Northern Kentucky Blue Star Mothers

I would like to thank you all for your wonderful support. We received more boxes from you here in that last few days. They have been wonderful and we all thank you so much. You are a wonderful group of people and we hold you very dear to our heart.

I will be coming home soon. It is so wonderful and I can’t wait. This deployment has been hard. I have so many wonderful people at home waiting for me to return. I have so many plans upon my return. I look forward to going wedding dress shopping with my Mom and sisters, home cooked meals, lazy days on the couch with my fiancé. I can’t wait to bake cookies with my daughter, help my Dad chop wood, and have a drink with my brother. It is the little things that you miss the most. For me I am lucky to return to all of those things. I know that some of you have made the ultimate sacrifice. I know that words can’t take that pain away, but know that your son or daughter left this world doing something that was very important to them, protecting our country and keeping our children safe. I thank each and every one of you for what you have done.

Your support for us and each other is amazing. Please keep up what you do and keep all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines in your thoughts and prayers.

PS: Mom I will be home soon and I love you.

From the Marines of VMM-263 (REIN) 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, I would like to personally thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

The names listed below are the Marines to whom your packages brought smiles to.

GySgt David Chandler⸘⸘Cpl Arturo Lemos
Sgt David Smith ⸘⸘⸘⸘ Cpl Kyle Jones
Sgt Derrick Lester⸘⸘⸘⸘Cpl Thomas Roberts
Sgt Larry Strump⸘⸘⸘⸘Cpl Michael Kasper
Sgt John Russo⸘⸘⸘⸘⸘LCpl Pimentel
Sgt Cory Swanson⸘⸘⸘⸘LCpl Newsome
Cpl Nelson Ruano⸘⸘⸘⸘LCpl Ed Flowers
Cpl Brian Washington⸘⸘LCpl Trevor Bryant

Very Respectfully,

GySgt David M Chandler
Aviation Life Support Systems
VMM-263 (REIN)
22nd MEU

I received the 4 boxes today and separated them with like items.   All the stuff is going quick and everybody says thank you and the other mothers for putting together these boxes for them.  They also said that if we can do anything for them, to just ask us and we'll see what we can do from our end. 

Thanks again for all of the useful items.

Muchly appreciated,
SGT Frank Judd & 1BSTB 1CD BN

I just wanted to send an email out and say thank you for all the boxes we got last week. It was a real big moral booster!! All the guys really enjoyed the stuff!! All the kids liked the beanie babies!! I took them out to one of the villages that we go to and there are bout 50 kids out there and all of them wanted one!! But they liked the candy and little games too!!

The DVD player was great but still looking for a TV. But all is good over here and we are all safe!! Not much going on here where we are at!! Thank you again for all the goodies!! And all of your all support!! From all the guys in 2nd platoon, 2nd squad, 218th MP CO., Kirkuk, Iraq!!!

PFC Harrod, Timothy A.
United States Army
MIlitary Police Corps
Currently deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq

Everyone,

I wanted to share something that just happened tonight. I was sitting at the gate in the Washington-Baltimore airport waiting on my flight to Charlotte. The plane was at the gate. While we were waiting for the attendant to announce the boarding for our flight, I saw about a dozen Transportation Security Agency uniformed personnel head to the departure ramp. I was concerned there was a problem, meaning a delay. Just what I needed!

Several of us moved to the observation window to see if we could see anything going on outside. That is when I saw a lone uniformed Marine standing at the bottom of the ramp leading from the cargo hold of the aircraft to the ground. I thought to myself how this small delay for me was nothing compared to the sacrifice a Marine and his family made for our nation.

There were more and more people gathering to see what we were looking at down on the tarmac. The people were quiet, but not silent. I looked down the concourse and saw other small groups gathered close to the other observation windows looking down at the conveyor and the small detail of Marines that had appeared. They were part of the funeral detail or an Honor Guard. In the distance there was a hearse, another vehicle, and a police car. As they drove to the bottom of the ramp, I knew the remains of a Marine, in a flag draped casket, were about to be moved from the aircraft and into the hearse. It is customary for uniformed members of the armed services to salute any American flag as it passes...especially when it is covering the remains of one of our fallen warriors.

The people standing around me were mostly civilians, but I could tell they wanted to be respectful, they just did not know how. I had no idea if that Marine's family was down below in one of the vehicles. I couldn't have the family, or those Marines, look up and see a bunch of people standing from above...staring. When I saw the pall bearers (Marines) move to the bottom of the ramp, I had to do something.

It has been four years since I retired from the Army, but duty called. I turned and faced everyone in the terminal, and in my loudest command voice, I told everyone the remains of a Marine were about to be unloaded from the aircraft, and it is customary for everyone to stand and be silent as the body is moved. Believe it or not, everybody, as far as I could see, stood up and the entire terminal became quiet. I then said as loudly as I could, that all current and former service members, in or out of uniform, were authorized to render the hand salute, and all civilians were to place their hand over their hearts. As soon as the tip of the flag draped coffin appeared, I bellowed out "Pre-sent..ARMS" and you could hear a pin drop except for the multitude of arms going over their hearts. The entire terminal was silent...no talking, no announcements over the PA, silence...only silence.

The casket traveled down the ramp. All the US Air employees servicing the aircraft and unloading baggage stopped and stood silently with their hands over their hearts. The police officer was saluting. The Marines picked up the casket and placed it gently into the hearse, then closed the rear door.

Inside the terminal, I gave the command to "Or-Der Arms". When I turned around, there were literally hundreds and hundreds of people standing silently...all over the terminal...at all the gates on our side of the concourse, as well as all the gates on the opposite side. I noticed every woman, of child bearing age either had tears in her eyes, or running down their cheeks...and a lot of fathers did too.

I was taken back. People still care. During the next 10 minutes, a lot of former service members, fathers of soldiers, and a few moms came and thanked me for letting them know what to do. I didn't do anything compared to that Marine. People want to be led to do what is right.

America still cares. America still has gratitude. The American spirit is not dead. We don't need to apologize to anyone for who we are. I don't know who that Marine was, where he served, or how he died. All I know is that he raised his right arm, took the oath, put on that uniform, and did his duty. That's good enough for me. I don't know how he died, or where he was going. All I know is that his dreams for a better life are over. Somewhere tonight there is a grieving wife, or mother, or father...and their pain has just begun. I began this evening concerned that I might be inconvenienced. Tonight I am safe, my family is safe, the worst thing that might happen to me is a little inconvenience. I am safe because of the sacrifices that Marine made. I am safe due to the sacrifices that all our brothers in arms have made since 1776.

His duty is over. Our duty is not. It is not our duty to simply stand and pay respect as a fallen soldier passes. Our duty is to remain steadfast so that our Armed Forces not be committed to harm's way recklessly, that they be properly housed, trained, and led. We need to do our duty to provide our young men and women with the best equipment, not simply with weapons and armor that is "good enough".

I wish I knew the family of that Marine to say personal thanks. I wish I could let them know that for a few minutes, in an airport terminal of one of the busiest airports in the United States of America, a group of Americans rendered an honor to their son. I doubt it could take the edge off their loss, but I think it wouldn't hurt.

It made me think. It made us all reflect for a few minutes. Gratitude.

Thank you brave, Marine, for one last supreme gift...Hooah...Semper Fi!

Ken Robertson LTC, USAR, Retired Reserve

I just wanted to send an email out and say thank you for all the boxes we got last week. It was a real big moral booster!! All the guys really enjoyed the stuff!! All the kids liked the beany babies!! I took them out to one of the villages that we go to and there are bout 50 kids out there and all of them wanted one!! But they liked the candy and little games too!! The DVD player was great but still looking for a TV.

But all is good over here and we are all safe!! Not much going on here were we are at!! Thank you agian for all the goodies!! And all of your all support!! From all the guys in 2nd platoon, 2nd squad, 218th MP CO., Kirkuk, Iraq!!!

PFC Harrod, Timothy A.
United States Army
MIlitary Police Corps
Currently Deployed To Kirkuk, Iraq

Last Monday (5-4) I called Mauri-Lou's Dry Cleaning to see if I could get patches sewn on my dress uniforms. The gentleman on the phone said the seamstress was really backed up with prom and was turning people away. While on the phone with me, a customer asked the gentlemen what branch of service I was in.  I said Navy.  The woman said that she has nephews in the Navy and sews their uniforms all the time and would be more than happy to help me out. I spoke to her for a few minutes on the phone, her name is Claire.  I asked what she would charge and she said she'd be happy to do it for free.

I brought both my dress whites and dress blues for her to work on and the uniform regulation on how the stripes go on the uniform.  She pinned them on the uniform and asked me when I needed them done.  I told her by Friday at the latest and she actually finished them by Wednesday.  I spoke to her for a minute or two after we exchanged phone numbers and the uniforms.  She told me that she lived in Lakeside Park and that her dad was a flight surgeon in WWII.  Awesome feel good story.

Rick Henry - Navy Reservist
Associate Member NKY Chapter 5
BSMA, Inc

Howdy all!

This will most likely be my last email from Iraq! I’ll be outta here early next month! I’m really looking forward to getting home to the land of the big PX.

I wanted to thank y’all for all the support you’ve shown me throughout the past 13 months. It was especially nice to get the little Christmas tree. I still have the little rascal up in the office.  I’m just as bad at home at taking down decorations. All the care packages really helped make this deployment more enjoyable and boosted the morale of all the Marines within the Regimental Combat Team Logistics office. 

Maybe I’ll get lucky and wind up in Kentucky at some point in my career and be able to swing by the BSM club house. You’re a great group of ladies (and guys!  I didn’t forget the dads!) and I wish all of you the very best and a very Merry Christmas and hope the best for you in the New Year.

Thanks again so very much,

Sincerely,

Jeremy M. de Vries, GySgt USMC

I can always be reached at my personal email at log_guy1@hotmail.com

I can't sleep because I am still thinking about all the sights we took in yesterday and praying about today's surgery. This could quite possibly be his last surgery, but they won't know for sure until they get into the O.R. Being his last surgery would be wonderful because it means that he would be able to lose the trach tube!! HOWEVER, I don't want them to rush the skin graft, because I can't imagine having to put Kurtis through it twice.

Kurtis gave a wonderful gift yesterday by "letting" us take the day off. We called to make sure he was ok for the evening and say goodnight, and he proceeded to say that he could tell we needed some time alone (very astute child). I was very thankful that he was unselfish enough to let us know it was ok to go. A few years ago, this would've been a totally different scenario and he wouldn't have cared about anything but himself. The Army has given him a true meaning of the word "sacrifice".

The attached pics were taken at the WWII Memorial and I know those men knew the meaning, as well. He's said over and over during particularly painful times in his recovery that he is glad it was him that took the brunt of the explosion and not one of his men. When he does question why this happened (again during painful times), I always whisper close to his hear "because you are strong enough"…

Today was a little disappointing, as Kurtis was scheduled to have a "swallow test" this morning. That simply means that if all goes well, he will be able to have his trach taken out - WOO HOO! Just as we were getting ready to go, they called and cancelled...oh well, he took it like a champ and went to Physical Therapy instead to work out. Solomon (the PT guy that used to be a football player for the NY Giants at some point) was thrilled to see him and we went to the gym for the amputees. Kurtis was able to SEE how blessed he is once again. He has gained a deep respect for how hard these fellas have to work!

Kurtis got the stints taken out of his nose and the wires off his jaws (he still has bands), but again, he is taking all of this like a champ! We then went and got his hair cut and he looks MUCH better! He now "meets the standard"!

Please enjoy the attached pics we had previously been unable to send. The first pic is Occupational Therapy w/Major Brown and the next is all of us and our friend, Robin (that's Mr. Williams to all of you) baa haa haa....

This part is from me....... to make a veryyyyyy long story short the cards and gift to the Mom is now on its way to Becky and Kurtis by overnight mail to Becky's Motel. All is well that ends well!!!!!

Kurtis is sitting next to me and he wants me to relay that for him it was a good day because he was able to talk with his CO (Capt Bill Kampf) and get answers about what happened on the day he was injured. This creates closure for him and puts his mind at ease.

Praise the Lord for the GOOD days!

Many of you who know us, know that I have a specific promise regarding Kurtis and his life. I can assure you all of that promise by saying that the info from the frontlines is that he died 3 times before getting to Walter Reed... Let that sink in, he had to be revived 3 times to be here today and sitting and standing and walking the hallways of the hospital!

I never doubted for a single second that he would come home. Kurtis writes about his experiences and needs to get it all out to promote mental healing, so he was telling us all he remembered about the day he was hurt. When he started telling us about 1Sgt Davey, he teared up and wrote "I said do you think I'm going to die and he teared up a little and told me no I will be just fine", then he wrote "I got scared when I asked 1Sgt how bad it was and he almost cried when he said it's not that bad". Then he wrote "that man loves me :) "

Upon Kurtis' request, we contacted this man and got an incredible email response. He talked about the prayer warriors at home and that he can't wait to see the way God will work out His plan for Kurtis' life. THIS IS THE MAN GOD PUT IN MY SON'S LIFE TO HOLD HIM WHEN HE THOUGHT HE WAS DYING!!!!!! Thank you, God....

By: Joseph R. Tomczak Cadet, Fourth Class United States Air Force Academy

So after our sunburns have faded and the memories of our winter break have been reduced to pictures we've pinned on our desk boards, and once again we've exchanged T-shirts and swim suits for flight suits and camouflage,there still remains the question that every cadet at U.S.Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs has asked themselves at some point: Why did we come back? Why, after spending two weeks with our family would we return to one of the most demanding lifestyles in the country?

After listening to our 'friends' who are home from State or Ivy League schools chock full of wisdom about how our war in Iraq is unjust and unworldly, why would we return? And after watching the news and reading the papers which only seem to condemn the military's every mistake and shadow every victory, why would we continue to think it is worth the sacrifice of a normal college life? Is it because the institution to which we belong is tuition- free?

Anyone who claims this has forgotten that we will, by the time we graduate, repay the US taxpayer many times over in blood, sweat, and tears. Is it because the schooling we are receiving is one of the best undergraduate educations in the country? While the quality of the education is second to none, anyone who provides this as a main reason has lost sight of the awesome responsibility that awaits those who are tough enough to graduate and become commissioned offic ers in the U.S. Air Force.

I come back to the Academy because I want to have the training necessary so that one day I'll have the incredible responsibility of leading the sons and daughters of America in combat. These men and women will never ask about my Academy grade point average, their only concern will be that I have the ability to lead them expertly; I will be humbled to earn their respect. I come back to the Academy because I want to be the commander who saves lives by negotiating with Arab leaders... in their own language.

I come back to the Academy because, if called upon, I want to be the pilot who flies half way around the world with three mid-air refuelings to send a bomb from 30,000 feet into a basement housing the enemy... through a ventilation shaft two feet wide.

Becoming an officer in today's modern Air Force is so much more than just command; it is being a diplomat, a strategist, a communicator, a moral compass, but always a warrior first.

I come back to the Air Force Academy because, right now, the United States is fighting a global war that is an 'away game' in Iraq - taking the fight to the terrorists.

Whether or not we think the terrorists were in Iraq before our invasion, they are unquestionably there now. And if there is any doubt as to whether this is a global war, just ask the people in Amman, in London, in Madrid, in Casablanca, in Riyadh, and in Bali.

This war must remain an away game because we have seen what happens when it becomes a home game... I come back to the Academy because I want to be a part of that fight.

I come back to the Academy because I don't want my vacationing family to board a bus in Paris that gets blown away by someone who thinks that it would be a good idea to convert the Western world to Islam.

I come back to the Academy because I don't want the woman I love to be the one who dials her last frantic cell phone call while huddled in the back of an airliner with a hundred other people seconds away from slamming into the Capitol building.

I come back to the Academy because during my freshman year of high school I sat in a geometry class and watched nineteen terrorists change the course of history live on television.

For the first time, every class currently at a U.S. Service Academy made the decision to join after the 2001 terror attacks.

Some have said that the U.S. invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan only created more terrorists...I say that the attacks of September 11th, 2001 created an untold more number of American soldiers; I go to school with 4,000 of them. And that's worth more than missing a few frat parties.

Joseph R. Tomczak Cadet, Fourth Class
United States Air Force Academy

(U.S. Senator Wayne Allard (R-Colorado) had Cadet Tomczak's essay read into the Congressional Record, and at a meeting of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors he presented Cadet Tomczak with a framed copy of the essay.)

Lorene,

How are things going back in KY? I’ve graduated from boot camp as I'm sure you are well aware and going to school here in Chicago for about the next 4 or 5 weeks before heading off to learn some more.

I received a birthday card in the mail and wanted to say thank you to everyone for sending it to me.  I hope that my mom has brought a picture to you.  This truly has been an absolute life changing experience for me and I couldn't be happier that I made this choice. 

I haven't received orders for my next duty station yet but I think given the choice I'm going to aim for Norfolk, VA.  I should be home Memorial Day weekend on that Saturday and Sunday and I noticed that on the BSM website you’re going to be setup at the Richwood Flea Market so I'm going to try to stop out and say hi. 

I'll try to keep in touch, I should have internet access and my laptop for the next bit of time, until school is over sometime in November I believe.  Anyway I've got to run, hope to hear from you soon.

Respectfully Danny Roberts

Howdy Lorene! 

Glad to hear that y'all had a great time at Ft Walton Beach.  It's always great to be able to kick back and relax.  I'm looking forward to August when I get my R & R. 

So what'd y'all do in Florida?  Hit the beach or hit the bars?  Don't forget I met y'all! Troublemakers, the whole lot of ya :) 

Work here is really the same as usual.  Spend far too much time working at a desk... my family seems to like the idea of that.  I find it rather boring.  Eh, someone has to do it I suppose!  Anyway, I hope that you all are doing well, and y'all are in my thoughts!

Sincerely,
Jeremy

I just wanted to say hi and thanks for the birthday package! I was on day 28 without mail (due to weather and one package getting lost). Mail finally came in today and the birthday package came along with some of the stuff from my family.

It definately made for a really awesome day. I wore the party hat while I opened up the rest of my care packages. I'm sure I looked a little goofy wearing it in uniform as the senior enlisted Marine in the office though :) It was really great getting all the cards as well! I can't thank you all enough for everything, the letters, emails and the package. It's been really terrific. I'll be sure to write actual letters to everyone as well.

I hope that you all are doing well. How did y'alls meeting go on the 20th? How successful has the 'Share Your Dream' program been so far?

Please be sure to tell all the wonderful ladies at BSM of NKY Chapter 5 that I said howdy! I'll be sure to write again soon!"

Take care and best regards,
Jeremy M. de Vries
GySgt / USMC

I wanted to take a minute to thank all of you for everything you do to support us troops here in Iraq and abroad. It truly does mean a lot to all of us soldiers, when we are having a rough day, or down and out and mail comes and there is a package of goodies from you all. Truly does put a smile on our faces and feels good inside. This is my second deployment to Iraq and when I was here during the first year of the war we didn’t have any groups sending us packages over here.

I just wanted to write and send my heart felt thank you for everything you all are doing. Keep up the good work and we will be seeing you very soon. It meant a lot to me to receive a Christmas box and a birthday card and everything with everyone’s signature on it. Once again thanks for everything."

(Sandy Bolmer’s son)

This is GySgt Jeremy de Vries.  I came to KY to talk to y'alls Blue Star Mothers group.  I just wanted to thank y'all for having me at your event.  I ended up at some really neat events over the summer, but really had a blast at yours.  Unfortunately, the Grand Ol' Opry had you beat, but only by a little bit, and that's only because I got to meet Lee Greenwood and go on stage there. 

After the speaking tour, I got to spend a few months with my family back home, have a nice Christmas with them, and then was back in Iraq by New Years.  Can't say that it's necessarily good to be back here, but it's not too bad.  The chow hall feeds me well and I'm lucky enough that I have my own room (with my Tennessee flag flying proudly in it).  I hope that you all are doing well and thank you all so much for giving me a taste of home while on my little speaking tour. 

Please be sure to pass on my thanks to your daughters and say hello to Michelle and all the other ladies at BSM."

Sincerely, Jeremy M. de Vries GySgt  USMC 

"Dear Blue Star Mothers,

Thank you very much for the love and support of American military men and women. It’s wonderful to serve and protect this country for ones like yourself. Your support gives each and every soldier more courage and bravery.

Again, thanks for everything. May God Bless you and your families over the holidays and throughout your life."

SPC Logan, Julia

PV2 Stephane M. Salet

"To my friends I have some life updates: Yesterday you may have seen my son on the news. Stephane was following a car down a winding country road when that car lost control and spun out. The car wrapped around a tree and started smoking right away. It quickly burst into flames. The passenger side was wrapped around the tree, but the driver's side door came open and he pulled an 18 year old boy out who's legs were broken. The flames got higher and he had to move the boy far enough away in case of an explosion.

He was then ran back to try and get the young female out of the car. The seat belt was twisted in the metal of the car and he did not have a knife to cut it. He tried desperately to get her out, but the fire took over the car. As you know Stephane just got back from his Army training and was prepared to handle emergencies. He wasn't prepared to watch a life lost.

He was destroyed and called me sobbing uncontrollable. It was some time before the police and fire could get there since it was out in the county, and when they did they called me to get me down there to help support him.

He was hero, he saved the young boy's life and I told him God knows he did his best and it wasn't his fault. The news media was taken by his heroic actions and came to our home to interview him. Today I ask for your thoughts and prayer for the families of the deceased and the injured. They will have a difficult holiday."

"I just wanted to let you know we received the care packages today and as soon as I can get them passed out and pictures taken I will get them sent out to you.

Thanks again."

Sgt Hester Bravo Co 1 149th Infantry Division Baghdad Iraq

My name is Keith Ransdell and I am serving in Baghdad, Iraq with the 1/149th Infantry Battalion of the Kentucky National Guard. Last week, we received some very kind gifts from you and your organization and it was greatly appreciated. The gift boxes contained many useful items to us as well as things to just remind you of home. I can’t say in words how much this means to us! It is very hard being here doing what we have to do on a daily basis, not to mention being away from our friends and loved ones back home. I would just like to say thank you for your love and kindness that you have given to us. We need that support so much. It’s what keeps us going over here!

Thank you again and God bless you."

Sincerely, Keith Ransdell

“First of all I would like to thank the Northern Kentucky Blue Star Mothers organization for sending my fellow soldiers and myself the care packages. It really helps getting these packages because it gives a little something from home. My name is Sgt Joseph Brown and I am originally from Barbourville, Kentucky, but I currently live in Cumberland Gap, TN. I have a wife of 3 years and a son whom is 22 months. I have been in the Kentucky National Guard for a little over 4 years and this is my first deployment to Iraq.

Once again thanks for the goodie boxes and the only thing I ask is to continue to keep my family, my fellow soldiers and myself in your thoughts and prayers, and pray that everyone makes it back to their family and friends.”

Thanks,

Sgt Joe Brown
Company Bravo 1/149th
APO 09342-1400

I just thought that I would drop a few lines to see how your group is doing and to again thank you so much for the help with my grandmother. Our family has had some hard times in the last few weeks. My other grandmother died at the end of Feb. and I was unable to attend. The price of the tickets were so much that I could not in good conscience do that. We are trying to fly home this summer before my hubby is deployed again but of course trying to buy 5 tickets is rather expensive. Also, I have been really sick and I feel bad because I was unable to hold our daughters birthday parties like we do every year. I just was physically unable to do it. We are almost out of boxes, the key word is almost. We still have not told the kids about dad leaving again. Or the rest of the family. We don’t want them all to dwell on it. This will be his 4th time.

Other than all of that things are well. I seen where you got A LOT of snow this year. Of course we didn’t. We got a light dusting one night. Boy the kids were praying for it. Well, I had better get going. I am doing some stuff for an Easter Egg Hunt and it is so much fun stuffing 500 eggs. Well, you have a great week and thanks again for all you do to support our troops. I know that you get a lot of thanks but I wanted to let you know that I APPRECIATE YOU!!!

Thanks again and GOD BLESS.”

Allison Walker