National POW/IA Recognition Day - September 17, 2021
On March 12, 1967, Air Force Capt. John Clark was piloting an RF-4C Phantom II on a tactical reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. To keep under the enemy’s radar and offer less acquisition time for anti-aircraft gun crews, he was flying at an extremely low altitude ― just 100 feet off the ground.
The RF-4C was an unarmed, supersonic jet aircraft that carried a variety of film-based cameras as well as infrared and radar sensors for the purpose of intelligence gathering. The tandem two-seat plane was manned by pilots whose motto was “Alone, Unarmed, and Unafraid.”
Although Clark and the other pilot in his plane viewed this particular mission as a low risk “milk run,” their circumstances changed quickly after their jet was hit by 37mm ground fire.
“We were flying at a speed of about 600 miles per hour when the plane pitched up and began tumbling,” Clark said. “We were heading for the side of a mountain and the aircraft was out of control. At that point, we were just along for the ride, so we had to eject.”
Clark was unable to reach the primary ejection handles located above his head because of the extreme G-forces created as the plane tumbled out of control. Instead he grabbed the backup ejection handle between his legs and pulled.
“There was no time to consider other important factors, such as the position of the canopy in relationship to the ground,” Clark said. “The plane was tumbling end over end and if we ejected while the canopy was facing down, we both would have been shot into the ground and killed instantly. However, we had to get out, so I pulled the handle, and well, nothing happened.”
A Holiday Prayer for Military Families
Remember those at home while their loved ones are deployed during this holiday season.
by Edie Melson
Sometimes it’s easier to think of the military troops who are deployed during the holiday season but not their families. Today, let’s remember those families and lift them up in prayer to the One who can provide the comfort they need:
Dear Lord,
I’m praying for all those who have a loved one on deployment around the globe. I know this time of year can be a challenge, even if the deployment isn’t necessarily in a war zone. Being separated from those we care about is always hard.
I’m asking that you give these families a special peace this holiday season. Give them lots of opportunities to spend time in communication with their loved ones—through whatever means available. Thank you for all the different ways we have now to communicate around the world. Make sure packages and letter arrive in a timely fashion. Keep the digital and telephone lines clear and free from static.
Fill the days with activities to take their minds from the emptiness they feel. Surround them with friends and family who understand their struggles and can support them in ways that provide just what they need. Put people in their lives to be Your hands and feet during this stressful holiday season.
Remind them of the blessings that still surround them. Don’t let them withdraw. Instead help them to take part in the joy of this season.
Most of all, give them tangible proof that You are there with them and with their loved one. Remind them of Your great love and all the ways You watch over the entire family, those at home and deployed.
Amen.
He heals the brokenhearted and bins up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3, NASB)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Today we bow our heads to give thanks
Thanks to our Creator whose wisdom and strength is infinite.
Thanks to the winds, for cleansing tired and weary souls,
Thanks to the waters for life sustaining.
Thanks to the Mother Earth as we lay her weary head to rest for
another season.
Thanks to the Father Sun for warming our souls on the long cold days.
Thanks to the fires that life is reborn anew.
Yes Creator today we give thanks for all of your little miracles
we take so much for granted each day.
I thank you Creator for my warrior son,
Whose proud stance and carriage has
Carried him through many dark days,
And even darker nights.
He knows the Warriors Creed and
Knows the life he lives was chosen
Long ago for him.
I thank you Creator for the many hands
Each one holding a star blue or gold, to be enfolded
In this blanket not yet made
Each star is a prayer yet unanswered
They that share the knitting of a new blanket
In life they are the ones keeping the home fires lit
They are -
The mothers who stand beside, their child
Who are so far away, but so very near
The wives who stand beside their husbands
Who are so far away but so very near
The daughters who stand beside their
Mothers and grandmothers waiting for mommy or daddy to come home.
The husbands and fathers who stand waiting for their loved one
To come home.
Creator this day we give thanks
For prayers not yet answered.
Keep all of our family near and far strong –
know in our weakest moments
we are the strongest, know in the darkest moments
we are the light to guide them home.
Yes Creator this is a day of thanks
For all that has come before
And all that will come after.
Each little moment we give thanks To you.
Keep our warriors strong,
Keep our warriors safe
Until all our hands and voices
Once again join together
Singing praise of Thanksgiving
Lynn VanCoonis 2007
Proud NH Blue Star Mother
Wreaths for Boscawen ~ Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 10:30 AM
Overview: Each year, the Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire sponsors Wreaths for Boscawen. This event is intended to bring the community together to honor the veterans and family members interred at the NH State Veterans Cemetery and throughout the world. Wreaths are sourced locally and paid for through generous donations made by individuals and businesses throughout New Hampshire. Please go to www.bluestarmothersofnh.org/wreaths-for-boscawen to donate/sponsor a wreath.
This event started in 2007 and was inspired by Wreaths Across America, which is a national program where wreaths are sourced through a company in Maine. Over the past several years, we have moved toward sourcing wreaths locally because it is cheaper ($8 locally verses $15 through WAA) and it supports NH jobs and economic growth. Starting in 2020, Wreaths for Boscawen will always occur on the first Saturday in December and all wreaths will be sourced locally.
Why we do not do every headstone. We are often asked about placing wreaths on every headstone. While we appreciate this sentiment, we also balance that goal against the approximate $45,000 cost (which will continually increase) of putting wreaths on each headstone. The Blue Star Mothers and cemetery leadership made a decision to limit the number of wreaths purchased and placed through this program to between 33% and 50% of all headstones in the cemetery. We made this decision to limit our fundraising in the hopes that our generous donors would also consider contributing to other worthy causes throughout the state (veteran homelessness, mental health awareness and treatment, hunger, Veteran Service Organizations, etc.). Any extra funds from the current year will rollover to start the fundraising for following year’s wreaths. We LOVE our wreaths, but we also recognize that they will be collected and disposed of in January. Importantly, we always welcome families and friends to purchase a wreath locally and place it on their loved one’s headstone separate from the Wreaths for Boscawen event.
The day of the event. If you have not attended this event personally, we encourage you to do so! It is a beautiful, solemn, enjoyable day to honor our veterans and families. That said, we are always seeking ways to increase safety, efficiency and enjoyment. This year we are going to do things a bit differently. Prior to the event, a small group of volunteers will attach bows and place wreaths in box trucks. On day of the event, the box trucks with wreaths will be strategically positioned throughout the cemetery. We will have a very brief opening ceremony at 10:30 AM at the Circle of Flags. Participants will then move to any box truck they wish and wait in line to receive wreaths to place on headstones. Wreaths will NOT be handed out until 10:30 AM. In addition, please remember during our Wreaths for Boscawen event to take time to read the names on the headstones to the left and right of where you place the wreath so that we remember ALL those who are interred here.
We will hand out a maximum of two (2) wreaths per person (including children). We want to make sure that as many people as possible have an opportunity to place a wreath. Even if you donate 10 wreaths (which we welcome), we will only hand out wreaths two at a time. After careful placement, you are welcome to return to the line to pick-up two more wreaths. Wreath donations are for the interred veterans and their families, they are not reservations to place a specific number of wreaths. In addition, we cannot guarantee that you can place a wreath on a specific headstone during the event. If you want to place a wreath on a specific headstone, we recommend doing so prior to December 14th or by positioning a person at the headstone before 10:30 AM and having someone else in your group bring you a wreath.
This event is about our community coming together to honor ALL veterans and family members. By placing a wreath on any headstone, you are honoring your friends and loved ones interred at the NH State Veterans Cemetery or at any other location around the world – including those whose remains are lost, MIA, or otherwise scattered. The act itself is the tribute to your loved ones and all of our heroes.
Throughout the event, we will have music playing on the carillon system and refreshments (including warm drinks) available in the maintenance area. In addition, the CSM Stanley and Renate Arnold Veterans Heritage Learning Center will be open for visitors to learn more about the service and sacrifice of our NH veterans. At 12:00 PM at the Circle of Flags, the Civil Air Patrol will conduct a ceremony to honor all branches of service. All are highly encouraged to attend.
Arrive a bit early to allow time to park. Dress warm. We look forward to seeing you on December 14th at 10:30 AM for this awesome event.
Wreaths will be taken down on Saturday, January 11th at 10:30 AM. All are welcome to attend!
5 Facts to Know About Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a well-known American holiday, but there are also a few misconceptions about it — like how it’s spelled or whom exactly it celebrates. To clear some of that up, here are the important facts you should know.
The Purple Poppy
The purple poppy symbolises all animals who have died during conflict. It is estimated that more than 8 million animals sacrificed their lives in World War I alone. ... These purple poppies can be worn in together with the traditional red poppy. Let us remember these brave animals, their deeds, and their sacrifices.
Open Letter to Our Veterans
Since we became an independent country many years have come and gone, however, there is one constant that remains from the 1700’s through today. Our country has had many brave men and women volunteer to defend our country.
There was a movie produced about World War II, whose name I cannot recall, but at the end there is a line which rings true (even though the words are not an exact quote), “Where do we get these brave men and women to always step forward when the need arises?” These men and women come from all over our country and too many times are taken for granted. Men and women, who during times of war and peace, are on-call 24 hours a day 7 days a week and spend countless holidays, birthdays and special events away from their family and friends.
The pay is not great, but they continue to volunteer and many make it a career. They are mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends. We may not always agree in the wars and battles that we fight, but this should not deter us from the support we give to these men and women in uniform. It is through the sacrifice that they and the numerous individuals before them have made, which provides us with the freedoms we have to disagree and speak our objections.
While words cannot pay what we owe you and your families, we ‘thank you’ for your sacrifice. To the families who have lost loved ones, we offer our most heartfelt condolences. Many of us have never endured the pain you must feel, but our hearts hurt for your loss and wish we could help ease your pain. Let us never forget the people who did not make it home.
Remember those still serving in our prayers and never take for granted the sacrifices they make. In closing, one more time I would like to say…… THANK YOU!!!
Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire
Sending a Military Care Package: What You Need To Know
Military care packages deliver a welcome piece of home to your service member while they’re away – whether that’s your child, fiancé, sibling or friend. They help both of you stay connected despite distance or duty.
Here are some appropriate ways to send those care packages to your service member throughout their time in the military.
Care packages during boot camp? Letters are better.
When your recruit first left for basic training, you may have noticed that they only took a few things with them. This is because the military provides everything recruits need during boot camp, from meals and housing to basics like toothbrushes or socks. Duplicates from home are stored and only retrieved after graduation.
That's why most service branches discourage care packages for recruits in boot camp. In fact, receiving an unauthorized care package may result in a punishment from the drill instructor for their entire unit. So, it’s better to wait until your recruit finishes basic before you send any packages.
Ordinary mail, however, is always allowed. A letter from home can encourage your recruit during the demands of basic training.
If you do send a letter, use a plain piece of paper and an envelope. It’s okay to send photos, but don’t do things like decorating the envelope – it could cause unwanted attention for your recruit. Plan on two weeks for letter delivery, so time letters to arrive before graduation. Think twice about texting, sending digital cards or email, as your service member will have very limited use of a cell phone, if at all. Use of cell phones is dictated by service branch and drill sergeants.
After boot camp is the time to send military care packages.
Service members who have finished basic training or are on deployment generally have more freedom to receive care packages. Sending a military care package is a great way to show your appreciation and love for your service member and all they do for our country.
If you are a parent or other relative, consider sending the music, toiletries, foods and treats your service member likes best. If you are in a relationship with a service member, think about sending notes, cards and small items that remind them how much you care. And, of course, photos from home are always welcome.
Here are some military care package ideas that are appreciated by service members:
Necessities, such as sunblock, socks, underwear, flip-flops, lip balm and powder
Snacks, including chips, salsa, nuts, cookies, beef jerky, non-melting candy and trail mix in packaging that isn’t easily crushed. Drink mixes in single-serving packets are also a good addition.
Homemade foods: The most popular items are cookies and “cake in a jar,” which is a cake baked in a canning jar. Again, the key is sturdy packaging to prevent crushing.
Games, such as playing cards/poker chips, crosswords or puzzle books.
Stationery is a must if you want to receive any letters from your service member. Send paper, envelopes, address labels and pens, but skip the stamps. They won't need them.
Photos and notes that show your support and affection. Maybe get a daily tear-off calendar and write an encouraging note on each page.
Once you know what you want to send, follow these tips to make sure your military care package arrives in good condition:
Seal everything: Individually seal items in plastic bags with zip locks, if possible, to protect items from the elements or to keep them from leaking out.
Use sturdy packaging: The best packaging is a free Military Care Kit from the U.S. Postal Service, which includes priority mail boxes, tape, custom forms and address labels. The packaging is free, but the postage is not.
Provide accurate shipping information: Include your service member’s unit, last and first name, title, DPO/FPO/APO and full ZIP code.
Take advantage of reduced postage for military mail: You only have to provide standard domestic postage on mail going to an APO or FPO address. For example, if you pay $5 to mail a package in the continental United States, it costs the same to mail it overseas as long as you have an APO / FPO / DPO address and associated ZIP code.
Complete the customs forms: You need to fill out customs forms for any shipping outside the United States. Customs forms are included with Military Care Kits or can be found on the USPS website.
Consider shipping time: Most care packages can make it to the Middle East in about two weeks, but some take longer. For holidays, allow about five weeks for delivery.
Be careful what you send: Check the post office’s prohibited items list to keep items from being rejected. Remember that sometimes packages from home get opened by someone before your service member, so don’t send anything you don’t want strangers to see. Also, don’t send things that are valuable or can’t be replaced – sometimes packages get lost.
Care packages are always good, but sometimes a service member may need a bit more, whether it’s help with taxes as Tax Day approaches or talking with someone who can listen. Do you know that active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members have access to a wide range of individualized consultations, coaching and a range of other services? This includes relationship and peer-to-peer counseling to tax preparation and financial services to wellness coaches and more. It’s all free and available 24/7 through Military OneSource.
Operation Care for Troops Holiday Packing event
Hello Everyone!
In just a few weeks Operation Care for Troops Holiday Packing event is scheduled to take place November 13, 2019 through November 16, 2019. We are looking for volunteers for each day. So, if you would like to help please send your name and the day/time you would like attend to volunteer@octnh.org.
Operation Care for Troops is in need of the following items: nut mixes or trail mixes (individual to 10 oz); Protein Bars; Individual Drink Mixes; Lip balm; Dental Floss; Beef Jerky; Gum; Small peanut butters; and Small canned fruit with flip tops.
To help defray the shipping costs of packages for "The 2019 Holiday Packing" DONATE FUNDS FOR POSTAGE!!
Ship a box for $20. During the past few weeks we have received four new units increasing our number to over 2,000. With these number we expect our shipping expenses and content purchases to be between $12,000 to $15,00 for this packing event!
Looking forward to seeing soon,
Ted
ted@octnh.org
http://www.octnh.org/
NH Veterans Cemetery Standing with Fallen Comrades
On occasion, the NH State Veterans Cemetery receives a request to inter a veteran or family member with no known next-of-kin. The service, with military honors (if appropriate) is conducted with a cemetery staff member in attendance. Occasionally, if given enough notice, the cemetery will reach out to various groups to encourage attendance.
The NH State Veterans Cemetery has created a page to allow those who are interested to sign-up for e-mail notification when there is a burial with no known next-of-kin. This list will ONLY be used for these notifications. Please feel free to sign-up if you are interested.
If you would like to be notified of interments with no known next-of-kin, please provide your email address below and you will receive an email with the date and time of the service. These services can occur on very short-notice. We never hold remains overnight. We always inter remains the day they are received. In the case of unscheduled services, we conduct the service in conjunction with a previously scheduled event for that particular military branch; therefore, the service may occur after the remains are interred.
Click on this link if you would like to be notified by email.
When I See a Blue Star Banner
I am the very proud mother of Petty Officer Adam Stevenson and Petty Officer Erik Stevenson who are serving in the United States Navy and attached to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the capacity of electrical technicians and working in the ship’s nuclear-powered reactor department.
To say that I am proud mother is actually the biggest understatement I could make. My heart swells to think of my twin sons serving our country in such an important occupation -- knowing that they work side-by-side with other “power professionals” in defense of our great nation is indeed an honor and a privilege for this mother.
Our family displays a Blue Star Banner in our front window. This banner or service flag has been a nationally recognized symbol of the American military family for nearly one hundred years. Is there a better way to display my love and pride for these sons than by hanging a Blue Star Banner in my front window for all the world to see?
At first thought my answer would be “No, there is no better way”. Naturally, I am very grateful for my two-starred banner and gaze at it fondly every single day, thinking of my sons and the sacrifice of our family to have two loved ones in active duty at this time.
But today I know there actually is a better way, an even more effective way to show this feeling of military family pride...
When the Blue Star Banner was first designed and used in America in 1917 during World War I, our society was still very neighborhood-oriented, there were relatively few cars in the villages and folks on the blocks all knew each other. Horse-drawn carriages and wagons were still the common mode of transportation in rural and suburban areas, although cars were becoming more and more important and affordable to the general public.
In 2014, almost one hundred years later, America is mobile. Many of us spend more time in our cars and SUVs that we spend in our homes. We are families on the road -- driving to shopping places, recreation places, workplaces and general gathering places. Commutes and traveling make up a large portion of every single day.
The military family has hung their Blue Star Banner in their front window or on their front door, but they probably aren’t home right now…
How wonderful it would be if we could take that beautiful American symbol of family pride and love on the road with us! What if wherever we travel, our banner traveled with us!
A Blue Star Banner license plate would be the new perfect way to show the world how proud we are to be a military family in the great state of Illinois.
Natalie Stevenson
Proud Mother
Becoming a Military Parent
On behalf of the Blue Star Mother’s of America, it is with great honor that we welcome you into the journey of being a military parent!
We are there with you as you cross the bridge to becoming a Blue Star Mother and Father to support you in any way we can.
We are a support group, whose members consist of Mothers, Fathers, Spouses, Siblings, Grandparents, Extended Family and Friends of someone who has or has had a loved one in the military. We support each other, our military and veterans.
Since WWI mothers have hung “Blue Star Flags” in their windows while their children served in the armed forces especially during conflicts or wars.
To be a Blue Mother or Father is an Honor only your child can give to you. The Blue Star stands for hope and pride.
Becoming a military parent continues the life long journey … of hope and pride. As when your child was born, you were filled with that hope and pride as well as excitement, anxiety, fear and great joy. As you step into the walk of being a military parent that journey continues and once again life changes. You find yourself noticing even more the patriotic symbols all around you, flying your United States flag with a different kind of pride. Thus “Supporting Our Troops” in a way you have probably never before.
Life changes, as your child will hold him or herself to a higher standard, you too will find it changes your life. Forever supporting your child in a different way with even more hope and pride for serving our country to keep our land free.
May you and your child be blessed while this journey of life unfolds!
Remember: “To be a Blue Star Mother or Father is an Honor only your child can give to you!”
Written by: Jean T. Duane
National 2nd Vice President ~ 2007
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Sharing from THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POW/MIA FAMILIES
September 20, 2019 will soon be proclaimed by the President as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Over the past several years, all or most of the 50 states have proclaimed POW/MIA Recognition Day in conjunction with the national effort. The League has asked each state to issue a proclamation, so please contact your Governor and ask for his/her support and a copy of your state’s proclamation!
Across the country, local POW/MIA ceremonies are encouraged throughout POW/MIA Recognition Week, culminating with a countless number of events and the national ceremony in Washington, DC, on Recognition Day. Support for Americans missing and unaccounted-for in wartime, and their families, is deeply felt. America’s POW/MIAs can be honored and recognized, but not memorialized. The focus should be on sustaining commitment to account for them as fully as possible. Strong, united, active support by the American people is crucial to achieving concrete answers. Now is the time to plan for this year’s ceremonies. Thus far, the American people, especially our supportive veterans, have made the difference.
https://www.pow-miafamilies.org/recognition-day-2019.html
NH Veterans Cemetery Standing with Fallen Comrades
On occasion, the NH State Veterans Cemetery receives a request to inter a veteran or family member with no known next-of-kin. The service, with military honors (if appropriate) is conducted with a cemetery staff member in attendance. Occasionally, if given enough notice, the cemetery will reach out to various groups to encourage attendance.
If you would like to be notified of interments with no known next-of-kin, please provide your email address below and you will receive an email with the date and time of the service. These services can occur on very short-notice. We never hold remains overnight. We always inter remains the day they are received. In the case of unscheduled services, we conduct the service in conjunction with a previously scheduled event for that particular military branch; therefore, the service may occur after the remains are interred.
Six names to be added to 9/11 monument in Hampton
Six names will be added to the Global War on Terrorism Monument in Hampton on the 18th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The dedication will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 11th in front of the monument outside the American Legion Post 35 Hall at 69 High St.
The monument bears the names of all service members from New Hampshire who lost their lives in the Global War on Terrorism since Sept. 11, 2001. Originally, the monument only listed those who died in combat but was expanded to include those who died by suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder and other service-related injuries.
“We try to make the monument more inclusive than most,” said Post 35 Cmdr. Berkley Bennett. “We do it for the families of the fallen, so that they don’t feel that their loved one is forgotten.”
Added to the monument this year are Master Gunnery Sgt. Dale F. Racicot, 54, of Weare; Spc. Matthew R. Woods, 22, of Lyman; Spc. Jonathan M. Mickle, 27, of Rye; Spc. Ryan J. McDermot, 26, of Hampton; Sgt. Ryan P. Goggin, 30, of Wolfeboro; and Cpl. Jonathan W. Currier, 21, of Hampton.
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100 Nights of Remembrance at the NH Veterans Cemetery
It was Memorial Day, 2006, as members of the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps brass section silently took their places in front of the 20 white granite monuments that surround the grand flag at the New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. One by one, players sounded Taps, in echo form, with a lone bugler sounding a solo echo at the end. It was called and was the beginning of something very special.
On Memorial Day, 2007, what started as “An Evening of Echo Taps” the year before, had grown into the 100 Nights of Remembrance. The goal was to have a live bugler sound Taps for the 100 nights between Memorial Day and September 11th as a simple show of respect and honor to those Americans who have sacrificed and served our country honorably in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. Members of the Muchachos were joined by other brass players from the community, some of which would travel an hour to sound those 24 solemn notes, and some learned to play just so they could participate. At precisely 7:00PM there was a live bugler each of those first 100 nights.
This Memorial Day marks another year of providing this simple, yet powerful tribute to our fallen heroes. What makes the live sounding of Taps so meaningful? Why do people travel to hear a simple 24 note melody echo through the summer air? It depends on the individual. For many of the nightly visitors to the NH State Veterans Cemetery, it brings closure and peace. For others, it is a time of reflection and introspection while they visit the graves of loved ones who lost their lives fighting for our country. And for others still, it is an opportunity to meet up with other veterans and their spouses to share stories and friendship. For everyone it brings two minutes of silence and often a tear.
The players, or “Knights” as they are called, are not required to have a military background and there is no age restriction. The only requirement is that they are able to sound Taps correctly and commit to a minimum of 3 nights a year. Many of the Knights are civilians who have never served and are just looking for a way to give back. “The 100 Nights of Remembrance is very near and dear to me.” Says founder, Noel Taylor. “We have a dedicated group of volunteer “Knights” whose commitment to this [100 Nights] has allowed us to keep this going over the past seven years. I can’t say enough about the men, women, and youngsters, who make a point to participate each year.”
“The public is always invited to join the Knights each night through the summer”, Taylor continued, “A calendar is posted on the website: www.100nightsofremembrance.org where you can see if a bugler is scheduled for the evening you plan to visit the cemetery.” We could use more Knights this year, so if you are a brass player and would like to participate, please contact the 100 Nights for more information.
The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery is open to the public seven days a week. Walking through the grounds can be peaceful and inspirational as well as interesting and educational. Be sure to visit the Memorial Walk where monuments representing all of the branches of the United States Armed Services are there in addition to other commemorative plaques and sculptures.
For more information please contact:
Noel Taylor, Director, 100 Nights of Remembrance- noel@100nightsofremembrance.org