Blue Star Mothers of Northern Virginia

11/10/2020

11/07/2020

Blue Star Mothers of Northern Virginia's cover photo

11/07/2020

Blue Star Mothers of Northern Virginia's cover photo

11/07/2020

Blue Star Mothers of Northern Virginia's cover photo

10/29/2020

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Behind the Scenes: Netflix's New Series "The Liberator". After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Please join USO CEO and President J.D. Crouch II with creator Jeb Stuart, and actor Bradley James, for a Q&A session on Netflix's new series "The Liberator" on Oct. 30, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM EST.

"The Liberator" follows the dramatic true story and heroism of WWII US army officer, Felix Sparks and his infantry regiment, the Thunderbirds. The four-part limited series re-imagines one of the harshest military campaigns during World War II and recounts the immeasurable solidarity and sacrifice from the American soldiers in the face of one of the most traumatic moments in our history. You won't want to miss this event! Register here: https://bit.ly/2HyXLmM.

#TheLiberator

Exclusive USO Team Event: Q&A with Jeb Stuart, creator, and Bradley James, actor, from Netflix's new series "The Liberator." "The Liberator" follows the dramatic true story and heroism of WWII US army officer, Felix Sparks, and his infantry regiment, the Thunderbirds. The four-part limited series re...

10/24/2020

Veterans of Operation Desert Storm will be marching in the 2021 National Memorial Day Parade Washington D.C. Criteria Active Duty US Military during Desert Shield or Desert Storm (includes activated Guard/Reserve)

Dates May 30 [mandatory registration in Washington D.C.]
May 31 [parade @ 2pm]

Parade Uniform Pants: Desert Camo (6 color; chocolate chip) or light brown khaki (long) pants Hat: (optional) If a hat is worn, it needs to be the Desert Camo Boonie.

Shirt: A special shirt is being designed for the parade participants and you will have the opportunity to purchase this shirt on/about April 2021.

Parade Route The Parade Route is 1 mile long. We have limited spaces for Veterans to ride in a vehicle during the parade. These spaces are reserved for those who are physically unable to march in the parade.

Hotel Accommodations Our Group hotel rate is $149.00 per night. When you are confirmed for the parade you will be given the hotel details.

Register to March in the Parade Send an email to Jill Etter with your name, branch of service and when/where you served during Operations Desert Shield/Storm.
[email protected]

#OperationDesertStorm
#NationalDesertStormWarMemorial
#NDSWM

10/16/2020

10/13/2020

10/12/2020

#Remember67

One of the most prominent locations onboard USS COLE is the mess decks passageway where 17 stars are displayed on the deck. It is also where many of our 17 shipmates perished 20 years ago tomorrow.

They were of all ages and from every corner of our nation. But all of them raised their right hand to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. They would ending up paying the ultimate sacrifice on that October morning.

The 17 stars on the Mess-Line are a constant reminder for the Determined Warriors of today. A reminder of the legacy they must maintain as USS COLE sailors. We are forever indebted to them. They will live on as the COLE continues to sail today, defending freedom throughout the world.

#remember67

10/12/2020

Never Forget USS Cole
Today, we remember the 20th anniversary of the birthday moving of the USS Cole

The USS Cole bombing was a suicide attack by the terrorist group al Qaeda against USS Cole, a guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, on 12 October 2000, while she was being refueled in Yemen's Aden harbor.

Seventeen U.S. Navy sailors were killed and 37 injured in the deadliest attack against a United States naval vessel since the USS Stark incident in 1987.

#USSCole

09/25/2020

With being unable to gather together, we're trying something new. Bingo without leaving your house!! Join us for some fun while helping us do more for veterans.
#VFWPost1177Aux
#PlayVirtualBingo

With being unable to gather together, we're trying something new. Bingo without leaving your house!! Join us for some fun while helping us do more for veterans.
Follow the link to the event page -
https://fb.me/e/9n2p4SRt0

09/18/2020

Today is National POW/MIA Remembrance Day, honoring Our Country’s missing service members and their families.

To symbolize the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors, a poem was inspired which Ibeiuld like to share.

The White Tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to Our Country's call to arms. Remember!

The Empty Chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine, but all who are not here. Remember!

The Black Napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. Remember!

The single Red Rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The Red Ribbon represents the love of Our Country, which inspired them to answer the nation's call. Remember!

The Yellow Candle and its Yellow Ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those yet accounted for. Remember!

The Slices of Lemon on the bread plate remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!

The Salt upon the bread plate represents the tears of their families. Remember!

The Wine Glass turned upside down, reminds us that Our Uniformed American Heroes cannot be with us to drink a toast or join in the festivities of the day. Remember!

Remember! All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!

Until the day they come home, Remember!
These brave Heroes are unable to be with us today, join us in their remembrance.

#POWMIA

09/18/2020

Happy 73rd birthday United States Air Force!
#USAF

09/13/2020

On Friday, September 11, 2020, the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation and One Family Brewing unveiled the first ever Gold Star Family Memorial in the Northern Virginia area in Lovettsville, VA.
#GoldStarFamilyMemorial
Courtesy of Andrew Sample

09/13/2020

Andrew Sample on TikTok

Lovettsville Gold Star Memorial unveiling on Friday, September 11, 2020

Courtesy of Andrew Sample

https://m.tiktok.com/v/6871727511240183045.html?_d=secCgsIARCbDRgBIAIoARI%2BCjzHWLdisw4HFdnhmFCHoWZjkZqVWgOTTkLvBD5w9Vr1W1EdNJXmIHdbJKzIxHyNrWgpZLvXreGquFKD%2BP0aAA%3D%3D&language=en&preview_pb=0&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAzxp3qzRI0TK7fBaENMAloAMgUqG2RrRCL2ZG2SmMRfP041QlSSMnEXVS8xVf3XnQ&share_app_name=musically&share_item_id=6871727511240183045&share_link_id=31496c33-95be-4f41-a14e-c469a1bb8ff4×tamp=1599974851&u_code=d72709c82c4d28&user_id=6708071428149888005&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=android&utm_source=copy

#fallensoldiers #military #army #airforce #marines #navy #iraq #afghanistan #soldier #medalofhonor #wwii #photography #goldstarmemorial

09/12/2020

Today, Mission BBQ in Sterling, VA paid tribute to those who love their lives on 9/11 in NYC, Shanksville, and the Pentagon, and we thanked all those who were there to recover and help rebuild our beautiful country.
#NeverForget

Today, Mission BBQ in Sterling, VA paid tribute to those who love their lives on 9/11 in NYC, Shanksville, and the Pentagon, and we thanked all those who were there to recover and help rebuild our beautiful country.
#NeverForget

09/11/2020

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Survivors

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Survivors

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance or 9/11 Day is a federally-recognized National Day of Service that happens in the United States on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

On 9/11, I remember all my friends and colleagues who worked with me at the Pentagon on this day, and commemorate 9/11 to those lives we lost at the Pentagon, NYC, and Shanksville.

#NeverForget
#LetsRoll

09/11/2020

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Survivors

Today, September 11, 2020, the 19th anniversary of 9/11, Defense Secretary Dr. Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen Mark A. Milley will host a 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Observance, in honor of the 184 people killed in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon.

https://www.defense.gov/Experience/Pentagon-Memorial/

09/07/2020

September 8-11, 2020

MARYLAND FLEET WEEK & AIR SHOW BALTIMORE

Maryland Fleet Week & Air Show Baltimore: The Virtual Experience is a whole new way to experience the Fleet, Flights and Fun you’ve come to love!

Tuesday September 8th:

Official Kick-off Virtual Ceremony

Virtual Parade of Ships

“Your Great Navy in the State of MD”

Navy Trivia

U.S. Navy Ship Tour

Navy STEM

Wednesday September 9th:

Navy STEM series

Hometown Fleet Virtual Ship Tours

“Your Great Navy in the State of MD”

Live Cannon Firing onboard USS Constellation

Navy Trivia

Cooking Show featuring US Navy & MD local recipes

Thursday September 10th:

U.S. Navy Working Dog Demo

Virtual Concert with the U.S. Navy Band

“Ask a Sailor” Q & A

U.S. Navy Ship Tour

Navy STEM series

Friday September 11th:

9/11 Never Forget

Oath of Enlistments

“Your Great Navy in the State of MD”

Navy Trivia

U.S. Navy Ship Tour

Blue Angels Fly Over Montage

And much, much more!

https://www.visitmaryland.org/fleet-week/events

#MarylandFleetWeek

#AirShowBaltimore

08/30/2020

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Survivors

Thinking about all the folks we lost on 9/11.
#NeverForget

https://www.defense.gov/Experience/Pentagon-Memorial/

Thinking about all the folks we lost on 9/11.
#NeverForget

https://www.defense.gov/Experience/Pentagon-Memorial/

08/19/2020

Good evening BSM Members!

Here is the update of our Officers and Board (courtesy of Nancy Carter)

By unanimous vote of our current board, we have made these changes to the line-up of officers for the 2020-2021 year (that starts on 9/1/2020 and ends 8/31/2021):

Executive Officers/Board:

President: Michaela Huelbig
1st VP: Viola Whitaker
2nd VP: Donna Long
Financial Secretary: Jo Ann Redmond
Treasurer: Nancy Carter

Appointed Positions

Recording Secretary: Vicki Ardema
Membership Chair: Andrea Scheidt
Webmaster: Herb Valle
Historian: Vacant
Chaplain: Vacant

Additionally, and though this isn’t a board position, Andrea has agreed to become Membership Chair as Vicki is moving to Recording Secretary; the board has approved this change as well.

This year National did not allow any chapters to have a slate and a membership vote for officers because National was unable to have an in-person vote for National officers due to the convention being canceled. Instead, we were directed to have the current chapter board make any necessary changes to the officers and required positions (membership is a required position to be filled). This email notifies all the current and future board members and membership chair that the current board has acted as directed by National.

A heartfelt thank you to all and congratulations on their 2020-2021 positions!

I will be sending out information and an agenda for our next Zoom Meeting (Due to Covid) for Tuesday, September 8th at 7:00pm this week.

Michaela P. Huelbig
BSM (VA-5)

08/07/2020

Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 each year and is a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
#PurpleHeart

08/02/2020

In this day in 1990: Kuwait invaded

Iraq invaded Kuwait on this day in 1990, and Saddam Hussein's subsequent refusal to withdraw his troops sparked the Persian Gulf War, in which an international force led by the United States quickly defeated Iraq.

Where were you on this day?

#PersianGulfWar

07/25/2020

US Army Soldier for Life posted on LinkedIn

On July 26, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, which led to a major restructuring of the United States government's military and intelligence organizations.

The Act placed the Department of War (now called the Department of the Army), the Department of the Navy, and the newly created Department of the Air Force under the new National Military Establishment (later renamed the Department of Defense) which was led by a single Secretary of Defense. It also established the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Council, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

#USArmy #SoldierForLife #MilitaryHistory #ThisWeekInHistory

On July 26, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, which led to a major restructuring of the United States government's...

07/08/2020

USO Dulles International Airport

We're slowly reopening and looking for volunteers! Although our volunteers are eager to return, a number of them fall within the vulnerable population, so they can't return until a vaccine is widely available. We normally do not recruit from the population we serve, however; we have a cadre of active duty members and military spouses who really enjoy volunteering for USO! So we're reaching out to you! We're seeking volunteers for the following locations:

*USO Warrior and Family Center Fort Belvoir, Fort Belvoir, VA
*USO Warrior and Family Center Bethesda, NSA Bethesda, MD
*USO Honor Guard Lounge at Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall, Arlington, VA
*USO Fort Meade, Fort Meade, MD
*USO Quantico-West, Stafford, VA
*USO Dulles Airport Lounge, VA
*USO BWI Airport Lounge, MD
*USO Reagan Airport Lounge, VA

To learn more please visit https://metro.uso.org/support/volunteer . We would also greatly appreciate you sharing this post on your social media channels.

07/05/2020

Stars and Stripes Flag Retirement

Stars and Stripes Flag Retirement

USA Flag Retirement

07/04/2020

Saturday, July 4, 2020:
Ceremony at the The George C. Marshall home, Dodona Manor, Leesburg, Virginia this morning. Theme was the four liberties as defined by President Rosevelt in the last paragraph of his speech to the nation just before our entrance into WW2. For 274 years our nation has had an ongoing quiet revolution trying to fulfill these and other rights, to make our nation equal for all. Happy birthday.
#IndependenceDay4thJuly2020
#VFWPost1177

Saturday, July 4, 2020:
Ceremony at the The George C. Marshall home, Dodona Manor, Leesburg, Virginia this morning. Theme was the four liberties as defined by President Rosevelt in the last paragraph of his speech to the nation just before our entrance into WW2. For 274 years our nation has had an ongoing quiet revolution trying to fulfill these and other rights, to make our nation equal for all. Happy birthday.
#IndependenceDay4thJuly2020
#VFWPost1177

07/04/2020

Virginia Wing, Civil Air Patrol

Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸

06/17/2020

Elks Lodge #2406
Flag Day Ceremony
Retirement & Disposal
Location: Elks Lodge, Sterling, Virginia
Photography by: Elks Member, @Herbert Valle

Elks Lodge #2406
Flag Day Ceremony
Retirement & Disposal
Location: Elks Lodge, Sterling, Virginia
Photography by: Elks Member, @Herbert Valle

06/14/2020

Happy 245th Birthday U.S. Army! And let us also celebrate Flag Day!
#245thUSArmyBirthday
#FlagDay

Happy 245th Birthday U.S. Army! And let us also celebrate Flag Day!
#245thUSArmyBirthday
#FlagDay

06/13/2020

This Marine was just selected to become the next senior enlisted leader for US Space Command

This Marine was just selected to become the next senior enlisted leader for US Space Command

“As a Marine, building and strengthening relationships is an area of strength for many of us.

06/13/2020

June 13, 2020. Members attended meeting/brunch with some who used Zoom to attend remotely. Our group put together 12 care packages.

Blue Star Mothers are a proud and patriotic group mothers of service members and veterans. For membership, join us at novabluestarmothers.org

#BlueStarMothersOfNorthernVirginia
#MonthlyMeeting
#CarePackages

06/06/2020

06/06/2020

On June 6, 1944, Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower gives the go-ahead for the largest amphibious military operation in history: Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of northern France, commonly known as D-Day.

By daybreak, 18,000 British and American parachutists were already on the ground. An additional 13,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion. At 6:30 a.m., American troops came ashore at Utah and Omaha beaches.

The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture Gold, Juno and Sword beaches; so did the Americans at Utah. The task was much tougher at Omaha beach, however, where the U.S. First Division battled high seas, mist, mines, burning vehicles—and German coastal batteries, including an elite infantry division, which spewed heavy fire. Many wounded Americans ultimately drowned in the high tide. British divisions, which landed at Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches, and Canadian troops also met with heavy German fire.

But by day’s end, 155,000 Allied troops–Americans, British and Canadians–had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches and were then able to push inland. Within three months, the northern part of France would be freed and the invasion force would be preparing to enter Germany, where they would meet up with Soviet forces moving in from the east.

#DDay
#OperationOverlord

Source: History.com