Background Statement
Western Slope Blue Star Mothers is a chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America. In January 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking Mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of this first meeting. It was decided that after receiving 1000 responses from the ad to form a permanent organization. The organization was reported on Congressional record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In June of 1960 the organization was chartered by congress.
Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers and were an working part of homeland security during times our time of war. The national organization waned in size over the years, but the events of 9/11 led to an increase in membership and once again started mothers hanging flags in their windows at home showing pride in our children's service to our country.
WSBSMA was chartered in June 2017 after Cheryl Masters, a Blue Star Mother from California, moved to Grand Junction and saw the need for a Chapter here. Our chapter started with five members in Grand Junction has grown to serve Moms in Delta and Montrose counties.