Michigan—The Buchanan Seventh-day Adventist Church members held a special social on Saturday evening, Nov. 4, 2006, to show support for military troops. Organized by Gyl Bateman, enough items were collected to fill 63 individual packages with personal hygiene items, games, writing materials, books, and magazines. They were sent overseas to be distributed for Christmas.

Gyl Bateman is a Blue Star Mother. Blue Star Mothers of America is a national organization that was started in 1942 during WWII to give support to our troops and their families. Members are mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and wives who have or have had a family member in the military. They offer support to each other in the ups and downs of things going on in their lives. Emotions can be proud and sad or happy and upset all at the same time. They also send cards and letters of encouragement and boxes with a touch of home to soldiers stationed in the U.S. and overseas to show them their 100 percent support. Participating in parades and memorials also shows their support of the soldiers.

Gyl's and her husband Brad's son, Bradley James Bateman, recently served in the military. In addition to Bradley, the Buchanan Church has four others serving in the Army, Air Force and Marines: Phillip Seitenstich, Brandon Schau, Kevin Symonds, and Eric Doolittle.

If you are interested in learning more about the Blue Star Mothers, you may call 269-925-4123, or contact Gyl at 269-473-6725.

Avaline Stowe, Buchanan Church communication secretary