Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning. This is Miami Valley View, a Dayton public
affairs program brought to you by a iHeartMedia Dayton. I'm
your host Dave Alexander. Joining me this morning is the
executive director of Blue Star Families of Dayton in southwestern Ohio.
Jerry Maples. Jerry, good morning, and thanks for coming back.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Good morning, Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
It's always great to have you guys in here, because
Blue Star Families does some great, great, great work. You
guys just celebrated a birthday, is that right?
Speaker 2 (00:29):
We did.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
We did on February twentieth, we turned five years old.
Our chapter did so really excited and happy birthday to us.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Yeah, happy birthday. So if people are listening in this
morning and they're like blue Star Families is what is
blue Star Families? Give us an idea of what Blue
Star Families does.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
So, Blue Star Families was founded in two thousand and
nine as a way to really connect our military veteran
families to our civilian neighbors. So really everything that we
do is kind to driven by that mission to help
provide a clear understanding of you know, what our military
and families lifestyle looks like and as well as really
(01:11):
kind of providing a sense of belonging for our military
and veteran families in the community. So, you know, every
year we do a thing called Military Family Lifestyle Survey.
It's our annual survey that we do, and that's a
tool that we use for our families to provide a
lens and to what their life looks like at any
given moment. And so that data is available to on
(01:37):
our website really to be able to help our civilian
neighbors get a better clear understanding and how they can
do their part to support our families.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
So we'll get into more of that how these neighbors
can help. But what I'm curious is how do you guys, like,
if somebody's new coming in to write pat Air Force Space,
let's say a new family's coming in, how do they
do they reach out to you, you reach out to them?
How does that work?
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Yeah, so that's a really great question. So we have
thirteen chapters across the country. We have pretty much the
east really kind of north, south, east, and west even
in the middle covered. So our families really can you know,
participate in our programming and and benefit from that. But
a lot of times our families will already be engaged
(02:24):
in another chapter and they'll come on in and transition
into into our chapter. So, for example, if we have
a family in San Diego, Washington State, they pretty probably
already know that that the Dayton in southwestern Ohio chapter
is here, but often hit times to that that they
may not know about us. Right, So we have a
(02:46):
solid relationship with all entities of our military community here,
ranging from right pat Air Force Base to the Dayton
VA Medical Center other other partners that that help us
cannnect with those families who may not know about Blue
Star Families.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
That's amazing and that and you've you've only been around
for five years and you have amazing connections in the
area for this stuff. So for if if if a
family is moving let's say from San Diego uh to here,
I'm going to guess they probably, like you said, I
already know about Blue Star Families if they're in that
organization there. And does do you guys do chapters kind
(03:24):
of talk amongst each other say Hey, we have a
family rolling in from San Diego here soon, you know,
we'd like to have them, you know, reach out to you.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
So you know, one of the things about our chapter
leaderships here myself and our program manager Sarah.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
As well as our other chapters.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
We have really a solid base of families and we
get to know them personally.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Just last year, I had a service member who was
participating in our programming and she let me know, Hey,
we're leaving. She sent me an email to personally thank me,
but also let you know that she was leaving, and
I was able to give a warm hand off to
the other chapter that she was going to be nearby.
We don't often get to do that, but there are
(04:10):
cases where we can do that, and our families really
they're so appreciative of the things that we do for
them that many times they do take the opportunity to
let us know they are leaving, and if we get
a chance to know where they're going, we definitely give
the other chapter heads up.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
Now, is this only with active duty or is it
also retired? How does that work?
Speaker 3 (04:32):
Yeah, so it's everybody. Yeah, So no matter what stage
of service that you're in, you know, we welcome you
and our civilian neighbors as well. Civilian neighbors can can
join us and learn how they can do their part
through volunteering or other supportive measures, but really any stage
of service, whether your guard reserve, active duty. We actually
(04:56):
just sent a guard unit off. We we like to
say we did that and style by giving them a
warm handoff as they're you know, leaving for a year
along deployment. We provided them with little goodie bags that
had brushes and combs and toothpaste and you know, first
aid kits and and things like that, and we're able
(05:16):
to shake their hand and let them know, hey, you know,
we're thinking of you, and let your families know that
we're here while they're while you're gone, and always beyond that.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
So, so what is what is Blue Stars role like
when the new family is coming into the area. What
are you guys doing? What are you providing?
Speaker 3 (05:35):
Yeah, so, first and foremost a connection, right and a
sense of belonging, letting them.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Know that we're here.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
We have a whole week dedicated to providing a sense
of belonging to to our new military and veteran families.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
It's Blue Star Welcome Week.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
We do that every September, the last week of September,
and we got out and engage and we bring our
partners along. Last year we did the block party and
you guys were part of that, which was a lot
of fun. This year we're looking to do a Battle
of the Choirs, so our our high school, our high school,
(06:11):
Purple Star, and other community schools we're going to be
inviting them out to participate in this Battle of the
Choirs and have a block party. But it's a great
way to engage our families, especially our younger kids, because
they're moving sometimes. Our kids can move anywhere from you know,
(06:33):
every two to three years in a Yeah, it's it's
super tough. And when you think about a K through twelve,
you know academic journey that that could be eight or
nine times that these kids are moving. So we're out
in the schools during that week as well. But this
is a great way for parents, especially our new parents,
(06:54):
to come out, get to meet who who they need
to be connected with, whether it's you know, a teacher
in a school, a dentist, whoever.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
I think coming into a new environment and knowing that
there's already a community there, you know, to embrace you,
to welcome you in, that's gotta that's gotta be comforting.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
It really is, it really is, and we we have
fun doing it, right We we think of fun ways.
Last year we took them on the Bella Cincinnati on
a river road crew, so they got to go an
hour down the river and then an hour back and
learn about history. But it was it was more than that.
I love seeing them sitting. You know, it was raining
(07:34):
that day, which you know, it tried to tried to
make things soggy, but it didn't work. But but our
families were sitting enjoying a meal and connecting. And I
love when I see family sharing phone numbers and texting
or liking each other on Facebook, or or even belonging
(07:55):
to our exclusive neighborhood. We have a whole online neighborhood
that our families nice and go to and get those
resources that they need and connect with other families and
register for our events. And it's it's free of all
the outside noise because it's just for them.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Just for them. That is great. What you guys are
doing fantastic things. Now, I want to get on to
how the community us here in the neighborhood here in
the Miami Valley. You said we can help. How can
we help?
Speaker 3 (08:23):
Yeah, So there's so many different ways that you can help.
First and foremost, it takes monetary money to the donation, right,
we do not. We do not charge our families anything
to participate in the things that we were just describing.
So if you want to, you know, viewers out there
want to you know, support in that way, they can
go to Blue starfam dot org and select donate and
(08:46):
then make sure you select the dat Ohio chapter. But
other ways, you know, we're always looking for volunteers.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Okay, volunteers, like what would they be volunteering for?
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Yeah, so we do. We do a whole host of
events throughout the year. We just took families to perfect
Norse Slopes for a second year in a row.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
I'm yes, now was not a problem.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
But also you know, we partner with door dash and
we send our members if they are in the delivery zone.
Last year we sent our kids Santa doorstep surprises right
on their doorstep. They got a whole bunch of toys
and books and and things like that. We do that
(09:35):
throughout the year. We do an event called Nourish the Service,
which is really imperative to addressing our food and security
among our military families. Folks wouldn't realize it, but our
families are food and secured at a rate of one
and six. That means no, no, not kidding.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
That is a huge It really is. It really is.
So so we address that every year.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
So we give them food and household and hygiene items.
We connect them to resources that we partner with to
address things like employment and childcare.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
So that is a big lift.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
That's usually a three day event from start to finish,
and so we do that every year and it takes
a lot of volunteers. The Black Party, Blue Star Welcome
Week definitely can get involved. This year, we are planning,
so folks mark your calendar sometime in July or August.
We're planning a huge yard sale, oh and a vendor sale.
(10:34):
So we're gonna need you know, if you're a crafty
person and you're making things or you want to you know,
spring clean and clean out your closets. You know, we
are definitely looking forward to that as well. And that's
the first time we've ever done that, so we're looking forward.
I know it's going to be a huge success.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
Yeah, So there's plenty of volunteer opportunities with Blue Star
Families and how how do we you know, if you're
looking for something, oh I love to help, hell about
what do we just go to your website.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
Yes, just go to Blue starfam dot org. There's a
volunteer button there and Sarah will reach out to you.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
So you know great ways you can. If you can't
make a donation, which is always appreciated monetary donation, you
can always donate your time and you know that's always grateful.
Of course, I want to get to you. Got a
party coming up next next week? Is that right?
Speaker 2 (11:23):
We do? We do? Like I said, we're turning five.
Well actually we already turned five.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Right, You're just gonna throw the party next weekend.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
We're throwing the party next weekend.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
And uh, the the reason I did that is last
year we did a breakfast and we had a snowstorm
the day before, but over.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
One hundred people still came.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Oh they still came.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
I was. I was really excited.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
But yeah, we are doing our anniversary event and we
have quite the lineup.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Quite the lineup.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
Just to give this person a shout out, Michael Williams,
former American Idol, contested, Yeah, he's going to be performing
from five to six.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
He's helped out us here at iHeart several times.
Speaker 3 (12:04):
You get a great voice, amazing amazing young man. He
actually came and performed for us during our National Guard
holiday event.
Speaker 1 (12:15):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (12:15):
And the families I'm still getting I'm still getting messages
from families thanking, thanking for us for bringing him and
just a fine young man. So he's going to be
performing from five to six. And then we have our
former quarterback John Kittna with the Crinati Bengals who who
is now a varsity coach at Lakota East High School.
(12:36):
That he is he is going to be our keynote speaker.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Very cool.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
So so we also have a whole I think there's
like twelve items now up.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
For silent auction.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
Nice.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
So we're we're really excited about this this big birthday celebration.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
So if I want to go to said birthday celebration,
how do I go? What do I need to do?
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Yeah, so you can just go on our neighborhood and register.
There are still some tickets available. I would I would
definitely encourage you to do that soon. Yes soon, Yes,
do it soon.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
You want to go do it soon? Do it soon,
because that's a good problem to have that you don't
have that many tickets left.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
Yes, yes, exactly, exactly, And I should point out that.
You know, we definitely want our folks there to learn
about what we are doing, sure, and and how we
you know, how we have served over the last five years.
You know, we we started with about five hundred families
or five hundred households. I checked yesterday. We're at three thousand,
(13:40):
six hundred and twenty two households. But there's I know
and I you know it. We we launched this chapter
during COVID.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
Oh wow, which you know what a way to start.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Right, Yeah, welcome to the business.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Yeah. But thankfully because I already was in this military community,
being the wife of a wounded Iraq veteran, already you know,
established and and had a history of working with a
lot of the people that we work with now, it
was it was easier for me to overcome. Sure, I
(14:17):
had already knew about Zoom before Zoom was the thing,
So so.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
That was easily a top the ball.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
But but still the challenges were there, right, and we
we were able to pivot our plans, and you know,
we had during that first year we gave we we
we pivoted our our plan for this picnic that we're
going to have in May, and we turned it into
(14:44):
giving school supplies to military students in August via drive
through right, right. But but you know we also really
responded with we we started that year a blood drive
that on Veterans Day. That's gone every year since. That's awesome,
and we continue to do that with our friends at
Red Cross. So you know, I would say Dave that
(15:07):
we do a lot of important responding things to our
military families and our community and our veteran families and
what they need, but we also give them ways to
forget about their stressors.
Speaker 2 (15:19):
Right.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
We're taking them for a fifth year in a row
to the Dayton Dragons game to the Military child Very cool. Yeah,
I mentioned that we just took them tubing. Yeah, so
you know, we we do a lot of fun things,
but we do a lot of critical needed things.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
Oh yeah, absolutely. So if you want to help out
Blue Star Families of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio, go check
out their website. It's blue Star fam Is that right,
blue starfam dot org. Just make sure you make sure
you go to the Dayton and Southwestern donations. Monetary and
time volunteers are needed. Jerry, you guys are doing great things.
(16:00):
Happy that you are continued to expand and you're only
going to get bigger, so I really appreciate your time,
Thanks for coming in, Thanks so much.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
You know, I always say I have the best career
in the world. I get to get up every day
and give back, that's all. Thanks for letting me spread
that message today.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
Absolutely
Good morning. This is Miami Valley View, a Dayton public
affairs program brought to you by a iHeartMedia Dayton. I'm
your host Dave Alexander. Joining me this morning is the
executive director of Blue Star Families of Dayton in southwestern Ohio.
Jerry Maples. Jerry, good morning, and thanks for coming back.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Good morning, Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
It's always great to have you guys in here, because
Blue Star Families does some great, great, great work. You
guys just celebrated a birthday, is that right?
Speaker 2 (00:29):
We did.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
We did on February twentieth, we turned five years old.
Our chapter did so really excited and happy birthday to us.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Yeah, happy birthday. So if people are listening in this
morning and they're like blue Star Families is what is
blue Star Families? Give us an idea of what Blue
Star Families does.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
So, Blue Star Families was founded in two thousand and
nine as a way to really connect our military veteran
families to our civilian neighbors. So really everything that we
do is kind to driven by that mission to help
provide a clear understanding of you know, what our military
and families lifestyle looks like and as well as really
(01:11):
kind of providing a sense of belonging for our military
and veteran families in the community. So, you know, every
year we do a thing called Military Family Lifestyle Survey.
It's our annual survey that we do, and that's a
tool that we use for our families to provide a
lens and to what their life looks like at any
given moment. And so that data is available to on
(01:37):
our website really to be able to help our civilian
neighbors get a better clear understanding and how they can
do their part to support our families.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
So we'll get into more of that how these neighbors
can help. But what I'm curious is how do you guys, like,
if somebody's new coming in to write pat Air Force Space,
let's say a new family's coming in, how do they
do they reach out to you, you reach out to them?
How does that work?
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Yeah, so that's a really great question. So we have
thirteen chapters across the country. We have pretty much the
east really kind of north, south, east, and west even
in the middle covered. So our families really can you know,
participate in our programming and and benefit from that. But
a lot of times our families will already be engaged
(02:24):
in another chapter and they'll come on in and transition
into into our chapter. So, for example, if we have
a family in San Diego, Washington State, they pretty probably
already know that that the Dayton in southwestern Ohio chapter
is here, but often hit times to that that they
may not know about us. Right, So we have a
(02:46):
solid relationship with all entities of our military community here,
ranging from right pat Air Force Base to the Dayton
VA Medical Center other other partners that that help us
cannnect with those families who may not know about Blue
Star Families.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
That's amazing and that and you've you've only been around
for five years and you have amazing connections in the
area for this stuff. So for if if if a
family is moving let's say from San Diego uh to here,
I'm going to guess they probably, like you said, I
already know about Blue Star Families if they're in that
organization there. And does do you guys do chapters kind
(03:24):
of talk amongst each other say Hey, we have a
family rolling in from San Diego here soon, you know,
we'd like to have them, you know, reach out to you.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
So you know, one of the things about our chapter
leaderships here myself and our program manager Sarah.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
As well as our other chapters.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
We have really a solid base of families and we
get to know them personally.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Just last year, I had a service member who was
participating in our programming and she let me know, Hey,
we're leaving. She sent me an email to personally thank me,
but also let you know that she was leaving, and
I was able to give a warm hand off to
the other chapter that she was going to be nearby.
We don't often get to do that, but there are
(04:10):
cases where we can do that, and our families really
they're so appreciative of the things that we do for
them that many times they do take the opportunity to
let us know they are leaving, and if we get
a chance to know where they're going, we definitely give
the other chapter heads up.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
Now, is this only with active duty or is it
also retired? How does that work?
Speaker 3 (04:32):
Yeah, so it's everybody. Yeah, So no matter what stage
of service that you're in, you know, we welcome you
and our civilian neighbors as well. Civilian neighbors can can
join us and learn how they can do their part
through volunteering or other supportive measures, but really any stage
of service, whether your guard reserve, active duty. We actually
(04:56):
just sent a guard unit off. We we like to
say we did that and style by giving them a
warm handoff as they're you know, leaving for a year
along deployment. We provided them with little goodie bags that
had brushes and combs and toothpaste and you know, first
aid kits and and things like that, and we're able
(05:16):
to shake their hand and let them know, hey, you know,
we're thinking of you, and let your families know that
we're here while they're while you're gone, and always beyond that.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
So, so what is what is Blue Stars role like
when the new family is coming into the area. What
are you guys doing? What are you providing?
Speaker 3 (05:35):
Yeah, so, first and foremost a connection, right and a
sense of belonging, letting them.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Know that we're here.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
We have a whole week dedicated to providing a sense
of belonging to to our new military and veteran families.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
It's Blue Star Welcome Week.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
We do that every September, the last week of September,
and we got out and engage and we bring our
partners along. Last year we did the block party and
you guys were part of that, which was a lot
of fun. This year we're looking to do a Battle
of the Choirs, so our our high school, our high school,
(06:11):
Purple Star, and other community schools we're going to be
inviting them out to participate in this Battle of the
Choirs and have a block party. But it's a great
way to engage our families, especially our younger kids, because
they're moving sometimes. Our kids can move anywhere from you know,
(06:33):
every two to three years in a Yeah, it's it's
super tough. And when you think about a K through twelve,
you know academic journey that that could be eight or
nine times that these kids are moving. So we're out
in the schools during that week as well. But this
is a great way for parents, especially our new parents,
(06:54):
to come out, get to meet who who they need
to be connected with, whether it's you know, a teacher
in a school, a dentist, whoever.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
I think coming into a new environment and knowing that
there's already a community there, you know, to embrace you,
to welcome you in, that's gotta that's gotta be comforting.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
It really is, it really is, and we we have
fun doing it, right We we think of fun ways.
Last year we took them on the Bella Cincinnati on
a river road crew, so they got to go an
hour down the river and then an hour back and
learn about history. But it was it was more than that.
I love seeing them sitting. You know, it was raining
(07:34):
that day, which you know, it tried to tried to
make things soggy, but it didn't work. But but our
families were sitting enjoying a meal and connecting. And I
love when I see family sharing phone numbers and texting
or liking each other on Facebook, or or even belonging
(07:55):
to our exclusive neighborhood. We have a whole online neighborhood
that our families nice and go to and get those
resources that they need and connect with other families and
register for our events. And it's it's free of all
the outside noise because it's just for them.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Just for them. That is great. What you guys are
doing fantastic things. Now, I want to get on to
how the community us here in the neighborhood here in
the Miami Valley. You said we can help. How can
we help?
Speaker 3 (08:23):
Yeah, So there's so many different ways that you can help.
First and foremost, it takes monetary money to the donation, right,
we do not. We do not charge our families anything
to participate in the things that we were just describing.
So if you want to, you know, viewers out there
want to you know, support in that way, they can
go to Blue starfam dot org and select donate and
(08:46):
then make sure you select the dat Ohio chapter. But
other ways, you know, we're always looking for volunteers.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Okay, volunteers, like what would they be volunteering for?
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Yeah, so we do. We do a whole host of
events throughout the year. We just took families to perfect
Norse Slopes for a second year in a row.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
I'm yes, now was not a problem.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
But also you know, we partner with door dash and
we send our members if they are in the delivery zone.
Last year we sent our kids Santa doorstep surprises right
on their doorstep. They got a whole bunch of toys
and books and and things like that. We do that
(09:35):
throughout the year. We do an event called Nourish the Service,
which is really imperative to addressing our food and security
among our military families. Folks wouldn't realize it, but our
families are food and secured at a rate of one
and six. That means no, no, not kidding.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
That is a huge It really is. It really is.
So so we address that every year.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
So we give them food and household and hygiene items.
We connect them to resources that we partner with to
address things like employment and childcare.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
So that is a big lift.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
That's usually a three day event from start to finish,
and so we do that every year and it takes
a lot of volunteers. The Black Party, Blue Star Welcome
Week definitely can get involved. This year, we are planning,
so folks mark your calendar sometime in July or August.
We're planning a huge yard sale, oh and a vendor sale.
(10:34):
So we're gonna need you know, if you're a crafty
person and you're making things or you want to you know,
spring clean and clean out your closets. You know, we
are definitely looking forward to that as well. And that's
the first time we've ever done that, so we're looking forward.
I know it's going to be a huge success.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
Yeah, So there's plenty of volunteer opportunities with Blue Star
Families and how how do we you know, if you're
looking for something, oh I love to help, hell about
what do we just go to your website.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
Yes, just go to Blue starfam dot org. There's a
volunteer button there and Sarah will reach out to you.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
So you know great ways you can. If you can't
make a donation, which is always appreciated monetary donation, you
can always donate your time and you know that's always grateful.
Of course, I want to get to you. Got a
party coming up next next week? Is that right?
Speaker 2 (11:23):
We do? We do? Like I said, we're turning five.
Well actually we already turned five.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Right, You're just gonna throw the party next weekend.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
We're throwing the party next weekend.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
And uh, the the reason I did that is last
year we did a breakfast and we had a snowstorm
the day before, but over.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
One hundred people still came.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Oh they still came.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
I was. I was really excited.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
But yeah, we are doing our anniversary event and we
have quite the lineup.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Quite the lineup.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
Just to give this person a shout out, Michael Williams,
former American Idol, contested, Yeah, he's going to be performing
from five to six.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
He's helped out us here at iHeart several times.
Speaker 3 (12:04):
You get a great voice, amazing amazing young man. He
actually came and performed for us during our National Guard
holiday event.
Speaker 1 (12:15):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (12:15):
And the families I'm still getting I'm still getting messages
from families thanking, thanking for us for bringing him and
just a fine young man. So he's going to be
performing from five to six. And then we have our
former quarterback John Kittna with the Crinati Bengals who who
is now a varsity coach at Lakota East High School.
(12:36):
That he is he is going to be our keynote speaker.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Very cool.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
So so we also have a whole I think there's
like twelve items now up.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
For silent auction.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
Nice.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
So we're we're really excited about this this big birthday celebration.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
So if I want to go to said birthday celebration,
how do I go? What do I need to do?
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Yeah, so you can just go on our neighborhood and register.
There are still some tickets available. I would I would
definitely encourage you to do that soon. Yes soon, Yes,
do it soon.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
You want to go do it soon? Do it soon,
because that's a good problem to have that you don't
have that many tickets left.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
Yes, yes, exactly, exactly, And I should point out that.
You know, we definitely want our folks there to learn
about what we are doing, sure, and and how we
you know, how we have served over the last five years.
You know, we we started with about five hundred families
or five hundred households. I checked yesterday. We're at three thousand,
(13:40):
six hundred and twenty two households. But there's I know
and I you know it. We we launched this chapter
during COVID.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
Oh wow, which you know what a way to start.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Right, Yeah, welcome to the business.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Yeah. But thankfully because I already was in this military community,
being the wife of a wounded Iraq veteran, already you know,
established and and had a history of working with a
lot of the people that we work with now, it
was it was easier for me to overcome. Sure, I
(14:17):
had already knew about Zoom before Zoom was the thing,
So so.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
That was easily a top the ball.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
But but still the challenges were there, right, and we
we were able to pivot our plans, and you know,
we had during that first year we gave we we
we pivoted our our plan for this picnic that we're
going to have in May, and we turned it into
(14:44):
giving school supplies to military students in August via drive
through right, right. But but you know we also really
responded with we we started that year a blood drive
that on Veterans Day. That's gone every year since. That's awesome,
and we continue to do that with our friends at
Red Cross. So you know, I would say Dave that
(15:07):
we do a lot of important responding things to our
military families and our community and our veteran families and
what they need, but we also give them ways to
forget about their stressors.
Speaker 2 (15:19):
Right.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
We're taking them for a fifth year in a row
to the Dayton Dragons game to the Military child Very cool. Yeah,
I mentioned that we just took them tubing. Yeah, so
you know, we we do a lot of fun things,
but we do a lot of critical needed things.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
Oh yeah, absolutely. So if you want to help out
Blue Star Families of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio, go check
out their website. It's blue Star fam Is that right,
blue starfam dot org. Just make sure you make sure
you go to the Dayton and Southwestern donations. Monetary and
time volunteers are needed. Jerry, you guys are doing great things.
(16:00):
Happy that you are continued to expand and you're only
going to get bigger, so I really appreciate your time,
Thanks for coming in, Thanks so much.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
You know, I always say I have the best career
in the world. I get to get up every day
and give back, that's all. Thanks for letting me spread
that message today.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
Absolutely
Popular Podcasts
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Decisions, Decisions
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!