the moving wall 2014 - estrella

October 2-6, 2014 | Estrella Honoring Vietnam Veterans | The Moving Wall ™ 1

LIFEThe Official Community Magazine of Estrella

Special Editionwww.LifeInEstrella.com

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estrella

Estrella Honoring Vietnam VeteransOctober 2-6, 2014

2 The Moving Wall ™ | Estrella Honoring Vietnam Veterans | October 2-6, 2014

The Moving Wall™ Donations & SupportThank you sponsors for your overwhelming generosity with contributions totaling over $20,000 to create the beautiful park surroundings of The Moving Wall™. Your

thoughtful contributions of granite, mulch, trees, wood, creativity, architectural design and labor will allow everyone visiting The Moving Wall™ to have an experience that

will forever be stamped in their hearts as truly a ‘Moving Memory’.

Fighter Country Partnership and Foundation

AAA Landscape

Native Resources Intl.

SiteWorks

DLC Resources

All Rock Supply

HSC – Hollenbach Surveying Co.

Agave Environmental

Contracting Inc.

West Valley Rock

Grand Materials & Supply

Caretaker


The Moving Wall™ Event Guide was published by Lion Tree Communications on behalf of the Estrella Joint Committee (EJC). Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photographs or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Trademarks, logos and content provided by advertisers, sponsors and partners are owned by the respective companies and all rights are reserved by them. The views, statements, and claims of advertisers or other contributors do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, the EJC or its employees. Printed in the USA. Please recycle.

by Lisa Lundskow, Community Manager at Estrella

On behalf of the CCMC Estrella Management Team, we want to thank all of the wonderful and generous sponsors who made this event happen. It is truly an honor to be able to host The Moving Wall™ in Estrella and without the benevolence of the many sponsors, the park created to hold the event would not have been made possible. Also, a special thanks to Newland Communities for allowing us the use of their property and their selfless support to bring The Moving Wall™ here to honor the many, many veterans who live in this beautiful community, as well as our neighboring communities.

It has been a lot of hard work and dedication from the team of staff and residents who came together to facilitate this event. Residents John Compton, who first brought the idea of hosting The Moving Wall™, Ed Blanchard with Fighter Country Partnership, Tim Rilley Veterans Pride Battalion, Dennis Brungardt and Major William Karlage, US Army, we are truly grateful for the countless hours spent on every detail.

We would also like to recognize the City of Goodyear for their support with this event. They have had their team engaged in our meetings to assist where needed to ensure the safety of our visitors.

And of course to all of the volunteers, residents, clubs, organizations and schools that provided all the necessary manpower needed each day to read names, assist visitors, protect the site and ensure the very best experience for all of those visiting the wall to honor their loved ones or reflect, their service is truly appreciated.

Finally, to all the men and women who serve and have served our country, we thank you for your service and for protecting our freedoms. It is truly an honor to have you all here.

Thank you

Cover photo supplied by The Moving Wall™www.themovingwall.orgInterior photography by Dave Finley, Tony Pignone and Shirley Robertson, as well as Estrella residents.

evenT guide TAbLE oF CoNTENTS

4 INTRoDuCTIoN

6 SCHEDuLE oF EVENTS

8 FEATuRED SPEAkERS

10 THE MoVING WALL™ DEDICATIoN

12 ESTRELLA’S VETERANS NoW

14 ESTRELLA’S VETERANS THEN

16 ESTRELLA’S VETERANS THEN & NoW

18 buILDING THE MoVING WALL™

20 DEVELoPER’S CoRNER

20 ESTRELLA STuDENT ESSAyS

21 THE MoVING WALL™ SPoNSoRS

22 MoTHERS, WIVES & GRANDMoTHERS


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The Moving Wall ™ Schedule of Events

ThurSday, OcTObEr 2, 2014 12:00 p.m. Presentation of Colors - Veterans Pride Battalion - US Navy Sea Cadets Reading of Names

Friday, OcTObEr 3, 2014 9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony National Anthem Patrick McDermott Presentation of Colors Ed Blanchard - Luke AFB Honor Guard Pledge of Allegiance Ed Blanchard - Luke AFB Honor Guard Invocation Chaplain Fowler Keynote Speaker Brigadier General Scott L. Pleus God Bless America Patrick McDermott

SaTurday, OcTObEr 4, 2014 6:00 p.m. POW/MIA Program National Anthem Anderson Institute Presentation of Colors Veterans Pride Battalion - US Navy Sea Cadets Pledge of Allegiance Tim Rilley Invocation American Legion Chaplain National Anthem Anderson Institute Table Setup American Legion “American Tears” Estrella Mountain Elementary School 7th Grade Choir POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony Speaker Robert Madden Song Anderson Institute Candlelight Vigil for all Veterans & Lantern Release

Sunday, OcTObEr 5, 2014 6:30 a.m. Presentation of Colors Cub Scouts Pledge of Allegiance Tim Rilley Sunrise Service Pastor Denny Harkins Invitation of Song Led by Estrella Mountain Worship Team Invocation Pastor Denny Harkins

mOnday, OcTObEr 6, 2014 9:00 a.m. Closing Ceremony Presentation of Colors Ed Blanchard - Luke AFB Honor Guard Pledge of Allegiance Ed Blanchard Invocation Chaplain Fisher Closing Remarks Mayor Georgia Lord - City of Goodyear Retiring of Colors American Legion Taps Luke AFB Honor Guard 12:00 p.m. Disassembly of Wall - Fighter Country Partnership - Blue Blazers

Wall remains Open 24 hoursreading of names



Wall Open until noonreading of names

Wall Opens to the Publicreading of names


The Moving Wall ™ Featured Speakers

Patrick McDermott, CEMPresenting the National AnthemOctober 3, 2014, 9:00 a.m.Patrick has been employed at APS since 1987. In his current role as the West Valley

community affairs manager, Patrick is responsible for the active engagement of all communities in the West Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area from Gila Bend, Luke AFB, through the West Valley and up to Wickenburg and Yarnell. In his role, he provides a single point of contact for business and community leaders as they interact with APS. He is also responsible for non-profit relationships and community speaking.Patrick has been actively involved with many volunteer and professional organizations including; Fighter Country Partnership Board of Directors, Chairman of the Honorary Commander Program and Honorary Commanders Alumni Association (the Blue Blazer Squadron) and the Employee Service to the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), which is a new venture for him in support of our brave women and men in uniform. Patrick is married to Tara and is the stepfather to Delaney, a delightful 16 year old.

brigadier General Scott L. PleusKeynote Speaker - Opening Ceremony October 3, 2014, 9:00 a.m.

Brig. Gen. Scott L. Pleus is the Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The wing’s mission is to train the world’s greatest F-16 pilots while deploying

mission-ready warfighters. As part of Air Education and Training Command, and home to 23 squadrons with both F-16 and F-35A Lightning II aircraft, the 56th is the largest fighter wing in the U.S. Air Force and graduates more than 300 F-16 pilots and 300 air control professionals annually.

The wing is also responsible for the three squadrons under the 54th Fighter Group located at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, where F-16 training will move as Luke AFB transitions to become the sole pilot training center for the F-35, the Air Force’s newest multi-role aircraft. Additionally, the 56th Fighter Wing oversees the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field and is steward of the Barry M. Goldwater Range, a military training range spanning more than 1.7 million acres of Sonoran desert.General Pleus received his commission in 1989 through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. During his career, which includes five overseas assignments, he’s commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels and was a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at Sun Microsystems in California. Prior to his current assignment, General Pleus served as the Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.General Pleus is a command pilot with more than 2,300 flying hours, including combat time earned during operations Desert Fox and Southern Watch.

Fighter Country Partnership & FoundationLuke Air Force baseArizona is home to Fighter Country Partnership and

Foundation (FCPF). It is the training ground for the world’s largest fighter base. It’s also where we live,

work and raise our families. That’s why for more than a decade, the FCPF has been dedicated to the men, women, families and mission of the USAF in Arizona. When the community joins forces with local and state government, the business sector and the military, a strong alliance is developed and a partnership is formed.Luke AFB is a $2.17 billion economic engine for the State of Arizona. When you have the world’s largest Air Force Base in your backyard, you’ve got to protect it. FCPF has done just that locally and in our nation’s capital for more than ten years.Arizona needs to keep the mission of Luke AFB today and long into the future. To do that, there are six critical mission elements that need continuing support. Unlike any other base in the world, Luke has the ability to: − Land and takeoff in two directions − Access the Barry M. Goldwater Range with live training munitions − Fly instrument approaches at the Luke Auxiliary Field #1 − Perform patterns and landings at Gila Bend Auxiliary Air Field − Access and utilize Gladden/Bagdad Military Operating Areas − Access military training routes throughout the stateTo learn more about FCPF and Luke AFB please visit their website at http://fightercountry.org/partnership/welcome-to-fighter-country. Thank you to FCPF and Luke AFB for your support and participation in the The Moving Wall™ event.


Timothy S. RilleyPresenting the Pledge of Allegiance Veterans Pride Battalion - US Navy Sea CadetsOctober 2, 2014, 12:00 p.m.October 4, 2014, 6:00 p.m.October 5, 2014, 6:30 a.m.

Timothy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and graduated

High School in 1965. He then attended Eastern Michigan University and entered the US Marine Corps in August 1966. He served in Vietnam from 1967 – 1968 and received an Honorable Discharge on August 2, 1972. Upon leaving the Marine Corps, Timothy moved to Minnesota and had careers in the Automotive, Insurance and Mortgage Businesses. He moved to Arizona in 2004 with his wife Debra and continued a career in the Mortgage Business. Currently, Tim works in the Solar Film Business, selling and installing Solar Window Film on Residential and Commercial buildings.Tim and Debra have three children, one son and two daughters, and currently have nine grandchildren. Debra is a teacher at Estrella Elementary School, and in Tim’s opinion, she is the best teacher any child could have. Throughout Tim’s life, he has always believed in giving something back as a reward for having so much given to him.Organizations and Volunteer History:Lions Club Rotary Club Boy Scouts of America Cub ScoutsSertoma Club ToastmastersBoys & Girls Clubs of America Big BrothersDisabled American Veterans Veterans of Foreign WarsAmerican Legion Make A Wish FoundationTwin City Marathon B.O.D. Skykids, B.O.D.Mpls Children’s Heart Hospital US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Executive Officer

Pastor Denny HarkinsPresenting the Sunrise Service October 5, 2014, 6:30 a.m.

Pastor Harkins was born in Basin, Wyoming and raised in the West Valley of Phoenix, Arizona. He attended Northern Arizona University and Grand

Canyon University receiving a degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Religion. Pastor Harkins worked for 26 years with the Arizona Department of Corrections retiring in 2007 as a Warden. He has been a local Pastor for the past six years at Estrella Mountain Church in Goodyear, Arizona. He is married to wife Kristine and has two adult children – one in Boise, Idaho and one in Nashville, Tennessee. He is proud grandfather to five grandchildren and another on the way.

Robert MaddenPresenting the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony October 4, 2014, 6:00 p.m. Bob Madden served in 2013 as the Chairman of the Unified Arizona Veterans after serving as their Vice Chairman. Bob was

raised in Kansas and at the age of 21 he was elected to the Kansas Legislature. He served three terms in the State House of Representatives and one term in the Kansas Senate. During that time period he served in the Army with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Battalion S-5. He graduated from the College for Financial Planning with the designation Certified Financial Planner. Bob was trained as an Investment Banker and worked with E.F. Hutton and Merrill Lynch for 20 years. He moved to Arizona in 1993 to purchase Sun Nations Mortgage and operated it until his retirement in 2008. Bob was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2010 and has served the last eight years on the Arizona Disabled Veterans Executive Council.

Ed blanchardPresentation of the Colors - Luke AFB Honor Guard Pledge of Allegiance October 3, 2014, 9:00 a.m. October 6, 2014, 9:00 a.m.

Edwin “Ed” Blanchard, CMSgt (Retired) US Air Force, has been

the Director of the Fighter Country Partnership since 1995. Ed served in the USAF for 31 years and was a former Senior Enlisted Advisor & Command Chief Master Sergeant Luke AFB. He retired as the Area Sales Manager with Capital Holdings Corp., Providian Corp., and Aegon USA. He attended Ohio University and is a member of The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Non Commissioned Officers Association, the Air Force Sergeants Association and The Retired Enlisted Association. He and his wife have one son, grandson and great grandson. Ed enjoys photography, fishing, horticulture, travel and is an amateur winemaker.


The ceremony will start with a small empty table with the Colors of Our Nation posted at the table. Candles will be passed to all participants and attendees. In the name of Crandall – Palmer Post 61, Department of Arizona, The American Legion, I dedicate this memorial. I dedicate it to the memory of those who fell in the service of our Country. I

dedicate it in the name of those who offered their lives so justice, freedom and democracy might survive to be the victorious ideals of the peoples of the world. The lives of those who have made the supreme sacrifice are glorious before us; their deeds are an inspiration. As they served America in time of war, yielding their last full measure of devotion, may we serve America in time of peace.I dedicate this monument to them, and with it I dedicate this Post to the faithful service of our Country and to preservation of the memory of those who died that Liberty might live.Those who have served, and those currently serving in the uniformed services of the United States, are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and imprisonment.I now ask that all in attendance please light your candles of remembrance as we reflect on what this memorial symbolizes.The candles are representative of our memories of loved ones, Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors that we know and knew of.

The Four Pillars oF The Call oF duTYThere are four basic reasons why Americans answer our nation’s call to arms and put their lives in harm’s way. They do it to preserve a strong national defense–to keep America safe and secure against those enemies who would destroy our way of life. They do it for their active duty comrades–and for the veterans who served before them.

They do it to preserve american core values of god and Country–family, patriotism and religious freedom. They do it for their children–so that they can grow up in an America that is strong and free. It is through this last pillar–the children–that we as a grateful nation can tangibly honor the memory of our heroes.

PoW/Mia eMPTY Chair CereMonY As each piece of the setting is identified it will be placed by various representatives of the VFW and American Legion Families.May I call your attention to this small table which occupies a place of dignity and honor. It will be set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks. They are referred to as POWs and MIAs. We call them brothers, sisters and comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them, and to bear witness to their continued absence.The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her oppressors. (Please place a tablecloth upon the table.)The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their Country’s call to arms. (Please place a rose upon the table.)The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep faith, while awaiting their return.The red ribbon on the vase represents the red ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand, with unyielding determination, a proper account of our comrades who are not among us. (Please place a lemon on the plate and salt the plate.)A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait. (Please place a glass upon the table.)The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time. (Place a chair at the table.)The chair is empty. They are NOT here. (Please place a candle on the table.)The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to open arms of a grateful nation.The American flag reminds us that many of them may

The Moving Wall ™ Dedication

by Robert Madden, Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame


never return—and have paid the supreme sacrifice to insure our freedom.Let us pray to the Supreme Commander that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks. Let us remember—and never forget their sacrifice. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.

a leTTer To daddYLet me share with you the final letter to Command Sergeant Major James Blankenbecler, from his 14-year-old daughter, Jessica. She wrote it two days after she found out he was killed in a convoy.

“Hi Daddy, sorry I haven’t written to you in a while. I miss you so much. How have you been? Is heaven everything it says it is? I know it’s probably that and more. I can’t wait ‘till I can come join you again. I have your military ring on now. It’s kind of big for my little finger, but it makes me feel you’re holding my hand when I have it on…It’s been on since we found out the news. And when we drive by the billboards that say, ‘An Army of One,’ it makes me remember you in your military uniform. How you always made a crunching sound when you walked, and how you shined your big boots every night before you went

to bed. I miss seeing that all the time. I know you are gone now, but it only means that I have another angel watching over me for the rest of my life. That’s the only way I can think of this being good. There is no other way I can think of it. Little things that I took for granted when you were here seem priceless now. I will miss you, daddy, with all my heart. I will always be your little girl and I will never forget that ... I love you daddy, I will miss you! P.S. I have never been so proud of my last name.”

Jessica’s words, I think, capture the emotions we all feel here today. We miss our comrades like Sgt Major Blankenbecler, and all of our friends – of all wars – who laid down their lives for our country. Let us forever remember their sacrifice. May God bless them and may God bless you for caring enough to be here today. Please rise for a moment of silence.A Bugler will sound “TAPS” followed by the Honor Guard firing a “Volley” which consists of three rounds of fire.This concludes our ceremony for The Moving Wall™. Thank you all for attending.



Estrella’s Vietnam Veterans Now


RoW 1 LEFT to RIGHTLarry brewer (blue shorts) Richard Newcomer, Charles Marshall (kneeling), bill Thompson (standing), Frank Smickley (kneeling), Paul Farrand (wheel chair), Dave bruckelmyer, Rick brungardt, DeWitt Lang, Mike RobertsRoW 2 LEFT to RIGHT Samuel Cross, Joe Meade, Robert Cobb, George McAfee, Stevie Henderson, kent Malcolm, Pete Marikle, Diane Despres, Robert Johansson, Wayne TomlinRoW 3 LEFT to RIGHTFrank Vaupell, brad Stockwell, Wayne Sims, Sandi Cross, Ed blanchard, Paul Despres, Jerry Robinson, Henry MooreRoW 4 LEFT to RIGHTGary Mathews, John McMillin, Eddie Robinson, billy ParksNot pictured: Michael Valabek, Tim Rilley, karl Larson, George owens, Richard Toliver


Estrella’s Veterans ThenBackowski John E. 1971-1974

Bartron Daniel A. 1957-1987

Behm Dale 1964-1970

Blanchard Edwin E. 1968-1969

Brewer Larry 1967-1969

Bruckelmyer David R. 1969-1970

Brungardt Richard 1967-1970

Clyatt Bucky 1967-1968

Cobb Robert W. 1967-1970

Cobb Robert 1968-1969

Cross Samuel P. 1958-1989

Cross Sandra Jeanne 1960-1963

Dehmer Rodney Allen 1967-1971

Despres Diane 1968-1970

Despres Paul N. 1967-1969

Farrand Paul D. 1966-1970

Fritsch Richard A. 1969-1970

Galvin Denny 1969-1970

Guenther Al 1967-1969

Guse Eugene G. 1968-1969

Henderson Stephanie K. 1970-1973

Holly Bernard 1970-1971

Lane Thomas 1968-1971

Lang Edward DeWitt 1969-1971

LeCompte William C. 1971-1981

Londe Byron 1966-1969

Malcolm Kent Lewis 1972-1976


Estrella’s Veterans Then & NowMarikle Peter 1964-1984

Marshall Charles F. 1961-1969

Mathews Gary 1969-1970

McAfee, Jr George W. 1970-1971

McMillin John D. 1967-1987

Meade, Jr Joseph John 1967-1969

Monberger Barry H. 1968-1974

Moore Henry A. 1959-1989

Owens George 1963-1967

Parks Billy Thomas 1967-1990

Rilley Tim 1966-1972

Roberts Michael D. 1966-1969

Robinson Jerry Joe 1964-1966

Robinson Eddie 1973-1974

Salsman Rick R. 1969-1975

Stockwell Brad 1969-1971

Taylor Larry L. 1969-2010

Theuninck Don 1970-1971

Toliver Richard 1966-1989

Tombo Wayne 1967-1969

Tomlin G. Wayne 1966-1970

Unangst Capt. Jack K. 1973-2004

Valabek Michael Paul 1966-1970

Waldron Duane Everett 1951-1970

Wallace Ronald Staflin 1967-1968

Ybarra Ed 1965-1967

Zednik William H. 1967-1971


Building The Moving Wall™



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lives That Were lost by Alex Schaeffer, Age 13, Estrella Homeschool StudentThe vast Vietnam War started in 1957 and ended in 1975 which was very extensive, bitter, and miserable. I thank all the men who risked their lives in that dreadful war.North Vietnam and South Vietnam separated in 1954 after the Geneva Conference. Aggressively, the United States and South Vietnam tried to stop this from happening. From 1957 to 1965 the war was a struggle because the South Vietnamese and the North Vietnamese army looked alike. By 1965 the drastic Vietnam War seemed endless. They were dirty, scared, and tired. Finally, the war ended on April 30, 1975. South Vietnam surrendered to North Vietnam which left 58,151 deaths, 153,303 wounded, and 2,400 missing from the United States army. The Vietnam War was a very distressing time for all the men who fought in it. I am so sorry for all the lives that were lost and for their families.Bibliography: Murray, Stuart. Vietnam War. New York: DK Publishing, Inc. 2005. Print.

Estrella Student Essaysa Moving Memorial by J.R. Pangborn, Age 10, Grade 5One particular day in 1982, lots of veterans met at Washington D.C. They were at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall honoring all the soldiers who died fighting in the Vietnam War. Some came crippled and some came…well, but they came. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is permanently in its place but there is a replica of it called The Moving Wall™. It is coming to Estrella in October. For many this is a once in a life time event. When Vietnam veterans see the memorial they might mourn for their fallen comrades. That’s okay to mourn, but The Moving Wall™ can help forgive the past. The war’s over, and today we should be thankful if any of the soldiers who are our friends or family are still alive.

Visit www.LifeInEstrella.com to read all essays submitted by some of our Estrella students.

Newland works to create communities designed to enrich people’s lives and we believe it is our responsibility to have a meaningful impact on the larger community of which we are a part. Hosting The Moving Wall™ was a natural fit as the memorial demonstrates the values so important to us and our residents.

Estrella is deeply invested in the support of our country’s veterans. Many former and active duty military families live within our community and the close proximity to Luke Air Force Base is a reminder of those who serve.

We are honored and humbled to host The Moving Wall™ and to have this opportunity to participate in recognizing veterans.

The Estrella community is built upon a sense of togetherness, where neighbors know each other by name and people join together whenever there is a need to support their friends. Today, we join together in support of our nation’s military. The Estrella community would like to thank all veterans and active duty personnel for their bravery and service.

Developer’s Corner by Newland Communities




THANk you SPoNSoRS!Newland Communities

CCMCEstrella business Network

Moon Valley NurseriesArizona Diamondbacks

Pride GroupCancer Treatment Centers of America

Estrella Mountain Pest Control, IncEssential Properties – Jennifer Polansky

Estrella Homes and Land – Sold by Re/Max Preferred Choice

West uSA Estrella TeamHealthy Life Family Medicine

osborne JewelersPalm Gate RV & Self Storage

1 buckeye PlumbingAmerican Legion Riders Post 143

Clean Cut Landscape ManagementDiana Eklund – West uSA Realty, Estrella

Goodyear HomewatchLakeside Pools

The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA)AV Homes

Comfort SuitesDave bang Associates, Inc.

Shea HomesTotan Air Systems

T.W. Lewis by David Weekley HomesJCR Enterprises, LLC (623) 266-7004

Dave and barb Finley – Estrella ResidentsTony Pignone – Estrella Resident

Tim and Debra Rilley – Estrella ResidentsdoTerra Essential oils (406) 939-1102

Mountain Ranch Dentistry (623) 327-0231Marge Sharp – Estrella Resident

Estrella Conservative Republican GroupElgin Nursery & Tree Farm (602) 370-3032


Mothers, Wives & Grandmothers by Shirley Robertson

aMeriCan gold sTar MoThers, inC.“Who is a Gold Star Mother?” During the early days of World War I, a Blue Star was used to represent each person, man or woman, in the Military Service of the United States. As the war progressed and men were killed in combat, others wounded and died of their wounds or disease, there came about the accepted usage of the Gold Star.

This Gold Star was substituted and superimposed upon the blue Star in such a manner as to entirely cover it. The idea of the Gold Star was that the honor and glory accorded the person for his supreme sacrifice in offering for his country, the last full measure of devotion and pride of the family in this sacrifice, rather than the sense of personal loss which would be represented by the mourning symbols.

On June 4, 1928, a group of 25 mothers residing in Washington, DC, met to make plans to organize a national organization to be known as American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., a non-denominational, non-profitable and non-political organization. On January 5, 1929 the organization was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. The Charter was kept open for 90 days. At the end of this time they had a membership of 65, which included mothers throughout the United States: North, South, East and West.

There were many small groups of Gold Star Mothers functioning under local and state charters. When these groups learned of a national organization with representation in nearly every State in the Union, they wished to affiliate with the larger group and many did so. This group was composed of women who had lost a son or daughter in World War I.

Maria Martens American Gold Star Mothers National Treasurer www.goldstarmoms.com

aMeriCan Blue sTar MoThers On January 22, 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking mothers of servicemen to return the coupon. Upon receiving 1000 responses from the ad, it was decided to form a permanent organization. Three hundred (300) mothers met in the Durant Hotel in Flint, Michigan where Captain George H. Maines (who conceived the idea of this group) acted as the chair of the first meeting.

On February 6, 1942 the organization was reported in the Congressional Record and chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. We are a group of moms and grandmothers who have or have had children honorably serving in the military.

In June of 1960 the organization was officially chartered by Congress. Our focus is to serve our troops, our Veterans, our Military Families, and each other. The Blue Star Moms of the SW Valley, AZ4, out of Litchfield Park was formed in December of 2009 and received its charter on April 4, 2010.

We represent all active duty troops and Veteran service members of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as all branches of service. The Moms work hard to keep the lifelines open to our troops through packages, love and communication. We are a very special group of women, a sisterhood that works hard to support our military.

Gail S. DeLair President of the Southwest Valley–AZ4 www.BluestarMomsofthesWvalley.org

There are mothers, wives and grandmothers throughout the United States of America who have given endless hours of support to so many people who have military loved ones who have lost their lives, were injured, are missing and/or have returned home a different person while serving our country. Arizona is fortunate to have several chapters of mothers, wives and grandmothers who continue with the same relentless hours upon hours of support for our military and their families. Two support groups in the Valley are American Gold Star Mothers and American Blue Star Mothers.

Loren Gilbert

[email protected]

4125 E Presidio St., Mesa, AZ 85215

The Moving Wall™ Event Guide was made possible by the following sponsor:


Estrella by Newland Communities would like to thank all veterans and military personnel for their service.

the moving wall 2014 - estrella

Documents

moving wall event guide

moving memory

ccmc estrella management

estrella joint committee

beautiful community

generous sponsors

fighter country partnership

community manager