[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17774-17775]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE MICHIGAN MILITARY MOMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2003

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge and celebrate 
the Michigan Military Moms for their insatiable support and 
encouragement for all of the men and women from Michigan that serve 
their country both in times of war and peace. These women have proved 
to possess incredible strength under exceptionally harrowing 
circumstances.
  Since Michigan lacks many of the organized support networks available 
near large military bases, the mothers of Michigan's men and women in 
uniform found themselves alone, lacking an outlet to express their 
pain, frustration, and fear.
  On July 18, 2002, a small group of eight mothers, united by pride and 
dedicated to their sons and daughters serving in the Armed Services, 
joined together in a local Big Boy restaurant. Less than one year later 
that small group now consists of more than 175 members. The group, 
which celebrates the heroic effort of our men and women in uniform, 
offers support and encouragement for mothers and their children serving 
in all five branches of the Armed Services.

[[Page 17775]]

  During its first year, Michigan Military Moms quickly implemented 
several successful programs. Notably, the group has formed partnerships 
with local schools, churches, businesses, and interested individuals to 
send monthly support packages to soldiers serving worldwide. 
Furthermore, the group organized ``Mentor a Mom,'' a program to couple 
experienced military moms with mothers whose children are going through 
basic military training. They also created a support group for local 
recruiters, and initiated a card campaign where mothers sent birthday 
greetings to service men and women.
  The strength and patriotism of this amazing group of women should be 
applauded. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all my colleagues rise and 
join me in commending the Michigan Military Moms for their 
inexhaustible support, unity, and leadership to their community and 
their country and wishing them and their families continued strength as 
they go through this difficult time.

                          ____________________