with ties to Mountain View High School to die since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began.

He also worked for a time as a custodian at Casas Adobes Baptist Church, his mother said.

Nathan Spangenberg also is survived by his brother Colin, 23, his sister Megan Bette, 26, and a niece and a nephew. His father, Glenn, died of cancer when the soldier was 4 years old.

Contact reporter Carol Ann Alaimo at calaimo@azstarnet.com or at 573-4138.

Lois suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project

Something to think about...

2008-11-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

Meet the needs of our Wounded Heros - DONATE

2008-08-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

The Air National Guard 161st Medical Group is getting ready to deploy to Landstuhl General Hospital in Germany in support of our wounded warriors. They will have extra room on their planes and have been asked to bring as much as they can in the way of donations.

Tucson donations can be delivered to me and I'll get them to Phoenix! Deadline for Tucson is September 22.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

Deadline for this drop location is September 22
Glenn Klassen, Director Wing Family Programs
Phoenix Air National Guard
3200 E. Old Tower Rd.
Bldg 10 Room 221

Deadline for these drop locations is September 15
Lakeview Family Healthcare
2090 N. Smoketree Ave
Lake Havasu City

OR

Dr. Mike Ward, ER
Kingman Regional Medical Center

Here is the list of requested items:
Wheelchairs in good condition.
Video Games (Wii, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360)
Shower Shoes
Disposable Razors
Shaving Cream
Individual (travel sized) toiletries (shampoo, body wash toothpaste etc)
Sewing Kits
Tooth brushes
Travel Pillows
Winter Jackets
Board Games
Black Backpacks
Pajama/work-out pants
AAFES Gift Cards (for purchase of patient duffle bags)
Magazine subscriptions - not magazines. Subscriptions only.
Dish Sets (Microwave safe)
DVDs (New releases, no war related or overly violent please)
MP3 player headphones
Phone cards for emergency use

Kim Sloan

Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars

(H) 520-887-8339 (O) 520-577-7800 (C) 520-256-9687

Email: auxvfwarizona@msn.com

Yahoooo!

2008-06-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

He'll be in Tucson later today! Thanks to all of you, I made it thru his deployment. God Bless all of you!

Memorial Day - A Tribute

2008-05-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Armed Forces Day

2008-05-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

The third Saturday every May is Armed Forces Day. It’s a day to celebrate all the men and women in uniform.

The first Armed Forces Day was held under President Harry Truman in 1950. Before then, each branch held a separate day of celebration. Many branches still observe their day unofficially.

Today’s video is a song by Taylor Hicks. Enjoy the video. And share it with someone to thank them for their service.

Good News from Iraq

2008-04-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Refurbished school opens in Salman Pak
By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The only secondary school for girls in the Salman Pak area opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 24.

Leaders of the Salman Pak Council, the Iraqi Army, the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, gathered in Salman Pak for the ceremony, which marked the completion of a $200,000 project initiated Feb. 28.

Members of the Salman Pak Council brought the decrepit school to the attention of 1-15th Inf. Regt. leadership in January. The school was in disrepair and local leaders’ desire to improve educational facilities matched the goals of the battalion leadership.

“We were looking for a big school to refurbish to make an impact,” said Capt. Matt Givens, from Columbus, Ga., the civil-military operations officer for 1-15th Inf. Regt. “It was the only female secondary school in the area. Before the refurbishment, the school was pretty much falling down. It had no electricity and students couldn’t use the restrooms.”

Givens said the project completely overhauled the building. Iraqi contractors repaired structural damage, erected a security wall, rewired electrical outlets, replastered the outside and repainted the inside.

Two of the most significant improvements were connecting the restrooms to a septic tank and the construction of a concrete courtyard.

“Unpaved courtyards get quite muddy when it rains,” said Givens, who has facilitated 13 different school refurbishment projects during his unit’s 14-month deployment. “School administrators commonly ask for concrete courtyards for assemblies and recreation.”

Givens said these projects make a difference in the community.

“People view it as you’re helping take care of their children and it helps to build trust within the community,” he said. “They are excited when they see you helping their children.”

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga. and has been deployed to Iraq since March 2007. The 2-6th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division from Baumholder, Germany, and will soon replace the 3rd HBCT in the Mada’in Qada.
Posted by David Spunt on 04/29 at 09:31 PM

Ryan's 'Thank You' on anysoldier.com

2008-04-13T17:58:00.001-07:00

i want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the packages and letters that you have been sending. as luck would have it...my tour has been shortened and i will be going home in about a week!!! it is just more proof that things here are starting to go in the right directions. the changes in this country are not going to happen over night. and it will take years before this country will be able to stand on it's feet. but the people of our country sould be proud that that the guys in the armed forces are willing to fight and die for this country. it is an honor. it is what we do...and we do it well.

thank you all who took time to send me a birthday card on my 30th birthday. i sat here and thought about what i had done in my 30 years of life. i helped to liberate 2 countries from opression. that's pretty damn good. some of my non military friends have finished college, and bought houses....have great careers. i have had to put all that on hold...so i could do the military. no degree, no house...no civilian career....but i saved millions of people from genocide. i wouldn't change it for the world.

thank you for all of your support!

until next time.

Afghan school gets new library and science lab for opening day

2008-04-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

BAGRAM AIRBASE, Afghanistan – The first day of school at Jan Qadam Elementary School, Parwan Province, was alive with the throngs of excited children, dignitaries, government officials and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan soldiers who dedicated a new school library and science lab, March 24.
Just after 9 a.m. on Monday, the Head of the District Development Council welcomed everyone to the event, noting the importance of the relationship between the school and all those who helped make it a great place to learn. He specifically thanked the children of Calvert City Elementary School, Calvert City, Ky., for their partnership with the Jan Qadam School.
“The partnership between the schools is a community-based initiative between the people and students of Calvert City Elementary School and the Jan Qadam School and community,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Watson, a member of CJSOTF-Afghanistan.
After the speeches and a prayer, the new school library was dedicated to Afghan Gen. Baba Jan, a retired Afghan commander. Jan donated the land to build the school on and the library is filled with books donated by USAID.
The distinguished guests and visitors toured the school and visited the new science lab. It is the only science lab in the Bagram School District, which has 32 schools, including seven high schools.
“School is the factory that produces positive individuals for society,” said Adul the Head of the District Development Council, Adul Waquel.
Jan Qadam hosts more than 1,200 students who are taught in two shifts.
Village elders passed out backpacks to more than 500 students and Calvert Elementary children donated notebooks, pens, pencils, glue and rulers to their Afghan counterparts.
The partnership with Calvert Elementary is only just beginning. In addition to the supplies provided, students from a second grade class there wrote letters to the students at the Jan Qadam School. Calvert students were mostly interested in what Afghan children do at home, during their free time.
“My name is Erin, I’m from Calvert, Kentucky,” one of the letters starts out. “I can’t wait to learn about your culture.”
Most of the Calvert students seemed interested in the differences between Afghan children and American children with most listing their favorite sports and after-school activities.
“It bridges cultures and helps educate future generations about other people who share our world,” said Watson.
“We will pass the translated letters out to the Afghan children and send their replies back to the states,” said a Coalition commander. “Some time in the next few months students from Calvert city will travel to Ft. Campbell, Ky., to have a video teleconference with some of the Afghan students.”
“It was a great day for the people of Jan Qadam, the Ministry of Education, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and Coalition forces,” said Watson. “It reinforces our ties and commitment to the community and people of Afghanistan and helps foster an enduring relationship.”
(This article written by the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan Public Affairs Office)
Written by Bagram Media Center Friday, 28 March 2008

A Brighter Future

2008-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Monday, 31 March 2008
By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Her hands run across his hand, her fingers explore his features. She asks her father: Is he fat or skinny? Tall or short? She is trying to learn about the man she cannot see, the one who strives to end the mystery surrounding him and the world around her.

First Lt. Michael Kendrick, platoon leader of 2nd Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said it is his goal to replace the mental picture young Noor Taha Najee has of her father with the actual image.

Noor, a 5-year-old girl who lives in al Buaytha, has been blind since birth, a condition caused by poorly-developed corneas, said her father Taha.

It is a problem which runs in the family. Taha's brother, Mustafa, also suffers from the birth defect, one that prevents the eyes from registering anything other than light sensitivity.

Although the condition is genetic, it is one that can be fixed through surgery. Kendrick, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., and his unit have been working closely with doctors to try to get something done for the family.

"To have her see her family, her brothers, to put a face to the voice, it would be a blessing," Taha said of the opportunity to help give sight to his daughter and brother.

The Eye Defects Research Foundation, a nongovernmental organization based in Los Angeles, is already trying to schedule a surgery for the girl.

On March 14, the Soldiers took Noor and her uncle to the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad to get an evaluation done on the two, which showed a higher potential for success with Noor.

"We're on standby now, waiting for a doctor in L.A.," Kendrick said.

He said they are now trying to find a local Iraqi doctor who would be willing to travel with Noor and her family to California. An Iraqi doctor is needed who could be shown the necessary follow-up care.

Such a gift would seem appropriate for a girl who is described as very generous and giving by her father.

"She's different from many other kids," Taha said. "She's always sharing. She'll give you anything."

It is a personality trait which has endeared her to the 2nd Platoon Soldiers.

"We've taken a real vested interest in the people here," Kendrick said, adding his Soldiers spend a lot of time on the ground, interacting with residents. "We empathize with the people. It pays dividends winning the hearts and minds. It keeps things quiet."

Noor has developed quite an attachment to Kendrick, Taha said.

"She likes to sit by him, and is always asking me about him and loves it when I tell her stories about him," he said. "She's only like that with Kendrick."

As a father of two young girls himself – Presley, 3, and Parker, 1, – Kendrick said he knows the importance of family and providing for them.

While she may not be able to see what the Soldiers are doing for her, Taha said Noor can definitely sense the good will of Kendrick's platoon.

"Love begins in the mind, not the eyes," Taha said.

After year in Afghanistan, battalion welcomed home

2008-03-28T17:32:00.001-07:00

The Arizona Republic
Mar. 28, 2008 12:00 AM

They were part of the largest deployment for the Arizona National Guard since World War II. They had been in Afghanistan for a year.

This week, they came home.

About 100 members of the 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment began returning to Arizona on Thursday.

The rest of the unit will be home over the next several days.

The group, known as the Bushmasters, aided in a February rescue operation after a helicopter carrying Sens. John Kerry, Joe Biden and Chuck Hagel made an emergency landing.

Two members of the unit were killed in action while deployed: Staff Sgt. Charles Browning of Florence and Pfc. Mykel Miller of Phoenix. An additional 24 soldiers were wounded in action.

Five minutes of your time

2008-03-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hit play, and watch this video and $1 goes to Operation Homefront to support military families.

Blue Star Mothers Meeting

2008-03-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

March 25, 2008

Debbie Miller and Debbie Seifert were not able to attend the meeting. Those BSM’s in attendance held an informal meeting wherein the time was spent caring, sharing and discussing as follows:

Resignation –

Bonnielee Walsh’s resignation as Co-Vice President was announced.

“Middle” Meeting, March 11^th –

Vicki Payne informed everyone about the talk given by the D-M Speakers at the March 11^th meeting and information on deployment, etc. One of the things they talked about the soldiers’ returning stateside and re-entering normal life. It takes between 3-12 months for the soldier to become acclimated back into stateside life. The suggestion was made that they be invited to speak at another meeting and that their talk be taped. The next “middle” meeting will be April 8^th at the VFW.

“Middle” Meetings –

Obtaining speakers for these meetings was discussed.

MilitaryOneSource.com –

Link has been added to the BSM website.

Easter Eggstravaganza –

Was discussed.

April 8^th “Middle” Meeting –

Barbara Lutgendolf will be speaking. Barbara is a teacher in Marana whose son was a Naval Medic for the Marines.

April 29^th Meeting/Potluck –

Barbara League and April Bolt will ask their sons (Matt and Gareth) to speak at the April 29^th meeting. Debbie Miller’s son was in the same group. Discussion/decision to have a potluck that evening from 6:30-8:00pm and have the business meeting from 8:00-8:30pm. A potluck sign-up sheet was passed around.
Vicki Payne will check with Kim Sloan regarding having food in the VFW meeting room.

Pima County Fair –

Decision was made to NOT have a table at the Pima County Fair. The table would have to manned every day for 10 days from 11:00am-9:00pm.

Memorial Day –

Lois Spangenberg will check to see if Tucson has anything in the works.
VFW has a cookout for Memorial Day, May 26^th.

4^th of July/Mt. Lemmon –

Helen Quigley volunteered to obtain details on the Mt. Lemon 4^th of July Celebration. She participated for the BSM’s in 2007.

4^th of July/Marana –

Barbara League volunteered to obtain details on having a table at their celebration.

4^th of July/Oro Valley –

Linga Cagle volunteered to contact Oro Valley regarding having a table at their celebration.

D-M Spring Air Show –

Lois Spangenberg volunteered to get info on having a table there.

Adopting a Highway –

Suggestion was made to look into this, i.e. cost, what is involved and how often.

DISCUSSION –

There was a lot of discussion on the BSM’s original formed to be a support group and having lost a lot of the people who attended the first meetings because their need for support was not being met.
Suggestion was that we need to reduce the time spent on business and to go back to being more of a support group.
It was also suggested that a group e-mail be sent to those that have attended the BSM Meetings in the past to let them know that the meetings are going to revert back to lean more toward support than business.
Doing “FUN” things was also suggested –

i. Getting groups together to go to –

1. Gaslight Theater.

2. Baseball games.

3. Reid Park Zoo, Music Under the Stars.

4. Sabino Canyon hikes.

5. Riverfront Park, Oro Valley.

6. Catalina State Park.

7. Etc.

Respectfully submitted,

Charli Greenlees

Adopting a four-legged veteran

2008-03-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Mar 23, 2008 10:01:23 EDT

Benny was declared “excess” by the military and scheduled to be euthanized by January, according to his military medical records.

Today, Benny — a spry German shepherd — is anything but excess to Debbie Kandoll, who found him during a determined search to adopt a retired military working dog.

Even at the advanced dog age of 10, with degenerative bone disease, Benny has become an integral part of the Kandoll family since he was adopted from Langley Air Force Base, Va., on Jan. 4.

Kandoll, the wife of an Air Force Reserve officer currently on active duty, wants to get the word out to other military families and civilians that retired dogs are available for adoption at military working dog facilities across the country, as are some younger dogs who may have washed out of the program.

She has launched a Web site that includes phone numbers for 125 military working dog facilities.

The idea of supporting the troops, said Kandoll, who lives near Goldsboro, N.C., “should apply to all veterans, not just the human ones.”

Kandoll said she thought at first that she could adopt retired dogs only through the Defense Military Working Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

“People should check with regional facilities to see what is available,” she said.

As for Benny, he’s thriving and his mobility has improved, she said — partly because he now gets to sleep on comfy pillows instead of concrete.

Although Benny is no longer on military patrols and sniffing for drugs, he is anything but retired. He visits hospitals, including the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Durham, N.C., as a certified therapy dog.

Kandoll and Benny make appearances at local events to raise awareness and encourage more civilians to adopt retired military working dogs.

Last year, 360 retired military working dogs were adopted or transferred to law enforcement agencies, according to officials at the Defense Military Working Dog School, with the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland.

Of those, 103 were transferred to law enforcement agencies, 139 were adopted at Lackland and the remaining dogs were adopted elsewhere, many likely by former military working dog handlers.

Under a law passed in 2000, dogs declared “excess” by the Defense Department can be adopted by law-enforcement agencies, prior military handlers and the general public.

“A lot of people still don’t know they can adopt dogs,” said Ron Aiello, founder of the U.S. War Dogs Association and a former military dog handler in Vietnam. “They don’t know dogs were used in Vietnam and that they are being used now. I’d like to see more veterans adopt military working dogs.”

Aiello said he works closely with Kandoll to provide information to people who want to adopt dogs. Interest has come from a number of Vietnam veteran dog handlers, many of whom had to leave their dogs behind in Vietnam.

He and Kandoll think adopting the dogs can be therapeutic for veterans.

To adopt a military working dog, prospective owners fill out a basic application with questions about their experience with dogs, other pets in the household, yard size, fencing and children in the household, officials said.

Once a match for a prospective adoption is made, an agreement is signed for the transfer of ownership, in which the new owner releases the Defense Department from liability.

The dogs are free, but the new owners must pay all costs, including transportation.

Officials at the Military Working Dog School said they have not had to euthanize any dogs for lack of someone to adopt them. In fact, they’ve had to establish a waiting list because there are not enough dogs to meet the high demand for them in the community and with law-enforcement agencies.

Kandoll’s dream is to build a Web site that connects people to working dogs. “These people at Lackland go above and beyond to place dogs in a home,” she said. “But it’s such an overwhelming job. The problem is that the word hasn’t gotten out that after the handlers and law enforcement, civilians can adopt the dogs.

“That’s why the kennel master had this smile in his voice when I called and asked if he had a dog available for adoption on the afternoon of Nov. 29,” she said.

“He said, ‘Yes, I do. ... His name is Benny, and he’s a great big goofball.’”

Kandoll had checked with Lackland officials earlier in November, but Benny was not in their database of dogs available for adoption, although he had been declared “excess” — ready to be retired — in October.

“If I hadn’t had the military connection, I would not have known how to contact these other facilities,” she said.

She and her husband drove to Langley Air Force Base on Jan. 4 and picked up Benny.

As part of the adoption process, Kandoll received Benny’s military medical records.

She quickly noticed that on Nov. 29, Benny officially had been scheduled for euthanasia in December or January. Nov. 29 was the same day Kandoll had made her 20th phone call — the one that led her to Benny.

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/03/military_dogs_032208w/

Good News from Iraq: 4 Mar 2008

2008-03-04T06:30:00.001-08:00

From MNF-I, Youth Sports Club Opens, Child Athletes have Place to Compete.

SULEIKH — As security improves in this Baghdad neighborhood, Iraqi citizens are focusing more attention on the quality of life in their community.
Several Suleikh area residents and leaders, Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers attended the grand opening celebration of the Suleikh Club, a youth sports center, March 1.

A procession of area athletic teams, including soccer, basketball, wrestling and martial arts groups, opened the festivities. The different squads marched in, proudly displaying colorful uniforms and team signs. The center will provide a place to practice and compete in their individual athletic disciplines.

Several community leaders including Fikrat Kareem, the neighborhood advisory council leader for the area, and Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Yeheya Rasol, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, spoke during the event.

“The opening of the club was beautiful,” Fikrat said through an interpreter. “Many citizens came to the (event). They are excited. Life is returning to normal.”

The club, which was originally built in 1957, is again a place where young people can participate in different sports, said Lt. Col. Wilson Shoffner, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B.

The club was shut down in 2005 due to criminal activity in the area.

“We had a couple of different insurgent groups operating here, some of them actually using the Suleikh Club as a base of operations. Obviously, with insurgents operating out of the club, that drove away the reason for its existence,” said Shoffner, a Lawton, Okla., native.

As the Iraqi Army and the local security forces in the area began to work together with Coalition forces, the area’s safety improved.

“The Iraqi Army and Sons of Iraq work together now,” said Yeheya. “We do our duty together to kick all of the terrorists out of Suleikh for the future (of the community).”

The Iraqi Army, the Suleikh neighborhood council and Coalition forces have been working to renovate the club during the last five months, said Shoffner.

The increased safety encouraged area leaders to focus more on reconciliation efforts.

“This club is the beginning of reunification in the area,” said Fikrat.

The youth sports center will connect several different neighborhoods in the area including Rabee’a, Suleikh, Tunnis, Shababkur and Qahira, he added. The youth sports activities bring the different groups in the area together for a common cause.

As reconciliation efforts continue, community centers, such as the Suleikh Club, will have a lasting impact on the Iraqi citizens.

“It was appreciated by the people here,” said Shoffner. “I think it will continue, long after the Coalition forces are gone, to be a place where people come to focus on youth sports center activities.”

Blue Star Mothers Meeting 2/26/08

2008-02-29T06:41:00.000-08:00

February 26, 2008

Debbie Seifert welcomed all members. The meeting was called to order at 6:40pm. Debbie Seifert led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Minutes of the January 29th meeting were posted on the website for review and approval. The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: January balance of $902.10.

Old Business –

Dues/Membership Applications – Dues in the amount of $10.00 are due and payable to our Treasurer Linda Cagle along with the new Membership Applications.

Team/Committees – There were no Team Committee reports.

Fundraising –

Debbie Seifert is continuing with fundraising efforts by contacting local businesses. She also e-mailed Peter Max, patriotic artist, regarding soliciting one of his paintings to be used in a fundraising raffle.
Certificates are being sent to those individuals and companies who have donated to BSM’s. (Jim Click, Dr. Weiss, Wild Oats Market, VFW and gentleman who donated the certificates.

New Business –

Caring and Sharing Meeting – This new meeting was held at VFW Post #10188 on the second Tuesday in February in order to meet the emotional and informational needs of our Mothers, Grandmothers, etc. The next meeting will be on March 12^th.Tracey Cantor from D-M will be the guest speaker and speak on Base Resources, Military One Source, Mental Health issues, etc.

MilitaryOneSource.com or MilitaryOneSource.org contains helpful links.

Catastrophic Event Fund – There was discussion on setting up a catastrophic event fund for a plant, cheese tray or whatever would be best for the family suffering the event and the amount per event. Helen Quigley made a motion, seconded by Barbara League, for the amount per event not to exceed $50.00. Motion passed.
Pima County Fair – There was discussion on manning a booth at the Fair to let those military mothers, grandmothers, families, etc. in need of support know that we, the BSM’s, are here to help. The rental on a booth is 10ftx10ft is $50.00 and must be manned during Fair hours and have flyers, information packets available. If the booth is left untended for a short period of time, passersby would at least be able to pick up information of BSM/s. Vicki Payne will contact the Fair for more information on hours and to see if we could reserve a booth at “no charge” since BSM is a non-profit, service organization. A suggestion was made that we share the booth with the VFW, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and/or the FRG’s.

Barbara League made a motion, seconded by Crissie Harlan, that a committee be formed to discuss what visual aids, etc. will be needed/used if we have a booth; i.e. BSM banner, bulletin board, laptop with patriotic music and BSM website information, etc. Motion passed. Linda Cagle volunteered to set up the laptop if appropriate information is sent to her. A committee comprising Barbara League, Crissie Harlan, Debbie Miller and Debbie Seifert will meet via e-mail or in person.

This issue was tabled until the March 25^th meeting when more information will be available.

ACTION: Vicki Payne will call the Pima County Fair for more information, hours, etc. on BSM’s having a booth at the Fair.

ACTION: Debbie Miller will send a group e-mail to see who would be willing to man the booth.

ACTION: Pima County Fair Committee Members meet via e-mail or in person regarding a booth at the Fair.

ACTION: Linda Cagle will set up laptop with appropriate information for Pima County Fair exhibit.

ACTION: Crissie Harlan will approach the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary and FRG’s would like to share the booth.

Air Force Reserve Unit – They will be leaving March 5^th or 6^th. Per Vicki, Kim Sloan would like to know if BSM’s want to team up to see them off. There was discussion on what this would involve; i.e. refreshments, games for children, etc. Vicki will obtain more information from Kim Sloan.

ACTION: Vicki Payne will contact Kim Sloan regarding deployment send-off for Air Force Reserves leaving March 5^th or 6^th.

Care Packages – Debbie Miller still have lots of items for care packages. Crissie suggested sending a care package to the son of Sherry, a lady both Crissie and DebbierS have been in e-mail contact with. The Post Office now has a new size, one-price box (12x12x5.5) which can be sent to any military address for $10.95. Debbie S made a motion, seconded by Crissie, for BSM’s to send 4 care packages per month. Motion passed. Crissie made a motion, Vicki seconded, to send Shirley’s son a care package. Motion passed.

ACTION: Crissie will e-mail Sherry’s son’s address to Debbie Miller.

ACTION: DebbieS will e-mail Marine Mother’s website to Maria Caria and Vicki.

ACTION: Vicki will add the Marine Mother’s website to the BSM website and send the link for the BSM website to Maria Caria.

Publicity – Discussion on how to inform the public about BSM. Corporate sponsorship was also discussed. No decisions were made.
Easter - The Easter Eggstravaganza sponsored by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Veteran’s and Family Support Group and led by Kim Sloan was mentioned by Crissie. The Group plans events for basically deployed soldiers but includes others. The Group meets the first Monday of each month from 6:00-7:00pm. Anyone can join and there are no dues. Suggestion was made that BSM’s might want to have a booth at the event which will be held at Reid Park on March 15^th. Vicki and Linda will try to attend the next meeting.

ACTION: Vicki and Linda will attend Veteran’s and Family Support Group meeting the first Monday in March if possible.

SHARING –

DebbieM’s son is back in the States and will be attending flight training in Phoenix.
Charli and Mike Greenlees’ son, Jason, who is in the Oregon National Guard, broke his leg March 22^nd. Jason returned from Afghanistan in May 2007 and works for the National Guard in Oregon.
Helen’s son may be a month late getting stateside from Afghanistan. Helen’s other son may be deployed but is supposed to be mustered out in October.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm with the Serenity Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Charli Greenlees

Soldiers Give Backpacks to School Children

2008-02-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

Story by 1st Lt. Myles Frohling
3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

First Sgt. Wayne Lawrence, from Carsville, Mo., first sergeant for Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was among Soldiers in his company handing out school bags to children in Jurf as Sahkr, Feb. 15. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Barr, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

FOB KALSU — If you were to walk down the streets of Jurf as Sahkr during a school day, you would see a large number of children walking to and from school. One thing you would not see is many children carrying school bags.

Seeing the need, Soldiers of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, recently distributed school bags to students in the area.

First Sgt. Wayne Lawrence, from Carsville, Mo., first sergeant for Company A; Staff Sgt. Michael Navarro, from Clifton, N.J., a squad leader in 2nd Platoon, Co. A; and Spc. William Johnson, from Bellevue, Wash., a medic with 2nd Platoon, handed out school bags to children near the Tharir primary school in Snadeej.

“There is nothing better than working with our ISF (Iraqi security force) counterparts and making Iraqi children smile with a simple backpack,” Navarro said.

While school bags were being handed out, 1st Lt. Ryan Daly, from Woodbridge, N.J., 2nd Platoon leader, spoke with local residents in the area. The general consensus is that security is good in the area, said Daly.

“Events like this help me realize how important it is for us to be here to protect the children in the area and build their trust in the CF (coalition forces),” said Pfc. Danial Taylor, of Rialto, Calif., a gunner with 2nd Platoon, Co. A.

Dozens of Air Force reservists from Tucson to deploy next week

2008-02-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

About 80 reservists stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base will head to the Middle East for more than a year

By Aaron Mackey

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Dozens of U.S. Air Force reservists based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base are scheduled to deploy next week.

About 80 reservists with the 943rd Rescue Group, which specializes in combat search and rescue, are scheduled to deploy to the Middle East, says Master Sgt. Shawn McCowan, a unit spokesman.

The 943rd will deploy along with members of its parent unit, the 920th Rescue Wing, for more than a year, McCowan says.

McCowan wouldn’t say when the unit would leave or exactly where the reservists would be sent because of security concerns, which is standard military procedure.

The deployment is the first in a series for the unit, he says.

The unit will deploy other reservists in early June and again in October, he says.

The 943rd, a tenant unit at D-M, was activated in February 2005 and is equipped with six HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, according to a military fact sheet.

The 943rd is the only reserve combat rescue unit in the Southwest, the fact sheet says.

The unit was established to provide search and rescue capabilities in support of combat operations abroad and can also respond to natural disasters that occur in the United States.

Happy Valentines's Day!

2008-02-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

KEENE – She hadn't expected him home until April, but last night, Elizabeth Penn cried tears of joy as she embraced her father, David Penn, a New Hampshire Army National Guard soldier home from Iraq on a two-week leave.

A freshman at Keene State College, Elizabeth had just walked into a semi-formal dance at Holloway Hall when the song "Hero" by Mariah Carey started to play.

Her friends, who had all kept the secret for weeks, turned and looked toward the door. That's when Elizabeth saw her father, dressed in fatigues, carrying a bouquet of flowers and a stuffed animal. The two embraced, and the tears started to flow as Elizabeth's friends and family encircled them, capturing the moment forever on cameras and video.

"I'm just shocked," said Elizabeth, wearing a black gown with rhinestones. "I don't know what to say. I'm shaking."

Dave Penn of New Hampshire Army National Guard's 34th RAOC Unit surprises his daughter, Elizabeth Penn, 18, at a Keene State College dance last night. (KRISTEN SENZ)

A Manchester resident, David Penn is a member of the Army National Guard's 34th Rear Area Operations Center Unit, a security force of 30 soldiers currently stationed in Mosul in northern Iraq.

"I miss my family a lot," said David, who was deployed last July and hasn't seen his wife, daughter or twin sons since. "I miss my kids."

"She'll always be my little baby," he said of his daughter.

Donna Penn, David's wife of more than 20 years, orchestrated the Valentine's Day surprise for Elizabeth. She said the two have always had an extremely close relationship.

"They're like peas and carrots from the Forrest Gump movie," she said.

The surprise reunion was Donna's Valentine's Day gift to her family.

"It was exciting," she said. "It was heartwarming. I was nervous, because I know how close they are. It was heartwarming, and that's Valentine's Day. We're very lucky to have this day with him."

When she was able to catch her breath, Elizabeth said seeing her father "was like a burst of energy, because I haven't seen him for so long."

The Penn family planned to spend the weekend together at a bed and breakfast in Troy.

"We just want to regroup, get to know each other again and just be a family again," Donna said.

Good News From Iraq. 15 Feb., 2008

2008-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

From MNF-I, Adwaniyah Residents Look to Brighter Future, Normalcy.

Capt. Douglas Hoyt, from Columbus, Ohio, commander of Troop A, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. and leaders of Adwaniyah have worked hard to establish trust and confidence within the community to improve the security and economic situation for the town. Photo by 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Last year, the community of Adwaniyah witnessed the worst of what the insurgency brought to the people of Iraq.

There were reports of kidnappings and murders. Members of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) were said to have forced residents out of their homes. Soon, Adwaniyah residents realized that life under AQI would be a step backward and they began to work with Coalition forces to rid their community of AQI.

Adwaniyah citizens Hazim Shaker Ahmen and Riyah Yas Khudayr, both former Iraqi Army officers, began working with Coalition forces and started ‘Sons of Iraq’ (SoI) programs last October.

In mid-November AQI mounted an offensive against U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Army and Sons of Iraq. At the time, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division was the Army unit patrolling Adwaniyah. Troop B and the SoI repelled the offensive and since then AQI members have either been detained or fled the community.

Now, Troop B, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. controls the battle space and the future of Adwaniyah is bright.

“The local leadership, the Sons of Iraq and Iraqi Army all played an important part in making this a success and they continue to do so,” said Capt. Douglas Hoyt, Troop B, 6-8th Cav. Regt. commander, from Columbus, Ohio. “The willingness to make a stand, to sacrifice and work hard has paid off.”

In December, a SoI headquarters was set up and a town council was established.

By January, word began to spread that the community was safer. Residents began moving back into the city and businesses started re-opening.

“The situation has gone from bad to better,” said local SoI co-founder Ahmen. “The task has begun to improve the security, economic and employment situation and the relationship with the central Government of Iraq.”

Assisting with the improvement in security, Troop B, 6-8th Cav. Regt. established Patrol Base Dolby in the community to help keep residents safe, rebuild the infrastructure and try to boost the economy.

(Story by 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs)

Soldiers See Need

2008-02-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

Yasser Mahmed enjoys a lollipop in his new wheelchair from Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Feb. 7. Despite nerve damage in his legs, 7-year-old Mahmed always waved to Soldiers passing through his neighborhood. Photo by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Despite nerve damage in his legs that confined him to a wheelchair, 7-year-old Yasser Mahmed was always in good spirits, waving to Soldiers passing through his neighborhood in Arab Jabour. The Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division noticed the little boy, who relied on the legwork of his 12-year-old cousin, Ahmed Sluman, to propel his chair around.

The boys’ teamwork inspired Soldiers of Company D to reach out and make a difference. On Feb. 7, the Soldiers gave Yasser a new wheelchair, one with rugged tires to help better navigate the terrain.

"I am grateful for the assistance," said Mahmed's father, Yasser Mahmed Hussen. "I would like to say thank you more than one time."

Sluman said that family is very important to him and caring for his younger cousin comes naturally. "There are strong relationships in Iraqi families. We rely on our families," he said.

The Soldiers hope that through small acts of kindness like this, they can build trust in the community.

"The overall goal is to build trustful relations between us and the community," said 1st Lt. Bryan Deminico, platoon leader, Company D. "Little things done at the community level show we are here to help."

NEW MEETINGS!!!

2008-02-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

The mission statement of Blue Star Mothers:
We are a non-profit (501[c]3) service organization supporting each other and our children while promoting patriotism.

As we begin a new year, I have been pondering on what we can do to meet the needs of Blue Star Mothers. After speaking to some mothers who are no longer attending our meetings, it has come to my attention that we are not meeting the emotional needs of many of our mothers. I realize that we are all working full time jobs, we have family responsibilities, and quite frankly no one wants to sit through another fundraising meeting time after time after time.

I have spoken with the commander of the VFW, and have been granted permission to use the meeting room at the VFW on the 2nd Tuesday of each month as well as the 4th Tuesday of the month. So on the 2nd Tuesday of each month we will have a meeting that is for emotional support, caring and sharing. We have mothers out there who are hurting and no where to turn, Well, from this point on, there will be a place that they can go and get the support they need.

We will continue to have our business meetings on the 4th Tues of each month. If there is time I would also like to have time for emotional support on these nights as well.

Please feel free to attend one or both meetings each month. We will begin with the additional meeting next Tues, February 12. This meeting will only be emotional support, no business meeting. We only want to meet the needs of all our members.

Another thought was to have pot lucks for this meeting each month or, a dessert bar, or,e healthy items like relish trays etc. A spaghetti dinner would also be fun and easy. Please feel free to email me or Vicki Payne on your ideas.

I want to personally invite and welcome each and everyone of you to please attend one of the meetings, give us a chance, and if ever there is anything that you feel needs changed or if you feel we are not meeting your needs, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will see what I can do to make a change. Only you know how you are feeling and unless those feelings are shared, we can't help one another. The mission statement for Blue Star Mothers is to support one another.

I hope to see everyone on Tuesday, Feb 12, 630-8:30 PM, for our new and improved meeting. We all have big shoulders and we all have had the same cares & concerns at some point. Let's be there for each other.

You are all a great bunch of ladies. Remember without mom's there would be no military persons serving our country. So you are very very important. Thank you for all you do.

Thank you
Debbie Seifert

January Meeting

2008-01-31T12:07:00.000-08:00

January 29, 2008

Debbie Miller welcomed all members and guests. The meeting was called to order at 6:38pm. Vincent, Debbie Miller’s son led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Minutes of the November 27th meeting were posted on the website for review and approval. The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: November balance of $558.10. There were deposits of $234.00 for dues, donations and bracelets resulting in a balance of $792.10 on January 29th.

Old Business –

Dues/Membership Applications – Dues in the amount of $10.00 are due and payable to our Treasurer Linda Cagle along with the new Membership Applications.
Team/Committees – Teams were explained for the benefit of our guests and new members. Each Team should meet on a monthly basis either in person or via email. A Team report should be submitted at the BSM Monthly Meeting.

Courageous Tigers – Fund Raising.
Flying Eagles – Letters and correspondence.
Gentle Lambs – Emotional/moral support.
Industrious Ants – Community service.

Fundraising –

Debbie Seifert received a donation of $100.00 from Jim Click and plans to contact other auto dealerships in the Tucson area regarding matching that donation.

ACTION – Debbie contact local dealerships regarding matching Jim Click donation.

New Business –

Publicity – Discussion on how to inform the public about BSM. No decisions were made.
Homecoming of 285^th – Some of the troops should arrive at Pinal Air Park on January 31^st. Additional troops should be arriving on February 2^nd. If you can, please plan to go early, around noon, to help with the displaying of banners and flags.
Fallen or Wounded Soldiers – Discussion was on how to and/or whether to set up some sort of fund to send cards, deliver food, etc. to those current or past BSM members who have a soldier who is killed or wounded. Support is the main issue. National has no rule for anything of this sort. They do receive information on any casualties and do send that information to the local BSM Chapters. Suggestion was made that the Gentle Lambs meet to prepare a proposal for submission to the next BSM Monthly Meeting.

ACTION – Gentle Lambs meet to prepare a proposal for submission to next Monthly Meeting regarding fund to be established for bereavement support.

Chrissy Harlan’s son, Daniel, joined the meeting to discuss his experiences in Afghanistan and answered many questions of concern to the BSM members and guests.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Charli Greenlees

What a powerful business slogan!

2007-12-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Iraq

2007-12-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

This is Debbie Siefert's son Ryan Johnson!

A Patriotic Christmas Parade!

2007-12-11T09:49:00.001-08:00

Even with the bad weather Saturday, the turnout for the Christmas parade was spectacular. Lots of families and everyone in the Christmas spirit. I think I speak for everyone when I say we had a great time. Our banner illicited several positive comments. A big THANKS to the VFW Women's Auxiliary for allowing us to team up with their float with the Patriotic Christmas theme.

Patriotic Christmas Parade!!!

2007-12-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

VFW Auxiliary
Location: Staging Area for Parade South of
200 S. 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 US
View Map | Find a Hotel |
When: Saturday, December 8, 6:00PM
Please join us for a "Patriotic Christmas" entry in the 13th annual Tucson Downtown Parade of Lights.

We will be meeting at a place to be determined and caravan toward the starting location. So, if you would like to meet early and carpool, then email Vicki.

Otherwise, meet us at the starting location. n.

The parade starts at 6 p.m., but we will need to be in place no later than 5 p.m.
Our theme is "Patriotic Christmas," and the float is red, white and blue christmas lights and flags. Please feel free to wear Patriotic Santa Hats if you have them (It will be cold so bundle up in your patriotic christmas outfit). Also, remember it is a light parade, so if you can, purchase a glow stick or glow necklace from the dollar store. :)

THANK YOU and we look forward to seeing you THERE!

Go to www.downtowntucson.org/downtown_parade_of_lights/ for a parade map and festival guide.

As a entry, we will line up on one of the streets East of

6th Ave (13 St-17th St). We will be in place by 5 pm.

*FREE* Live entertainment, food, and children's activities at Armory Park (4-9 pm). This is near where the parade starts and where it ENDS.

Minutes from 11/27/07 meeting

2007-11-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

Blue Star Mothers Meeting

November 27, 2007

Debbie Seifert welcomed everyone and called to order at 6:35pm. Debbie led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Minutes of the October 30^th meeting were read and approved as corrected. The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: October balance of $859.00 and expenses of $164.85 for the banner and $170.05 to mail 19 boxes for our Troops. There was a deposit of $34.00 leaving a balance of $533.10.

DebbieS welcomed our guests –

Letty would like to join GSM. Her son is in the Army in Iraq. She works for KGUN9 and may be able to help with publicity.

David Hampton who deals with PTSS, some of troops returning stateside. He thanked the BSMs for their support.

Old Business –

Banner – Turned out very nice and was carried in the Veteran’s Day Parade. Linda Cagle had to redraw the logo as the emailed copy was not clear enough. The cost was $170.05 not $121.00 quoted by Fast Signs. Barbara League has the banner rolled on pvc piping. Barbara’s husband, Russell, suggested purchasing a larger diameter pvc pipe to go over the rolled banner to protect it. Russell also suggested using an length of electrical conduit pole to carry the banner as it is sturdier than pvc pipe.

ACTION: Vicki Payne will locate the original quote and contact Fast Signs regarding the price variance.

ACTION: Barbara will purchase the pvc pipe, electrical conduit pole and submit a bill to the Treasurer.

NOTE: Per DebbieS, the National By-Laws state that the official BSM logo can be used on a banner but cannot be used on a flag.

Veteran’s Parade, November 11^th – Everyone had a good time at the parade and got wonderful media coverage. Linda will “capture” the media coverage from the new website and add it to the BSM website.

ACTION: Linda will add media coverage of parade to the BSM website.

Wild Oats on Speedway, November 3^rd – There were 20-30 people attending. About 50 boxes were packaged and sent to anysoldier.com at $8.95 per box. Postage for the 50 boxes was donated by a local neighborhood. When additional monies are available the remainder of the items will be packaged and sent.
Avon Sales – Bonnie Hall turned in an order to Kimberlee at Avon.
Nominating Committee – National says officers can hold office for 1-2 years. Linda made a motion, Barbara seconded, that the current officers remain in office through 2008. The motion was approved. Barbara made a motion, Linda seconded, that a Nominating Committee be chosen in September 2008 to select candidates for office in 2009-2010. Motion was approved.
Dues – Dues in the amount of $10.00 are due prior to January 1, 2008. $5.00 of the dues goes to National and $5.00 to our Chapter.
Holiday Parade, December 8, 6:00pm – Entries must include the use of lights, glow sticks, etc. Parade starts at 17^th Street and 6^th Avenue and ends at Armory Park. Mayor Walkup will light the tree at 5:45pm. Diane of FRG (Family Readiness Group) said they may add lights to and use the same float used in the Veteran’s Day Parade.

ACTION: Vicki will contact Diane to see if we can follow their float.

Holiday Party, December 11^th, 6:30-8:30pm – The Party will be at the Golden Corral at 715 E. Wetmore Road. Spouses, significant others and children are welcome to attend. Attendees will pay for their own dinner on arrival. Participation in a $10.00 grab bag will be restricted to BSM members.
Team/Committee Sign-ups – Sign-up were as follows:
1. Courageous Tigers – Fund Raising.

Bonnie Hall – Chair

Carol Herndon

Debbie Seifert

Flying Eagles – Letters and correspondence.

April Bolt

Roxanne Peroldo

Helen Quigley (2^nd Choice)

Bonnielee Walsh

Debbie Miller

Gentle Lambs – Emotional/moral support.

Linda Cagle

Deb Davila

Barb League

Bonnielee Walsh

Industrious Ants – Community service.

Bertha Topar

Helen Quigley (1^st Choice)

Fundraising –

Bonnie Hall –

Foothills Mall – Lady there was in favor of doing something with a tree where people take a name. She will supply a table that we can decorate for the holiday and where we can display our banner. Helen Quigley suggested “Adopt a Box” as our theme where people can make donations to send boxes to our Troops. Motion was made by Linda, seconded by Barbara, to hold this fundraiser on December 9^th from 12n-5pm. Receipts would be given for income tax purposes.

ACTION: Linda – Buy a receipt book and give receipts for future donations.

New Life Health Food – Information was sent to our contact there. Waiting on reply.

DebbieS –

Said she thought 25% of all fundraising should go to National. If we are raising money for our care packages, we may be able to get around this requirement.

ACTION: DebbieS will do more research on this requirement.

Talked with Tucson Mall and Park Place Mall re fundraising booth/table. They said they do not do anything like that.
Will try to contact Jim Click re donations.

ACTION: DebbieS – Contact Jim Click re donations.

New Business –

DAR/SAR – Charli Greenlees read an short article in the California SAR Magazine about a California BSM speaking before the Thomas Jefferson Chapter of the SAR. Offered to act as liaison to the El Presidio DAR Chapter in Tucson after the first of the year and to notify them of our service to our current Troops.

ACTION: Charli will talk with El Presidio DAR Chapter re BSMs after first of year.

Yellow Ribbon Bracelets/Support Our Troops Key rings – DebbieS has them for sale at $1.00 each. The total revenue made from the sale of these items will be donated to BSMs.
Community Calendar – Letty said she would check to see if KGUN9 had something of this sort.

ACTION: Letty will check with KGUN9 re community calendar.

General Discussion –

New BSM Shirts – Mike Greenlees displayed the new BSM shirts available from Tee Time.
VFW Auxiliary – Helen attended a meeting where Kim Sloan and ladies were filling stockings to be sent to our Troops.
“Operation Message” – Channel 4 called Barbara regarding the low turn-out for the Red Cross tapings of messages for Troops for the holiday.
Avon – Kimberlee delivered Bonnie’s order and passed out books for 2 new campaigns. She said we could contact her direct with out orders.
Great News! – Helen’s son will be home on December 15^th for his two weeks R&R.
Packaging Boxes – Bonnie mentioned that DebbieM was talking about packaging more boxes on December 1^st.
Coffee Get Togethers – These were held on an impromptu basis for a while. Suggestion was to get them going again.

Cares & Concerns –

April Bolt – She is slowly mending after being hit by a car.

California Connection, a PBS Affiliate –

Linda shared a video about 4 injured soldiers and their struggle to regain control of their lives. One of the soldiers is Linda’s son, Eric. (Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.)

The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm after the Serenity Prayer.

Troops give thanks in southern Baghdad

2007-11-26T06:41:00.000-08:00

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Across the United States, most families celebrate Thanksgiving with their families with turkey and football.

Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Falcon in southern Baghdad celebrated as well, with the only family they have while deployed -- each other.

Spc. Desiree Iversen, an intelligence analyst with Headquarter and Headquarters Company, 610th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division from Cottonwood, Calif., said spending Thanksgiving dinner with her section was a pleasant proxy to spending the day with her family.

"It was nice. Even though we work together, we don't socialize and we work on different shifts," she said. "I got to spend some time talking with them. You kind of adopt a new family when you're out here."

Sgt. Charles Patton, a multi-channel transmission systems operator with Company C, 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion from Monroe, La., said he tries to keep his head up while away from his wife and son on the holidays.

"I'd much rather be spending it at home with my family, but we're here and I'm trying to make the most of it," he said. "I think that's how a lot of guys feel about it, they'd rather be at home, but you're here so you have to make the best of things."

For Patton, who is celebrating his second Thanksgiving holiday in Iraq, being away doesn't get easier.

"Some people get used to it, but I don't," he said. "You just have to make the best of it and keep a positive attitude. That's what I try to do."

Iversen, who hasn't been home for a 'Turkey Day' since being in the Army, felt differently.

"The first year, I was devastated, it was really hard. Every year, I was with my family," she said. "But last year was a little easier and this year, I don't feel anything really. It's just another day."

To Spc. Ahmed Ahmed, a linguist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th IBCT from Buffalo, N.Y., it was not "just another day" as he celebrated his first Thanksgiving as a citizen of the United States.

"It's kind of special because it's my first one as a citizen and I don't have to worry about getting my citizenship," the former Yemeni said. "This is my first time having the full joy as a citizen. It's a special day for me.

"I will remember this for the rest of my life. I had my Thanksgiving for the first time as a citizen, I was in Iraq and I was serving my country."

For all, whether it's the first holiday or one of many, the day is about giving thanks.

Patton said he was most thankful for his loved ones.

"I'm thankful for my family most of all. My family's really supportive of me. They understand I'm in a position where I do what I have to do," Patton said. "That's part of being a Soldier. You have to go out there and take care of business."

Ahmed was thankful to get the chance to serve his new nation, but he looks forward to the future.

"I'm thanking God that I'm still alive; we're actually doing a good job. That's what makes today a special day," he said. "But my next Thanksgiving is going to be even better because I'm going to be my wife in the states, celebrating as an American."

Iversen, the mother of a little girl and wife to a husband who is currently deployed with the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th IBCT, said she is grateful for her child and her husband's well-being.

"I'm thankful for my daughter. I'm thankful my husband's okay. I just hope he comes home safe and able to see our little girl grow up."

Spc. David Schubert, a chaplain's assistant with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kan., digs into his Thanksgiving Day turkey at the Forward Operating Base Falcon dining facility in southern Baghdad Nov. 22. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Nathaniel Smith, 4th IBCT, 1st Inf. Div. PAO)

Say THANKS!

2007-11-18T06:57:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving, the Department of Defense is partnering with major cell phone providers so that you can send "thank you" text messages to the troops fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. It is called "The Giving Thanks Campaign."

A couple of seconds of your time, and your kind words will reach American troops free of charge. When you text your message of thanks to "89279" (TXASY) between November 17th and 22nd, you'll receive a special thanks in return.

We will all sit down to our dinner on Thursday in freedom because of the job that they do, and their honorable and extraordinary commitment to our the security of our country. Frankly, most of us will thank them in our blessing prayers; it would be wonderful to let them know how important they are directly.

Parade Picutres

2007-11-14T08:15:00.001-08:00

VETERAN'S Day 2007

2007-11-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

It is the VETERAN , not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN , not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN , not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN , not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN , who salutes the Flag,

It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. GOD BLESS THEM ALL.

Mail Call

2007-11-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

THOUGHTS ON MAIL TO THE DEPLOYED SOLDIER

At 41, after serving an entire adult life in uniform, I hope I can offer some thoughts.

Mail, few things bring home closer than mail. Few things are more important. Even in the instantly gratified world we live in, the feeling of getting mail is indescribable. I can recall the feeling of at the end of the day, walking the mile or so to the MWR tent to check the mail list (in the Air Force the mail clerks would post a handwritten list of who had mail to save the questions), and the gloom that resulted from having no letter form my family. I remember the day I got 27 cards from my daughters, most containing only one word, but there were 27 of them. They weren’t big cards, all hand made, but they were for me, and there were 27 of them.

Because it’s not really a letter, you’re sending. It’s a taste of home, a reminder that someone knows your there, and a distraction from the endless routine. Getting a package of candy from a stranger is a strange wonderful feeling that can pick you up by the boot straps at a time when you need it most. Remember, it’s not the bombs or bullets that are the greatest danger, its stress and depression.

So what to send? A card, a letter, a picture of something other than sand. It doesn’t have to be big, small is okay, although contents you can eat are a plus. A book to read and pass on, home made cookies. I could go on for hours on a fruitcake I got in Korea (thanks Mom).

Movies are great also. In short anything sent is great, just make it personal.

While I’m not a Marine or soldier and take a lot of ribbing for being a wingnut, I was “down range” hauling explosives over the highways in decrepit trucks wearing less than perfect body armor. And I would never miss mail call.

QOTD:
And none will hear the postman's knock
Without a quickening of the heart.
For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?
~W.H. Auden

Minutes from Oct. 30, meeting

2007-11-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Blue Star Mothers Meeting

October 30, 2007

Debbie Seifert welcomed everyone and called to order at 6:40pm. Debbie led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Minutes of the September 25^th meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer’s Report was not given.

Old Business –

Banner - After discussing several quotes on having a banner made and whether or not to purchase it in time for the Veteran’s Day Parade, a motion was made by Helen Quigley and seconded by Barbara League to order a 3ftx6ft banner from Fast Signs for a price not to exceed $200.00. Barbara will email the Official Blue Star Mothers (hereinafter called BSMs) Logo to Vicki Payne who will order the banner imprinted with the Official BSMs Logo in red and blue, Blue Star Mothers in blue and Arizona Chapter 2 in red.+
Veteran’s Parade, November 11^th – The VFW float is 7ftx17ft. Those Blue Star Families who wish to join the VFW on the float or walk with the float should meet at the VFW before 8:30am on Monday to carpool to the parade site. Bring a dish to share is you wish to participate in the VFW Open House.
Wild Oats on Speedway, November 3^rd, 10:00am-12:00noon – Call Kelly Prust, Manager of Wild Oats, to let her know you will be there to help pack boxes to send the our Troops. Wild Oats is also taking care of all the postage.
Committee Sign-ups – Sign-up sheets were passed around and attendees were urged to sign-up for one or more of the following committees:

Courageous Tigers – Fund Raising.
Flying Eagles – Letters and correspondence.
Gentle Lambs – Emotional/moral support.
Industrious Ants – Community service.

Each Committee’s Mission and long and short range goals should be chosen. Committee Meetings should be held on a monthly basis prior to the scheduled Blue Star Mothers Meeting. Committee reports will be given at the regularly scheduled BSMs Meeting.

New Business –

Events Calendar - Vicki will add an “Events Calendar” to our website. Linda Cagle will e-mail the the BSMs requesting information to add to the Calendar.
Membership and Dues - Dues of $10.00 are due by January 1, 2008. Debbie Miller will have renewal forms at the November meeting.

ACTION: Review “mass” email list and remove those emails that are not “paid” members of BSMs.

Fund Raising - Bonnie Hall has “Support Our Troops” magnets to purchase for $3.00 each.

New Life Health Food Store – Talked to Asst. Manager who suggested calling Wednesday, October 31^st to speak with the Manager regarding donation of gift certificates for BSMs.
Dr. Weiss, Dentist, has dental floss and toothbrushes to donate to our Troops.
Bonnie also talked with lady in Service Department at Foothills Mall about setting up a booth to hand out brochures informing the public about who we are and what we are doing. Bonnie should know more on this on Wednesday, October 31^st.

285^th Homecoming in January/February 2008 – Kim Sloan said FRG would like have people line the street from the Pinal Airport Exit off I-10 all the way to the Armory to greet the Troops. There will be some type of food, something for the children to do while waiting. More information will be available at a later date.
Thank you cards and Certificates - Barbara League received a donation of 20 certificates from Chris Jaeger, Quikprint.

ACTION: BSMs still does not have official “thank you” cards. A thank you card should be sent.

Holiday Parade and Festival, December 8^th – Parade of Lights. More on this in November.
Election of Officers, January – A Nominating Committee will be chosen in November.
Christmas Party, No December meeting – Golden Corral and Hometown Buffet were suggested. Golden Corral has free postcards to send to our Troops.

ACTION: Debbie Miller will email a survey to everyone for their thoughts and/or recommendations. Discussion and decision on party will be made at the November meeting.

Guest Speakers – Barbara and Kimberlee from Avon -

Avon has been in business for 123 years and is in 143 different countries. Their goal is to support and be there for women. Barbara and Kimberlee spoke on several types of fundraisers with Avon. BSMs elected to do catalog fundraising and earn 10% of the cost of trademarked items and 40% of the cost of Avon products, i.e., a $15.00 purchase of Avon products by 10 buyers equaling a total sale of $1,500.00 would earn $600.00 for BSMs. Catalog orders are submitted every two weeks or at the end of that campaign.

Kimberlee (829-5800) offered to attach special labels to the catalogs informing prospective buyers of the purpose of the fundraiser.

Barbara (407-6023) said if we need a lot of a particular item quickly to let her know and she will contact Avon’s Pasadena Office to expedite the shipment.

DebbieS thanked Barbara and Kimberlee for the box of lip balm Avon donated for our Troops.

Carol Herndon volunteered to coordinate the Avon purchases. Use the following email to send your orders to her – youravon@Q.com. Please let Carol know you’re with BSM.

Donations –

Roxanne received a donation of several boxes of handmade felt/fabric Western-style boots each filled with lip balm, eye drops, etc. for our Troops. The boots were made by an 11-year old girl named Haley Roberts (Ron Roberts – Cell 269-3498, Home 225-0590). Haley also wrote a letter to enclose with the boots which Roxanne copied to go in each box.

Roxanne will give Crissy Harlan a copy of the letter.

ACTION: DebbieS asked that a thank you card be sent to her.

Helen Quigley received a donation of about 20 frisbees from the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Association, P.O.Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, (928) 643-7298.

ACTION: A thank you should be sent.

Bonnie Hall volunteers at the Oro Valley Library and after their recent book sale the Library donated leftover books to be sent to our Troops.

General Discussion –

Carol Herndon displayed several patriotic “travel” mugs. The ceramic mugs are available for $15.00, $1.00 of which will be donated to the BSMs.
Vicki Payne mentioned T-shirts that can be imprinted with your soldier’s photo and verbiage of your choice for only $7.00 for the transfer. You supply the T-shirt. See Vicki for more information.
Debbie Seifert mentioned the Gift Emporium as a possible fund raiser. If BSMs shop at any of the stores listed on their website, they donate a portion of the sale to BSMs organization.

ACTION: DebbieS send Gift Emporium link to Vicki.

Kim Sloan – Dollar Tree stores are putting boxes out November 1^st for donations to send to our Troops for the Christmas Holiday. VFW will be meeting November 18^th at 10:00am at the Valencia Armory near Pima Air Museum for a potluck and to pack 1,000 stockings to be shipped to our soldiers and their units. There will be cards to decorate as well as turkeys to be delivered to needy military families.
BonnieLee’s students are sending boxes to BSMs soldiers and to anysoldier.com.
“Operation Message”, November 13^th and 14th - The Red Cross is making appointments in 15-minute increments and will make a video for families/friends to send to their deployed soldier. Ask for Cheryl Bender and she will transfer your call to the appropriate party. They are also doing cards for Troops if you donate blood.
Lynn Jones had a block party and got over $800.00 in donations from her neighbors to buy things for the Troops. She is planning to be at Wild Oats on Saturday, November 3^rd.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35pm after the Serenity Prayer.

Cookies and Coffee for our Troops!

2007-11-02T05:37:00.001-07:00

FOB Hammer

2007-11-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Good News from Iraq: 1 Nov 2007

From MNF-I, Four-legged Soldiers keep their noses to the ground.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — The German shepherd trots from rock to rock, ears pricked upward and nose pointed towards the earth, intent on his mission.

Several feet away, his handler, Sgt. Richard Miller, from Floresville, Texas, a military policeman with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, silently watches as the dog gets closer to the C4 explosive he has hidden under some rubble.

The specialized off-leash search dog looks back at his handler and sits down beside the hidden explosive.

"Good boy," Miller says, walking toward Gabriel. "Good job, Gabe."

The dog's tail swings back and forth as his trainer approaches. His mission accomplished, the dog eagerly awaits his reward.

Miller focuses the dog on the explosive while he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a worn-out orange cong. He tosses it in front of the dog and watches as he snatches it up and runs back to his handler.

The next few moments are filled with praise as Miller tosses the cong and Gabriel retrieves it.

"That's the whole reason the dog does what he does," explains Sgt. Timothy Kinsey, from Pueblo, Colo., a military policeman with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. "We work to get paid. The dogs work for their reward. Gabriel is very focused on his reward. He'll do anything for those congs."

The 3rd BCT has three working dogs and they've been extremely busy since their arrival at Forward Operating Base Hammer.

"They are doing a good job," said Sgt. 1st Class Tommy Jamison, from Elmira, Ore., the provost sergeant for the 3rd BCT. "I've had to learn about them, but they have been great assets."

Jamison explained that the battalions in the 3rd BCT had to learn how to use the dogs on combat missions.

"They were skeptical at first," Jamison said. "The Soldiers had their TTPs (techniques, tactics, and procedures) and those needed to be changed to accommodate the dogs, so that caused some friction. It was hard to explain to leaders that the dogs needed air conditioned vehicles and tents to rest, but once they saw the benefits, everyone accommodated them."

Kinsey explained that there are limits to what the dogs can do.

"Some Soldiers have a hard time understanding that the dogs have the mentality of a four year old," Kinsey said. "When a dog is tired, they are tired. I can't tell them to suck it up and drive on. They love what they do, but they have limits."

The dog's sense of smell makes them perfect for detecting hidden contraband that Soldiers can overlook.

Miller explained that a dog can register and discern 10,000 - 40,000 scents at one time.

"The best way I can explain it is that if you were to walk into a fast food place you would smell the meat cooking on the grill and the mop bucket they are using to clean up a spill," Miller said. "A dog will smell the fat in the burger charring, the meat cooking, the sesame seeds on the buns, the pickle juice, the type of perfume the cashier is wearing and a thousand different other scents all at the same time."

That sense of smell allows dogs like Gabriel and Jim to smell a coil of detonation cord under a pile of rubble from 10 feet away.

More from Debbie's son, Ryan.

2007-10-31T17:52:00.001-07:00

Here is another picture from the patrols that I do. As you can tell, I like to hang out with the kids alot. They can smile though anything. They don't have electricity, very poor living conditions, not to mention that baghdad is war torn...yet the smile though it ...play in the streets...

they're great

hope you enjoy!

Ry-

Thank a Soldier.

2007-10-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to show our gratitude to the men and women of our nation's military. Unfortunately, it isn't shown often enough. Show your gratitude today and say "Thank You!" to those special people!

Show your support with a high quality, personalized t-shirt or sweatshirt! Available in toddler, youth, ladies and adult sizes with more customized products in the future.

25% of every sale will be donated to organizations who help our injured combat veterans and our military families who are in need.

Please take a moment and go to Thank a Soldier and choose your favorite branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines). The Army and Air National Guards as well as the U.S. Coast Guard are also included. You can personalize your choices with phrases such as "Thank My Son".

Patriotic Pumpkin Party at the Park

2007-10-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

Saturday, the 27th of October, our VFW Post held a Halloween Party for the kids of those serving in the military, complete with a Haunted House! The kids were throughly entertained and lots of prizes were won at the different booths. In addition to an obstacle course, face painting and a bean bag toss, the playground provided the little ones with hours of fun. The VFW hosts a great party and the Arizona Chapter of Blue Star Mothers were represented!

L-R April Bolt, Elizabeth Guerra, Bertha Topar, Vicki Payne, and Debbie Miller.

Volunteers Prepping for Veteran's Day Weekend Kick-Off

2007-10-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

2007 Holiday Drive Gears Up
By Carolyn Blashek
Oct 25, 2007 - 9:36:41 AM

Volunteers Prepping for Veteran's Day Weekend Kick-Off

Dear Friends,

Courtesy image.

Volunteers are in full prep mode for the 2007 Holiday Drive, which kicks off over the Veteran's Day Weekend, November 10 -11! Our goal is to send 60,000 care packages by the end of December, and the excitement is growing as we prepare to assemble and ship Operation Gratitude's 300,000th package on December 15th!

"This is our 5th Annual Holiday Drive--and will be the largest yet!" exclaimed Carolyn Blashek, Founder of Operation Gratitude. "The holidays are a particularly difficult time for our troops to be away from their loved ones, so it is all the more important that Operation Gratitude reach as many Service Members as possible to let them know they are appreciated and cherished by the American people," she added.

"I am a soldier currently deployed to Iraq who received a package from you folks recently. Thanks so much for your morale boosting box of goodies -- your packages clearly were the result of experience, planning, and labor-intensive love. We troops appreciate all that you do. Keep up the outstanding work. Take care." Very Respectfully, SPC C.K. Y.

"Once again the call goes out to the thousands of volunteers and donors who graciously join together to express their admiration and respect in this tangible way," said Cheryl Zerah, Operation Gratitude's Corporate Secretary. "We are so grateful to each and every supporter who participates in our mission. We could not accomplish this Herculean task without them!" added Supervisor Carol Sweet.

School service clubs, church groups, Scout Troops, business owners and individuals of all ages have found creative and fun ways to collect and donate the items needed to make each treat-filled box extra special. Operation Gratitude care packages are loaded with a wide assortment of non-perishable foods, entertainment items, personal care products, and heartfelt messages of support. We encourage every American to express their appreciation in their own unique way with Operation Gratitude!

Related Link : Operation Gratitude

Meet Debbie Seifert's son, Ryan!

2007-10-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

SSG Ryan Johnson
1-168 INF
Iowa National Guard
Stationed at Camp Slayer, Baghdad, deployed June '07, returning home June '08.

According to Debbie, Ryan loves the kids and said that they make the mission easy. They're always loving and are happy to see the troops.

Take a moment to enjoy!

2007-10-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Good News!

2007-10-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Debbie Miller reports that she's prepared 19 boxes to ship! The lucky recipients are soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines chosen from www.anysoldier.com. The contents of these packages are donated items from many sources.

In addition to packaging and mailing these boxes, Debbie spent Sunday at Wild Oats on Speedway promoting Blue Star Mothers. In August and September Wild Oats was kind enough to make a box available for donations, and has chosen Blue Star Mothers, Arizona Chapter 2, as one of their "Wooden Nickel" charities. For every grocery bag a shopper brings into the store, Wild Oats offers them a Wooden Nickel. The shopper then drops it in the box of their favorite charity and we get a check! Cha-Ching!

Stay posted, Wild Oats will be hosting another charity drive to include some Christmas mailings, soon.

Be sure to let the management at Wild Oats know that you appreciate their support!

An addendum from Bonnielee:

Great news for our chapter's Blue Star Moms! On October 18th, The Living Word Chapel in Oracle packed 40 care packages for our troops ... and I do mean "our" troops. Because I attend that church, the pastor, his wife, and the members are very much aware of my WRITE ON! project. The Ladies' Group members asked me for the list of pen pals my students and I write to. As you know, many of our pen pals are YOUR sons and daughters. The old saying "what goes around comes around" is certainly true here. While our group was readying care packages for "any soldier," our church was readying packages for OUR service members. Sunday I was asked for a second copy of the list so the group can pray for each member on our list. God is good--all the time!

One very proud

Marine Wife and

Air Force Mom,

bonnielee

Good News From Iraq

2007-10-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

From MNF-I, Tips lead to arrests in Salman Pak.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – After receiving tips, Coalition Forces detained three people in Salman Pak Oct. 11 during Operation Belleau Wood, a raid to find insurgents linked to al-Qaeda cells operating in Iraq.

Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained the men after they were identified as al-Qaeda members responsible for improvised explosive device placement along a road frequently used by the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The Soldiers also cleared 13 houses during their search.

Maj. John Cushing, the 1-15th Inf. Regt. Operations officer from Rochester, Mich., believes the recent organization of Concerned Local Citizens in the Salman Pak area has helped residents feel safer, and therefore more likely to come forward to identify insurgents and their activities.

“Local Iraqi sheiks, in very dangerous areas, are coming forward and are willing to provide critical information concerning extremist activities in our area of operations,” Cushing said. “Local sheiks and Coalition Forces are working together and doing what it takes to improve security in insurgent-infested neighborhoods.”

“Belleau Wood was great for Hardrock (Company A) and 1-15,” Cushing continued. “As a result of this operation, three extremists were detained which further disrupted an IED cell along a major route that Coalition Forces travel each day.”

The 1-15 Inf. Regt., is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Minutes from Sept. 25, 2007 meeting

2007-10-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

· The meeting began at 6:30pm

· Group picture taken by Jon – Foothills/Oro Valley Magazine for November article on Blue Star Mothers

· Pledge of Allegiance

· Reading of previous months minutes – Approved by All

· Treasurer Report – $859.00 in checking account

· Old Business

o Shirts – Bonnielee Walsh - We now have a new printing company for our BSM shirts.

· Tee Time

· 3755 N. Runway Drive, #D, Tucson

· (520)291-1688

· Contact: Jim Rockwell

o Thank You Certificate – Barb League – Original design was too grainy and the designer will play with it a bit to make it look more crisp & clear. Barb will follow up and report back at the November meeting.

· New Business

o Letter from Rose – She has resigned as Secretary of BSM due to personal reasons. We will need a new volunteer to take her place. Motions were made for Barb League or Charli Greenlees. Charli agreed to be Secretary, with Barb as a back up. Approved by all. Charli will not be at the Nov. meeting so Barb will cover minutes for that meeting.

o Teams/Committees – Roxanne has come up with an idea for four sub-committees, each designated to handle a certain aspect of our group.

· Courageous Tigers – Fundraising Committee

· Flying Eagles – Letter & Correspondence

· Gentle Lambs – Emotional Support/Grief

· Industrious Ants – Community Service/Involvement

o At the November meeting, we will have “sign ups” for each team/committee.

o Family Fun Day at Wild Oats – Debbie S. – November 3^rd from 10-12 at Wild Oats Market on Speedway Blvd. We are partnering with Wild Oats (marketing manager Kelley Pruest) to have a care packing party and card making event for the troops.

o Charity Emporium – Debbie S. - usometrodc.org – this organization has various stores on its website. A portion of what you buy is donated to your organization. It doesn’t cost us anything, just a matter of signing up for it. All agreed that it sounds like something we should at least try.

o Email from Carolyn – Debbie S. – Carolyn Kneppel is a mom from the Phoenix area that is on our email. She has been emailing Debbie back and forth about issues she is having regarding her son, who has been in the military service before.

o The idea of having a “generic” type business card was brought up. Debbie M. will make up a few samples and bring them to the next meeting.

o Set up Yahoo account – Lois suggested we do this in order to make communication more effective for the group. She is willing to take on getting that set up.

o Cookbooks – Debbie S. – a company produces cookbooks as a fundraiser and the cost is very minimal. They are great gifts for family and friends. We could submit our soldier’s favorite recipes. The company puts together the whole book from the recipes you send it. Each recipe is on its own page to make it easier to read and follow. All agreed it sounds like a great fundraising idea.

· Announcements

o Oct. 27^th – Patriotic Rally – Jacobs Field from 11am-3pm.

o Nov. 3^rd – Wild Oats Family Fun Day from 10am-12pm.

o Nov. 12^th – Veterans Day Parade

· Closing: Serenity Prayer

· Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm

· Next meeting Oct. 30^th, 6:30pm

· Minutes reported by Debbie Miller

STOCKINGS FOR THE SOLDIERS!

2007-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hostess:	ANDREA FREY
Location:	HIMMEL LIBRARY 1035 N TREAT AVE, TUCSON, AZ 85716 US \|
When:	Saturday, October 13, 1:00PM

Join us in making/decorating stockings for the soldiers. The stockings will be used when the VFW meets on Sunday Nov. 18 to fill them and they will be sent to all the soldiers from Southern AZ - That includes the 1/285th!! If you have decorating supplies to share, or material to make additional stockings please bring them. Also you can bring snacks to share! If you can't come but want to make some stockings contact Diane or Andrea and we can get you the pattern. Questions Contact Diane Sotelo - dianemarquez@yahoo.com

Good News from Iraq

2007-10-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071008-08
October 8, 2007

Local citizens assist Soldiers in decreasing violence
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Local Concerned Citizens brought a large cache to a 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment combat outpost east of Baghdad Oct. 5.

The citizens brought a cache consisting of 21 mortar rounds, one 57mm projectile, two 100mm projectiles, one 122mm rocket warhead, three PG-7Ms, four PG-7s, and one rocket propelled grenade to Combat Outpost Cashe and turned the items in to Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to 3-1st Cav. Regt.

The cavalry regiment officials estimated that more than 1,000 rounds of small arms ammunition and 60 pounds of TNT were turned in, as well.

Concerned Citizens groups are local volunteers who are committed to cooperating with Coalition Forces to decrease violence in their communities, much like a neighborhood watch program. Soldiers from Company D have been working to establish Concerned Citizens groups in Jisr Diyala, a town southeast of Baghdad, since July. Currently, two Concerned Citizens groups total approximately 300 volunteers.

Also in the 3-1st Cav. Regt. area of operation on the same day, local citizens informed Iraqi police of a potential improvised explosive device along a major road.

Iraqi police were able to remove the road side bomb and Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team secured the explosive for proper disposal.

The 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga.

-30-

FOR QUERIES, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT: MND-CENTER_PAO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL OR BY PHONE AT DSN 318-822-7482 OR COMMERCIAL 912-767-4114.

Thanks to Xerox!

2007-10-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

And Chrissy Harlan for this:

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! This is a great site. Please send a card. It is FREE and it only takes a second.

This is an easy way to let our soldiers know they're appreciated.

Good News From Iraq

2007-09-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070927-01
September 27, 2007

3rd IA Soldiers seize large cache
Multi-National Division – North PAO

TAL’AFAR, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers discovered a significant cache while conducting security operations in western Nineveh province Sept. 24.

Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division found the cache in an abandoned house northwest of Tal’Afar while searching near Alo village.

Among the items found were more than 140 mortar rounds, nearly two dozen AK-47 assault rifles with dozens of loaded magazines, two SVD sniper rifles, 50 hand grenades and a ready-made improvised explosive device in a 5-gallon bucket. In addition to the munitions, four full IA uniforms, six tactical vests and four fake license plates were seized.

“This is the second significant cache discovered based on information provided by four enemy fighters who were captured on Sept. 20,” said Maj. Mufutau Taiwo, executive officer of the 1-9 Cavalry. “The IA soldiers out here are doing an exceptional job of finding and removing these large stockpiles of enemy weaponry before they can be used in attacks against the citizens of Nineveh and Iraqi and Coalition Forces.”

All of the weapons and equipment found were removed by the IA forces and transported back to their base for reallocation (rifles and ammunition) and destruction (mortar rounds and explosives).

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT: TFLIGHTNING.PAO@US.ARMY.MIL

Supporting the Troops at the Freedom Walk 9/11/07

2007-09-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some faces you might recognize!

The Freedom Walk began in 2005 when U.S. Pentagon employees desired to commemorate the attack on the Pentagon and remember the precious lives lost on September 11, 2001. As a result, an overwhelming 15,000 participants walked from the National Mall to the Pentagon on September 11, 2005 during the first organized walk. Today, the Freedom Walk is a national tradition and continues in communities all across the United States. The Arizona Freedom Walk is a non-partisan and non-political event. In Tucson the event was at Gene C. Reid Park followed by a patriotic concert by The Tucson Pops Orchestra.

America Supports You is a U.S. Department of Defense program recognizing citizens’ support for our military and communicating that support to members of our Armed Forces and their families, at home and abroad. The program’s homefront groups have organized Freedom Walks in every state in the Union and in over 130 cities across the nation. For more information about the program, visit: www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil

Good News From Iraq

2007-09-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ramadi has changed so drastically from the terrorist-infested pit that it was as recently as April 2007 that I could hardly believe what I saw was real. The sheer joy on the faces of these Iraqis was unmistakable. They weren’t sullen in the least, and it was pretty obvious that they were not just pretending to be friendly or going through the hospitality motions.

“It was nothing we did,” said Marine Lieutenant Colonel Drew Crane who was visiting for the day from Fallujah. “The people here just couldn’t take it anymore.”

What he said next surprised me even more than what I was seeing.

“You know what I like most about this place?” he said.

“What’s that?” I said.

“We don’t need to wear body armor or helmets,” he said.

I was poleaxed. Without even realizing it, I had taken off my body armor and helmet. I took my gear off as casually as I do when I take it off after returning to the safety of the base after patrolling. We were not in the safety of the base and the wire. We were safe because we were in Ramadi.

Read these two articles (here and here) by Michael J. Totten on what he calls the Anbar Awakening.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND THEIR MISSION IN IRAQ

2007-09-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

Never Forget September 11, 2001.

2007-09-10T18:19:00.001-07:00

Minutes from August 28, 2007 meeting

2007-09-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

The meeting began at 6:30pm

Pledge of Allegiance

Treasurer Report – $772 in account - $500 designated for postage for care packages

Old Business

Chapter 1 vs. Chapter 2 – Debbie Miller explained that we are officially chapter 2. There is another chapter in Lake Havasu that began before ours. There is also a chapter 3 just starting to form in the Phoenix area. Those who purchased and paid for shirts will receive replacement ones with the chapter 2 on them at no charge. A donation was made to cover the cost of the replacement shirts.
Bonnielee – calling tree – the sign up sheet went around asking for a cell phone number or an emergency number – from that, she will form a calling tree and email to us all so that, in the event of an emergency, we can contact everyone in a matter of minutes
Bonnielee – still has pins, bears & shirts available to purchase

New Business

Bylaws & BSM Handbook can be found at www.bluestarmothers.org – scroll to the bottom of the page. The bylaws are listed as 3 separate parts to view
Subject of Thank You cards for those who have donated was brought up-suggestion was made to get a template for some sort of certificate-Barb L. will check with a friend of hers in the printing business

Fundraising

Debbie S. talked about wanting some volunteers to form a committee. Some possible fundraising events are the Wooden Nickel program from WildOats, booth at the Pima County Fair, Silent Auction with donated items from local businesses. Would be nice to have a BSM brochure available at these events also. Debbie M. to check into that. Having a banner for our booth or table was also mentioned.

Announcements

April Bolt – Tom wants every mom to have a bracelet he made at no cost
Sept. 8^th, 6:00AM – Rummage Sale at VFW Hall to benefit 1/285^th FRG
Sept. 11^th – Operation Homefront 2007 Freedom Walk – Reid Park – registration begins at 5:00, candlelight walk begins at 6:30
Sept. 21^st, 6:00PM – POW-MIA Ceremony & Dinner at VFW Hall
Magnetamerica.com is a good website for blue star magnets
Grantham University (http://www.grantham.edu/promo/bluestar2.php) offers a free blue star flag as well as information on free tuition for military and their families

Guest Speaker: Rick Rodriquez

Closing: Serenity Prayer

Meeting adjourned at 8:35pm

Next meeting Sept. 25^th, 6:30pm

Minutes reported by Debbie Miller

Feedom Isn't Free!

2007-08-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mary Grant for the following. Mary's a fellow Blue Star Mother.

HI,

My mother-in-law is a past president of the Springfield Garden Club. She sent me this today. I thought I would continue to share the good things that are happening out there.

Mary Grant

Dear Friends:

I was privileged to attend a Blue Star Memorial Dedication at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on August 12, 2007. These markers are along the highways and byways throughout Illinois honoring our Veterans and sponsored by Garden Clubs of Illinois. They work with IDOT to place these throughout Illinois. There were many speakers but Mrs Jimmie Meinhhardt, the National Blue Star Chairman, by far gave the best speech about our Veterans . She gave permission to use it and I would like to share it with you.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

LET US REMEMBER THAT FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. IT IS BOUGHT FOR US WITH THE COURAGE OF EVERY SOLDIER WHO SERVES IN OUR ARMED FORCES, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

Soldiers, not reporters gives us freedom of press;

Soldiers, not poets five us freedom of speech;

Soldiers , not judges give us the right of trial by jury;

Soldiers, not lawyers give us the freedom to peaceably assemble;

Soldiers, not ministers give us the freedom of religion;

Soldiers, not lawmakers give us the right to vote as we choose;

Soldiers, not merchants give us the freedom to keep and bear arms;

And it is soldiers, not the United States Senate who guarantees us the right to stand together, say the "Pledge Of Allegiance: and leave in the words " under God".

We are here today to pay tribute to these soldiers by dedicating this Memorial to them for the sacrifices they have made for us.

It is with pride and remembrance that the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Joins with The Garden Clubs of Illinois to dedicate the BLUE STAR BY-WAY MARKER which stands as a symbol.

FOR ALL TO SEE - LEST WE FORGET- THOSE WHO HELP TO KEEP US FREE!!

I was so moved by this speech. I feel that especially in this time in our Country, that this should be shared with others. We need to support, not tear down, those who give us the freedoms that we enjoy every day.

Sincerely,

Sally Noble

Springfield Civic Garden Club President

A Hero On Board

2007-08-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

** Vicki's note: I copied this from a blog I follow. This particular blogger has recently returned from Iraq and was a member of my son's unit at FOB Hammer. It was posted to his blog Aug. 22, 2007.

Today’s flight from Atlanta to Richmond started off fairly normal.

We all boarded the flight (I was in “Zone 5"). I took my seat (emergency exit row, window, my favorite) and stuffed my stuff under the seat in front of me.

As everybody else filed onto the plane and took their seats, I thumbed through the latest edition of Wired magazine, tired from an early morning drive to the Altanta airport, and knowing I had a busy day ahead of me.

Once everybody had settled in, the pilot stood at the front of the cabin and took over the PA system.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, thanks for flying with us today. I’d like you all to know we’re flying with an American hero today.”

With that the pilot introduced a young Army Specialist, who was flying home from Iraq on his R&R. The entire plane burst into a supportive and appreciative round of applause.

After the pilot thanked the Specialist for his service, a passenger sitting in first class offered to trade seats with the young soldier.

It was one of those moments that touches your heart and makes you appreciate all the things we have in life. Much of it is due to the soldiers who fight for us every day.

Soccer Balls and Beanie Babies!

2007-08-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMAYAH — Before she deployed, Spc. Diana Sokol used to listen to Soldiers tell stories about how Iraqi children asked them for soccer balls and other items.

She would see photos of kids in the city with virtually nothing but the clothes on their back and always knew she would take action once deployed.

So when the medic from Plano, Texas, and member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based out of Fort Benning, Ga., arrived here, she started her goodwill mission.

Sokol’s mission of goodwill included helping to secure soccer balls and other toys for children caught up in the war, even though she may never be able to personally pass them out herself with her duties as a medic keeping her at her forward operating base.

“There is more than just fighting a war, we are supposed to help the Iraqis while we are here as well,” she said.

To date, Sokol has acquired more than 300 soccer balls and 500 hundred stuffed animals that were distributed to children within the “Strike Force Brigade’s” area of operation.

She said she’s nowhere near finished.

“Americans are very generous and would often send gift boxes of supplies to me, which I really appreciate, but how many bars of soap and toothpaste can you use on one deployment?” Sokol asked.

She started asking her friends and family to send toys for the children instead. At first, the toys came in sporadically which was easy to maintain, but after a while, it got a little out of control and space became an issue.

By word of mouth, information spread quickly through her family, friends and their co-workers and more people started to donate. A friend of Sokol’s, who works at Texas Instruments, started a toy drive and was able to collect over 500 soccer balls during the drive, the biggest one-time donation to date.

Numerous other small businesses like soccer shops in the Dallas Fort Worth area, along with individual donations, also helped immensely. Beanie Babies Ambassadors alone donated 300 stuffed animals to be shipped, and soon Sokol’s room became a small warehouse.

“I will continue to give out toys for as long as I am here and hopefully someone else will continue,” Sokol said. “Now, units come to me before going out on missions asking for toys and soccer balls for the kids.

“I don’t believe all Iraqis don’t care for Americans,” she said. “It’s just a small group of individuals that continue placing IEDs that make the general population look bad and I don’t want the children to suffer because of it.”

Peace through Puppets

2007-08-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Good News from Iraq: 9 Aug 2007

From MNF-I, Puppets help U.S. troops reach out to children in Baqubah.

BAQUBAH — During a recent mission with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Soldiers in Stryker vehicles entered Buhriz, near Baqubah, prepared for a firefight.

Two Stryker vehicles blocked the street. Soldiers scanned the vicinity, checked roof tops for signs of the enemy, and cleared the building before entering.

Inside, eight-year-old Iraqi school children looked on in shock, as the U.S. Soldiers went through their school with weapons at the ready.

Two terrified little girls attempted to exit the classroom as the Soldiers made their way through the school.

This reaction was something 1st Sgt. Bruce Reges, first sergeant for Company C, 431st Civil Affairs Battalion, from Little Rock, Ark., was not accustomed to.

The National Guardsman and part-time college professor from Big Rapids, Mich., was accustomed to walking into a classroom to find students eager to learn, not run away from him.

“They see us as extremely (good) at what we do – finding the enemy and destroying their ability to fight,” said the 55-year-old. “Innocents get caught in the crossfire. The bad guys tell the kids we will kill them if we catch them.”

Reges came up with a way to help ease their fears when dealing with Soldiers.

“We needed some way to let them know we are human too – fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers,” Reges said. “So, I thought two small puppets in my cargo pocket would be helpful in bridging the gap.”

He said that if the children could see U.S. troops as human beings, they would be less afraid to see Soldiers in their town.

And that is how the pocket puppets idea was born. With the help of his 80-year-old mother, Jean Reges-Burn, the idea has sparked a movement to supply puppets to other civil affairs and medical Soldiers working in Baqubah. They call the outreach program “Peace Through Puppets”.

Reges initially distributed two-dozen stuffed animal hand puppets to Soldiers in his unit. He said the puppets have helped Soldiers build hope, extend compassion and overcome the language barrier.

“When I see a child, I stop and reach into my cargo pocket. I pull out a small puppet. The reaction is immediate,” Reges said.

He said the response has been nothing but positive from children and the adults that are with them at the time they receive the small gesture of peace.

So far, Regis estimates he has given out about 200 pocket puppets.

“I feel small things will make the difference here. This is a small thing, but you never know where it will end.”

“Peace Through Puppets” is a volunteer, non-profit organization staffed by mothers, wives and friends of Soldiers serving in Iraq. For additional information, log on to www.peacethroughpuppets.com or e-mail Peacethrupuppets@aol.com

"FIGHT FOR VICTORY" TOUR

2007-08-06T11:15:00.001-07:00

Itinerary for “Fight for Victory Tour”

You can suggest an ideal rally location for any of the cities we are stopping in, or request more information by emailing us at: fightforvictorytour@yahoo.com

(Day 1) Monday Sept 3 2007

Carson City, NV Rally Start 9:00AM

Sacramento, CA Rally Start 1:15 PM

San Francisco, CA Rally Start 5:15 PM

Modesto, CA Rally Start 8:15 PM

(Day 2) Tuesday Sept 4 2007

Leave Modesto, CA 8:00 AM

Fresno, CA Rally Start 10:00 AM

Los Angeles, CA Rally Start 3:15 PM

San Diego, CA Arrive at Hotel 8:15 PM

(Day 3) Wednesday Sept 5 2007

San Diego, CA Rally Start 9:00 AM

Yuma, AZ Rally Start 1:00 PM

Phoenix, AZ Rally Start 5:00 PM

Arrive Tucson, AZ Hotel 8:15 PM

(Day 4) Thursday Sept 6 2007

Tucson, AZ Rally Start 9:00 AM

Las Cruces, NM Rally Start 4:00 PM

El Paso, TX Rally Start 6:15 PM

MOVE AMERICA FORWARD

Celebrating Jesse

2007-08-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

Bonnielee was honored to attend Jesse Lata's funeral; she sent me an email which I hope she doesn't mind if I share:

I was going to tell you about the funeral yesterday; but I needed a little time to digest it, cherish it, and, thank God for such a wonderful human being. Salette (and her husband) had MANY, MANY supporters. The place was full to standing room only and included some of Jesse's doctors and nurses. In fact, it didn't seem like it was an obligatory medical representation; it seemed like there were several there because they just wanted to be. I represented Blue Star Mothers of America, Arizona Chapter 2, and Carol sent an arrangement of flowers ... from the Blue Star Mothers!! I knew she was going to send flowers with me, but I didn't know she was going to send them from our GROUP.

Jesse was born into a military family (Air Force) and wanted to be in the military since he was little. I'm thinking he chose the Army because of his involvement in junior ROTC. But between being little and getting to ROTC, he'd been many places and seen many things. I'm guessing that was MOSTLY due to his dad's military career and I say that only because of my experiences with military life. I compare where I've been and what I've done with before I became a military wife and after I became a military wife. I guess what I mean to say is that many of his experiences went far beyond the normal "family vacation." And he was an achiever!! He earned his Open Water Diver certification at age 12--and that's only because the minimum age to do so was 12! He attended junior high school in Boise, Idaho, where he first joined junior ROTC and then finished at CDO. He was involved in the culinary arts ... "he loved to cook -- and EAT!!" Jesse first contracted leukemia in his junior year of high school. He was in treatment for 5 months. He graduated in 2003, received his Emergency Medical Technician Certificate from Pima Community College and attended the U of A.

He "fulfilled his dream of becoming a soldier by enlisting in the 208th Transportation Company, U.S. Army Reserve in 2003, completed training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. in the summer of 2004, completed his military driver training in MS in early 2005, reported to Ft. Bliss, TX I the summer of 2005, and was deployed to Iraq soon after. While he was there, he had a relapse of the leukemia. Was sent to Germany, then to Walter Reed Hospital, then to University Medical Center in Tucson where he received a cord blood transplant on March 31, 2006."

From what I understand, he was in the hospital for 21 months with the exception of 30 days. I don't know if they were 30 consecutive days or just 30 days total. Salette was with him 24/7 when he was hospitalized ... when he wasn't in the hospital, he even campaigned for his dad who was running for a congressional seat! Jesse never complained about his illness or the treatment ... not the first time, and not this last time. He was one awesome guy ... AND he served our country in spite of the challenges!

What an honor to learn about him!

Note: Special thanks to Carol Herndon and her shop, The Winding Rose in Oracle, for the beautiful flowers

What a Woman!

2007-08-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

By Chip Womick -- Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune
Posted: 07/29/07 - 08:58:08 pm CDT

FRANKLINVILLE — One day an Army truck parked outside Audrey McKinnon’s house prompted a neighbor to ask her what was going on.

She confided that there were 50 soldiers out in the woods waiting for her and drooling.

McKinnon, who is 75, was being funny.
But what she’d said was true.

Several times a year, for several years, McKinnon has fed soldiers involved in Operation Robin Sage, a military training exercise for Special Forces troops out of Fort Bragg that is staged in several central Piedmont counties four times a year.

The role-playing exercise, set in a fictional country called Pineland, includes mock assaults, kidnappings and reconnaissance by the soldiers in training to become Green Berets. They have limited pre-packaged rations during their days in the woods.

When the training in this area is done, McKinnon starts cooking in her small kitchen, the room in her home where she says she spends most of her time. She’ll whip up chicken and dumplings for 40 or 50, or fried chicken (with the help of her son-in-law and his deep fryer), or several hams, or some other main course. She will prepare all of the required Southern fixings — mashed potatoes, green beans, pintos, and such, and, naturally, some kind of bread.

The home-cooked food is delivered to the soldiers in the field.

And they eat like there’s no tomorrow. “They love it,” she said in a recent interview. “They’re out there about to starve.”

Her culinary contributions are appreciated. Framed certificates of appreciation from the Army fill one corner of her kitchen. There are more in another room. Soldiers have given her floppy camouflage hats, caps and even pants.

She has a hat signed by all the participants in one training group and a jacket signed by members of another. Another group of soldiers found a turtle shell, painted it gold, and signed it. Still others put their John Hancocks on a piece of wood. One creative group made her a dreamcatcher.

Last summer, McKinnon received a Commander’s Award for Public Service — and a small medal that she keeps in a box. The Department of the Army commendation reads, in part:

“As a long-serving and prominent member of the Pineland Civilian Auxiliary, your devoted effort to support Field Training Exercise Robin Sage has improved the readiness and training of every Special Forces soldier you came in contact with ...”

McKinnon appreciates the praise, but she appreciates the opportunity to serve even more.

“I feed them,” she said, “and most of the time I try to see that they’ve got a clean pair of socks, too. It’s something that I enjoy doing. A lot of people enjoy traveling or playing golf. Me, I’m doing what I enjoy doing.”

She got involved in Robin Sage after a neighbor, who had been monitoring training communications via short-wave radio, learned about “a jump” that was going to take place. He asked McKinnon if she wanted to go watch. They went and met the soldiers.

Later, they were invited to a pig pickin’ at the end of the training. McKinnon was dumbfounded when she went to the pig pickin’ and the only food was a cooked pig. She asked the commanding officer where all the “sides” were. He told her that next time, she could make them if she wanted. McKinnon has been a Robin Sage volunteer — a member of the Pineland Civilian Auxiliary — ever since.

Her husband, Neal McKinnon, died in 1992. He was a soldier. Wounded during World War II, he limped for the rest of his life. He also served during the Korean War. McKinnon said she’d like to think that someone may have helped him once like she now helps Robin Sage participants.

“I thought this could be my part,” she said. “I couldn’t be in the service now, but if I could help them a little bit, it makes a difference.”

She was raised with eight brothers and sisters in a two-story log house at the foot of Purgatory Mountain in southern Randolph County, near the future site of the N.C. Zoo. She dropped out of school to help care for younger siblings, planning to return to the books, but never got around to it. Instead, she went to work in a Randleman mill at age 16.

When she was young, the battery for the family’s radio was nearly as big as the device itself. They stored food in an ice box — kept cold by the block of ice her father bought at the ice plant in Asheboro. They kept crocks of milk in a box built at a nearby spring where the family got water.

McKinnon is amused when she hears youngsters today talk about having their own room — and some privacy. “We didn’t even know what that word meant,” she said. “We slept with a bed full. But we kept warm.”

She remembers when electric service was extended to her rural childhood home. In the beginning, a single bare bulb, hanging on a cord from the center of the ceiling, lit a room.

At 21, she married a Franklinville fellow named Neal McKinnon she’d met after her family moved to the little mill town when she was a teen. She worked at Franklinville’s Randolph Mills for many years in many departments — winding, warping, spinning.

Later, she joined the workforce at Acme-McCrary Corp., retiring after 30 years. She held a variety of jobs at the Asheboro hosiery mill, including a position in the lab, an opportunity McKinnon got, she said, because, although she dropped out of school, she has never quit learning.

After she retired, she got a call asking if she would come back and oversee the Acme-McCrary employee shop and work in the fitness center at the gym. She did that for eight years, until the shop was closed about a week ago.

She’s not likely to get bored, or be idle, in retirement.

She helps businessmen Jim Peters and Vance Davis put together a Christmas meal for area senior citizens and homebound residents in and around her adopted hometown. The effort has grown so much that others help with the meal at the Franklinville firehouse. She also is pitching in on the effort to raise money to build a new town library.

Neal and Audrey McKinnon used to collaborate in a small back-yard enterprise restoring antique furniture. She does not do that anymore, but in recent years has devoted time to making stuffed animals using socks. Her late aunt, Violet Woodell, used to make the sock monkeys so she’s carrying on a family tradition of sorts. Lately she has been experimenting with making sock hobbyhorses too.

McKinnon gives the little monkeys away, sometimes as gifts for baby showers. Some of her soldier buddies have even been recipients. If a child who knows she makes them asks for one, McKinnon says, “I’m not going to give you one, but I’ll help you make one.” That way, she said, the youngster gets a monkey and a sewing lesson.

A couple of years ago, she took advanced swimming lessons at the McCrary fitness center gym, where she still swims regularly. She also goes to aerobics classes at the center a couple of mornings a week.

She’s not averse to trying new things either. Earlier this year, she took a cruise to Nassau with her niece Linda Cagle. While in the Bahamas, she was fascinated by the parasailing. Encouraged by her niece, she took a turn up in a parachute being pulled by a boat.

“I’m gonna do the things I want to do, that I never got to do growing up,” she said.

An Army representative always calls McKinnon a couple of weeks before soldiers are due in the area for Robin Sage training.

“Miss Audrey, you want to help out?” the caller asks.

The answer, of course, is yes.

In fact, McKinnon long ago told her new Army buddies that she would be glad to keep on cooking, but that she also was interested in an expanded role during the training. Now she does more than cook during the exercises, although McKinnon said she’s not at liberty to talk about that part of her volunteer work.

She spends a few days with each group of soldiers, then they are gone. Her refrigerator is covered with photographs of family, friends and soldiers she has met, young men who are about the age of her grandchildren. She thinks about them often.

“Every time you hear of a group getting killed,” she said, “you wonder, was that one of mine?”

**Thanks to Vet66 for this great article.

Join the Surge of Support for our Troops

2007-08-02T07:14:00.001-07:00

Note from Vicki:

"...what gives us the greatest concern is the constant criticism..."

Regardless of your political leanings, this is a great idea and I hope other campaigns join in. Video is two-minutes long.

Mitt Romney is urging a "surge of support" for the troops and featuring a number of great organizations which serve the military at his website.

Packages from Home!

2007-07-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

Show your support for our Troops.
Boxes have been placed in the following four MetLife locations to collect donations for our soldiers:

698 E. Wetmore Rd. Suite 330
Tucson, AZ 85704

3320 E. Fry Blvd.
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

7477 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85710

125 Calle De Las Tiendas, Suite 105A
Green Valley, AZ 85614

As a way of saying "THANK YOU", contributors will receive a small American flag. Our thanks to Roxanne Peroldo-Herrera for arranging this.

Independence Day. God Bless the U.S.A.

2007-07-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

Lee Greenwood: I'm Proud to be an American.

Minutes from June 26th meeting.

2007-06-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

• The meeting began at 6:30pm with introductions.

• Pledge of Allegiance.

• Treasurer Report – Volunteer for Treasurer position – Linda Cagle – all in favor. $117 in kitty – will open BS checking account – needed letter from BSM approving and now have that.

• Bonnielee – BS shirts – brought samples to try on and she will be taking orders. Each shirt is $20 (cash or check only)

• Blue Star pins - $4 each – taking orders for that also

• Bears - $25 each – Bonnielee has only 12 of them – company that makes them is now out of business. You can also get bears that you can record your own message on. Chrissy Harlan from the VFW will find more info out about them.

• Donations/Care packages – we will hold off on them for the time being – need more donations for postage and heat a factor at this time – Debbie Miller will still collect things and store them at her home if anyone has anything.

• WildOats on Speedway Blvd. Has a donation table set up for us. Will send thank you to Kelley Prust, Marketing Manager.

• PO Box – discussed necessity for it – some agree it’s necessary, others don’t. Debbie Miller will check on some prices and report back at the next meeting.

• Fundraising Chair – Debbie Seifert asked to chair a committee – all in favor – anyone wanting to join the committee, please email Debbie S. at debsrons@hotmail.com.

• Discussed group support and necessity of a phone tree – will update contact list and elaborate at next meeting.

• Some announcements:
• VFW picnic July 4th – FRG’s & BSM invited
• Mt. Lemmon to have picnic & parade – BSM invited to participate

• Allotted time to try on shirts

• Meeting adjourned at 8:35pm

• Minutes taken by Debbie Seifert

Agenda for 6/26 Meeting

2007-06-25T13:41:00.001-07:00

Arizona Chapter 1
Meeting 6/26/07
Agenda

Welcome – Pledge of Allegiance
Treasurers Report
New Business: Shirts/pins – Bonnielee
PO Box
Donations update
Fundraiser person
Calling Tree
Cards to families of Fallen Soldiers
Bylaws
Update on Soldiers and share stories
Closing

Our Soldiers

2007-06-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

"I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3" here at LSA Anaconda.

We have a large auditorium we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings.

As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States?

I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here, the 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped [mid-anthem].

What would you expect to happen?

Even here I would imagine laughter as everyone sat down and expected the movie to start.

Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers:

'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?'

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq.

I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.

Thanks to: http://www.blackfive.net/main/2007/06/the_difference.html

Arizona's Loss

2007-06-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Arizona's Loss is to honor Arizona's fallen servicemen and women. If you would like to pay tribute, feel free to post in the comment section.

The link will be permanently placed under "Links of Interest" in the lower right menu.

Blue Star Tee Shirts

2007-05-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Interested in a Blue Star Tee Shirt? Thanks to Bonnielee, Mere Images Az will donate 10% of all monies received to Chapter One (except Polo shirt orders).

Contact Joan Page, Gilda Cork, or Rosa Van Coillie at:
Mere Images AZ,
1880 W. American Ave., P.O. Box 5108,
Oracle, AZ. 85623
Office Cell: 520-730-8079
Joan's Cell: 480-773-2349

joan@mereimagesaz.com
rosa@mereimagesaz.com
info@mereimagesaz.com

Shirts are available in various sizes. Call for prices.

Make Memorial Day Memorable.

2007-05-25T11:36:00.001-07:00

Make this Memorial Day really memorable.

Go and find a soldier's grave.

It shouldn't be too hard. If you're not near a military cemetery, just about any cemetery will do.

Look for the little American flags fluttering by the stones or the little bronze markers placed by the veterans' organizations.

Or walk the rows and look for those stones that impart terse histories of short lives -- "Killed in Action on the Island of Iwo Jima," or "KIA Republic of Viet Nam," or "Iraq 2003."

I know, I know. You do plan to watch that short parade, and the ceremony at the flagpole. But then relatives are going to be over for that big cookout. There's baseball and auto racing on TV, not to mention the "Memorial Day Mattress Event" or the "Memorial Day SUV Salesathon."

Look, just take an hour away from all that. An hour. Go out early in the morning if you have to.

Go and find a soldier's grave.

Put some flowers there. Or just pause and say a prayer. Nothing elaborate. "Thanks" will do.

Or just stop and think about what it means; what it really means to give your life, in its prime, for your country. Look at that name there on the stone. Think what might have been... and what was.

Some of these men and women were in uniform by choice. Some because they had no choice. Some were heroes. Some were not.

But they were there where all hell was breaking loose. They probably had no idea they were giving "the last full measure of devotion." They just had some instant, desperate job to do. In a cockpit or a turret or a hole in the ground.

Did they grasp the "policy implications" of their presence on the high seas, in the air or on some foreign soil? Did they have time for a curse or a prayer when they saw the muzzle flashes or heard that rushing sound, or when the bomb sent the Humvee into the air?

Go and find a soldier's grave.

You can have that hamburger and beer later, and maybe relax in the hammock and not give a thought to that one whose life span is now an incised line in stone -- that one who represented you, like no Congressman could.

Go and find a soldier's grave.

Remember what duty costs.

Then just bow your head and, as Gen. George S. Patton said, do not mourn that such men died, but thank God that such men lived.

Ralph Bennett is a TCS Contributing Editor.
http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=052606E

One of the good guys!

2007-05-22T08:01:00.001-07:00

A war veteran that goes to Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport daily to welcome the troops home. I bet that you can't watch it with a dry eye!

Armed Forces Day

2007-05-18T19:48:00.001-07:00

This Saturday, May 19, is Armed Forces Day. For their dedication to protecting America, we offer our gratitude to all the men and women of the military, especially those risking their lives. From the Department of Defense.

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. ...
The theme of the first Armed Forces Day was "Teamed for Defense." It was chosen as a means of expressing the unification of all the military forces under a single department of the government. Although this was the theme for the day, there were several other purposes for holding Armed Forces Day. It was a type of "educational program for civilians," one in which there would be an increased awareness of the Armed Forces. It was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life. It was a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to the civilian population they were protecting. And it was a day to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Meetings: Last Tuesday of every month.

2007-05-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Put it on your calender!

May 29th, 6:30-8:30 pm at the VFW, 345 E. Roger Road.

Agenda for the meeting:

Tax ID update (Our non-profit status is official!)
Blue Star Applications and dues. $10.00
Pack boxes for soldiers
Update on our Soldiers
News/Ideas/Suggestions/Open discussion

If anyone has anything you'd like to add to the list, let Debbie know. You can also post it here in comments or email her.

Soldier's Wish List

2007-05-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Items you can donate:

PRE-SWEETENED powdered drink mixes (Gatorade, KoolAid)
Coffee (ground; vacuum packs or small cans)
Canned chili, ravioli, spaghetti-o's, stew, etc.
Boxed or canned potato chips
Canned salsa, bean dip or other dip for chips.
Canned fruit. Canned meat products.
Canned tuna or pouches of tuna
Chicken or tuna "Lunches To Go"
Power, Energy, Granola, or Breakfast Bars.
Boxed or canned cookies
BEEF JERKY
Kellogg® Pop Tarts
Trail mix
Chewing gum
Candy bars (NO chocolate candy in the summertime!)
Peanut butter in plastic container
Jelly in plastic container
Ritz or Wheat Thin crackers
BREAKFAST CEREAL individual sized
SMALL size hot sauce in plastic jars
PERSONAL & HYGENE: (new, preferably in mfg packaging)
"Cool Tie" type neck wraps
Insoles for shoes
Eye drops (for desert environment)
Lip balm (Blistex, Carmex, Burt’s Bees doesn’t melt, etc.)
Eye wash
Travel size pillows and pillowcases (new only please)
1" paint brushes (to clean fine dust out of guns)
Fine makeup brushes (also to clean guns)
Talcum powder - small size
Deodorant
Body wash - small size, plastic container
Hand sanitizer - small to medium size
Mouthwash - small plastic containers
Toothpaste (trial size is great!)
Toothbrushes, individually boxed
T-shirts (new only please)
Bath towels and washcloths (new)
Hand Lotion - small to medium size
Body Lotion - small to medium size
SOFT 2-ply toilet paper
(Charmin, Northern, etc...)
Personal/body wipes (or baby wipes)
Band aids
Shampoo (small to medium size bottles)
QuattroPro razors and refills
Mach 3 razors and refills
Disposable razors, double or more bladed
Shaving gel (not aerosol)
Aftershave gel (no glass bottles)
Thick cotton black socks
White crew socks for exercising
Black shoe polish
Soft cotton boxer shorts (funnier the better) M to XL sizes (new only)
Nail clippers
Eyeglass cleaner
Bounce sheets (for fleas), flypaper, etc...
Lysol/Clorox cleaning wipes, etc.
Laundry detergent TABLETS or in SMALL boxes
Insect and mosquito repellant wipes
anti-itch cream
Table top flashlights
Mag lights
FOR FEMALE PERSONNEL:
Hair bands
Hair clips
Small mirrors
Non-aerosol hair spray
Hair gel
Facial cleanser
Facial moisturizer lotion
RECREATION:
Disposable cameras
Hand held video games (poker, solitaire, etc.)
Playing cards
Poker chips, dominos
Board games (used okay) up to 10" long box
Crossword puzzles
AA -AAA -C-D batteries
Compact Disc players (used ok)
Personal size DVD players (used ok)
Laptop computers (used okay)
Model car or airplane kits
Glue, paint & brushes for model kits
CURRENT sport or computer magazines
Frisbees, baseballs & softballs, Nerf type.
Stationery, pens, envelopes, etc.
Beanie Baby or small stuffed toys (for soldiers to give to local children)
Toy cars, matchbox size (for the children)
AT&T International PHONE CARDS (Be sure they are the kind you can use to call FROM the mideast TO the United States )

Also needed:
Ziplock baggies (to preserve freshness) in snack size, quart size, gallon size and jumbo size (these are used to pack spillable items.

!Please Note!
All merchandise donated should be NEW and preferably in original manufacturer's packaging, with a few exceptions as noted above. We are able to accept GENTLY used books, CDs, DVDs, DVD players, and laptops.
We cannot send alcohol, x-rated material, or pressurized items.
Please avoid donating items in glass containers.
Please avoid larger items. Plastic containers are best.
Cigarettes are also a desirable item because they are high-value trade items!

Remember to save your reciept. Donations are tax deductable.