thedrifter
07-18-07, 07:17 AM
Group provides support for Marines' families
Tuesday, July 17, 2007 10:12 PM CDT
By Bob Holliday
bholliday@pantagraph.com
BLOOMINGTON -- Penny Feehan worries that her son, Cpl. Andrew Shoemaker, who already has served three tours of duty in Iraq, might have to return.
“I just pray to God that if he does, that he’ll be OK,” said Feehan, who hopes a new support group would help her cope.
Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines formed in February. The nonprofit group meets monthly at the American Red Cross of the Heartland, 1 Westport Court. Meetings are open to soldiers of any branch of service, their families and the public.
Feehan, of Bloomington, said there’s another group in Peoria, but she and others concluded a local group was essential.
“If something goes wrong, we can be right there with (the family) quick,” she said.
Group member Sandy Utsler agreed. “This is a real positive thing for the community,” said Utsler, a Normal woman who also has a son in the Marines.
Seth Utsler, 20, is part of a special tactical team based in Japan. His mother doesn’t know his current location.
Compounding the frustration, she said, is that she’s been unable to talk to him for eight weeks.
“It’s helpful to listen to other parents,” Utsler said, since the group provides an outlet for loved ones to talk.
Besides providing a friendly ear, the support group is active in Operation Santa, which sends Christmas stockings to troops. Each meeting typically includes a speaker.
Shoemaker, 23, has been to a meeting and thinks the group is necessary. “It helps the mothers cope,” said Shoemaker, has been home for several months since serving as an infantryman in western Iraq.
He’s now on inactive duty but could be called to return.
Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines
On the Net: www.cipfm.us
E-mail: waiting4return@yahoo.com
In person: Meetings at 6:30 p.m. fourth Thursday of each month, meeting room of American Red Cross of the Heartland, 1 Westport Court, Bloomington.
SOURCES: Penny Feehan; Sandy Utsler
Ellie
Tuesday, July 17, 2007 10:12 PM CDT
By Bob Holliday
bholliday@pantagraph.com
BLOOMINGTON -- Penny Feehan worries that her son, Cpl. Andrew Shoemaker, who already has served three tours of duty in Iraq, might have to return.
“I just pray to God that if he does, that he’ll be OK,” said Feehan, who hopes a new support group would help her cope.
Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines formed in February. The nonprofit group meets monthly at the American Red Cross of the Heartland, 1 Westport Court. Meetings are open to soldiers of any branch of service, their families and the public.
Feehan, of Bloomington, said there’s another group in Peoria, but she and others concluded a local group was essential.
“If something goes wrong, we can be right there with (the family) quick,” she said.
Group member Sandy Utsler agreed. “This is a real positive thing for the community,” said Utsler, a Normal woman who also has a son in the Marines.
Seth Utsler, 20, is part of a special tactical team based in Japan. His mother doesn’t know his current location.
Compounding the frustration, she said, is that she’s been unable to talk to him for eight weeks.
“It’s helpful to listen to other parents,” Utsler said, since the group provides an outlet for loved ones to talk.
Besides providing a friendly ear, the support group is active in Operation Santa, which sends Christmas stockings to troops. Each meeting typically includes a speaker.
Shoemaker, 23, has been to a meeting and thinks the group is necessary. “It helps the mothers cope,” said Shoemaker, has been home for several months since serving as an infantryman in western Iraq.
He’s now on inactive duty but could be called to return.
Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines
On the Net: www.cipfm.us
E-mail: waiting4return@yahoo.com
In person: Meetings at 6:30 p.m. fourth Thursday of each month, meeting room of American Red Cross of the Heartland, 1 Westport Court, Bloomington.
SOURCES: Penny Feehan; Sandy Utsler
Ellie