Posted on 08/12/2005 5:29:09 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
Even though the Maupin family has not been able to speak to their son in 16 months, they are taking steps to make sure others with family members in the U.S. military overseas can keep in touch.
Keith and Carolyn Maupin of Batavia, through their Yellow Ribbon Support Center, are shipping computer equipment to soldiers stationed in Iraq.
The Maupins' son, Army Spc. Keith "Matt" Maupin, has not been heard from since April 2004, after his convoy was attacked outside of Baghdad. A grainy video released later, claimed by an insurgent group to depict his execution, was ruled inconclusive by the U.S. military.
He is the only American soldier in the Iraq war whose status is listed as captured.
"When Matt's unit came home, we went to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin to see them," explained Keith Maupin. "One of the soldiers told me he watched his kids grow up on a Web cam while he was away. That's when we got the idea to do this."
The Web cams will be distributed to units, which will use them to post online video of the soldiers that can be accessed by their families and friends on the homefront.
An Army warrant officer was at the center making arrangements to ship the equipment Wednesday. Maupin said once the equipment is assigned to a unit, it would become part of its permanent inventory and remain with the troops as long as they were deployed.
In addition to Web cams, the eight pallets awaiting shipment at the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Eastgate include computers, memory cards and other supplies. Maupin announced the shipment so people who made donations to the center would know their money was put to good use.
"This is something we know will help the families," Maupin said.
The harsh realities of war, which hit the tri-state especially hard with the deaths of four local Marines in a roadside bombing Aug. 3, make communications between soldiers and their families invaluable, Maupin said. "This is a war and anything can happen at any time. For these family members to see and talk to each other is priceless."
Maupin said it was not up to him to tell the families of the Marines how to grieve, but he talked about the things that have given him comfort as he waits for his son's return.
"These guys felt like they were making a difference, not just for us, but for the people of Iraq." he said. "The support we have received from the community has helped us, and I'm sure it will help these families."
The Yellow Ribbon Support Center is an outlet for the families of soldiers and people in the community to show support, Maupin said. In addition to raising awareness about the troops in Iraq, the center also collects non-perishable food items and supplies and ships them to soldiers overseas. Maupin said whenever it seems the stock is getting low, another big donation comes in.
"A couple of weeks ago we shipped everything we had and the next day a church group brought in a ton of stuff," he said.
Wow. . .paragraphs are our friends.
;-)
Have had two cups and a shower and am working on the third.
Yep, I heard Greta babbling on that day. I have my doubts about Fox these days. They are doing too much PC stuff to keep their ratings up.
BTTT Good story about a POW/MIA
Ya have to know that in a MSM "Rich Party Girl vs Patriot" who'll lose in the presstitute propaganda process. Personally I belive the Party Girl was shark sh*t on day three after reported missing and SPC Maupin is dead. His jailers were wannabes and he was a well trained professional soldier, he'd have escaped or died trying by now IMHO.
Stay Safe and post more often before ya have that coffee......:o)
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