This year, Major Monte Bailey, a native of Clymer, and other members of his brigade are expressing their thanks.

“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the Lake Erie Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers and the many local individuals and businesses who contributed their time, energy, and resources to send care packages to deployed Soldiers of the First Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division,” Bailey said. “They packed and shipped an incredible 1,227 care packages, a truly remarkable effort that brought smiles to the faces of our Soldiers during the holiday season.”

These holiday packages include items ranging from snacks to hygiene items to other essential products. Bailey said they are more than just that though, and mean “everything” to the soldiers who receive them.

“It’s a tangible reminder that we are supported and appreciated by the people back home,” Bailey said. “They lift morale in ways that are hard to put into words. Opening a care package is a moment of joy, a connection to home, and a reminder that people care about us and what we do.”

Blue Star Mothers include a wide variety of items that are included in the care packages they then send out to service members, including hygiene products and snacks along with much more. Submitted photo

Susan Rowley, who annually leads the local drive for the Blue Star Mothers, said sending out these 1,227 packages could not be done without the help of the local community. She added that the amount of support they get each year is “mind blowing.”

“We have a lot of veterans in the area and this area is very patriotic and supportive of our deployed men and women,” Rowley said. “We have been able to reach more of our local deployed military since the Iraq and Afghanistan war in the late 2000s, and most are sent to different addresses. We know there are a lot of people deployed now that need our support and we’ve received a few thank you notes. They’re always so thankful.”

Rowley expanded on Bailey’s point that the packages mean a lot to those deployed, saying they help build morale and let them know they are still being thought of back home.

Besides the packages, Rowley said Blue Star Mothers do a lot to support those serving in the military and veterans, including gold star families, or families of those who died in the service. The group also supports each other, as mothers of children that are deployed and can understand each other and how they feel. There are a few big events they hold in May, including Memorial Day and a Gold Star Veteran Memorial. Another event set for May 31 is the placing of a plaque in Lakeview Cemetery for Vietnam Veterans, which is funded by a grant from National Fuel.

Rowley thanked the community for all of their support.

Some of the letters written by kids in schools and Sunday schools that are included in the care packages are pictured. Submitted photo

“Every thank you note received mentions that cards included are from teachers, Sunday schools and regular schools, and they make the cards to include in the packages,” Rowley said. “The cards mean so much and gives them encouragement from home. I can’t thank the community enough, and I’m proud to live in this area. … It warms my heart to see the community come out and support our people who serve.”

Bailey’s brigade commander, COL Daniel P. Kearney also expressed his thanks.

“Since 9/11, one of the greatest constants has been the unwavering support of the American people for their service members, both at home and abroad,” Kearney said. “Your care packages from Jamestown, N.Y., are a true testament to that support. We are eternally grateful for your generosity, dedication, and sacrifice in service to this great nation.”

Bailey said the kindness and support from people back home have a profound impact. He added that the care packages do more than provide comfort, they also remind every soldier who receives one that they are valued and supported.

“The effort that goes into collecting, packing, and shipping these boxes does not go unnoticed. It is felt deeply by every soldier who opens one. The work of the Lake Erie Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers and all who contribute is a true testament to the support our communities provide to service members. To everyone who played a role in this effort — thank you. Your support means more than you know.”

Every year the community comes out to help support the Blue Star Mothers and fill and send out these care packages. Submitted photo

Pictured are soldiers of the First Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, holding some of their received care packages. Submitted photo