BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA, INC.

MAY 2019
From the desk of the National President:

May has been a busy month starting with Lori Thueme and me attending the
Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services National Advisory Council meeting in San
Antonio. We came away with lots of information to share and many great
ideas for recruiting and retaining volunteers. In the evenings together we worked on a new re-
porting form for our VAVS Representative and Deputies so we may more accurately track hours
and get the credit our organization desires.
I will end the month representing our organization at the Memorial Day Service at Arlington
and laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with my Army daughter and son-in-law.
We will also visit the DC VA Hospital and play bingo with the residents of the Community Living
Center.
In between these two events we are busy working on convention details and look forward to
seeing many of you in Minnesota. The deadline for registration at $150 is June 30. Chapter Presi-
dents, don’t forget to certify your delegates. There is still time for your chapter to plan a silent
auction item and to purchase raffle tickets (by using the Donate Now button on the website).
There is even time until June 1 for your chapter to become a convention sponsor. We will have
interesting speakers and many opportunities for fellowship and education. Each elected officer
and some of the appointed officers will be presenting and will have a handout in your convention
packet for you to take home and share with members who could not attend.
We are so blessed to live in a land that provides so many opportunities for us to celebrate our
freedom. Please provide our 2nd Vice President — 2vp@bluestarmothers.us with pictures of your
chapters celebrating Memorial Day and our veterans. The deadline for yearbook pictures is May
31; these are to be sent to yearbook@bluestarmothers.us.

Anne Parker,
National President
Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

1
 Contact Information for
National Executive Board
WHY WE DO….WHAT WE DO...

More heartfelt thank you notes from service members:

President: Anne Parker ~ FL
president@bluestarmothers.us
1st VP: Stacy Anders ~ CA
1vp@bluestarmothers.us
2nd VP: Paula Lombardo ~ OH
2vp@bluestarmothers.us
3rd VP: Teri Reece ~ VA
3vp@bluestarmothers.us
4th VP: Kathleen Fowl ~ TX
4vp@bluestarmothers.us
Recording Secretary:
Rebecca Stafford ~ MO
recsec@bluestarmothers.us
Good evening Mrs. Parker,
I am writing you first to say thank you. I have received approx. 20 or
so care packages of girl scout cookies/snacks/and toiletries in the
last few months from Blue Star Mothers of America. I have shared these
with my unit, the 441st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron in
Kandahar, Afghanistan. All of my troops absolutely love when I come to
the office with all the goodies and express great appreciation for
them. Thank you so much for the support shown to our military members
abroad.
Secondly, I will be re-deploying in a few weeks and heading back home.
Should Blue Stars continue to send care packages out I would like to
input another 441st member to receive and distribute in my stead.
Thank you again for your support.

Financial Secretary: BRENT J. BUSHEY, MSgt, USAF

Brenda Ternullo ~ CA
Superintendent, 441st AEAS
Finsec@bluestarmothers.us
NOTE: Brent provided a name and APO for his replacement. We did
Treasurer: Carla Brodacki ~ MI
not want to publish it in the newsletter, but if you email me
treas@bluestarmothers.us
(2vp@bluestarmothers.us) I will provide you with that information.

Index Page All,

I just wanted to thank all of you so much for all the care packages you’ve
President’s Message 1 sent my peers and I. I cannot express enough gratitude. You all have
Index—Special messages 2 brightened up so many days and created many smiles. I appreciate every-
Shining Star/Galaxy Award 3
thing you do and your whole organization. Take care and thank you
1st VP-Memberships 4
again!!!
4th VP-Compliance 4
2nd VP– Yearbook Info 5-6
Respectfully,
3rd VP– Blue to Gold 7
Financial Secretary 8
Jonathan E Wilt, SrA, USAF
Treasurer 8
Cyberspace Mission Assurance Team
Chaplain 9
VAVS 10
Public Relations Chair 11
Fundraising Chair 12-13
Let’s Talk Convention 14-20
Chapter Fundraising 21-27
Member Highlights 28-38
This & That 39

2
 TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!!!!
PLEASE TURN IN YOUR NOMINATIONS NOW!
Winners to be announced at the National Convention
DEADLINE FOR BOTH ENTRIES: JULY 1st, 2019
SEND TO: PRESIDENT@BLUESTARMOTHERS.US

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

Shining Star Award

Criteria
 Applicant to be chosen by their Chapter

 Applicant must have exhibited outstanding team work within her chapter.

 Applicant has demonstrated excellence in all areas of the BSMoA mission; active duty, veter-
ans, as well as families of the fallen, leadership, comradery.
 Give us a specific example why your chapter finds exceptional qualities in this specific mem-
ber that makes her unique and your shining star.

Galaxy Award
Given to our Outstanding Chapter

Criteria
 Chapter must have at least 1 member registered for national Convention.

 Chapter’s compliance has been completed and accepted by December 15, 2018.

 Specify a specific community based partnership your chapter has and how this partnership
has successfully complimented our Blue Star mission.
Explain in detail how your chapter exemplifies BLUE STAR STRONG.

 Provide details why you believe your chapter is outstanding. Do not use monetary amounts
for this answer.
 Each question is worth 5 points highest total 25 points 3
 NATIONAL 1ST VP
Stacy Anders
Department and Membership:
I’d like to clear up a misunderstanding that has been
brought to my attention by Departments and Chapters.
Several years ago our organization was charged per
transaction completed within Member-Clicks. THIS
IS NO LONGER THE CASE. We now have a flat fee that
we pay per year.
So, for everyone that has thought you should wait to
enter the applications and payments until you have sev-
eral on hand, or a full roster…… PLEASE DON’T.
It is extremely important that you submit applications
and payments with in 10 days to national.
I am still receiving applications of for members joining 3
months ago or longer.
Please do not wait till you have a full roster. Chapters
that are in Departments need to get them to your
department immediately so they can send them to
national.
A reminder to everyone —— Members can not be put in
the system with out payment to National being made.
We have a financial responsibility to our members once
you have accepted their money. If a member joins at
your chapter meeting this gives her the right to vote
immediately. We also need to make sure they have full
access to the website as soon as we can get them set up.
Next, I just have a quick clarification regarding the Men-
toring Program:
Your mentor Is for the whole chapter. Presidents, please
share your mentor’s information with all your chapter
members.
The mentor is a go to person for help, questions, and
guidance. All members should have the chapter men-
tor’s contact information that was provided. This pro-
gram was set up with both the chapter and members in
mind.
Stacy Anders
National 1st VP
NATIONAL 4TH VP
Kathleen Fowl
Blue Star Mothers Emails
We spend so much time looking for stuff, at least I do.
That is a BIG reason why we want to encourage you
to use the Blue Star Mothers emails we have set up
for the officers and position holders of each of your
chapters.
Say you are a new officer on your chapter’s board;
you understand your duties – at least you think you
do. You go to perform one of those duties, say file a
particular BSMA Compliance report. You need to con-
tact the prior officer for information – she is on vaca-
tion for 4 weeks (must be nice!). You wait for her to
return and five weeks later she has to hunt through
her emails to find the information you need. This can
be avoided!
Each of your officers have available to them an exclu-
sive BSM email for their particular office. If you do all
your chapter’s BSM business using this info, it is not
jumbled together with your personal email (and any
other business you run out of your personal email ac-
count). It is all in one spot – your BSM email for that
office.
When you change officers, that particular email pass-
es on to the new holder of that office. All the info is
given to her in one spot. No more contacting former
officers, waiting for that lucky member to return from
her 4 week vacation, and having her search her email
for the information you are seeking. AND … all your
BSM contacts are in one spot! SOUND GOOD?
IT IS! If you have not already begun to use the Blue
Star Mothers emails available to you, we highly sug-
gest you do. Please contact 4VP@bluestarmothers.us
to have them set up for your chapter. This will keep
all your Blue Star Mothers communication in one
place and have your “chapter history” at your finger-
tips. This works much better than having this infor-
mation spread among personal emails of past
officers.
Blessings!
Kathleen Fowl
4VP BSMA 4
 NATIONAL 2ND VP
Paula Lombardo — Newsletter & Yearbook

PLEASE SEND ALL PHOTOS, ETC… TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS :

YEARBOOK@BLUESTARMOTHERS.US
DEADLINE IS MAY 31ST, 2019
Special Guidelines and what kind of pictures you should send:
 Photos MUST BE jpg. format ONLY & as an attachment. Please do not place photo in the body of the email.
 Place your State & Chapter Number & brief description of what photo content entails in the SUBJECT LINE
 For CHAPTER PHOTO’s—Suggestions are: Maybe a group picture of chapter members, or special functions or
events that your chapter participated in. Photos should be from June 1st 2018 through May 31st 2019
 Yearbooks will be available to purchase at National Convention and on-line after their initial premier. MORE
DETAILS will be forthcoming!

On the following page please review the basic guidelines for the various sections that the yearbook
normally features. However, this year we will be adding 2 additional sections as noted below.

1. Pictures of your VETERAN HEROES. This can be any family member or special person in your life, in uniform
(past or present).
 When submitting, please place in subject line: VETERAN HEROES, your state and chapter number.
Also identify in body of email, your name, chapter & name of your heroe(s).

2. Photo’s that are Supporting Our Veterans . When you are selecting Chapter photos to send in, please also
consider sending in a separate entry to go in this section.
 This can be photos of events that are specific to working with veterans or other veteran service organizations.
 When submitting, please place in subject line: SUPPORTING Our VETEREANS, your chapter state and number.
In the body of the email, you can name what the event was.

Even as I type this message, I have received photos that

don’t have a chapter identified (BTW...if needed, I do re
turn emails for more information).

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have

I’m pretty sure that many folks are saying “wow she is so
picky about how we send in the information”. My response
to that is: “you are correct”! However, I promise you there
are really very good reasons. —
#1. Your yearbook will one day depict the history for
2018-2019 BSMA..…..This documentation is FOREVER.
any questions about what to send or how to send it. I will
gladly help you the best I can.
I also ask that you please be patient with getting acknowl-
edgements and responses from me… I still work full time
and as you can imagine I am getting inundated with lots of
wonderful photos and emails!

Therefore, the yearbook staff for 2019 wants to make sure My email and phone number are listed below:
that no photos are left out and the information is printed ac-
Paula Dolsen-Lombardo
curately.
2VP@bluestarmothers.us
The only way this can be executed correctly though, is if we Phone/614-827-5362
have your help and if everyone follows the instructions.
5
 YEARBOOK SUBMISSION DETAILS

2019 BSMA YEARBOOK ------ This information is for Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. members
only. Please do not forward this information out to other organizations.

DEADLINE: May 31st, 2019 (NOTE!! THIS IS A REVISED DATE)


 Please send all photos in jpeg format as attachments to your email.
 Please send all photos to: Yearbook@bluestarmothers.us
IMPORTANT OPSEC NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR MILITARY PERSON(S) APPROVES OF
THEIR PHOTO BEING PUBLISHED IN THE BSMA YEARBOOK

THE YEARBOOK SECTIONS ARE

IDENTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:
Gold Star Mothers: This is for Blue Star Members Chapter Photos of Members/Chapters in Action
whose star has turned Gold only please. We are looking Photos:
for photos of your child.  Photo(s)
 1 to 5 of your favorite photos. Photos can be first  Chapter name
tooth, first fish, sports, teenager, graduation, mili-  Chapter State and number
tary, etc....
 Their name and branch of service Troop Photos:
 Dates of birth/death  Photo
 Your name and chapter  Troop's Name
 Mother's Name (optional)
Mothers who have served our country: We are looking  Branch (optional)
for a photo of you when you served in the military, your
name, branch of service and chapter name.
 Photo NOTE: Please don’t forget about our 2 new sec-
 Your name tions described on previous page:
 Branch of service Veteran Heroes
 Chapter name Supporting our Veterans.

In Loving Memory of our Blue Star Sisters: If your chap-

ter has lost a mother from Respectfully,
July 1, 2018 to June 1, 2019, please email a photo, her Your 2018-2019 Yearbook Staff
name, chapter name and dates of birth and death.
 Photo
 Her name
 Chapter name
 Dates of birth/death

6
 NATIONAL 3RD VP
Teri Reece— Blue to Gold Liason

National 3rd Vice President: BLUE TO GOLD PROGRAM

It is with great sadness that the DoD has reported the loss of 9 service members during the
Month of March/April, 2019: Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, 25, of Locust Valley, New York; USMC
(4/8/19) – conducting combat operations in Parwan Province, Afghanistan; Sgt. Benjamin S.
Hines, 31, York, Pennsylvania; USMC (4/8/19) – conducting combat operations in Parwan
Province, Afghanistan; Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman, 43, Newark, Delaware; USMC
(4/8/19) – conducting combat operations in Parwan Province, Afghanistan; Maj. Mathew M.
Wiegand, 34, Ambler, PA; USMC (3/30/19) – Helicopter Crash in Arizona; Capt. Travis W.
Brannon, 30, Nashville, TN; USMC (3/30/19) – Helicopter Crash in Arizona; Staff Sgt. Albert J.
Miller, 24, Richmond, New Hampshire; US Air Force (3-19-19) – Non-combat, Qatar; Spc. Ryan
Dennis Orin Riley, 22, Richmond, Kentucky; US Army (4-20-19) – Non-combat Iraq; Spc.
Michael T. Osorio, 20, Horseshoe Bend, Idaho; US Army (4/23/19) – Non-combat Taji, Iraq; Pfc.
Michael A. Thomason, 28, Lincoln Park, Michigan; US Army (4-29-19) – Non-combat Kobani,
Syria.

Cpl. Robert Hendriks, Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman - USMC

Capt. Travis W. Brannon, Maj. Matthew M. Wiegand – USMC, Pfc. Michael A. Thomason – US Army

Spc. Ryan Dennis Orin Riley, Spc. Michael T. Osorio – US Army

Respectfully,
Teri Reece
National 3rd Vice President 7
 NATIONAL FINANCIAL SEC. NATIONAL TREASURER
Brenda Ternullo Carla Brodacki

I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by!

Now is the time to start making sure that your
chapter financial records are in order.

 Is the bank reconciled through last month?

 Are the categories correct?
 Make sure there are no funds in the
“Miscellaneous” category (or “other” or
anything that does not define what the
funds are for).

If your chapter is having problems getting these

done, please contact me immediately at :
finsec@bluestarmothers.us

We have only a few more months to get the

financial reports up to date. Once your finan-
cials are up to date KEEP THEM UPDATED!!
Don’t let them fall behind.

Your chapter will be able to submit the Annual

Report (part of which the financial reports need
to be submitted) starting Sept. 1, 2019.

Also, don’t forget to file with your state if re-

quired to do so.

Who will be the first chapter to submit

their Annual Report????

8
 CHAPLAIN
PNP Cyndi Ventura
I had the honor of attending the 5th Annual High
School Enlistee Recognition Dinner last night. It’s
called— OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES.
At this event 43 children from 4 different High
Schools, along with their parents were there to be
recognized. They all will be graduating from high
school in June 2019 and will head off to basic training.
This was their own communities, giving them their
first thank you for stepping up and being the 1 per-
cent of our population to join the armed forces.

Ladies what a wonderful venue to seek out new

Moms and build your own membership. These Moms
are on the way through a journey we all know.
I met so many new potential Blue Star Mother’s of
America, Inc. Moms. Each Mom was given a Blue Star
Banner to hang in their windows, plus there were
many speakers from our Military providing in-site into
the next steps in their child’s life, as well as the effects
their choice of Service will have on their lives in the
future.
Each of the enlistee’s received a challenge coin, a
backpack with a patch of their branch of service as
well as the high school patch on the back packs, a re-
minder of where they come from. As well as citations
from community legislators thanking them for their
choice to serve. It was wonderful to see all these wide
eyed young men and woman, so full of honor and
pride.

I know that many communities do these type of

events. This was the first time I was able to see it up
close and personal. I’m hoping to see at least 20 new
members joining my chapter this summer.

PNP Cyndi Ventura

9
 VAVS
Lori Thume

Pictured are President Anne Parker and

Lori Thueme attending the Veterans
Affairs Voluntary Services National
Advisory Council meeting in San Antonio.
A highlight of the conference was pre-
senting a $2,000 check from our organiza-
tion to Parke Scholarship for youth volun-
teers.
“We came away with lots of information
to share and many great ideas for re-
cruiting and retaining volunteers”.

10
 PUBLIC RELATIONS
Pam Travis
Every Blue Star Mother Chapter needs a public relations chair to shape their message. As the communicator
to the media and those outside the Chapter, she plays a vital role in effectively spreading the message that
includes: educating the public, increasing donations and promoting membership.

Admittedly, some Chapters are small and every member has multiple roles, but every Chapter needs to dub
one member in this position. In the best case scenario, this person has writing and communicating skills, but
these skills can be developed with the help of the national public relations team. The most important factor
is to have a passion to creatively spread the message of your Chapter.

Once your Chapter’s public relation’s chair has been identified, she needs to evaluate her intended mission
to lay a foundation. Whether the media coverage desired marks the beginning of a campaign to influence
the public on a particular issue, initiates a fundraising campaign, or enhances a membership drive, there's a
good deal of advance preparation that needs to take place before you tell your story. Each mission is differ-
ent. For example, your Chapter may want to set up a newsletter campaign for potential donors to share the
positive activities and accomplishments, or reach out to Military moms for a membership drive at the local
Armory. The media outlet may be different for each mission. Understand that a Chapter in urban California
may reach their audience in a manner different from a Chapter in rural Wisconsin. Still, for each mission, the
ultimate goal is to generate positive media coverage in the publications and outlets that are used by their
target audiences.

By knowing your target audiences, you will have an indication of what drives their decisions. That is one of
the most important aspects of your public relations program. From there, you are able to determine which
media outlets cover issues related to your activities. You may find your local TV station does human interest
segments, while another television station does segments related to holidays, or maybe you subscribe to a
military related paper that would feature your activities. Reach out to these media outlets; familiarize your-
self with them to establish a relationship.

The Convention is fast approaching and we hope that each Chapter has time to name a public relations chair
prior to the convention. Once identified, have her reach out to our team at my email –
president.WI3@bluestarmothers.us.
We will provide convention press releases and help to lay that foundation so your Chapter can effectively
spread our message.

11
 FUNDRAISING
Kathy Barnes — Chairwoman

Fundraising VS Donations Drives

As many of us know local people can be incredibly generous when it comes to helping our Troops and Veterans.
Sometimes collecting monetary funds isn’t as easy, but in-kind donations sometimes can tend to be easier to ob-
tain.
Susanne Jorgensen of Wisconsin shared these photos with me. She shared about having a spring box packing
event because of the massive amount of Girl Scout cookies that are annually donated to their chapter! They put
out boxes and collect other items as well. Great job ladies!! Reach out to local businesses and organizations and
let them know of our mission!!
My BSM chapter hosts donations drives. We have a specific list for non-
perishables and we share that with boxes in places around town or at the
local school.

I currently have four boxes in various locations in the village of Lakeview. An

article and the non-perishables list has been published in the newspaper.
These items will be used to pack reusable cloth shopping bags and then after
we purchase t-shirts, underwear and socks, they will be added to the bags
and handed out at an upcoming VA Stand Down in June.The cloth bag can
carry the world in it for homeless Veterans.

We also have a full suggestion list and that is used during our week long No-
vember Treasures for Troops drive. Last year we shot for 250 boxes and were
able to send 260 boxes to Troops stationed overseas.

We’re only limited by our imaginations!

12
 FUNDRAISING

SUCCESS STORY— Please see the flyer below. NV 3 had a BUNCO and Spaghetti
Feed — complete with a silent auction, raffle, and prizes…..and raised a whopping
$6,500.00

13
 LET’S TALK ABOUT CONVENTION!!!

THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE NOT TO REPLACE THE

2019 “CONVENTION CHATTER”. YOU ALSO MAY NOTICE THAT SOME INFORMATION IS
REPEATED FROM PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS. WE’RE JUST PROVIDING CONVENTION TIPS &
REMINDERS TO MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS ANY DETAILS.

****AN OLD COUNTRY SAYING****

IF YOU SEE IT MORE THAN ONCE, IT’S PROBABLY IMPORTANT.

 Chapter Presidents: Please make sure that ALL Delegates are submitted via “Convention
Delegate Form”. This is found under 2019 Convention link on BSMA Website **Deadline
July 1st
 Shining Star submissions — **Deadline July 1st
Send entry to: president@bluestarmothers .us
 Galaxy Award submissions — **Deadline July 1st.
Send entry to: president@bluestarmothers .us
 Convention Sponsor — **Deadline June 1st

 Convention room rate of $150.00 — **Deadline July 15th

 Exactly “WHERE” do I find the Convention Delegate Form, previous Convention Chatters,
and other convention information?
GREAT QUESTION!! Please go to the BSMA National website — www.bluestarmothers.org
Log in with username and password —- then click on 2019 CONVENTION
It’s a treasure chest of information!

Bloomington, MN —— HERE WE COME!!!

14
 BSMA Convention Raffle

Check it out!!!

Would you like to win ether a $100 or $50 Visa gift card?

By purchasing a raffle ticket you have a chance to be a winner and you will also be helping to
raise funds for the 2019 BSMA Convention!
Raffle tickets are just $10.00 each
 First Prize is a $100 VISA gift card (One Hundred Dollars).

 Second Prize is a $50.00 VISA gift card (Fifty Dollars).

Simply go to the Blue Star Mothers web site (www.bluestarmothers.us) and click on the “Donate
Now” link on the home page.
You can pay with either PayPal or use your debit or credit card. Remember to click on “ADD
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS”, and tell us that this is for the Convention Fundraiser Raffle.
And the BEST PART—is that ANYONE can purchase raffle tickets to help us raise funds to off
set convention costs!!! So share this raffle opportunity with all of your family and friends!

Ticket sales will end on July 1st, and the raffle drawing will be held on Facebook LIVE on July
4th!
Winners will be contacted via email. Good Luck and thank you for your support!

Don’t Miss Out!

15
Convention Tips and Reminders

16
 FunD Night Auction Information

2019 BIG DIPPER FUND NIGHT

A League of OUR Own
Silent Auction
A League of OUR Own fun will begin at our 2019 Convention Thursday Night August 1st. by the
pool. We will have games, fun, food and our SILENT AUCTION.

Chapter/Department Presidents,

We are excited for the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. National Big Dipper Auxiliary 2019
National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota this year. The National Big Dipper Auxiliary is
working hard behind the scenes for the FunD Night Convention to be a rewarding and
memorable experience for you and all the guests in attendance for “A League of OUR Own.”

Our goal this year is to raise $21,000.00 at the 68th Annual FunD Night Convention. We
respectfully request a donated auction item and /or a $25.00 donation from each chapter and
the Departments. The goal can be reached with your help!

If you are not attending convention or cannot bring your donation with you, please contact
either Barb Cook our Treasurer at treas.bd@bluestarmothers.us or Carolyn Silberman our
Financial Secretary at finsec.bd@bluestarmothers.us. Mailed items need to be received no
later than July 22nd, 2019.
***** YOU WILL BE EMAILED THE INFORMATION REGARDING WHERE TO MAIL YOUR DONATIONS*****

We cannot thank you all enough for submitting your Silent Auction items and Donations in
advance. The success of our board goals is dependent upon the memberships, chapter(s) and
Department(s) contributing their time and efforts as valued members helping us raise
money for the National Big Dipper Auxiliary. We have been very fortunate over the last 67
years to award so many worthy recipients of the Educational Assistance Funds.

To donate an auction item, please fill out the Silent Auction Form on the next page and
return the form no later than July 22nd, 2019.

17
FunD Night Auction Information

18
 Convention Tips and Reminders

IMPORTANT CONVENTION INFORMATION

When planning for this year’s BSM National Convention, there are some definite “Yes” and “No” items to take
into careful consideration. Let’s start from the TOP!

YES: Your chapter can vote to cover convention expenses for the chapter president and/or chapter delegates to the
convention.
YES: Your chapter can (and is encouraged to) fundraise to get the necessary funds to send delegates to convention.
Be sure to let your contributors know that their donations will used to send delegates or will be used to general chapter
expenses. Donations specifically made for troop and veteran support CAN NOT be used to send members to the con-
vention.
YES: You can cover registration fees, travel fees – mileage, parking tolls – and hotel fees.
NO: Your chapter can not pay for travel meals or a rental car. Travel is reimbursed at 14 cents per mile from your start
to convention and return on your personal car. Your chapter can vote to pay for an airline ticket.
NO: Your covered convention hotel costs can not exceed 5 nights. Regardless of when you arrive or leave, our finan-
cial rules state 5 covered nights (with only 2 exceptions).
YES: There will be down time (so to speak) during the convention when you will not be required to wear your BSM uni-
form. What is the Dress Uniform? For all but national officers it is a.) White Blouse, navy blue skirt, or dress pants; b.)
Shoes, navy, or black, c.) The Corporation Pin (placed over your heart), American Flag (placed over your heart), Child’s
Service Pin, VAVS, Volunteer hours pin; d.) Minimal jewelry; and e.) White gloves (formal ceremonies only). The con-
vention agenda will let us all know when Patriotic Casual time is. What is Patriotic Casual? Red, White or Blue blous-
es, or shirts. Convention /BSM shirts. Military branch specific shirts and hats. Casual slacks or skirts. Foot wear can
be casual shoes or sandals. No flip-flips please.
NO: You cannot wear jeans, cut-offs, short-shorts, leggings, or muscle shirts on Patriotic Casual Days of the conven-
tion. These are not permitted convention attire for any scheduled convention event: President’s reception, off site ser-
vices. Comfy, casual attire is permitted at the “Open Door” evening impromptu social gatherings.

19
 Have you ordered your
BSMA Convention Fundraiser items?
These can be found in the On-line Store!

United In Service
RESPECT Pin—$6.00 RED Shirt
sizes small thru XXXL—$25.00

United In Service
Patch—$6.00 Blue Star Dad’s hat
15.00

20
 CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS TO ASSIST
DELEGATES WIH CONVENTION EXPENSES
OH-1 EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY!
The history and significance of what we call Veterans Day today, originated some 100 years
ago when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect on the elev-
enth day, month and hour - November 11, 1918. The first commemoration of “Armistice
Day” was proclaimed by President Wilson in November, 1919 - marking November 11th a
day dedicated to the cause of world peace to honor veterans of World War I. It was cele-
brated by parades, public meetings and a brief suspension of service at 11:00am. Novem-
ber 11th, also was made a legal holiday, “Armistice Day” by the Act of 1938. It was later
changed to “Veterans Day” as a result of veterans service organizations urging Congress to
replace “Armistice” with the word “Veterans” as a day to honor American veterans of all
wars, following World War II and the Korean War. The first commemoration of “Veterans
Day” was proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in October, 1954. Although the
date was changed briefly with the Uniform Holiday Bill to recognize four national holidays on Mondays, President Gerald R
Ford signed public law to return the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date, beginning in 1978, to preserve
its historical and patriotic significance to a great number of citizens. Veterans Day continues to be observed on November
11, regardless of the day of week on which it falls, to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of our country, and
willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
What is a Veteran? Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the
active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” There
are nearly 20 million Veterans who live in every state, in almost every county, across the nation. They come from many
cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and include members, associates and family members of Blue Star Mothers of
America, Inc.
It is our mission to honor and support our veterans for their service, every opportunity we get. We do that with
warm hugs and a hearty handshake and a “Thank you for your service.” In many areas, we gather to give our veterans a
warm homecoming welcome. We support our veterans every day through our volunteer efforts at VA facilities all over the
nation, and their educational endeavors through our support of Big Dipper. To us, EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY!
Spirit of Freedom OH1 is raising funds to send our members to the 2019 BSM National Convention. Your pur-
chase of our EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY! pin will allow us to send members from our team to Minneapolis, to learn
more about the areas available for veteran support.
SEND CHECKS MADE PAYABLE TO SPIRIT OF FREEDOM OH1 PO BOX 82 TROY OH 45373
PINS: $6.25 EACH
POSTAGE: 1-5 PINS $4.50 6-10 PINS $5.50 11 OR MORE PINS $7.00 2 DAY PRIORITY MAIL $9.30

NAME:______________________________________________________________________________________
MAILING
ADRESS:____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL:__________________________________ PHONE:__________________________________________

PINS:___________________ X $6.25
POSTAGE: (1-5) $4.50 (6-10) $5.50 (11-15) $7 2 DAY PRIORITY MAIL $9.30

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $__________________________________

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 CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS TO ASSIST
DELEGATES WIH CONVENTION EXPENSES

Michigan Chapter 191— has an assortment of shirts they would like you to check out.
Please just copy the following link to place your order and help these delegates with their
convention fees.

https://teespring.com/stores/blue-star-mothers
Back of all shirts have
BSMA Preamble

Are you looking for authentic Southern

Louisiana recipes? Look no further!

LA7 Geaux Chapter has just the

cookbook you need.

Your support of our fundraiser will help

us raise funds to send delegates to the
2019 BSMA Convention

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 CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS TO ASSIST
DELEGATES WIH CONVENTION EXPENSES

NY 6

DON’T BE LEFT OUT!

SEND IN YOUR CHAPTER FUNDRAISER
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
23
 CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS TO ASSIST
DELEGATES WIH CONVENTION EXPENSES

Blue Star Mothers of Fredericksburg

Chapter VA4 Convention Fundraiser

ANNOUNCING! The official 2019 White

House Ornament Ike & the first Presi-
dential Helicopters. A beauty to
adorn your Christmas tree and can be
the ornament to be left out all year
long. Make it yours for $24 plus ship-
ping.

On July 12 Dwight D. Eisenhower be-

came the first president in office to em-
ploy a helicopter in his transportation
service, This event marked a signifi-
cant development for both the White
House and the helicopter industry. In
the short term, the helicopter became a
key feature of presidential safety in the
event of nuclear war. At the same time,
Eisenhower's occasionally contentious
decision to utilize helicopter for person-
al transport signaled an evolving con-
ception of the role of travel in the presi-
dency. His administration embraced a
new model for jet-setting diplomacy
that relied upon fast and flexible
transport in the face of Cold War reali-
ties. For the nascent helicopter indus-
try, this development showed to the
world that rotary wing technology had
become safe and reliable.

POC: Teresa "TJ"Sumners,

sumnerst@hotmail.com

Mail Orders:

Blue Star Mothers of Fredericksburg

Chapter VA4
P.O. Box 91
Fredericksburg, VA 22404

Check Memo Line Write: WH Helicopter

24
 CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS TO ASSIST
DELEGATES WIH CONVENTION EXPENSES

North Central PA12

25
 CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS TO ASSIST
DELEGATES WIH CONVENTION EXPENSES
BLUE STAR MOTHER’S OF AMERICA, INC.
LONE STAR CHAPTER VI
TAPESTRY THROW ORDER

Price: $50.00 each Size: 50” x 70” including 2”multi color fringe.
All branches of the military are represented on this throw.
These military moms throws do well as a wall hangings, over the couch, bed throws or something to curl up with.
These are Made in the USA and can be washed. These tapestries are a one of a kind, created by our chapter.

Make checks payable to: Blue Star Mother’s of America, Inc. Lone Star Chapter VI

Mail order forms and checks to: Blue Star Mothers – Lone Star Chapter Tx 6,
P. O. Box 861344, Plano, TX 75086-1344

Throws can be picked up at one of the monthly meetings

or contact Malia DeNome via email at mdenome@gmail.com.

Throws can be mailed for an additional cost of $15 per throw based on medium priority box.
Questions can be sent to Malia DeNome at mdenome@gmail.com
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery if stock is low.
________________________________________________________________________
Custom Tapestry Throw order form

Name:

Phone: E-mail:

Number ordered:

Amount paid: $
Address for those being shipped
* add $15.00 for each throw for shipping

For Office Use Only:

Check #:
Check Date:
Date Ordered:
Date Delivered or Shipped:

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 CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS TO ASSIST
DELEGATES WIH CONVENTION EXPENSES

TN4 is selling a blue star tealight holder for $30.

All monies raised from the sale of this item will
help to send our delegates to convention. The
stand is included with the star.

Payment can be made through PayPal.

Please email:
bluestarmothersTN4@gmail.com
or contact either:
 Coni Brooks: afmama67@gmail.com
or cell 423-963-6351

 Tina Moses: airforcmoma@gmail.com

Does your chapter have a fundraiser to financially assist

delegates that are attending convention?

If so….. Please send it in!!! Next month, this could be your

spot!

Dear members and associates—please help support the fund-

raising endeavors of the chapters featured in our newsletters.

Send your chapter fundraiser information to

Paula Lombardo at:
2vp@bluestarmothers.us
27
 FL 3

Honored to be a part of Tribute to the Troops. Our Chap-

ter provided lunch (April 14, 2019) for the motorcycle
riders from around the country and our cherished Gold
Star Mothers and families. Honor. Respect. Never For-
get.
Our Chapter conducted a Blue to Gold
Ceremony at the quarterly Field of Honor
(April 13, 2019).

Our Chapter volunteered at the April 14, 2019 Tribute to Slow Salute. Honor. Respect. Never Forget.
the Troops dinner concert, donated 2 gift baskets for the
silent auction, and donated the tip money received from
the lunch we served earlier today.

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 LA 7

LA7 Geaux Seven

Several chapter members, Trudy Dupuy, Pam Davis
and Linda Furr, joined our 1st VP, Kathy Baker, at the
Louisiana Veterans Home in Jackson, LA to present
Quilts of Valor to 17 veterans.
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Communi-
cations Director, Alex Juan, also showed up to assist
with the presentations. The quilts were donated by
The Giving Quilt organization.

Share what your chapter is doing!

Send in pictures and articles to Paula Lombardo:
2vp@bluestarmothers.us
29
 MI 191
MI 191 has USO Dance Fundraiser
MI 178
The 9th annual VA2K took place May 15th as
scheduled, despite the rainy conditions.
Personal care items and monetary donations
were collected to assist local Veterans.
The Blue Star Mothers Thumb Chapter 178 were
represented by (left to right) Nic Schneider,
Thumb Chapter President Marcia Janik, Deb Rob-
inson and President MI Blue Star Mothers Sherry
Kramer.
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 DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA

Happy Spring everyone! The leaves are budding out and the garden is starting to
grow.
We have been busy with Box Packings, Brunches honoring High School Graduates
who have committed to serving our country once they graduate – and welcoming
their Mothers into our fold.

Our Convention committee is continuing to get things ready for you all to come to
Minnesota – we can are so excited!

Minnesota Military Radio Interview – Department of Minnesota

Jeanne Ullmer, 1st VP ProTem and Karla Keller, 2nd VP had the opportunity to do a radio inter-
view and talk about Blue Star Mothers and our upcoming National Convention being held in
Bloomington.
We had great time being part of the show and seeing how a broadcast was put together. Tom
Lyons is the host and a Vietnam Veteran, the show is broadcast on 52 stations throughout Min-
nesota. Podcasts are available at: http://minnesotamilitaryradiohour.com/

31
 MN 7

North Metro MN Chapter 7

Happy Anniversary North Metro MN 7

Honor Flight– Ruth and Veteran Chapter 7 celebrated its 13th year as an active
Blue Star Mothers chapter in April.

One of our chapter members, Ruth was a guardian on
the most recent Twin Cities Honor Flights.
She had a WWII veteran and Ruth also got to see her
Navy son, who is stationed in the Washington D.C.
area when she flew out there.
We enjoyed cake and the company of each oth-
er along with reminiscing about the past 13 years
and all the moms that have been part of our
chapter and the activities that we have been a
part of.

Ruth reported having a great time and was greeted by

other chapter members in the morning before the
flight left and when she arrived back that evening. We
are so glad that Ruth had this wonderful opportunity.

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 NM 6

Blue Star Mothers of Valencia County

New Mexico 6

On April 13, NM6 hosted the New Mexico State Convention of Blue Star Mothers. The day
began with breakfast burritos (provided by local favorite Blake’s Lotaburger ) and chatter
(provided by old and new friends updating one another on military kids).
Following the presentation of colors by the Valencia High School JROTC and the national
anthem, beautifully sung by Kamila Kieche (local middle school student), the Mayor of Los
Lunas welcomed and thanked all the attendees for their service to the communities and
continued support of our military. Pastor Jason from Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley
concluded the opening remarks with the invocation.
The day’s presentations included updates on the National VAVS, the American Red Cross,
and PTSD, Suicide, and Prevention Resources. Additionally, attendees learned about
local/state happenings, including a Veterans Retreat Center, the award winning creations
(including many items pertaining to Blue Star Mothers) of local artist Joe Conner, and the new
Veterans Memorial under construction in Belen, NM.
Keynote speakers were Brig. Gen. Greg Zanetti (ret) and Brig. Gen. Andrew Salas. Lunch
was cooked up and served by locals Steve Otero and his sidekick, Herman Garcia (featured on
the Travel Channel Show, “Bizarre Foods America, New Mexico” for his fabulous matanza);
Steve’s catering company has served up delicious meals from our state Roundhouse to the
Congress in Washington, DC. Tony Duarte (veteran) and Cindy Edgecomb serenaded the
crowd with good ol’ country music while everyone enjoyed lunch.
It was a great get-together, and NM6 members and associates and families are so grateful
not only for all who were able to attend but especially for all who support our troops.

33
 DEPT. OF OHIO BIG DIPPER

Ohio Big Dipper Educational Assistance Fundraiser 2019

One of the objectives of the Big Dipper Auxiliary is to provide educational assistance to the following:

Worthy Veteran, Active duty U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve Member, Retired.
Blue Star Mother of America (In good standing)
Veteran’s spouse
Veteran’s child(ren)
Grandchild(ren) of a Veteran or BSMA

Proceeds from the sale of R.E.D stickers will enable Ohio Big Dipper Auxiliary to grant Educational Assistance
Awards to deserving applicants to continue their educational opportunities beyond high school.

Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Complete Mailing Address:_____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Email:_________________________________________Phone:________________________________

________ Stickers @ $3.00 each or 4 for $10.00 =_________________________________________

________ Shipping: 1-5 stickers add $1.00, 6-10 stickers add $1.50, 11-15 stickers add $2.00
________ Total Enclosed *More than 15 contact directly for shipping cost.
CHECKS Must be made payable to: BSM Ohio Big Dipper Educational
Mail to: Ohio Big Dipper
P.O. Box 482
Geneva, Ohio 44041
Need more information, email: President.bdoh@bluestarmothers.us
34
OH 1

35
PA 16

36
 VA 4

Chapter VA4 - Blue Star Mothers of Fredericksburg

(April 2019 Activities)
Chapter VA4 celebrated April by our Chapter’s Annual Father/Daughter, Mother/Son Dinner Dance honoring our
Military Children. We raised $217 in this event for our care packaging, but the memories of those attendees will
last a lifetime. One of our Fathers had just flown in the night before from being deployed in Africa and we were so
delighted to once again see many returning attendees. We raised funds for our Missions at Harry’s Ale House where
10% of proceeds were donated to our Chapter, including proceeds from their Monday Night Steak Dinner Charity.
We raised $503 for this event. Collections for our upcoming community care packaging event in June is underway
and our community and our local Giants have done an amazing job collecting items for us. Reach out to your local
Giant grocery stores – they are more than willing to support your Chapter. We have also been fortunate enough to
have several area Girl Scout Troops collecting Girl Scout Cookie boxes for our Chapter to be included in our care
packages. We also supported our local VFW Monthly Dinner. We welcomed 4 new Members this month! Our
Chapter presented 3 Gold Star Banners and 3 Gold Star Pillows in Arlington National Cemetery.

37
WI 2

38
 Message from the Newsletter Editor—2VP Paula Lombardo
THE NEXT DEADLINE FOR NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS is: JUNE 15th
 PLEASE send photos in .jpg format only— and please send as an attachment. Do not place in
body of the email.
 If you provide a write up of what photo is about in your email, I will copy and use that with
your photo.
 If you send full page pdf documents (i.e. your chapter newsletter), they look fantastic but just
an FYI...they don’t always come out very clear when placed in “Publisher”.
 Please place your Chapter State and Number in the SUBJECT line of the email.

Wishing all of my Sisters a Blessed, Peaceful, and Safe...

Memorial Day.

39