Can We Start Operation Blue Star?

3/20/03 | SUSSA

[Dec31,1999]

I'd be more than happy to help out. I'll be here.

[SUSSA]

FYI

[Zavien Doombringer]

I can tell you this. Many of our National Guard units Nation wide are called up volunteers that have good high paying jobs. By law, they didn't lose thier job, however they did lose thier pay. A freind of mine is a Government Servant (GS - 11) his pay is in the $60,000 yr range, he got called up with his unit for a 1 year activation to defend a local Air Force Base, he is an E-5 with his unit (Staff Sargeant) yearly pay is $25,000. This puts a hardship on the families that have been living in the higher bracket lifestyle. They need all the help they can get. My freind is going to lose his house before this war is over.

[Consort]

"Operation Blue Star" is a good name.

[SUSSA]

I thought there is a law that payments stop while these guys were on active duty.

[SUSSA]

TY
It is just a suggestion. I don't care what we call it. I'd just like to see us do it.

[Zavien Doombringer]

I am not aware of that...My buddy doesn't seem aware of it either, he is afraid of where his family may have to go if payments aren't kept. I do have room in my house if that happens and he knows that, but I can relate to the fear.

I do know of the military clauses that pertain to litigation, the servicemember has to be in country and present for any court.

[Orbiting_Rosie's_Head]

Stops itching....FAST!

Seriously, a wonderful idea for the troops. Try a different name, as the original meaning has been a bit corrupted.

[SUSSA]

He needs to check with his CO or the Salvation Army. I'm going to look for the story I read but have to do some work right now. I'll let you know if I find anything later.

[SUSSA]

As I said, I don't care what we call it. I'd just like to see us do it.

[Zavien Doombringer]

If any VA FReepers are going to the Rally in Richmond, I suggest that Operation Blue Star be mentioned...I didn't know of the Rally, or I would have planned on going...who knows I may be there late.

[SUSSA]

I just had a thought, call your Congresscritter and see if they can point you to a resource. I think there is a federal law to help peopl like your buddy and your Congressman will know.

[SUSSA]

Great idea. Maybe we can mention it at all FR rallies. There are sure to be srevice families there.

[SUSSA]

Sorry to start a thread and have to go, but I'll be back in a couple of hours.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Okay here is how I did it. I contacted the human resources office at my husband's office. I told the human resorce person that I wanted to coordinate some volunteers to help any reservests who had been deployed, but I did not know what they needed. I asked her to contact the families and give them my e-mail and phone number. She was over joyed to do it, because everyone in the office wanted to help , but they had not organized yet.

[KineticKitty]

I'm in, and I live on Fort Hood, It may be time consuming or alittle difficult for civilians to get on post to help with yard work and the like at this time, but we certainly have families off post as well, and I am sure you have more idea's than just lawn care. This is a Great Idea.

Just let me know what kind of help you need specifically when you get a feel about how your going to go about it. I'll keep tabs on this thread as well, and Freep Mail me anytime.

[Jay D. Dyson]

If we can make this a national program with thousands of Freepers taking part it will mean a lot to our troops. Every act of kindness and support for their families is a blow for freedom and a real blessing to our troops.

Maybe we can coordinate this through the FR USO Canteen or through a continuing thread.

Is anyone interested? Any suggestions to make this workable and make it happen if we do it?

Absolutely. Let's keep this discussion on this thread so we all can be on the same page. Out here in Southern California, these families especially need our support since we are surrounded by pro-tyrant, anti-American Appeaseniks.

You can count me and mine in!

-Jay

[KineticKitty]

Also, for Army Bases try contacting A.C.S. (Army Community Service) That is were families go for referral services, assistance, couseling, food and lending closets, to information and things to do with the local community and on post. The Chaplain is also another good resource, and especially the 'installation volunteer program' -that is also where all FRG's (Family Readiness Groups, previously known as family support groups) go for support and, or information. (from what I was told in training, we have over 700 FRG's on Fort hood alone with an average of 100 to 150 soldiers and families in each)

These would be great places to start on a Army post when it comes to wanting to help military families. I wouldn't think and hope that the other services are to different from us.

[armymarinemom]

There are several groups that are around online for military wives and parents.
Military wives.
http://www.militarywifes.com/
Blue Star Mothers of America (Be nice about the website, I'm still working on it and having a hard time finding old px)
http://www.bluestarmothers.org/index.html
Both of these organizations may ways for you to offer help.

[shezza]

My understanding is that mortgage payments should continue, but the bank cannot initiate forclosure if indeed the family does not make payments. However, payments can be lowered (I think it's 6% interest rate), which would affect not only mortgages, but credit cards and any other loans. Just have to show proof of mobilization.