THE SILVER STAR FAMILIES OF AMERICA
~ALABAMA~
ALABAMA SIGNS PROCLAMATION DECLARING
MAY 1ST SILVER STAR DAY
It was a great day for SSFOA and for Alabama. We had a huge crowd there, many more than I expected. There were many proclamations being signed after ours. We were scheduled to go first, since there was standing room only because we had so many supporters in attendance. Everyone included in the room during the signing, there were about 200 people, about 50 were there to support SSFOA. One of the House Representatives told me that he has been to many of these signings, and usually the crowd all talks among themselves while the other are having there moment with the Gov, but he noticed immediately during our presentation and signing the room was totally silent and by the end there was not a dry eye in the room. Rep. Wren assured me that they were not dropping the ball on our cause or mission. He said he and his staff were committed to helping the SSFOA in anyway they could in the future. Here is how yesterday went:
1) The Gov. Riley greeted us and met each person individually, especially acknowledging his respect and thanks to the wounded and the Silver and Gold Star families.
2) A Three Star General presented the Governor with a framed state flag from Alabama that had flown during a mission in Iraq. Then the Gov. gave a short thank you speech referencing trips he had made to Iraq and his support of the troops. He said that he had spoken to hundreds of active duty servicemen and women and the one thing they all expressed was that they were well trained and committed to their jobs and felt that the job they were doing over there was worth the sacrifices.
3) Rep. Wren announced all of us who were in attendance by name and recognized each wounded hero and family.
4) Gov. Riley read and signed the proclamation designating May 1st as Silver Star Day to honor our wounded and presented it to SSFOA, which got a huge round of applause.
5) Speaker of the House, Seth Hammett presented the Resolution to Representative Greg Wren. Wren read the Resolution which was passed on March 02, 2007 receiving 100% vote in favor by the Alabama Legislation designating May 1st as Silver Star Day . A copy of the Resolution was presented to SSFOA.
6) Marynell and I presented Silver Star Banners to 4 wounded heroes from AL, one from each war - WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq, and to a Gold Star Mother whose son was killed in action in Iraq.
7) SSFOA presented plaques of appreciation to Gov. Riley and to Rep. Wren for there support of our wounded. (pic of the plaques is attached to this email)
8) SSFOA presented a certificate of appreciation to Rep. Wren for his father recognizing his service to our country.
9) The Gov. photographer took pictures.
10) Reception immediately followed hosted by Rep. Wren's office and sponsored by Sirote & Permutt in the Old Supreme Court Room.
11) Many more pictures were taken.
Among the Guess were:
Governor Bob Riley
The Honorable Seth Hammett-Speaker Alabama House of Representatives
The Honorable Greg Wren-Alabama House of Representatives
Lt. General Stephen Lorenz-Commander Air University
Several other guests from Maxwell Air Force Base
Veterans Receiving Banners:
David M. Cox wounded WWII
Leroy Arceneaux wounded Korea
Robert Jones wounded Vietnam, and wife, Cora Jones
Sean Phillips wounded Iraq, and parents, Terry and Sharon Phillips
Receiving Banner:
Deloris Bryson, in honor of her son Gunnery Sergeant Stephen Bryson KIA, Gold Star Mom
Other guests:
Phil and Peggy Whitt (both Veterans, and Phil is a Silver Star banner recipient for being wounded twice in Vietnam)
Cathy Storey and son Jamie Storey (members of SSFOA, Jamie wounded in Iraq in Nov 2005 and medical discharged from the Marines in Nov 2006)
Marynell and George Winslow (members of SSFOA and a Gold Star Mom, son Ryan-Marine KIA in Iraq April 2006)
Kristen Stillwell-Executive Assistant to Greg Wren
Tracey and Harry Rucks (SSFOA member)
And children Amanda, Alicia, and Alayna Rucks
Braxton Bridges-Office of the American Legion
Willis Frazier-State Commander of the American Legion
Rodney Nolen
Dick Weber (VA Hospital)
State Rep. Paul DeMarco
Lisa Horn (reporter for the Montgomery Advertiser)
Thank you for your interest in helping SSFOA serve our wounded in our state of ALABAMA. It is a great privilege to represent this wonderful organization who supports and honors our wounded military men and women.
As the number of wounded grows, so does the responsibility of each of our members. We want to ensure that ALABAMA does her part to uphold our Wounded Armed forces.
Please contact us to join The Silver Star Families of America in this wonderful state of ALABAMA.
~Marynell Winslow
~Tracey Rucks
SILVER STAR FLAG "TM"
SILVER STAR BANNER "TM"
Copyright 2005-2008
All Rights Reserved
The Silver Star Families of America is a non-partisan, not-for-profit charitable organization committed to supporting the United States Wounded Military Members and Veterans from all wars, past and present, and honoring their sacrifice with Silver Star Banners.
Content within this web site is the sole property of The Silver Star Families of America
"All photos and letters sent to the SSFOA become the property of the organization to be used
in any way we deem appropriate."
SSFOA reserves the right to conduct the day to day business of the organization as they deem
appropriate. State Coordinators and Reps will be chosen at the discretion of
SSFOA National Headquarters.
SSFOA is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit public charity organization.
See your tax advisor.
Northern Alabama Veteran's Day Parade 2007
Marynell presents Silver Star Banners
ALABAMA
SILVER STAR DAY 2008
