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May 29
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KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | Palisade mother welcomes son home fro
Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers
BY SARA GOLDENBERG
SGOLDENBERG@KJCT8.COM
GRAND JUNCTION (KJCT)- A Palisade mother welcomed her son home from Iraq today after seven long months.
Twenty one-year-old Justin Aysse is a Field Lineman with the U.S. Marines.
He's from 29 Palms California... And his mom, Julie Dominguez, says it was the first time they've been separated for this long.
She says they communicated by e-mail, but sometimes she wouldn't hear from Justin for weeks.
Julie says not a day went by when she didn't cry... worrying about her son.
Julie and her daughter are new to the area and say they're thankful for the heartfelt welcome home Justin received from the community.
Justin will be in Palisade for three days, and then heads back to the base in California.
"I'm so proud of him, words just cannot express. I'm proud and I ache when I'm away from him, and the fear is tremendous. But all I can say is we're all so proud of him," said Julie.
"Just the fact that there's actually people out there that care about what's going on over there, it's a real blessing," said Justin.
Justin will head back to Iraq next March.
May 21 
Nika, Explosive Detector and patrol dog attacks Airman 1st Class Lance Hood, 48th Security Forces Squadron May 12 at RAF Lakenheath. Airman Hood is wearing a bite suit to protect him from the powerful jaws of the patrol dog. The demonstration was for police week to raise community awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Perry Aston) Download Full Image | E-mail a friend RAF Lakenheath - Story Media April 10 
Gretchen Annan, a volunteer from the VA Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colo., helps Jarod Behee, an Army veteran blinded during operations in Iraq, through the food line at the 22nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo. Defense Dept. photo by Donna Miles SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., April 1, 2008 - As nearly 400 disabled veterans enjoy the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic here, officials credit a legion of volunteers and sponsors as the driving force behind the clinic’s success. The six-day event, which opened here March 30 and continues through April 4, gives severely disabled veterans the opportunity to ski, rock climb, scuba dive, trapshoot, snowmobile, and try their hand at sled hockey and wheelchair fencing, among other activities -- all with the help of more than 600 volunteers.
In addition, 76 sponsors have joined forces with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans to fund the $1 million program, according to Edward Hartman, DAV’s national director for voluntary services. Show Your Support April 06
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Blue Star Mothers of America
Deborah Tainsh | October 17, 2006
On September 30, in Columbus, Georgia, I sat among families attending the first Blue to Gold Tribute to honor Georgia's fallen heroes and their families -- an important event not possible without Georgia's Blue Star Mothers of America, Chapter One.
Few know the meaning behind Blue Star Mothers of America, an incredible support system for families and deployed service members (especially during wartime). This support system is offered through various state chapters of courageous moms called Blue Star Mother's of America, Inc., an organization I had no knowledge of until after the death of my stepson in Iraq on 11, February 2004.
Upon receiving by mail a beautifully framed flag with a Gold Star centered on white material bordered in red a few weeks after Patrick's death, and no letter to explain the meaning of the gift, I searched the internet for such a flag. I learned that the historical and proud significance of this Gold Star Flag was preceded by the Blue Star Flag designed and patented by Army Captain Robert Queissner during WWI. With two sons on the front lines, Captain Queissner began a tradition for families to signify the love, pride, and hope for children serving in war by hanging in household windows a flag with blue stars. As death of a child came to families, a blue star was changed to gold.
Blue Star Mothers of America became official in March 1942, after Army Captain George Maines placed an article in a Flint, Michigan newspaper requesting information about children serving in the armed forces. Over 600 moms responded and subsequently came together to create Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. From the Blue Star Service Flag, Blue Star Mothers of America took their name and chapters grew across America with the goal of supporting their military community, helping to build the morale of their deployed loved ones through care packages, and providing visits and care for the wounded at home.
Gold Star Mothers of America, Inc took their name from the Gold Star that replaced a blue one, and in 1929 became incorporated after inspiration from the story of Grace Seibold, a WWI mother who worked through her grief and sorrow after the loss of her son by visiting the wounded in hospitals and reaching out to other mothers who suffered the same grief. What very few know today is that the last Sunday of September is officially Gold Star Mother's Day, as set forth in 1936 by Senate Joint Resolution 115.
Since learning the meaning behind Blue and Gold Star Flags and the mothers of America who currently work together, reviving a support system for parents and members of the United States Armed Forces, whether serving, wounded, or fallen, I have been privileged to meet many of these courageous and selfless women from coast to coast. Many of these Blue Star moms have learned together the pain, sorrow, and bittersweet pride of becoming Gold Star Moms as they personally present Gold Star Flags to grieving military families in their communities. Yet, Blue Star Moms who know their star color can quickly change, continue to support the Gold, one another, and strive to bring honor and support to our nation's armed forces serving in harm's way.
As a guest and keynote speaker, I have witnessed the support provided by Blue Star Mother chapters that work together voluntarily with a voracious synergy to raise funds and create events to honor their states' Gold Star families and fallen heroes. In September, 2005, I observed this with the East Bay Area Chapter #101 Blue Star Mothers led by Deb Saunders, where with help from Major General Michael J. Myatt, USMC Ret, President and CEO of the Marines' Memorial Association in San Francisco, California families were brought together for a time of honor, remembrance, and bonding in their time of grief.
On September 24, 2006, Gold Star Mothers Day, I was in awe of the Colorado Blue Star Mothers led by Janna Schaffer who brought their Gold Star families together in the town of Estes Park at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park. Here Colorado Congresswoman, Marilyn Musgrave, also a Blue Star Mom, brought words of support and comfort, and families who had had no previous contact with others on this path of sacrifice, found new support through shared time and stories.
And on September 30, in my home state of Georgia, the amazing Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., Georgia Chapter One, from every corner of the state, led by President, Nancy Seifert of Hamilton, Georgia, gave an incredible gift to Georgia families and their fallen heroes. With funding from Georgia's Columbus Bank and Trust, Synovus Financial Services, Total Systems, Inc., and Greystone Properties, family members of all service branches' fallen heroes received an impeccable dinner and honor as words of support were provided by Fort Benning Georgia's Commanding General, Major General Walt Wodjakowsi and his wife, Candy, who learned that as parents to a son serving in the United States Army, they are also Blue Star Parents.
Bill Stembridge spoke on behalf of Georgia's United States Senator Saxby Chambliss who also sent a personal video message for the families. The tribute was made complete with the professionalism of a Fort Benning Color Guard, a tribute slide show of Georgia's fallen heroes created through the help of Shaw High School in Columbus, near Fort Benning, and TAPS performed by a bugler from Fort Benning's outstanding Army Band.
Following the tribute, the mom of SGT Kelley Courtney, USMC, KIA October 30, 2004 in Anbar Province, Iraq wrote:
Tears still flow readily from the Tribute Dinner experience in honor of Kelley. We are very grateful for the experience. Meeting everyone face-to-face who we previously only knew ethereally was a kindred bond we all needed. What a special moment.
I can't imagine how we will be ever be able to adequately express our thanks to everyone for all the hard work that was put into making such a beautiful and memorable evening fall into place so perfectly. If we can ever be of service to you, in honor of Kelley, please let us know.
We love you.
Gena and Bobby Courtney, Macon, Georgia
Without Blue Star Mothers of America chapters, such needed support and honor for military families would not occur. Our nation's Blue Star Mothers are the epitome of servants to those who serve our nation. As during past wars, they are priceless treasures to our country's military families. They are among the true patriots. Each knowing they can at any moment become a Gold Star Mother as they remain diligent and courageous with open arms for all who need them, because, after all, that's what mothers do, and I thank you.
March 21
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Three local soldiers are on they way to Iraq to begin their first deployment in the area. The three left Grand Junction Friday morning from Grand Junction Regional Airport.
Specialists Garrett Gilliam and Jesse Ellis are with the 220th Military Police Company, First Battalion-- based in Denver. Specialist Juan Vasquez is with the 220 MP Company, 2nd Battalion.
All three men said they will miss the loved ones they have to leave behind, but seem ready for the challenges that await them in Iraq.
These soldiers are expecting to serve over a year in Iraq during this tour. The flight from Grand Junction to Iraq will take about 14 hours.
KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | Soldiers Leave Grand Junction for Ira
March 18 March 11 was our regular VAVS meeting at the VA Hospital. Wendy (REP) and Sheila D (DEP) attended.
March 13, James Park. Legion Post 200 presented a Service Flag to Cindy Deardon at the VA hospital. SPC Sean Deardon, Army, Rita Parks, Legion Auxiliary and Wendy Hoffman of Grand Valley Blue Star mothers were on hand for the presentation.
March 13 was a homecoming at the airport for SSG Thomas Moore, Army, home on leave. It was well attended by Blue Star Moms, VFW, Legion and PGR.
March 14th and 15th was our fundraising and item drive at Sam's Club. Despite the changing weather and the wind we collected a reasonable amount of items and $700 from sales and cash donations.
March 15 Rachel Terlow and Troop 42 donated 115 boxes of Girl Scout cookies for the troops and $57 in cash to help with postage.
February 16 There’s a Gold Star in Her Window Words and Music by Tex Ritter and Frank Harford There’s a little gray-haired lady
You know as well as I.
Her eyes are always smiling
When yours and mine would cry.
Tho’ she seems almost happy,
Her thoughts are far away;
She knows her boys is waiting
Where she will go someday.
There’s a gold star in her window,
Shining bright and clear for all the world to see,
There’s a gold star in her window,
Of the part a mother plays to keep us free.
To aid the cause of Liberty
She proudly gave a son,
Without the deeds of men like he,
No war is ever won.
There’s a gold star in her window,
Shining bright and clear for all the world to see,
There’s a gold star in her window,
Of the part a mother plays to keep us free.
‘Twill shine throughout eternity
To guide us on our way,
Lest we forget or fail to see
The part we have to play;
There’s a gold star in her window,
For a lad who led the way to victory. CD available here Ritter February 13 AUSA’s Family Programs Directorate was founded in 1999 to be an advocate for Army families. The Directorate coordinates a number of activities that support the needs and interests of family members. Our staff travels frequently to installations to learn about issues affecting military families and to educate family members about programs that exist to ease the strain of military life. The Directorate addresses Army family concerns through AUSA’s legislative efforts and by being active on a number of Department of Defense and Department of the Army councils and working groups. Additionally, the Directorate hosts three military family forums at the AUSA Annual Meeting to highlight issues facing Army families Association of the United States Army: AUSA Family Programs January 31 
By Paul Shockley
Grand Junction CO
January 28, 2008
“I hope your Valentines is radical” read one card.
Others, like the card crafted by 3-year-old Ximena Navarro, didn’t need any words. The girl went straight for stickers and liberally applied the hole puncher."
“Just a bunch a scribbling,” said mom, Patrisia Navarro of Fruita. “We have a friend in Iraq, so I told her to come make a card.” Most of Saturday’s card makers knew someone deployed. Within one hour after setting up shop Saturday at Mesa Mall, organizers with the Blue Star Mothers had about 50 handmade Valentine’s Day cards signed and ready to be mailed to U.S. troops abroad.
“If we can keep positive morale, there’s a better chance they come home safe,” said Wendy Hoffman, president of Grand Valley Blue Star Mothers. The local chapter of Blue Star Mothers was started last November — they meet [monthly] and are up to 14 members.
Over the weekend, they invited Mesa Mall shoppers to make Valentine’s Day cards or donate items for care packages to troops. Hoffman said they desperately need cash in order to mail the cards — hundreds are expected to be mailed, including cards crafted by youngsters at Lincoln Orchard Mesa, Dos Rios and Mesa View elementary schools.
Hoffman’s son, Army Pfc. Dallas Hanson, has been serving in Baghdad the past year. While Hanson’s received regular correspondence, Hoffman said others haven’t been as lucky. “He told me a friend of his stopped going to the mail room because his name never gets called,” Hoffman said.
While Hoffman’s Valentine card table saw an early rush, fewer and fewer Saturday shoppers stopped to work on a card. Three people walked past her tables and said they couldn’t take the time, which frustrated Hoffman. “It’s out of their consciousness,” she said. “But we have our freedom because of our troops.”
Reach Paul Shockley at pshockley@gjfreepress.com. Grand Junction Free Press - Community News 
More pictures January 26 Day one of the Mesa Mall Valentines event.
January 22 Postal Service Announces Two New Shipping Initiatives Governors Approve Bigger Flat-Rate Box with First-Time Military Discount,
Express Mail Sunday and Holiday Premium WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service announced today that its Board of Governors approved two new initiatives to grow its shipping business and revenue. A new, larger Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box enables customers to ship 50 percent more than with the current box. It will be offered at a discount to overseas military addresses, a postal first for the armed forces. The agency also announced a new Sunday and holiday delivery price for Express Mail. Customers can begin using the new boxes March 3, the same day the premium takes effect. The Postal Service filed notification of these decisions today with the Postal Regulatory Commission. They are the first actions under the new pricing regulations set forth under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. Notice of the changes will appear in the Federal Register. New Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box The current flat-rate box, which gives customers a single, predetermined rate regardless of the weight or delivery zone, was introduced in November 2004. The new, larger box extends the agency’s successful flat-rate offerings, providing more choices for small businesses and consumers. “We listened to our customers, and we’re giving them a new box that lets them ship larger items while still enjoying the benefits of a flat rate,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “Flat-rate boxes are very popular and the new, larger version provides even more value.” The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box (12" x 12" x 5½") can be used for both domestic and international shipments. This extends the flat-rate price and ease-of-use benefits to international shippers. There is also a 5 percent online discount. There will be a special version of the box for the military, with a $2 discount, if shipped to an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) address. All Postal Service Priority and Express Mail packages and envelopes are environmentally friendly, exceeding the highest standards for recyclability. Military Shipping • APO/FPO Addresses
$10.95 International Shipping • Canada and Mexico
$29.95 • Other Countries
$49.95 The Postal Service will continue to offer its original Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes, which currently retail domestically for $8.95. Express Mail Sunday Delivery Price The Governors also approved a $12.50 premium for Sunday and holiday Express Mail delivery. The premium, equal to competitor surcharges for Saturday delivery, reflects the unique delivery option the Postal Service provides on Sundays. As an alternative to Sunday, customers can choose Monday delivery at the standard Express Mail price. “These are the first initiatives that take advantage of the flexibility afforded us by the new pricing regulations under the Postal Act of 2006,” said Potter. “They enable us to compete in the marketplace while continuing to meet the changing needs of our customers.” More information can be found at usps.com. # # # USPS News Release: Postal Service Announces Two New Shipping Initiatives January 02 Quote Farmington Blue Star Mothers Meet - San Juan County
Monday, January 7th (San Juan County) Farmington Blue Star Mothers Meet 7 pm @ Civic Center, Farmington On the first Monday of every month, the Blue Star Mothers gather. Consider joining with them to get boxes out to our troops. The meeting is held at the Civic Center at 200 West Arrington Street in the city of Farmington. Contact: www.nmbluestarmothers.org
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