Operation: MOM / KGO-TV-7 Page

January 16, 2003

Operation Mom
East Bay Military Moms Group Together

Jan. 16 — With a huge build-up of troops in the Middle East and thousands more being deployed each week, a group of East Bay mothers decided to show support — for each other and for their sons and daughters overseas. Now, Operation Mom is in full swing and growing.

Dotty Selmeczki, Operation Mom Castro Valley: "My son, he was just deployed on Monday, headed somewhere in the Middle East ... no idea. I can't handle his being gone. It's scary."

There are the photos of the children gone to war and the worries of the mothers that are left behind.

Gloria Godchaux, Operation Mom Antioch: "I think any parent would be upset to know their son or daughter is going into a war situation, not knowing if they'll come back."

These East Bay moms found solace and support in each other and formed Operation Mom right after 9/11. Now, in the face of war, they meet every month to exchange hopes and fears.

Pamela Junkans, Operation Mom San Leandro: "Going to the group on Thursday, we can share our fears and we don't have to tell our kids how scared we are."

This marine says Operation Mom is peace of mind for him.

Kevin Godchaux, US Marine: "It feels good to know my mom's not worrying as much as she could be because she has a support group back home."

But as more troops are deployed, Operation Mom is mobilizing the mailing of care packages — boxes stuffed with donated goods destined for troops overseas — everything from toilet paper to protein bars, and baby wipes and Starbucks coffee. Things to boost morale. The moms are fundraising this winter to raise postage money.

Louise Tamayo, Operation Mom Danville: "The biggest problem is money and packing material."

As more troops are deployed and families are forced to say goodbye, Operation Mom is growing exponentially from San Leandro and Castro Valley to Danville, Walnut Creek and Antioch.

For information on joining Operation Mom or helping them with gathering supplies, go to www.operationmom.org. You can also call
(925) 706-1736.