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.
To think, if the same effort and interest were given to Matt like Natalee Holloway story, we might have either solved or become closer to what happened to this patriot.
I think about the Sheehan case and I feel as if anyone who has something to be bitter about is this family, and wow, they aren't. Amazing.
I look forward to your return, but found this recent article and posted it friend. PING
Wow. This family deserves our support as much or more than any family of our fallen brothers.
That rat commie Sheehan thinks she speaks for all the mothers of troops. President can't say they are fighting for a noble cause because Sheehan is more important than the other parents according to her.
Sgt. Maupin, you are not forgotten.
Every time the libs go off about Lingerie Torture they need to be reminded about PVT Maupin. Has the Red Cross been given access to him? Is he treated IAW the Geneva Convention?
He family is an example for all of us.
Respectfully SGT Maupin....He has been captured so long I forgot about his automatic advancements.
Here is a family who has to each day wonder if that knock on the door will happen, but, they still go on, honoring their son and assisting other soldiers, his family deserves my utmost respect, I hope you agree, and join our family in a prayer for the Maupin family.
PING
Could we do a prayer chain for Sgt. Maupin. And thanks for reminding us that he is missing.
bttt
listen to Savage NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the lawyers in the Defense Department covered up AD............... The enemy is WITHIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am upset enough today. My blood pressure couldn't take it.....please fill us in on Savage.
thanks for the PING, have not looked up Savage's show .. will do it now though
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