KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | 'Even the big boys like something for Christmas', say Valley Military Moms

'Even the big boys like something for Christmas', say Valley Military Moms

By Norma Yuriar

Fresno, Calif.  (KMPH News) — Central Valley Blue Star Moms have spent the past three months collecting treats even toys for their sons and daughters serving overseas — knowing that like a child on Christmas morning their loved ones will open each box with anticipation and excitement.

"Even the big boys like something for Christmas," said Clovis Blue Star Mom Cathy Holcomb.  Her son Luke Holcomb is serving in Afghanistan.

"Our son actually introduced me to the Blue Star Moms.  Luke received a package when he was first over there and he said you've got to go find the Blue Star Moms because they send the greatest packages," Cathy said.

On Thursday night military moms from across the valley met at Northwest Church in Fresno to assemble more than 150 care packages, each sent with a special message.

"About 300 students from Edison Computech wrote letters, personal handwritten letters for all of our children who are currently deployed," Blue Star Mom Charlotte Novak–Brown said.  "It means a lot, it's in the bottom of the box and it's the last thing they will get."

Veteran G.A. Smoke knows how much that can mean.  This is the first time since serving three tours in Iraq – he has been on the shipping end of what Blue Star Moms call ‘Operation Remember the Troops.’

"It definitely does bring a smile, especially this time of year it does make a difference if you are literally living in a hole in the ground someplace by hostile strangers," Smoke said.  "It does help a lot."

A U–Haul truck full of care packages will be driven to the post office on Friday morning.  The boxes full of candy, books and beef jerky — among other goodies are expected to arrive in Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany and other parts of the world by Christmas morning.

"It will be something from home, letting him know we are thinking about him," Kerman Blue Star Mom Sandra Hornor said.

Operation Remember the Troops, is made possible by donations from members of the community.  To learn more about the Central Valley Blue Star Moms, go to: www.cvbluestarmoms.org