Blue Star Moms JUNE 2016 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 11 of America Inc.

President June Newsletter 2016 Judy Dorsey

Welcome to summer! 1st VP I hope that you are enjoying the sunny days and time outside with family. This is Anne Parker (pro tem) also a busy time for chapter fundraising. I have seen on Facebook that a lot of you are off and running at full speed! From 5k’s, to setting up at fairs and all 2nd VP things in between, you are a force to be reckoned with! Stacy Anders This past month I had the privilege of attending, and speaking at The Indiana 3rd VP Blue Star Family Salute, in Indianapolis IN. What a great day! Being able to Cyndi Ventura thank those currently serving and our veterans, is always special. For anyone in the area, I would encourage you to attend next year if at all possible. To the 4th VP BSM that attended the event, I was proud to watch you make everyone that Amy O’ Campo stopped, feel that they are not alone. Our mission is going strong in the state of Indiana. Recording Secretary Gloria Cervantes In a little over a month, our annual convention will take place in Dayton Ohio! I want to take this time to say a big thank you, to my Convention Chair, Anita Financial Secretary Wagner. Without her, I would be lost. She took a positon that comes with its Carla Brodacki own special kind of headache, and made it look easy! Anita, has taken the worry off my shoulders and put it on hers. If you were at our Cleveland convention, Treasurer you know she goes above and beyond, so thank you Anita, I appreciate you more Brenda Ternullo than you can ever imagine!

Please continue to read the Convention Chatter, it is full of information needed for convention, such as the cut off dates to register before the price increase. In- formation on the ballgame, Big Dipper and other activities planned. As the time Inside this issue gets closer, I am getting excited to see old friends and make new ones!

President Pg. 1 I hope you enjoy your Fourth of July celebrations! What a special time of year to Margaret remember our sons and daughters. Appreciating our freedom because of them, Wilkerson Pg. 2 the ones who went before and the ones who will follow in their footsteps of ser- Chaplain Pg. 3 vice. Thank you! We also remember the sacrifice of our Gold Star Families, nev- BSM new Patch Pg. 4 er forgetting the price they paid. Convention Info. Pg. 5-6

Dayton Dragons Pg. 7 Your children will always hold a special

Convention place in our hearts. What an honor to be Registration Pg. 8-9 the parent of a military child!

Vendor Registration Pg. 10

Q & A Pg. 11

Children's Eyes pg. 12-13 Respectfully, Chapters pg. 14-19 Judy Dorsey, VAVS Pg. 20 BSMA, Inc. President 2015-2016

Yearbook Pg.21

Editor’s page pg. 22

1

In Memory of Margaret “Peggy” Wilkerson: May 18, 1920-June 8, 2016.

Peggy Wilkerson, a member of the Gateway Blue Star Mothers MO4, dedicated her life to the service of oth- ers; her family, her friends and community, and her country. During WWII, she attended to soldiers at Fort Leonardwood in Missouri, serving as a Doughnut Dollie. Peggy also supported the war effort with her then husband in the Seattle Shipyards, and often spoke of the War Bonds and ration coupons that kept our soldiers going on the battlefield and helped us win the war. As a single mother in the 1960s and 70s, Peggy had a keen sense of survival, love of her family, and a great sense of humor. She sacrificed the finer things in life for her family and never complained. Peggy kept food on the table, clothes on the backs of herself and her children, and kept the bonds of family strong by working as a seamstress. Throughout her life, she sewed for her children and those in the community. From wedding gowns to everyday wear, if you knew Peggy, the odds were good that you had reaped the benefits of her beau- tiful work.

Peggy, a two star mother, was incredibly proud of her children. Her son Alan Brummet joined the Air Force in 1959, serving during the Vietnam War era. Peggy’s second son, Melvin Amick, enlisted in the Army Na- tional Guard in 1983 and is currently a Chief Warrant Officer 5, flying helicopters in the combat zone. He was deployed in 2005 to Afghanistan, 2008 to Iraq, and 2012to Kuwait.

Peggy Wilkerson was the type of mother we all strive to be. She was the last one to bed at night and the first one up in the morning, usually after little rest. She worked tirelessly for her family, her community, and her country. She was truly a special lady whose loss is immeasurable.

2

Every year at our Convention we hold an Annual Memorial Service recognizing those that have passed since the previous Conven- tion. For those that haven't attended Convention, this Memorial Service is a beautiful tribute to all those that are recognized. In addition to recognizing our fallen warriors, we also remember our Veterans from past wars/conflicts and any Blue Star Mothers. As Chaplain I compile a list throughout the year of our fallen from the DOD notifications. I depend on you to provide me with Veteran and Blue Star Mother names to be included. Please email me with names of Veterans and Blue Star Mothers that you would like to be included in our Memorial.

Thank you, Karen Stevens, National Chaplain ([email protected]) 3

Blue Star Mother 2016 Patches & Static Clings

To celebrate our 2016 Convention Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is offering this year’s specially designed patch and static cling for $6 each. We are offering these for sale to our members both through mail order and at the 2016 convention in Dayton. The patches and static clings are $6 each, which includes shipping and handling.

Name: ______

Address:______

City: Zip: ______Patches: x $6 = $ Static Clings: x$6 = $

State:

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $

Checks payable to: Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. Please send your orders and payment to: BSMA C/O CARLA BRODACKI PO BOX 443 ST. CLAIR MI 48079 Orders will take 10 business days to process. No orders will be processed after July 20. Questions: email [email protected]

4 CONVENTION TID BITS

DELEGATES:

It is the responsibility of the Chapter President of each chapter sending delegates to convention to complete the Convention Delegate form on our website. Each chapter is entitled to send its president and one delegate (other than the president) for each 10 members in good standing (or fraction thereof). For example, if a chap- ter has 12 members - it may send two delegates and its president. You can also list alternate delegates – those who will be at convention and are willing to serve as a delegate on the off chance that your listed delegates cannot attend. All delegates must be certified by the time registration ends on July 20. If a delegate is not cer- tified by their chapter prior to that day, they will not be allowed to represent their chapter as a delegates. The delegate registration form link in on the BSM web site. Simply go to the Convention page and click on Dele- gate. THERE IS NO ON SITE DELEGATE REGISTRATION!!

CONVENTION REGISTRATION:

Convention registration deadline is JULY 20. BUT....the hotel registration deadline is JULY 4. This was the same time frame as last year. In order to be assured a room at our convention rates, YOU MUST be registered at the hotel by that date.

CONVENTION ATTENDANCE:

Again, this year we have been questioned about partial registration or daily registration rates. As I mentioned, we tried this at the 2012 convention and it DID NOT WORK! It was helpful to only a handful of members and it was a nightmare for financial officers and 1VP. There was no way to verify delegates with registrations on the fly. The financial officers had to be at the door every morning prior to the start of the convention. It just doesn’t work. So...no matter how many days you will be able to attend this convention, the registration fee is $130.

5 CONVENTION DRESS CODE:

We have also been questioned about the convention dress request in the Convention Call. The dress uniform requirements stated in our bylaws are not the same as the requested dress code for the convention. What we stated was that the dress uniform be worn for the opening ceremony and the Memorial Service. We asked that white gloves be worn for the Memorial Service. We also asked that no blue jeans be worn on the con- vention floor while the convention is in session. Patriotic casual is always appropriate, but please no jeans. We have invited dignitaries as guest speakers throughout the convention and we would like to present a busi- ness casual look from our members. We mention this again, so that you can pack appropriately.

CONVENTION FUNDRAISERS:

Don’t forget our convention fundraisers. We have our Patch and Cling sale of our convention logo, the Silent Auction at the closing banquet, the Table decoration auction at the closing banquet and don’t forget the Big Dipper Silent Auction at Fun”D” Night.

DOOR DECORATION CONTEST:

Are you ready to dazzle us with your artistic/decorating abilities? Get your Red/White/Blue items ready and decorate your hotel door at the Crowne. We will judge the doors on Wed, Aug 3 and announce the winning room at the President’s Reception. Don’t forget that painters tape works better than duct tape or masking tape. It won’t take the finish off the doors!!

Please get your convention registrations in and your Dayton Dragons and Big Dipper tickets purchased!!

See you soon!

Anita Wagner, 2016 BSM Convention Chair

6 7 Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

74th Annual National Convention

Dayton Ohio, August 2 - 6, 2016

Name ______

Address:______

City:______State:______Zip:______

Phone: (home):______(cell): ______

Chapter State, Number______Email:______

Phone: (home):______(cell): ______

Delegate Y ___ N ___ Chapter President Y ___ N ___

Department President Y ___ N ___ National Officer Y ___ N ___

REGISTRATION FEE: $130

Our convention will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton Ohio. Daily room rates (including tax) is $157.41 – 4 persons per room max. All rooms are Non-smoking. Rates are available 3 days prior to the start of the convention and 3 days after convention ends.

YOU MUST BOOK YOUR ROOMS PRIOR TO JULY 4 INORDER TO RECEIVE THIS ROOM RATE. Each room is a Double Queen with free Wi-Fi, and mini fridge. The hotel offers free parking, free shuttle service to and from the Dayton International Airport and a free pool. Each attendee staying at the hotel will receive a FREE hot breakfast each morning of the convention. Call the hotel at 937-224-0800 to reserve your room. Be sure to tell them to give you the room rate for Blue Star Mothers of America.

CONVENTION MEALS:

LUNCH 8/3: BUFFET: Tour of Sicily: Mixed greens salad (asst. dressing), Little Italy Caesar salad, Chicken Parmesan, Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Marinara, Fresh Vegetable Medley, Garlic Bread sticks. Tiramisu and Double Layer Chocolate Cake for dessert. Served with coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and or water

DINNER 8/5 (choose 1)

Smoked Pork Chop with Mango Chutney 6oz. Roasted Sirloin with Gorgonzola compound butter and Sautéed Mushrooms

Both of the above dinners come with a Fresh Vegetable Medley, Twice Baked Potato, Mixed greens salad with assorted dress- ings, rolls & butter, and Turtle Cheesecake for dessert. Served with coffee hot tea, iced tea, and or water

Vegetable Neapolitan – Vegetarian option: Marinated grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Zucchini, Squash, Red Onions, Roasted Red Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella and Crispy Polenta drizzled with a Sweet Balsamic Glaze, Mixed greens salad with assorted dressings, rolls & butter, and Turtle Cheesecake for dessert. Served with coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and or water

ADDITIONAL MEAL COSTS: LUNCH $30 DINNER $40

ADDITIONAL MEALS MUST BE ORDERED NO LATER THAN JULY 20.

8 BLUE STAR MOTHERS NIGHT WITH THE DAYTON DRAGONS

Blue Star Mothers Night at the Dayton Dragons Baseball Game is 7pm Tuesday night August 2.

Each ticket gets you into the game with special seating in the Dragon’s Lair, a Dayton Dragon’s

Baseball cap and $5 in Dragon Bucks to spend on food and beverage at the game. Invite your family, and friends to come. You don’t have attend the convention in order to attend the game.

DAYTON DRAGON TICKETS: ______X $20 - ______

Big Dipper Fun”D” Night is Thursday evening, August 5. This year’s theme is a Hawaiian

Luau Pool Party. Tickets are $25 per person.

TOTAL REGISTRATION FEES $130.00

ADDITIONAL LUNCH ______X $30,00 = _____

ADDITIONAL DINNER ______X $40,00 = _____

DAYTON DRAGON TICKETS: ______X $20.00= ______

FUN”D” NIGHT TICKETS ______X $25 .00=______

TOTAL PAYMENT: $______

Important Convention information:

Please register for the 2016 BSM National Con- vention ON LINE. Even if you are paying by a check and mailing that check in, please register ON LINE. Do not mail in a paper registration along with your payment. Thank You. 9 2016 BSM CONVENTION VENDOR APPLICATION:

CHAPTER/DEPARTMENT: TABLE FEE: $25

OUTSIDE VENDOR APPLICATION: TABLE FEE: $50

NAME:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

PHONE:

ALL APPLICATIONS AND FEES MUST BE FILED/PAID PRIOR TO CONVENTION. EACH VENDOR WILL HAVE AVAILABLE TO THEMONE 6ft. TABLE. PLEASE PLAN YOUR SALES ITEMS ACCORDINGLY.

THE SALES AREA IS IN THE CONVENTION ROOM, JUST AS IT WAS IN 2015. SALES DAYS ARE WED. 8/3 THROUGH SAT. 8/6.SALES END AT 10AM ON SATURDAY AND ALL TABLES MUST BE TORN DOWN NO LATER THAN 12:30pm. Blue Star Mothers of America is not responsible for any sale items and/or money collected through sales.

PLEASE SIGN UP ON LINE OR MAIL PAYMENT TO:

BSMA-FS CARLA BRODACKI P/O BOX 443 ST. CLAIR MI 48079

NO ON SITE REGISTRATIONS!!!

10

What is the official uniform for members to wear and is it listed in the Governing Documents?

Code of Conduct - Pages 10-11 states,

ARTICLE XII. OFFICIAL UNIFORM

Section 1. The uniform for Members for Conventions, formal events, memorials, and presentation is:

a.) White Blouse, navy blue skirt, or dress pants; b.) Shoes, navy, black, or white; c.) The Corporation Pin (placed over your heart), American Flag (placed over your heart), Child's Service Pin, VAVS, Volun- teer hours pin; d.) Minimal jewelry; and

e.) White gloves (formal ceremonies only).

Section 2. For the events described in the above Section 1, the following is optional:

a.) Navy blue jacket; b.) Garrison hat with patch (may be embroidered (navy blue) with Chapter name, number, state); and c.) Navy blue cape (Chapter/Department Presidents only).

Section 3. Members also have the option of wearing a white nurse dress uniform to the events listed in Section 1.

Section 4. National Elected Officers and Past NPs shall wear the following uniform to the events listed in Section 1:

a.) White blouse, white or blue skirt, or dress pants; white jacket , white suit or white dress; b.) White shoes when wearing all white, navy or black with navy skirt or pants; c.) The Corporation Pin, (placed over your heart), American Flag (placed over y our heart), Child 's Service Pin, VAVS Volunteer Hours Pin; d.) Minimal jewelry; e.) Garrison hat with BSMA patch and title of office embroidered in blue. Former Past National Officers at any level may list highest of- fice held and years of service listed; f.) White gloves formal c eremonies); and g.) White cape (optional).

Section 5. The informal uniform for all Members and Officers for fundraising, rallies, parades, etc., is a logo T-Shirt and the Corporation's Pin

11 OUR NATION’S CAPITOL THROUGH CHILDREN’S EYES

Since I joined Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. in 2004 I have been to Washington DC many times. I have participated in Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day events as a National Officer, representing our organization in solemn occasions and thought provoking ceremonies. I have attended as a chapter member, with no specific responsibilities. Those years, I was able to go to other places and see other ceremonies. I got to share my expe- riences with friends and fellow BSM members who came with me. Again, for me it was stirring and deeply moving.

This year my trip was entirely different. My daughter, SSgt Jennifer Wagner, USAF, is deployed. She has 2 children and they have been living with my husband and me since Dec. 21. This was a HUGE change for them as well as us. They had to say a temporary good bye to friends and move 1400+ miles across the country. They had to enroll in a totally different school and make new friends. They had to get used to Ohio weather – snow, cold, and HUMIDITY! They also had to get used to living with 60-year-old people. It was a HUGE change for my husband and me also. It’s been A LONG TIME since we had a 6 and 10-year- old living with us. You can guess all the rest.

We have tried to make this 6+ month “adventure” as entertaining and educational as possible. We went a wa- terpark in January to celebrate Grandpa’s birthday. The kids went with me on my annual “college friend” weekend in February. They got to meet my fellow Blue Star Mother sisters, making friends along with way, especially with National President Judy Dorsey and Department of Ohio President Christina Moos – AKA Miss Judy and Miss Christina. We have been to the National Museum of the Air Force and to local Native American burial mounds. But nothing compared to taking them with me to Washington DC over Memorial Day weekend. They began asking “are we there yet” in about April. The route that I take to get to DC brings me into the city along the Potomac. I told my granddaughter to let me know when she saw anything besides trees and rivers. The decibel level in her voice when she spied the Washington Monument could have shattered glass. I have never seen two more excited children in my life.

From that point on, the weekend was all about them, seeing our national’s capitol. We participated in the Can- dle Light Walk to the Wall at the Vietnam Wall. Reuben knew a little about the Vietnam War, but to him it was ancient history. When he made the connection that all those men and women didn’t come home, but his grandpa did, I could see how it started to make sense. Lilly was very quiet, and simply followed Miss Christi- na on our walk. Later on she said it made her sad. Over the weekend, we visited the Korean War Memorial and I let them know that their great grandfather was a Korean War Veteran. They wanted to know if he was on that wall in the pictures all the military reflections. I told him that one of the sailors on the wall probably looked like he did then. I’m not sure they could take it all in. We saw the Washington Monument and I got a lesson from Reuben on its construction and who it was named after. Lilly knew it was George Washington, but won- dered how he lived in that tall space. We were able to participate in the Rolling Thunder Ride on Sunday morning. This year, instead of riding on a motorcycle, I rode with them in the back of a WWII Army truck. They got to experience all the noise and crowds and cheering of that event. They asked why those people cared about us. I explained they were saying thank you to all the veteran’s and military members. Lilly’s comments were “Oh, they are thanking Mommy.” I just smiled to keep from crying.

The one thing on my grandson’s bucket list was a visit to see “Big” Lincoln. Abe is his absolute favorite president. He knows facts and figures about the Gettysburg Address, the statue and lots of other points that if I ever knew them, I had forgotten them. This stop was the highlight of his trip/ On Memorial Day we visited the Iwo Jima statue and Arlington National Cemetery. I tried to explain about the statue and the flag raising and what it meant. Only time will tell if it sunk in.

12 Our Arlington National Cemetery visit started with the program at WIMSA – Women in Service to America. With their mother an active duty member of the USAF, currently deployed, I wanted them to realize that there are lots of women who are serving their country, just like their mom. That I am sure they got, because during the speeches when each woman talked about her military experience, I kept hearing “just like Mommy.”

We ended out Memorial Day trip with a tour of Arlington, with stops at the Kennedy’s graves, Lee House and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. As military kids, they did not need to be told to stand and be silent. They asked questions about who was in there, and why were they guarded all the time. I have seen all these thing many times, but never really looked at them with the eyes of a young child. Some- one who had not lived through Vietnam or even 9/11. My explanations were simple but detailed enough to get them to think about what all these monuments and ceremonies represented. And when their Mom was able to video chat from 7000+ miles away, they told her that they were starting to understand why she did what she did. Let’s all remember why our children do what they do.

Anita Wagner OH1

13 BLUE STAR MOTHERS RECEIVE DONATION FROM ESSENDANT

Recently, Peggy Snyder, President of Greene County Region NY 13 Blue Star Moth- ers was asked to stop by the office at Essendant (former United Stationers) to pickup a donation and items for care packages to our deployed military personnel. Peggy re- ceived 2 cases of soap and 2 boxes of Chap stick. The real surprise came when they presented her with a check for $500.00!!!!!! Such a generous donation will buy a lot of snack supplies for care packages. Seen in photo are Cathy Lahm of Essendant, Presi- dent Snyder and Dean Gifford of Essendant.The Blue Star Mothers would like to express their deepest gratitude to Essendant.

14 Truckee Meadows NV #3 Blue Star Mothers and the Sierra Nevada Girl Scout Troops 1019, 572,

767, 44 packed 65 boxes for the deployed and overseas military personnel.

15 Busy and Eventful Year for the Blue Star Moms – Houston Area Chapter

First, we had another successful Packing Party on March 5 th , 2016. We have a “Big Thank You” to all the help we received from Deerwood Elementary Service Learning Club, Atascocita High School JROTC, Chris Grimmett with Boy Scout Troop 491, and all the other volunteers that showed up and packed 136 Care Packages that go out to our Military deployed to Combat Zones. Second, Chris Grimmett with the Boy Scout Troop 491 held a Car Show in Montgomery, Texas on April 10 th , 2016 in Support of our Troops and provided $5,000 worth of donations for our Care Packages.

Third, every year our Blue Star Moms volunteer at the Kingwood Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament. It is quite an experience that hon- ors the memories of three Kingwood Fallen Heroes, SGT. Brandon C. Bury, LANCE CPL. Luke C. Yepsen, and SGT. William Meeuswsen, and all military personnel – past and present. This event benefits, Hope for Warriors, Blue Star Mothers, and Operation Military Embrace. The Opening Ceremony consists of our Blue Star Moms leading the Pledge, Bag Pipes, and Airplanes flying over in honor of the Fallen Heroes. It also includes Golfing (which was cancelled due to our recent local flooding), Dinner, and a Silent Auction. It is incredible to see the community combine together for such an event. Fourth, another successful Packing Party was held on May 7 th . A “Special Thank You” to Atascocita HS JROTC and Girl Scout Troops16257 and 9686, with Leaders Kathy Howes and Kristi Jones, and many other volunteers who helped. [With the $5000 worth of donations from Chris Grimmett, Boy Scout Troop 491, Donations from Prince of Peace Catholic Community in Houston, Texas (who holds a donation event during Lent every year benefitting several local organizations including our BSM Chapter), and over 700 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies from seven different troops, we were maxed out with donations.] We were able to pack over 279 boxes. Our Goal for this fiscal year is 1000, so far we have reached 813 boxes. It has been an incredible year so far, and we still have many more plans ahead. A future plan for another Packing Party, and a visit to the VA Hospital.

Great Job Ladies!

16

“…Thanks for what you’ve given No one could ask for more. May you rest with God in heaven From now through evermore.”

excerpt from “Memorial Day” by C. W. Johnson

The month of May has been a whirlwind of activity for the Blue Star Mothers Blue Water Chapter MI180. We’ve run, marched, shivered, spoken, partied, thanked, and remembered. At our May meeting, we welcomed Ray Carrier from American Legion Post 8. He asked for our support in helping the Cell Phones for Soldiers. This is a national nonprofit dedicated to serving troops and veterans with free communication services and emergency funding. Mr. Carrier provided us with a donation box to collect cell phones for this worthy On May 12, we had our first fundraising event at Texas Roadhouse in Ft. Gratiot, MI. Their local community relations specialist reached out to us, offering to support our fundraising efforts. We gladly accepted her invita- tion and were able to receive 10% of food purchases from diners who presented a coupon. The proceeds are going to the BSM Big Dipper Auxiliary. We eagerly anticipate further opportunities from this local restaurant. Our first-ever foray into the 5K walk/run world was a huge success on May 15. In spite of some crazy Michi- gan spring weather (sun, clouds, snow, wind, and rain!!), there were 108 registered participants running and walking the flag-lined course at St. Clair Middle School. Our sponsors, timekeepers, NHS volunteers, and the Volun ”told” of our chapter all worked hard to make this an amazing event. Can’t wait until next year—better give Mother Nature the head’s up! The 80s Party for a Purpose on May 21 at Gibraltar Trade Center saw our largest crowd to date. Rockin’ revel- ers enjoyed the festivities into the wee hours of the morning! Guests were generous in their support. Lucky winners took home one door prize, 45 raffle prizes, a tower of beer and a beautiful, fully stocked bar raffled that evening. Our chapter (along with two other charities) is fortunate to receive such loving support from the community. Our proceeds will do much to help us fund our missions. Remembering our fallen at Memorial Day garners many opportunities to pay our respects. The “Our Community Salutes” was at the Grosse Pte. War Memorial on May 24. Some attended the 22nd Senate Memorial Day Service at the Capitol in Lansing. There was the event in Shelby Twp. on May 29 and the Memorial Day parade in St. Clair at Memorial Park on May 30. Somber, but beautiful occasions to recall all those whose sacrifice affords us the freedoms we enjoy.

Moms Kristine Wirgau and Traci Horgan Back to the 80s with these totally radical And they’re off! Runners at the at Texas Roadhouse fundraiser. BSM chicks! inaugural BSM Hero Dash.

Our Angel Bike will honor this local fallen hero, Jeff Standfest.

17 18 Mother’s Day Celebration Benefit Concert for Military Families On May 19th, Blue Star Mothers gathered together for an annual outing to celebrate Mother’s Day at The Benefit Concert for Blue Star Moth- Painting with a Twist in Rochester, New York. It ers and Gold Star Mothers of Rochester, was a fun relaxing evening for all who attended. NY was held over the Memorial Day Most of the moms who attended have a child sta- weekend on Monday, at Kodak Theatre. tioned far away. A theme was chosen to paint for The concert proved to be a very powerful our group while we laughed, drank wine, and shared and emotional patriotic musical celebra- stories. tion that featured RAPA’s All Brass Band, Legacy Studios, WWII Veteran Harmonica Pete Dupre, the ROC City Singers, and the St. Joe’s of Batavia Brass Ensemble. Our Chapter NY8 Pres- ident, Angela Uhnavy spoke about the Blue Star Mothers and thanked the pro- moter, coordinator, Veteran and musi- cian Tom Allen, the performers and the audience. Angie Uhnavy, Tom Allen and several of the RAPA’s All Brass Band

Armed Forces Day

Several Blue Star Mothers in our Rochester Chapter at- tended the Armed Forces Day Luncheon on Saturday, May 21 st at the Diplomat Party House on Lyell Ave in Gates, NY. The program included among many guests: Greetings from Honorable Cheryl Dinolfo, County Exec- utive, Monroe County, Honorary Chair, Todd Baxter, Executive Director, Veterans Outreach Center and Briga- dier General John G. Baxter, U.S. Marine Corps, Chief Defense Counsel for Military Commissions. Tribute was given to the staff of the Army Strong Community Center Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 30th (ASCC). All military including Veterans and POWs were remembered. Fallen Heroes were named along with the Blue Star moms and family members marched in the Gold Star Families who were honored. Also, Blue Star Rochester Memorial Day Parade. We proudly carried Mothers were honored. It was a very ceremonious after- Blue Stars with photos of our sons and daughters noon. (aka kids on a stick)! We also proudly wore black arm bands with gold stars to remember the fallen and honor our Gold Star sisters. Along with holding pho- tos and wearing arm bands, we held a post card in our hands. A Gold Star mother in Alabama found a way to keep her Navy Sailor’s son Seth Beasley’s memory alive. Jamee Hazzard Beasley mails post cards to people to take with them to events and on vacations to take photos holding her son’s post card and posting it on her fb page, “Live on Seth Beasley.”

Blue Star Moms Social Gathering

Blue Star Moms Social Gathering was held on Monday Gold Star Memorial Dedication, Friday, June 10th June 6 at Panera Bread in Webster, NY. We had a sur- prise baby shower for the Captain Joe Geiger and his Blue Star Mothers NY8 stood in unity with our Gold Star expectant wife Melanie. BSM Vera Mae Ruddyoung was families today at the dedication of the Gold Star Family Me- our fabulous host leading baby shower morial. It was a beautiful and honorable ceremony. The games. It was a fun night. new memorial was unveiled at the White Haven Memorial Park in Perinton, NY. The memorial was attended by fami- lies, veterans, politicians, and local dignitaries. It is the tenth memorial to be completed in the US. Medal of Honor recipi- ent Hershel “Woody” Williams who is a highly-decorated WWII veteran has a goal to see more Gold Star memorial dedications in every state. 19

Summer is fast approaching and many of the VAVS offices need items to make our veterans more comfortable such as fans and insect spray. It would be great for our chapters to contact the local VAVS offices and ask what they need. If you live too far from a hospital, maybe a check so they could buy these items would be appreciated. We are in the process of disbursing funds to all VA fa- cilities that do not have a representative from the funds collected for the chaplain's fund and by the way, if your chapter is near a VA facility and can have a member appointed as a VAVS Representa- tive to attend the VAVS meetings and let your chapter know what is needed at these facilities, please contact me. If you have volunteered to be a representative and are having trouble getting credentialed, please let me know.

I have a challenge for you. Please have your members watch this video (link below) and my prayer is lots of our members will step up to the plate.

Volunteer at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Anne Parker BSMA, VAVS Representative [email protected] 843-504-0032

20 21 The dead line for all submissions is the 15th of each month. Late submissions will appear in a future newsletter.

Submission for newsletter articles to be no more then 1 page.

If you would like to add anything about your chapter to the newsletter please send in all pictures in jpg format, and all articles in a word document as a attachment.

Send it to: [email protected]

Stacy Anders National 2VP

22