Gayle Sosbe is still on a mission to boost the morale of military service members.
The long-time leader of the local chapter of Blue Star Hoosier Mothers said the group is in need of new members as well as addresses for those serving in the military.
Blue Star Mothers is a group of mothers who have sons and daughters serving in the military or whose service members are now veterans. The group provides emotional support for the men and women in the military and their families.
Sosbe stressed that membership is open to all — not just mothers. She said full membership is offered to mothers of military personnel and others may join as an associate member.
“This group has always been held up by our associates,” Sosbe said. “They work hard for us and we appreciate them.”
Working side-by-side, full and associate members gather and assemble items for the care packages and mail these boxes to members of the military both overseas and stateside.
“If they wear the uniform, I want them to get a package,” Sosbe said. “We want them to know how much we appreciate their service.”
In order to do that the local chapter needs addresses.
Contact information for service members may be emailed to email hoosiermothers@yahoo.com or call Sosbe at 765-366-2009.
Sosbe has two sons and a brother who served in the military and she knows first-hand how important it is for servicemen and servicewomen to receive a moral boost.
“It really means a lot to these men and women to receive a care package, to know someone is thinking of them,” she said.
The group focuses on serving local and overseas military members first, then sends packages to others. The packages are sent year-round, not just during the holidays.
“Sometimes I try to connect with a chaplain because they know who’s not getting something from home, and we want to make sure they get something,” she said.
In addition to serving active duty members, the local chapter supports veterans.
Sosbe has been involved with the local chapter since its inception in 2006, and has served as the group’s president most of that time. She is the only charter member left, and she hopes new members will get involved and help her carry on the mission.
The chapter meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of the month at the Brian Bowman Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1431 at 117 N. Water St., Crawfordsville.
