They Are Coming Home, But They Are Not All Back Yet

After the attacks on the United States on 9/11/2001, the 14 year long war that started Operation Enduring Freedom October 9, 2001 has come to an end as of December 28, 2014.  They are coming home!  Our troops will continue in a draw down and support the Afghanistan Military for the next two years.  Our sons and daughters are not back home yet.  We live in a changing world with many conflicts around the globe, so as a parent we keep praying for our sons and daughters for the day when they are all on US soil, safe in our arms again.

For those who are active duty, and are home, they still are readied and prepared to move where they are needed.  For those who have transitioned back out of the military, they are trying to fit back into the fabric of the American society.  Sounds like it aught to be an easy time.  They are home, but why is it so hard to come home for our Military and our families?

Our sons and daughters have been changed by war.  Their most heroic actions took place on a foreign soil that we as Americans will never fully understand the experiences they endured.  And every experience is different for that warrior and their family.

Just one direct fire fight changes their lives forever.  In just a few minutes they witness the necessity of their training, following orders, absolute protection for those around them and a fierce intensity in their attack or response.  They also experience, fear, loss, the punishing elements, the fatigue, the sights, sounds and smells that live on in  a warrior's memories,

At home the families have dealt with the anxiety of waiting for a satellite phone call just to hear their voice, the loneliness, isolation and frustration of not having them near, the fear of getting a knock on their door and life is on hold until they are home.  Once home a  new chapter begins for them all.  

Being in harms way is real.  It takes a courage few have.  That is why we call them heroes and that ripples through the warriors family from wives, fiances, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, cousins, and close friends.

There is so much more to their stories. I will be talking more about what we can do to help our Veterans and those who love them return home, safe and full of hope for what lies ahead.

Lets Make a Difference for Our Veterans and Their Families

It is time to make a difference in the lives of our Veterans and their families.  Everyday the purpose of "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective" is to tell the stories of their sacrifices.  The Veterans Parade and Expo is coming up this weekend November 8th from 10 am to 4 pm at the New York State Fairgrounds.  The Expo will be in the Center of Progress building.  I  I will be there with my series.  Come honor their sacrifice and give thanks to those who defended the peace and freedom you live in.

My challenge to you America is now to go one step further than the thank you - time to ask what you can do for the warrior who lives in your neighborhood.
Remember President John Kennedy's quote?  "...Ask not what your country can do for you.  Ask what you can do for your country."

As I pack my paintings with care to travel in my minivan, each one is getting a special prayer for the subjects and what each American can do for every story.  When you see me this weekend ask about those prayers.  Every family holds their warrior dear.  I have watched and heard so many stories beyond the paintings.  Many of the young warriors in my paintings are now married and having children. Some either are or have just graduated from college. Their lives are changing.  Some have been challenged with health issues.  Some employment issues as they transition to civilian life.  Each one has a special purpose and promise to make this world a better place.  Moms are no different, my purpose and promise is to make this world a better place for my Veterans who have asked me to be sure their stories are told - America needs to know.

Last month I was in Atlanta at Nat Con for Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans and Families.  Each one of their businesses help the Veteran and we were there to learn how to get the funding to get our businesses started with sustainable incomes.  They are now another part of my military family in their own right that has become a big part of my life as I turn this series into a not for profit organization.  Each business is part of the 47,000 businesses and organizations that help our Veterans.  That may seem like a lot of businesses.  Who do you turn to and support their causes?  Stand behind what we do and I am praying you stand with me as I help teach the importance of action in helping others to understand my Veterans and their families sacrifice through your donations.

Military life is so special and it doesn't end as they transition into American society.  As they did everything to protect and keep us safe and free, we must do everything we can to open the doors for our Veterans to thrive.  Come to the parade and visit the expo with your families and see "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective". Ask about the "Heroes Among Us" book project and how you can volunteer in a creative day with our Veterans and their families.  Learn what you can do along with the other Veteran organizations making a difference in Central NY.

Marine Corp Ball 2013

Marine Corp Ball 2014

Coming up next week, the series travels once again to the Marine Corp Ball here at the On Center for its entry way at their Gala affair.  Another event to honor my Veterans.

Oohrah and Semper Fi!

Start of "My Gold Star Family"

When you become a parent of an active duty Marine...Army...Navy...Air Force...Coast Guard, your life is different than all other parent's.

When your young warrior goes to war in a foreign country, as a parent you play a new supporting role.  While they are deployed generally you will have the Power of Attorney to help them concentrate on their mission.  You are a Blue Star Family and never want the experience a Gold Star Family.

The average age of Military at the entry level is 20 years old and you must understand some of the differences in the role they take on to understand a little of their sacrifice.  Most other kids at that age are in college 31 million between ages 18-24).  In the United States of America we have approximately 100,000 law enforcement officers and 1.5 million fire fighters.  In America, you can take a day off if you are sick and you have time that you can take off.  You can drop classes, quit school (though I would never recommend it).  You have those choices and so many more freedoms as a free society to do as you wish.

You pray a lot as a parent, sometimes several moments a day your thoughts steel away to warrior.  Forest told me I would receive a call 2 to 6 weeks and occasionally he would write.  We send care packages to remind them of this civilian life going serenely on here.  Bringing a piece of home to a very difficult place was something they all longed for as did us, when a letter would arrive.  One time I received a pair of sunglasses in a very dusty carton to replace under warranty totally crushed!  To me, a product of the very real war Forest was engaged in.  Still I longed for any news on how he was doing.  The 4:00 in the morning phone calls were not an inconvenience as I learned to place notes next to my phone, so his bleary eyed mom wouldn't forget to tell Forest.  War forever changed our roles for the good as I learned from my son what true sacrifice was all about.   I am a Blue Star Mom.


Now I am going to tell you about my Gold Star Parents and their ultimate sacrifice.  Meet Rick and Laurie, Proud Parents of Cpl Kyle Schneider, USMC, KIA.  For those of you who are not Military all those symbols and abbreviations are hard to understand.  Let me interperet Blue Star means a family that currently has a son or daughter in harms way.  A Gold Star means their son or daughter was killed in combat operations.  Kyle's rank Corporal-Cpl Kyle Schneider, United States Marine Corps-USMC, KIA-Killed In Action.

Today I am going to preview the start of "A Gold Star Family" and I will have more to post, now the business plan is finished for the EBV Foundation (take a look at the last two posts).  There are two portraits of Kyle.  Why?  Because there are two stories that need to be told from a parent's perspective and shared.  Kyle's dad Rick, was very fond of this photo as it depicted his son in a very strong and secure way in his stance and expression. That is the way a gold star dad remembers his son.

What you see here is the underpainting of a pastel start.  It lacks dimension right now but it will continue to take shape.  The lower painting is the base for a High Flow Acrylic painting and I will go into that later.

The lower will go into the series.  The pastel will go to Lori and Rick for their foundation.  The subjects in AMS-APP are unique and different facets of those who serve and this one will cover the Gold Star Parent and their beloved son Kyle who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  So in the posts to come you will learn more about the life of a heroe lived to the fullest here and Afghanistan.


Young men and women we shall never forget all they have done...






On October 24-25, "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective", (Inc. still in process for the 501c3) will head to Atlanta, GA for Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veteran's Families National Conference.  I will be competing among 51 competitors for a 90 second Venture Pitch, Venture Impacting Veterans, and Best Social Venture.  Just being there is an honor and another step into AMS-APP becoming the business that helps our Veterans and their families transitioning back home. Say a prayer, because this trip holds the key to the business being able to travel around the USA and help connect a lot of Veterans into their communities. 


More to come for "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective", Inc. in November with the CNY Veteran's Parade and Expo and the Marine Corp Ball in Syracuse!

Celebrating and Remembering My Marines, Veterans and Military Families with a Book Project

It is Memorial weekend and in order for you to understand the present, you will need to look at the time past to understand the heart of an American Hero.  Take a closer look at the Marine Corp flag tipped forward.  Notice the ribbons mounted on the top.  They represent all the wars and conflicts the USA has been in since the beginning of our country.  Think of all the servicemen and women that have given their lives so you and I can live in the freedom and peace - paid in full.  Remember them in your hearts and minds.  Know there are warriors that stand in harms way at this very moment.  Some will join the halls of  heaven today for you.

I am honoring the memory of all those who have gone on before and all
my Veteran's and their families by introducing a book project to go along with  ":A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective".  The blog that you read will be coming in book form with a twist.

Through my painting series I have created stories so you can know what our Veterans and their families have experienced, so you can know their heart and gain understanding.  I marvel at their lives and have such a deep respect for all they do.

When near a base, I have an offer to all active duty service members and their families.  What I have observed is bases and even reserve units, are looking for ways to bring their military communities together.

So, what I would like to do is ask the active duty and families to see my presentation.  The next day, I will offer a Creative Workshop in which, the participants would choose one of my paintings whose story comes closest to their own experiences.  Based on their own personal experiences and how they were affected by creating a written or fine arts piece in the workshop.  I will judge the top 10 pieces and the participants (and can be open to the base) will in turn, choose the piece they would like to see published in my book.  Then, I will make available a shutterfly book that can be ordered for all who wish to order a copy.  These communities work hard and many times because of that work, do not have the ability to build their communities.

This is Memorial weekend and it is a time to reach beyond the comforts of picnics, mowing lawns and working in gardens.  I challenge all civilians who look at this weekend as a kick off to summer vacations to take time to honor all those who serve, have served and the families that have served quietly in the background of these true American Heroes.  The peace and freedom you live in today is because of our American Warriors who have sacrificed selflessly, even with their very own lives.

We Civilians take it for granted that we do not have to live in fear like the haunting face of the girl on National Geographic's June 1985 cover photo.  You and I have not had to live in a life filled with fear and destitution from a country's whose very soul has been pummeled by the ravages of war.

For the many of service men and women I have asked "Why serve?" and "What brought you to this decision to fight for America?".  The answer: "I wanted to make the world a better place", "I wanted to make a difference and here is where I can do just that", or  "I was called to serve my country".  There heart in all they have done since the beginning of this country in 1776 is, "I did this for you".

We live in a freedom that was paid for by the attitude that there is something far greater than ourselves to think about. So this Memorial day pull out your flag.  If your flag is old, replace it.  Retire your old ones respectfully by bringing it to a Watch Fire event near you.  In Central NY, the event will be at the NY State Fairgrounds - click into this link for more info  https://www.google.com/url .

What can you do to help honor our Veterans.  Remember them.  Go to a parade, walk through cemeteries filled with flags, a memorial service, a Watchfire event.  Watch the Veterans as the National Anthem is played.  Watch the salute and the flags they bear, the rifle salutes and look at their eyes.  Those eyes have seen more than we can imagine. They are remembering their brothers and those moments that have gone on before them.


If you know a Veteran that lives in your neighborhood, shake their hand.  Ask them if there is anything you can do for them.  Hire them if they are looking for a job, network with them and give a good recommendation.  If there is a military family that has moved in, welcome them.  Bring them into your world and let them know how special they are.  Wrap your arms around the families that have lost a son, daughter or spouse.  America, never forget those that have given you so much.  Hug a Gold Star Mom and keep their families in your heart.  I love my heroes.  You are free because of them.

"A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective" Takes a New Turn with EBV-F

If you want  to capture the vision of EBVF and why I need to bring "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective", around the country as a not for profit business; this applies to what I see.

Last week, I had the privilege to be a part of and now, am a graduate of the Institute for Veterans and Families at Syracuse University.  The Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans Families (EBV-F) had an online class the month before, a residency week at the Whitman School of Management, and sometimes we slept at the Sheraton next door.  There were "25 Amazing Women and One Man"!  What an inspiration they are!  Every business idea was focused in one way or another to help our Veterans and the communities they serve from all over our country, one from Hawaii and another whose husband is now stationed in England.  As I was presented with my plaque and had a challenge coin slapped into my hand, I hugged it, went to my seat and just wept.  Thank you EBV-F; I am learning to do the business right and filling in the holes of what I do not know.  Another part of my journey is beginning.

This is what I discovered within me:  I am a "Social Entrepreneur", that means I have something to teach, to enlighten people about a cause.  Definitely I am a "bootstrapper".  Definitely, I am in need of funding and grants because there is no capital here!  And, I say it with whimsy because inside I believe, it too will fall into place with a lot of work and effort.  The decision to make this series a 501c3 not for profit organization is because I had met with resistance in planning certain events who wanted non profits only.  By having that status I will be able, in most cases to sell my "Heroes Among Us Poster Project", which are posters of the paintings in the series selling for $30.00 each to help partially fund and move the series around the country.  I will need to have sponsors and partners in helping "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective", so I will be incorporating that into the business and website (that is still under construction-keep hitting the blog to read more on the series as I go).  And thank you for all your support through the years.  It has been a pleasure writing since I started way back in 2011!

As a Social Entrepreneur, it is my passion to teach what it is like for our Veterans and their families currently serving and those also who have returned home.  There are Heroes Among Us and America, you need to know who your heroes are.  I am teaching through my 20 paintings their experience from a parents perspective because, as a civilian, I want to pull you into understanding the warrior who is coming home.  There are stories of courage, fear, sadness, joy, protectors, defenders of freedom, exhaustion, relentless commitment, and a sense of peace in the midst of chaos.

I didn't get into this for the accolades of a Portrait Artist or to be seen.  It wasn't born out of weakness, while I bit off my fingernails during Forest's deployments.  Not so much a way to make sense of this thing called War but as a way to express their experience so America can understand.  There are Heroes Among Us.  I bring them honor and a sense of connection to our country they have sacrificed so dearly for.  Some are in harms way right now, some are on a base, and many are back here in our neighborhoods.  Do you know them?  They are beautiful men and women.  Warriors, protectors who carry with them the fabric of all that makes this country so blessed.  And I, will tell their stories, I promise.

As Mike Haynie observed, I have to.  Please take time to watch an incredible Veteran, Teacher and leader, Mike you are my hero for your vision in how to make a difference for our Veterans.  Thank you, I am so blessed to know you and I see that big heart.  http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=2gt9Kc2W3IE&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DoSWhIUiGang%26list%3DPLRn-1Cxfnb622BJNrj9k6iN77-3MYS9pp%26feature%3Dshare%26index%3D1

So, after Mike's talk and what you experience through "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective", connect with a Vet.  You won't just shake his hand now, but you will understand their need to be connected and welcomed back into the country they have so diligently protected and served.  Hire them, you couldn't ask for better skill sets.  Ask how you can make their life better?  That is an open ended question and you never know the incredible answers that may come your way.  Open your hearts and respond as best you can!

Next Month I will be at the 4th tank Battalion' event.  I will have more details as the 1st Sgt will be giving soon.  I cannot wait to tell their stories once again.  More to come

Evening Presentation with a Marine Escort, Heroes Among Us Poster Project

Thank You, Thank you, Thank you all who came out last night to The Art Store where I presented "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective among so many friends, family, fellow artists and my Veterans.  I was escorted by Sgt Charles Toro, USMC in those beautiful dress blues up to our gallery space and I am so honored to have one of my heroes do that for me.  If you are reading this Charles, I thank you again.  I have to say I am such a fan of my Marines.  At Camp Lejeune the 3/6 called me a Marine Momma, it was earned and forever I will be. The exhibit will be up for the next two weeks.  On Monday I will have a synopsis of each story to post below each painting.

Below is the launching of a new "Heroes Among Us" Poster Project of each of the paintings available at $30.00 each.  Collect them all!  My giclee prints are also available, check out the gallery pages and order one. The proceeds will go to help the series move around the country.  There are several events that will be coming up in Mattydale, NY, Cayuga Community College and I am working on 1st Marine division's Reunion in Charleston, SC.

Heroes Among Us

1% of our population in the USA is serving in our 
military and currently in harms way at this very moment.  For the rest of the 99% of American Citizens, we hear and see news about the 14 year long war in Afghanistan.  Once aired, we generally put it away in our mind without comprehending just what they are doing out there.  I am a parent with a story, not just to tell, but a bridge to build by teaching about their sacrifice through my painting series, "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective".


There are heroes among us;
they are coming home America!

Do you know who your Heroes are?

You can also help me get this series out to

America about what our heroes have sacrificed for the freedoms they protect for you and I.  When you purchase a giclee or poster prints from my collection of

"A Military Experience - A Parent's Perspective", you will help bring these stories

around our nation. 

 

Time to focus on several paintings in the works.  I will be working on an acrylic of Lcpl Danny Thoryk, USMC and his dog.  How does "The Dog Handler" sound for a title? Danny's Grandparents Pat and Bunny were at the presentation last night. Remember the shark that made its way into the story "A Time For Peace"?  Pat was responsible for that shark.  Hmmm!  Maybe their ought to be a Susquatch for Danny's dog to find.  More to come on that story.

Presentation Jan 24th and "Heroes Among Us" Poster Project

On Friday, January 24th I will present "A Military Series - A Parent's Perspective"  at the Art Store 935 Erie Blvd East Syracuse NY 13210.  This is a full presentation as I walk through all of the paintings and their stories.  Please come.  It would be an honor to have you there.

              You are Cordially invited to the

Presentation and Art Opening Of

“A Military Series—A Parent’s Perspective”

By Sharon A. Blair, Proud Mom of

Cpl  Forest Blair, USMC

Join in on the “Heroes Among Us”

Poster Project Sale and Share their Stories

I will also be launching my "Heroes Among Us" Poster Project.  More to come.  Invite day and I will be running around to invite people.