Minutes of May 18, 2010 Meeting

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

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

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Christmas Dinner at El Corral

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

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

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

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

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

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...

Meet the needs of our Wounded Heros - DONATE

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!

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

Armed Forces Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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