"We GET it!!"

Almost ten years ago, the Township of Woodbridge held a SUPPORT THE TROOPS RALLY over by Woodbridge High School.  Several families of Active Military from the community were present.  In their conversations, they realized there was a tremendous need to establish a venue for families like themselves to get together to discuss the needs of our deployed military and their families.  Representatives from Post 471 were also present at this Rally and when learning of the need to have a place to gather, offered the use of the T Nulty Post Home.  And, my friends, that is how the BLUE STAR FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP was born!  It is just hard to believe this happened ten years ago.

Several young men and women from our community were deployed at this time and it was so important for their loved ones to have an opportunity to meet and discuss what was going on in their lives, how the deployment was affecting everyone and to share ideas with one another.  A support group like this is vital to a parent or spouse who has just said "good bye" to their deployed soldier.  So many things run thru your head when your loved one is in Harm's Way. 

On the last Tuesday of each month, we sit and chat about our military children, spouses or other loved ones.  We talk about our visits with them, our letters and phone calls.  Family members of anyone on active duty are welcome to join us.  Your loved one does not have to be deployed. 

We've learned a lot from one another.  For example, do you realize as a parent you are permitted to walk with your child down to the gate at Newark Airport, if your child is traveling on orders and is about to be deployed?  Or you can meet them at the gate if they are returning from a deployment. Found that out at one of our meetings and it was amazing how great it was to be at that gate when my daughter stepped off the plane after her year in Iraq!! 

As I said, Blue Star parents have so much to learn from one another.  You cannot even put a price tag on the value of our conversations and lessons learned. 

One of our most important projects is the mailing of "Care Packages" to those who are deployed.  Many organizations from our community often conduct collections of items ranging from toiletries and snacks, to games, books and magazines.  Schools and other groups donate these items to the BSFSG and we pack them up and mail them overseas.  During the Christmas Holidays we put together special gift boxes, including little Christmas trees, ornaments and lights, as we try to bring a little of "home" to our soldiers who cannot be with us during this festive time of year.

Many groups donate money to us which helps to defray the cost of postage.  Students from local High Schools have often stopped by to help with the packing.  It has become a tremendous community effort, involving many pairs of helping hands.

As you can see, from a small circle of parents we have grown into a larger support group which rallies around our families seeking the comfort of others, just like us.  As one of our founding parents has often said "We GET it!!"  Yes, we understand what it feels like to have a child in the military. 

We urge you to contact us for more information.  We'd love to have you join our monthly meetings. 

Robin Goodrich, Blue Star Family Support Group