For the past 12 years, these military mothers have served alongside their children to support local area military and veterans alike.
For the past 12 years, these military mothers have served alongside their children to support local area military and veterans alike.
Blue Star Mothers has been supporting the local area military and promoting patriotism in the Austin area for the past 12 years, raising $6,000 to $10,000 annually through their tentpole event the Gold Star Luncheon. Beyond fundraising, the BSM collects supplies to send care packages to active-duty military, supply materials for Gold Star Families Christmas Camp, place over 1,000 flags during Memorial Day weekend at the Cedar Park Veterans Memorial, and serve as a warm, loving presence at military funerals.
As their mission statement reads, Blue Star Mothers is an organization comprised of “mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans.” These mothers and female guardians dedicate approximately 2,500 hours annually in service of our local area military through acts of service like hosting veterans at the annual HNO BBQ where approximately 2,200 veterans and first responders and their families are served and honored.
When it comes to putting their time and talents into work, it comes naturally to the members of Blue Star Mothers. “We serve others because our children are serving or have served in the United States military,” says President of Blue Star Mothers chapter TX15 Laura McClain. “We honor our children by supporting the military in our area or those who have walked before them and are now veterans, their brothers and sisters in arms.”
In addition to their support of local area military, the Blue Star Mothers take special care to support their members who experience the concern for those currently serving. “We support our Blue Star Sisters by being here for each other. By letting them know, although most mothers may not understand the struggles of our sons and daughters being away, not spending holidays or birthdays with us, we understand.”
