Northern Kentucky Blue Star Mothers

It is very difficult to explain how something so heart wrenching and sad can be so beautiful and peaceful at the same time. But that is the feeling that I felt as I watched and listened to the memorial dedication of the Healing Field in Lawrenceburg, KY on November 10, 2007.

The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Kentucky Post #34 has certainly added a mark to the history of our Commonwealth. This healing field is the only one of its kind in the entire United States. It is a permanent healing field where seventy American Flags will fly 24/7/365. More flags will be added if needed. During one of the opening speeches, Kathy Daudistel, an officer of the KY State American Legion Auxiliary and also an associate member of our Chapter 5-BSMA said “this healing field is presented as a gift to all. The American Legion family wants you to know that Kentucky won’t forget our heroes and what they sacrificed for our freedom. These flags are a symbol of freedom, honor and respect……May Peace Come Soon, Freedom Sooner, and May the Healing Field no longer need to grow”.

NKY Chapter 5 – BSMA were invited to participate in the laying of the wreaths on the four monuments at the Florence Government Center on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007.

Chapter 5 President Kimberly Piol and 1st Vice President Carol Gries made the introductions of the four wreath bearers, Kim Hockney, Chaplain; Colleen Gagliardi, VAVS representative; Sandy Bolmer, VAVS Deputy and Anna Judd, Patriotic Leader. The four wreaths were red roses with small white germaniums and navy blue cloth ribbon that Kim Hockney had stitched the initials of BSMA. Peggy Eubanks carried the Blue Star Service flag.

Lorene Friedman stayed on the covered stage and tried to stay dry...we have participated in three different ceremonies with the City of Florence and all three times we had gotten soaked with rain....do you think Mother Nature is trying to tell us something.

December 4, 2007
The makings of a very important decision……and judging by the look on Carol’s face she is thinking “just git ‘er done.

Remember in your younger days when we were busy stealing Bob’s Big Boy instead of hugging him????

Over the valley and thru the woods….well you know the story.

Santa was in his glory to be surrounded by this group of awesome BSM, but we didn’t even get any candy……bummer.

Tell me one more time that I am bossy and I’m not gonna play with you.

The sleigh ride from the rear end…

Fun was had by all and all went well. We only had one small boo boo that could have been a slight problem for Tony. Chris was almost arrested for telling one of the Police Officers from Florence a joke about ‘doughnuts’…just kidding Chris.

December 1, 2007
The rain was cold & nasty and the winds were straight from the North Pole but that did not stop this outstanding Group of Blue Star Mothers from hanging over 100 Christmas ornaments on a beautiful Christmas Tree in front of the City of Florence’s Government Center. The ornament was hung with loving care and in tribute to our……
1. Sons & daughters that are presently serving their country
2. Our KIA and MIA loved ones
3. Our wonderful Veterans affiliated with our Chapter
4. And in Loving Memory of our deceased Veterans

Left to right…Anna Judd, Peggy Eubanks, Colleen Gagliardi, Kimberly Piol, Cindy Schmidt, Wanda McNees, Lorene Friedman, Sandy Bolmer and Sharon Bolmer

The USS Forrestal (CVA 59) had a replica of the “Traveling Viet Nam Wall” on display at the Pioneer Park from August 23rd to August 26th. It was reported that approximately 15,000 people visited this very emotional event that lasted around the clock.

Twenty-six Blue Star Mothers from Kentucky’s Chapter 5 and Chapter 2 were there. Five members from Chapter 2 drove up to show their respect for the event as well as to help support NKY Chapter 5. Three of our NKY Chapter 5 members and one son that live in Louisville drove up and did their turn on Saturday.

I know everyone there will agree that it was an experience they will remember for a long time to come.

Here are just a few of many pictures taken that day.

“Support Our Troops Benefit" held June 30, 2007 at The Lucky Dog Pub was a night to remember. Danny Roberts, his partner Josh, along with Randy Alvis, and his wife Sharon (Randy & Sharon owners of the Lucky Dog Pub) coordinated the benefit to raise money to donate to our NKY Chapter 5. The proceeds will be used to help offset the cost of mailing our boxes to the Troops serving our country.

The event was unbelievable…there was all kinds of food (sandwiches, dips, chips and cookies), they had a silent auction and the items for the auction had been donated by many. Quite a large part of the crowd was young college people, they were so nice and polite and so supportive of the ‘Troops’. I had several tell me, with tears in their eyes, “They did not support the war but they would do anything to support the young men and women that are protecting Our Country.” So many times our young people do not get the credit that they so rightly deserve. I am grateful that I had the privilege to see in action so many good and wonderful young people that hold the promise of tomorrow in both our communities as well as the world.

I know I could go on and on but to sum up a wonderful unbelievable experience around midnight when we left they handed us $927 cash. On Sunday, when we were packing our boxes, Danny Roberts came to the VFW to help pack boxes. Danny brought another $100 bill for us…he said it had been donated after we left. (See "Shipment to our Troops" below.)

Thank you from the bottom of hearts to Danny, Josh, Randy, Sharon and the whole wonderful crowd at the Lucky Dog Pub.

Also, NKY Chapter 5 has four ladies that are members and who work at Wells Fargo Insurance in Louisville……they had taken up a collection from their co-workers, on Sunday they brought another $700 donation with them.

Until now I have never been a part of a group that cries as much as we do in Chapter 5. But to see all the good and wonderful people that are still a part of this world is so touching and heart warming that it just automatically causes the tears to flow.

I hope you enjoy viewing all the pictures from both the benefit and the packing of the boxes.

God Bless Our Wonderful Country and the People Therein

City of Florence, KY Memorial Day Parade
(May 28, 2007)

Presenting the American Flag

Flag Ceremony at Florence Memorial Center

Two Very Special Veterans-Both are Members of NKY Chapter 5

Star Decorated by Members of Chapter 5

Putting Some Final Touches on the Float

Our Very Special “Guest of Honor”, Vernon Hockney
Home for a Short Visit Shown With His Mom, Kim & Lorene Friedman

Lead Car - Driven by Tim Gries, Son of Blue Star Mother Carol

Almost Ready


Good Job


Perfection


Here We Go...
Truck & Flat Bed Courtesy of “Delightful Days RV Sales” & Blue Star Parents, Mike & Kay Bryant


NKY Chapter 5 President, Kimberly Piol: “OK, let’s get this parade started."

On May 16, 2007 NKY Chapter 5 celebrated with a six-month birthday special meeting & party.



Blue Star Wall of Honor


Blue Star Members Enjoying Fellowship

Left to Right:
Linda Hanley, Anna Judd (does she really think she can hide from us) Dolores Held and Terry Centers



Newly Commissioned KY Colonels from Chapter 5
Left to Right:
Debi Talbert, Joe Dreyer, Colleen Gagliardi, Terry Centers, Linda Hanley, Margaret Wildi, Mary Wildi, front & center is Jacob T. Lawson

Lorene Friedman receiving “Shining Star Award” from Chapter President, Kimberly Piol

Two new members, Wanda McNees & Sharon Bestsch being sworn into the Chapter

The Northern Kentucky Blue Star Mothers Chapter 5 held their first fund raising dance at the John R. Little VFW Post #3186 in Southgate, Kentucky last Saturday night.
 
We were a little unsure of the attendance as the dance neared since we had to deal with the wintry weather, illness of our leaders and then rain and ice on the night of the dance.  But as they have for our other endeavors, our supporters came on like gangbusters to make the dance a great success!

The Hall was adorned in red, white and blue, starting with the balloons hanging from the ceiling to the lovely centerpieces on the tables.

The music was provided by Ken Petro DJ Service from Aurora, Indiana and as usual Ken did an outstanding job. Dancing the jitterbug to the tune of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy was the fantastic dance group led by Holly and Bernie Ruschman. Vicky Adams and Peggy Eubanks even did “their version” of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”. Without a doubt the biggest highlight of the evening was when Bernie sang “God Bless the USA”.

The fundraiser was a terrific success and fun was had by all.

NKY Chapter 5-Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. wish to thank each and every one of you for supporting our mission and our Military Troops on foreign soils.

Helping Hands Making a Difference

Two completely different organizations sharing the same purpose and mission worked together this past weekend in lending helpings hands to a military family in Owenton, KY.

The Callis family lost their home and all personal belongings in a terrible fire last week. Sgt Callis is stationed at Ft. Dix awaiting deployment to Iraq supposedly the 1st week of February.

The Army Family Services from Carrollton, KY and the NKY Chapter 5 Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. working together, sent beds, bed linens, furniture, food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene supplies, small kitchen appliances and many more items to the Callis family.

Thanks to so many, this is what America and good people are all about.

Representatives of the Northern Kentucky Blue Star Mothers Chapter 5 were present at the Florence, KY city council meeting last night where Mayor Whalen presented them with a proclamation declaring January 23, 2007 as Northern Kentucky Blue Star Mothers Chapter 5 day in Florence, Kentucky.

President, Kimberly Piol gave a speech to let the council know that the Blue Star Mothers was founded in 1942 and is a government agency to support our troops and their families here at home. She also outlined Chapter 5’s objective to send “goody” boxes to at least 150 soldiers four times in the coming year. She asked the council to promote their cause with local business contacts whenever the opportunity arises to help defray the cost of mailing the boxes (it costs $8.10 per box) and to obtain donations of items to include in the boxes.

Members of the Northern Kentucky Blue Star Mothers Chapter 5 in attendance were Kimberly Piol, President; Carol Gries, Vice President; Cindy Schmidt, Vice President; Michelle Roberts, Historian; Dan Johnson, Associate Member; and Peggy Eubanks, Parliamentarian. Due to illness Lorene Friedman, Chapter secretary (better known as the “Enforcer”) was unable to attend the ceremony.

To a crowd of 7,655 the University of Kentucky Memorial Coliseum was rededicated January 14, 2007. The ceremony was performed during half - time at the game between the University of Kentucky and the University of Mississippi women’s basketball teams. The rededication was to honor the 565 fallen heroes from Kentucky since the end of the Vietnam conflict. The 565 names will be added to the “wall of honor”.

The service was very moving and beautifully performed. There were many parents, wives and children in attendance for the dedication of our fallen heroes.

Kimberly Piol, Carol Gries, Peggy Eubanks and Lorene Friedman from the Northern KY Chapter 5 – Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. had the privilege and honor of being a part of this dedication. The four ladies had a military escort to their seats and were made to feel very welcome.

They also had the privilege of talking with the widow and son of Captain James B. Blackmon, Jr. USMC. Mrs. Blackmon (Gold Star Banner Recipient) and Jayden are now living in Pensacola, Florida. Branda Paronto, President of Blue Star Mothers of Freedom, Chapter 4 Glasgow, KY also received her gold star banner.

Arlington National Cemetery’s annual “Laying of the Wreaths Across America” was presented in Lebanon, KY on December 14, 2006, at 12 noon.


The Blue Star Mother of America Inc., NKY Chapter 5 was represented by our President Kimberly Piol and Vice-President Cindy Schmidt. Kimberly, along with the Commanders from all five branches of the Military Service laid the wreaths for the Prisoner of Wars and the Fallen Soldiers from the State of Kentucky at the Lebanon Memorial Cemetery.

After the laying of wreaths Kimberly was introduced by the Mayor of Lebanon and KY State Representative, Jimmy Higdon, to present three gold star flags. Two gold star flags were presented by Kimberly and assisted by Cindy to the Mother and Father of Jonathan Hughes and the other gold star flag was presented to the Mother of Ryan Montgomery.

The Marin High School ROTC then performed the missing soldier’s POW table presentation. The presentation was followed by a twenty-one gun salute and the playing of the taps. Kimberly was presented with an empty casing from Chief Commander Rooney from the US Marine Corp in tribute to all fallen military Sons and Daughters. Kimberly was also presented with a silver coin from the Lebanon Memorial Cemetery Rotary.

Our Blue Star Mother Kimberly Piol has also been asked and called to the floor after the first week of sessions to represent all Military Mothers at our State Capital House of Representatives in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Kimberly said “never has she experienced such an emotional ceremony and never has she been as proud of her country as she was today”. Kimberly and Cindy the NKY Blue Star Mothers thank you for your love and dedication to our mission.

November 12, 2006-Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication Veteran’s Park, Lexington, KY. Members and Son from the Kentucky Blue Stars Mothers Chapters.

December 3, 2006
NKY Blue Star Mothers stuffing Christmas boxes for shipment to our troops.

NKY Blue Star Mothers Chapter 5
L to R front row; Logan Roberts, Kara McPeters, Vicky Adams, Lorene Friedman and Cindy Schmidt.
L to R second row; Michelle Roberts, Kimberly Piol, Peggy Eubanks, Linda Hanley and Carol Gries

Northern KY Blue Star Mothers Chapter 5 with members of the United States Marine Corp and B-105’s Bill White and Amanda Orlando at Toys for Tots in the Eastgate Mall.



So proudly they stand……..

Two NKY Blue Star Mothers from Chapter 5, Kimberly Piol & Peggy Eubanks talking with Amanda from B-105.



HM Michael Poster, United States Marine Corp and Kimberly Piol, President of Chapter 5.