Support for the soldiers

Support for the soldiers

Karey Keel-Stidham was a wreck when her only son Tim was first sent to Iraq in 2003. "I couldn't stop crying," she says. "I was glued to the TV. It was so bad that I was on medication."

Tim, a member of the Marine Corps, returned to Iraq for a second tour of duty two weeks ago. This time, however, the Orcas Island mother is coping a whole lot better, thanks to two organizations that have helped her immensely.

One is an organization called Marine Moms. It's a nationwide support group, with a branch in Washington State, that Karey describes as like a family, because it provides help to every parent who has a Marine overseas.

At times, it means assisting a grieving mother who lost her son in the war. Among them is the Tennessee woman who wrote a heart-wrenching e-mail to the other Marine Moms, in which she stated that she had "lost her hero," and that he is now "on duty in heaven."

Karey wrote back immediately. For that matter, she answers all of those who need assistance, "even when it rips me to shreds to write condolence letters," she says. Sending those letters "strengthens me, even though I sob and I sob" while writing them.

Another organization that provides support to the soldiers can be accessed at www.adoptaplatoon.com. Anyone can "adopt" a soldier by agreeing to write and send packages to him or her.

Karey knows first-hand how much the soldiers appreciate the support. Just last week she received two letters from Marines to whom she had sent some magazines and books. One thanked her for praying for him, and said he was still alive because of her prayers. He said that just two hours before he wrote the letter, "Metal had flown past his head not more than six inches away". Letters like this make Karey more determined than ever to help what she calls "our brave heroes."

Karey's son Tim has also been helped by letters. They came from an older woman from California who "adopted" him. This woman's support has made a great impression on Karey.

"I now know you can make such a difference," she says, explaining that it can be a very lonely feeling for those who aren't getting support from home. Karey also says that the "adopt a platoon" program" has restored her faith in people.

Karey has her own list of soldiers that she has adopted, and employees at both the Eastsound and Olga post offices have gotten used to seeing her at the counter loaded up with packages to send. The other day, one of the postal employees boosted her spirits immensely by thanking her for supporting the soldiers. Karey answered humbly, "I don't feel I can do enough."

Karey goes out of her way to boost all soldiers' morale. Whenever she sees one in an airport, "I let him know we're behind him," she says. Karey also thanks veterans and Legionnaires whenever she encounters them.

But she bristles at the notion that what she is doing is heroic. The heroes are the soldiers, Karey says, adding that the Marine Moms share "a huge pride in our military, especially the job they are doing."

The website for the Washington State Marine Moms is www.sharp-design.is/bandofmothers/home.html.

Additional support for the soldiers can be provided through the the USO, Angel Soldiers, and the Wounded Warrior Project, to name a few.

 

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