Lifestyle

Blue Star Moms chapter provides support for service members' families

Posted 5/7/14

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, a special group of military moms are rallying together to create a statewide day of recognition for the mothers of those currently serving our country, …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
Lifestyle

Blue Star Moms chapter provides support for service members' families

Posted

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, a special group of military moms are rallying together to create a statewide day of recognition for the mothers of those currently serving our country, Blue Star Mom’s Day.

The Rhode Island Blue Star Moms, the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America Inc., has been working to put resolutions through a number of city and town councils to officially recognize the Sunday after Mother’s Day as Blue Star Mom’s Day to honor the immediate families of those who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

The Blue Star Moms show support of military families through yellow ribbon and blue star campaigns for pre-, post- and current deployments, and assists with military events such as Operation Holiday Cheer, Operation Stand Down and the upcoming Race for the Fallen RI at Colt State Park with Gold Star Families. Fundraising efforts by the organization support military families who may be struggling financially.

During monthly meetings, and in times of need in between, the Blue Star Moms provide support for mothers whose children are currently serving in any branch of the Armed Forces, from basic training to commanding roles. There are also mothers of those who have retired from duty, who share their experiences and guidance.

“A lot of the things we do is mom-support,” said Rhonda Ziehl, current secretary of Rhode Island Blue Star Moms.

While the group is designated for moms, dads, siblings or other immediate family, members can be associate members and are also supported by the non-profit’s efforts.

The Blue Star Mothers was organized in 1942, when 1,000 mothers responded to a coupon looking to organize military mothers appeared in the Flint News Advertiser. Congress chartered the organization in June 1960.

The Blue Star Flag, officially known as the Service flag, is the official banner featured on pins, car stickers or in homes to indicate someone is the mother (or immediate family member) of an individual serving during periods of war or hostilities. World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry designed and patented the flag.

Blue Star Mother’s Day is part of the Blue Star Mothers of America Inc.’s history, but was never made official, according to Ziehl. The Rhode Island Chapter is now hoping to get the state to officially recognize the Sunday after Mother’s Day as Blue Star Mother’s Day.

In Warwick, a resolution sponsored by Ward 3 Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson, a veteran herself, has made it through the City Council, and was passed on April 7. Similar resolutions were passed in Scituate on April 10 and in Coventry on April 14. There are also resolutions in the system or being worked on in West Warwick, Foster, West Greenwich, Westerly and Cranston. The RI Blue Star Moms were also in the planning process to discuss a resolution with Providence.

But their eyes are set on the General Assembly. The Blue Star Moms have worked up a bill to make the day statewide, sponsored by Sen. Erin Lynch.

The woman said having an official day in the state will not only provide well-deserved recognition to military moms, but will educate the public about Blue Star Moms, letting everyone know they are still here.

Just by going to different council meetings to discuss the resolution, Ziehl said the organization has gained members. “We’ve let moms know they’re not alone. Someone else gets it,” said Ziehl.

Mothers of active-duty military personnel are Blue Star Moms whether they register with an organization or not, but many may not know the organization exists or how to find them.

Ziehl added that having a day to recognize the sacrifice made by military families when a loved one decides to serve is also very meaningful.

“We support our children’s decision,” said Ziehl. “When someone raises their hand to serve, the whole family serves.”

Rosemarie Moretti has been a military mom for nearly a decade; her son serves in the Army National Guard and has been deployed twice, once to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.

“It will help the moms come to us,” said Moretti about having a recognized Blue Star Moms Day. “You can see it in their face. They’re so happy to find someone who understands.”

Each Blue Star Mom has their own story, but each feels they have been able to receive a special kind of support from this organization.

Joan Fontaine’s only child, her son, has served in the Army National Guard for seven years, recently returning home from serving in Afghanistan. Also a single mom, Fontaine said the group has provided her with a support system that was missing with her other friends.

“This group has helped me,” said Fontaine, who formerly served as the group’s secretary.

Both Betty Leach’s daughter and son are members of the U.S. Marine Corps. Her daughter has been serving for 12 years and is currently stationed in North Carolina, while her son has been serving for six and is currently stationed in Japan. She said it helps to have a group of mothers to turn to who understand the roller coaster of emotions being a military parent can bring. They take turns sharing in the happy moments of returning from deployment, and the tough times during one.

“We go through ups and downs,” said Leach.

Ziehl, whose son had been in the U.S. Air Force for just over two years and is stationed in Washington State, said fellow Blue Star Moms understand the combination of happiness and sadness when a child returns from deployment, but still is not home because they live on a military base.

They also understand the magic of a “green dot talk.” The mothers explained that Facebook chat, which places a green dot next to a Facebook friend’s name when they are online and available to talk, has become extremely valuable while their children are away on deployment. Not only can they easily see when their children are able to talk, but they know they are safe. The feature can also provide details such as the last time the user was on or when their mobile chat is open.

“You can look at that and go, ‘As of four hours ago, they were OK,” said Ziehl.

“That allows you those three hours of sleep,” added Fontaine.

Just having an active support system of women who understand what it means to have a child serving in any branch of the military at any level is meaningful.

What is strange about the relationship these women share is that they don’t see each other regularly outside of monthly meetings, events, or the occasional cup of coffee in a time of need.

“Anyone of us knows we can reach out to members of the group anytime of day,” said Leach.

The women describe the organization as a family of kindred spirits.

“It’s a bond that’s kind of hard to explain,” said Ziehl.

“It’s a forever bond,” added Leach.

The Rhode Island Blue Star Moms can be found on Facebook through their “Rhode Island Blue Star Moms” official page or by email at ribluestarmoms@gmail.com. They meet on the third Tuesday of every month at Beacon Mutual in Warwick.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here