The Four Corners Chapter Of the Blue Star Mothers was honored by San Juan  #25 Masonic Lodge in Aztec on September 26th.  Blue Star Mothers Gerry Campbell and Gloria Bodley attended a dinner and meeting honoring local veterans and Blue Star Moms. Also in attendance was Most Worshipful Master Jimmy Berkey, Grand Master of Masons in New Mexico to show his support and delight for Masons being able to help the courageous women of the Blue Star organization. Jimmy Berkey is a Navy Veteran.

The Blue Star Mothers organization began in 1943 in Flint Michigan to support each other and to pool their resources to support active service people from their local area by sending Care packages, assisting wives, husbands, and family members, insuring a proper welcome home for returning service people, and helping out with financial assistance for travel to hospitals, memorials, ect. They also provide assistance to veterans and veteran’s organizations. It has since spread to every state in the USA.

They are also the first to respond when a mother becomes a Gold Star Mother. That happens when a child of a blue star mother gives their life in the service to their country.

The local chapter is currently supporting approximately 60 active service men and women from San Juan County. Most are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, but not all.  The chapter is not funded by the military or government in any way. They rely on the financial support and donations from veteran’s organizations, civic organizations and individuals for 100% of the monies for their work. In this year alone the postage bill for sending packages is already exceeding $14,000.00 in San Juan County. The local mothers send out 60 to 100 boxes about every other month to active service people from San Juan County and double that amount at Christmas. The Christmas mailing will out of necessity be mailed in late November.

So come and give the gift of life and the gift of comfort to our courageous and wonderful service people.
The Masons of New Mexico and San Juan #25 in Aztec are proud to be able support both worthy efforts and plan to continue their support as long as it is needed.