OPERATION MOM STEPS UP TROOP EFFORT
By Lou Davis
Operation Mom, a military family support group with deep roots in Antioch, is continuing to reach out in East County and in cities across the nation to support our troops, especially those assigned to battlefields in Operation: Iraqi Freedom.
It all began shortly after 9-11 when Gloria Godchaux of Antioch put together plans to stand fully behind members of the military. She was moved by the fact that her son, Kevin, a 2000 graduate of Antioch High School had chosen to join the U.S. Marine Corps.
She was quickly joined by Dotty Selmeczki of Castro Valley, and together they have succeeded in garnering support from hundreds of parents throughout the country and, according to Godchaux, "The numbers are growing daily".
"Our support will demonstrate to our men and women in uniform that those of us at home care about them and stand behind them 100 percent," Godchaux said. "I realized there must be other parents with men and women in uniform who had the same fears and concerns about the unknown that I had, and would want to do something about it."
"I felt it was very important to work within a group which shows our troops that we continue to care for them, especially now when they are deployed in places where they face imminent dangers on a daily basis," Selmecski said. "Now, I feel so much better, that we have something in motion, and that we're meeting with others who also feel this is the right thing to do. Now I'm in it for the long haul".
Both mothers were asked for comments about live TV coverage of the ongoing conflict. "I think it's a good thing," said Selmecski, quickly adding, "however, it can become an obsession, and that's not good, because there is a tendency to overlook our own personal needs. We have to find time to buddy up with others and make positive plans for dealing with ourselves now, and for planning our future. We also need very much to pray, and encourage others to do likewise."
Godchaux felt likewise. "I think it very important for Americans to be aware," she said. "However, watching too much can be mentally arid emotionally draining. We've got to turn off the TV long enough to dedicate time to doing positive things that help our, troops, and to take care of ourselves."
Godchaux's son is an infantry communications specialist. When she spoke with him recently, his unit was preparing to relocate from a base in Hawaii, but he could not disclose his destination. Selmecski's son, who is part of a Marine Corps reconnaissance organization is already stationed in the Gulf, and like others in that part of the world, is not able to speak with relatives as often as they'd like. Operation Mom is very active in other East County cities, and also in San Jose, -San Francisco, San Mateo, Auburn, and most of the Tri - Valley area.
Because of their Internet site, www.operationmom.org. the group is growing
by leaps and bounds.
"Operation Mom is totally non-political," Godchaux said. "We
want everyone to know that this group's heart and soul is to support our troops
and their families who are not anxious to send their kids to war, but people
who will defend their children's choice to honor their oath."
On Sunday April 27, "A Little Touch of Home" drop-off event is being held to assemble packages to be sent overseas. You can call 778-7453 for more information. On May 18 at 10:45 a.m. Armed Forces Day Church Services will be held at the local Cornerstone Christian Center.
Information about Operation Mom can be obtained by calling Gloria Godchaux
at 756-5644
