President's Message

So, here we are in the midst of the “dog days of summer.” Today, I was shopping, and when I returned to the car, I couldn’t even put my hands on the steering wheel. If it was correct, the thermometer told me the temperature was 110 degrees. Astounding…. When it’s this hot out, it’s really hard to be motivated to do anything. Fortunately, I am able to plan my day around the weather, and if it’s too hot, I just don’t go out, or I can just jump in the pool when I return from my errands. For a moment, I’ll ask you to remember those who are in the heat all day long, day upon day, who can’t choose just to not go out, or who can jump in the pool because it’s hot. Remember our troops who are deployed to some of the hottest places on our planet, many of them in the Middle East. They have willingly sacrificed the comfort of an air-conditioned office and a cool drink poolside to protect our interests abroad, and to protect those who can’t protect themselves. They can’t say, “It’s too hot to go out today, I’ll do it tomorrow.” They have to go out in the heat, and the wind, and the humidity, and do it in a place where not everyone is friendly, and they do it for us. They do it because they heard a call to participate in something that is bigger than themselves. Because of their sacrifices, we enjoy the comforts of the American way of life.

July was a difficult month for Nevada, as we saw the loss of two heroes. Their losses serve to remind us that the war isn’t just “over there”; it touches us here at home. My son and I were in attendance at a memorial service held for one of our fallen heroes. It was the first time I saw Michael in his blues with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. It was quite a learning experience for me, as I wasn’t prepared for the reception he would receive. For the first time in my life, I saw my son receive a salute from an airman and then return it. I also saw him salute some higher-ranking officers, and I noticed the combination of pride and humility he exhibited. He told me that he wasn’t used to being saluted, and I wasn’t used to seeing it. And that’s when the magnitude of the life he has chosen hit me. It is an awesome responsibility all our brave service members accept when they answer the call to serve. I understood that my son will one day lead, and learn from, some very dedicated airmen. When they get out into their areas of operation, they will all be on the same team. I see that enlisted and officers alike serve their country. They all serve, they all learn, they all fight, they all feel fear at one time or another, they all go above and beyond their own perceived limitations, they celebrate victories together, they all mourn losses together.

So, as we tolerate the remainder of the desert southwest summer, let’s all remember our brave service men and women, eating MREs instead of a hamburger off the grill, catching a quick nap in the sand instead of a luxurious nap on the couch in an air-conditioned family room. As you go about your daily life, remember and thank those who make it possible.

God bless our troops, and God bless America.

Officers

President..............................................................................

Marianne Wojciechowicz

1st Vice President...............................................................

Susan Braun

Sandra Kuta

Secretary.............................................................................

Roni Downer

Treasurer.............................................................................

Catherine Guillotte

Webmaster..........................................................................

Susan Braun

Financial Secretary ............................................................

Eileen May

Communications Officer.....................................................

Contact Information

Blue Star Mothers of Southern Nevada, Chapter #1
P.O. Box 82042
Las Vegas, NV 89180

Chapter Phone and Media Inquiries: 702- 677-0706