The Silver Star Families of America Fighting for our Wounded

Armed Forces News Service ^ | 2006 | Steve Newton

[Steve Newton]

Hello Everyone

I don’t know if you all remember me and I hope I am not intruding here, moderators help me if I am, but my name is Steve Newton. I am an author, feature writer and a veteran. (And a FReeper) I am also the Founder of the Silver Star Families of America. The mission of the SSFOA is to remember and honor our wounded Armed Forces Members by getting legislation passed authorizing them a Banner or Flag. We call it the Silver Star Shining for Sacrifice.

[Steve Newton]

The difference between us and the Purple Hearts is that we consider injuries and PTSD as quailfying for the Silver Star Banner

Many people who shed blood do not quaify for the PH

We want to remember ALL the wounded

Steve

[Steve Newton]

Exactly right.

When chosing the Silver Star we tried to stay with the historic precedence set before.

Steve

[marmar]

When I was in Germany, SSFOA sent me numerous package for the troops. Everything from books, candy, toiletries, and little satchels that smelled good, to put in your pillow, so you could sleep. As a medic at the CASF I was able to give the stuff out to the troops when they didn't have these supplies on them. Many Wounded Warriors, when they fly in from the contingency area, depending on their injuries, sometimes have their uniforms cut right off their bodies and when they show up to Germany, they don't have anything on them. So these supplies help.

[Steve Newton]

Thank you Sis for the kind words

We will do all we can for our wounded warriors.

Blessings

Steve Newton

[marmar]

I know, Pappy, and FYI the Old Sarge books are a quick read with much insight. I enjoyed reading it and I gave away every copy you sent me. I know the Wounded Warriors got a big kick out of it.......

[Steve Newton]

And thank you

Steve Newton

[JLO]

http://www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil

[JLO]

Oops, I meant to respond here Tonk.

[Steve Newton]

thanks for the link buddy

Steve

[trooprally]

According to your link, it is a Blue Star that represents a family member in the military.

[Mr] T

[trooprally]

Please see my post #30. Forgot to add you to it.

[commish]

According to your link, it is a Blue Star that represents a family member in the military.

Correct -- Blue star does designate a member in the Military. SILVER STAR represents a family member serving in COMBAT. Which is exactly what I said.

[trooprally]

I stand more educated, thanks.

[Steve Newton]

Not to worry my friend

When we first started to research a Flag for the wounded, we had to go back in history.

Many states had authorized many different Flags for their Soldiers. There were no standards.

We all learned something. And hey, that's why we talk.

Right?

Steve Newton

[trooprally]

Absolutely, the FR forum is for conversation and education. I knew about the Blue and Gold Star (My mom was past President of the Gold Star Mothers in '75 and was instrumental in getting the Vietnam Wall constructed), but learned by this thread about the Silver Star.

Keep up the good work and Thanks for your efforts.

[Mr] T

[Steve Newton]

Thank you my friend.

And please tell your mother that I honor her.

Steve Newton

[Steve Newton]

To my friends at the Free Republic

Some time ago I ask you all about a Silver Star Service Flag for our wounded. There is a Flag for being in the service, (Blue Star), and a Flag for our honored dead. (Gold Star)

But up to now there has been no Flag for our wounded. This Service Flag must be approved by Congress but they stated it would be one to three years for the process to complete.

After talking with you all, the general consensus was to go ahead and just DO IT. Which is what we have done. The Silver Star Families of America was born.

Now the question of the Silver Star Flag is under review at the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. I want to ask each and every one of you to take a minute and go to the below address and voice your support for honoring our wounded with a Silver Star Service Flag.

http://www.veterans.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home

The Silver Stars are different from any other organization and fills a gap. You do not have to have a Purple Heart to qualify for a Banner and Certificate from our organization. We recognize ALL our wounded, whether they were injured in a war zone or contracted a serious illness. (Including PTSD) And we recognize the wounded of ALL wars.

We are different from the Silver Star award for bravery. Our Silver Star Flag means, “Silver Star Shinning for Sacrifice.”

We do not compete with the Order of the Purple Heart or any other organization. Indeed I think we compliment each other. It is our goal that every time someone sees the Silver Star Flag flying in the wind, that they remember the blood shed by so many for this great Nation.

But now is the time my friends. I can think of no other group of people who can come together to fight for something like the patriotic men and women of the Free Republic. A Service Flag for our wounded is the least we can do to honor them.

I am asking for your help. Go to the address above and tell them we need to honor our wounded NOW.

And let me thank my friends at the Free Republic. So many times I have been proud of you, not because of what you say but because of what you DO! FReepers back up their talk with action.

Please make me proud one more time.

Chief Steve Newton (ret)
www.silverstarfamilies.org

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

To my friends at the Free Republic
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1571306/posts?page=37#37
37 posted on 02/13/2006 9:53:19 AM PST by Steve Newton

Some time ago I ask you all about a Silver Star Service Flag for our wounded. There is a Flag for being in the service, (Blue Star), and a Flag for our honored dead. (Gold Star)

But up to now there has been no Flag for our wounded. This Service Flag must be approved by Congress but they stated it would be one to three years for the process to complete.

After talking with you all, the general consensus was to go ahead and just DO IT. Which is what we have done. The Silver Star Families of America was born.

Now the question of the Silver Star Flag is under review at the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. I want to ask each and every one of you to take a minute and go to the below address and voice your support for honoring our wounded with a Silver Star Service Flag.

http://www.veterans.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home

The Silver Stars are different from any other organization and fills a gap. You do not have to have a Purple Heart to qualify for a Banner and Certificate from our organization. We recognize ALL our wounded, whether they were injured in a war zone or contracted a serious illness. (Including PTSD) And we recognize the wounded of ALL wars.

We are different from the Silver Star award for bravery. Our Silver Star Flag means, “Silver Star Shinning for Sacrifice.”

We do not compete with the Order of the Purple Heart or any other organization. Indeed I think we compliment each other. It is our goal that every time someone sees the Silver Star Flag flying in the wind, that they remember the blood shed by so many for this great Nation.

But now is the time my friends. I can think of no other group of people who can come together to fight for something like the patriotic men and women of the Free Republic. A Service Flag for our wounded is the least we can do to honor them.

I am asking for your help. Go to the address above and tell them we need to honor our wounded NOW.

And let me thank my friends at the Free Republic. So many times I have been proud of you, not because of what you say but because of what you DO! FReepers back up their talk with action.

Please make me proud one more time.

Chief Steve Newton (ret)
www.silverstarfamilies.org

[Steve Newton]

Thanks Buddy

Steve

[E.G.C.]

BTTT