19-04-2025
Wisconsin Blue Star Mothers serve community while their children serve the country
BLACK CREEK, Wis. (WFRV) – The Blue Star Mothers of Wisconsin Chapter 1 is part of a national organization of mothers whose children are active military or veterans.
The northeast Wisconsin chapter of this group is very active in the community while supporting each other while their children are away.
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'We don't get to see our kids on Spring Break or Easter,' said First Vice President Joby Sewall. 'They're gone. We have each other and it helps us get through the hard times.'
Local 5 News caught up with the group at a spring craft fair at Wei Gardens on County Road B in Black Creek, Outagamie County.
It's the weekend in Wisconsin, then the Blue Star Mothers are usually up to something and they participate in many craft fairs, selling the items they made themselves to support care packages for troops away from home.
'We get together at our homes and it's fun because we get to share our experiences and support each other as our children are serving,' said the chapter's Financial Secretary Jean Thyssen.
'We're a small but mighty group,' added Sewall. 'Raising money can be difficult. But we found craft fairs work for us. So, we can fulfill our missions out in the community.'
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Those missions include preparing and serving meals with 'Vets and Friends' or visiting with folks at Veterans Village.
The activities and camaraderie help the women with the uncertainty of a child who is deployed.
'We also have adoptive moms and grandparents,' said Sewell. 'Also, associate members who are dads and siblings. They can join our group as well.'
Their care packages are in such demand that they've expanded deliveries to more than twice a year.
A simple way to stay connected with their kids when they're away has shown that a little motherly touch through the community goes a long way.
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Wisconsin hosts the Blue Star Mothers National Convention in Milwaukee this July.
Wei Gardens is hosting a special Mother's Day Craft Fair on May 4.
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