Upcoming Events
February Monthly Meeting
Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
USO Tribute to Honor Flight
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. A night of World War II era music, dancing, raffles & remembrance.
More Information: Family Players’ "Sentimental Journey: A USO Tribute to Honor Flight"
Annual Wounded Warrior Welcome Ceremony
Hilton Garden Inn, Troy
March 9, 2012
STRIDE thanked the Blue Star Mothers for donating goggles for their upcoming STRIDE event in March.
Information regarding the event can be found on their website at
http://www.stride.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=109
If you would like to reserve a seat at our table please contact Janet Moran. BSM will reserve a table if she has 10 replies for seats.
5th Annual Blue Jean Ball
Save the Date: May 12, 2012
Holiday Inn Exprss, Latham
Recent Events
Prattsville Fire Department Donation
Front Row: Keeran, Brett Olson, Frank Cangelosi, Nicole Osborn, Sam Rikard Back Row: Joel Sutch, Tom Olsen (Chief), Jim Dymond (Assistant Chief), Robert Murray, Steve Haight, Scott Doherty, Randy Brainerd St., Curtis Martin.
Peggy, Keeran, Karen Ferris-Fernside and I delivered our BSM donation to the Prattsville Fire Department on February 5, 2012. We arrived just in time to see the fire engines leaving to fight a fire. Peggy quickly handed the check to one of the fireman. After a short time we learned they were leaving a fireman at the fire house, as we were talking to him we heard the volunteers would be coming back soon. Tom Olsen the Fire Chief was then present to accept our check. The fire department was most appreciative of our donation. The fire house was flooded with 3 feet of water and you could still see the damage. Tom explained they were still waiting for a check from their insurance company and word from building inspectors. The fire department has equipment to replace and repairs need to be made to their fire house. We were impressed with the damage to the town of Prattsville and the work that is still needed to be done to make houses habitable.
Wreath Laying at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Dec. 10th.
2011 Holiday Troop Drive
Holiday Troop Drive
Colonie Center
Saturday and Sunday
Nov. 12-13, 2011
Hugs for Shawn
On November 5th several Blue Star Mom's and two Blue Star Dad's gathered at the Coxsackie Hose Company #3 firehouse to make no-sew blankets.
Twenty seven blankets were made this year and given to Dawn Martin who is the founder of Uncle Shaun's Hugs. Dawn will be taking the blankets on the Toys for Tot's Train with the Marine Corps on December 6th for distribution to needy children. This year Dawn will also be sending blankets to flood victims from Hurricane Irene in the Schoharie, Gilboa, and Middleburgh area. Dawn plans to hand out 500 blankets on the train this year and approximately 100 blankets to the schools.
The mom's have a great time doing this each year. Coxsackie Hose Company #3 provided pizza and sodas for lunch and Griffin's Market provided a wonderful tossed salad and fixings. Desserts were made by one of the moms and a wonderful day of comradely was had by all.
Gold Star Mothers Luncheon
Luncheon held at the Zaloga Post, Sept. 24, 2011 to honor Gold Star Mothers
It was a wonderful, touching afternoon. Blue Star Mothers presented them with a special quilt that was made as a tribute to them and their Hero.
The quilt is now on display at the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs. It will be on display for 6 months.
1st Annual Stephen Siller 5K Run/Walk
The 1st Annual Stephen Siller 5K Run/Walk was hosted by the Capital Region NY2 Blue Star Mothers of America in partnership with USA Cares and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
A portion of the funds raised by our local run will be used to help build a home for a local 13 year Air Force vet. TSgt. Joseph Wilkinson. He is currently being treated at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center.
Since his return in 2006 from "Operation Enduring Freedom" and "Operation Iraqi Freedom" he has been experiencing a variety of physical illnesses. In 2007 he underwent spinal cord surgery at Walter Reed Medical Center. Due to his compromised spinal cord and leg paralysis, he has been confined to a wheelchair. Despite extensive therapy and subsequent surgeries he continues to grow weaker. He has a wife and 3 children.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization providing assistance to our wounded servicemen and women, in conjunction with students from SUNY Albany are currently in the developing stages of building this home. It is their goal to complete construction by the end of 2012.
Read more about the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers FoundationUSA Cares BSM T2T Facebook page
Sponsored by the Albany Times Union
