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thedrifter
02-23-09, 07:24 AM
If every veteran could have a singing mom
Carrying a tune for the troops
By Doug Jastrow
Valley Times correspondent
Contra Costa Times
Posted:02/22/2009 04:11:19 PM PST


Instead of yellow ribbons in her yard or a bumper sticker on her car, Cindy Shon, of Pleasanton, prefers to support the troops by putting on seamed stockings and wearing an Army cap cocked to the side.

Then she sings.

Shon is the founding member of the Singing Blue Stars of the USS Hornet, a singing group that performs tunes from the 1940s to audiences of military veterans. They performed recently at the Veterans Memorial Building in Lafayette to a crowd of more than 100 appreciative fans who at times danced around.

With songs and attire that evoke acts such as The Andrews Sisters, the Singing Blue Stars are proving to be a popular act among veterans and their families. What started out as a lark has evolved into a group that does about 70 performances a year. And every penny they receive from donations goes back to veterans organizations.

But it isn't about the money.

"Singing for the veterans is one of the most uplifting things you can do," Shon said. "And we're always so encouraged by our fans."

Shon got involved after she joined the East Bay chapter of Blue Star Moms. Her son was deployed overseas with the Marines when the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks occurred. He was quickly sent to the Middle East.

"I would pray, hope and watch the news," Shon said, "although they always tell you not to watch the news." As more parents joined the Blue Star Moms, she felt a need to stay positive and take on a more active role. That's why Shon asked if anyone was interested in singing Christmas songs with her at the Livermore Veterans hospital.

Five women raised their hands. The group was born.

"Instead of worrying, we decided to sing," Shon said, recalling their first performance. "It was pretty amateurish. But that's OK."

Francie Roberts, of Danville, was one of the original volunteers. She still sings with the group today.

"I couldn't sing, but a friend convinced me, and we got hooked," she said.

Roberts joined the Singing Blue Stars when her son was in Iraq for 16 months. He is now home working as a Concord police officer, but Roberts doesn't plan to quit.

"You get out there and perform and you're in another world," Roberts said. "And they love the music so much. It's been wonderful."

The group isn't just for recently deployed veterans. Member Sandy Lewis sees her involvement as a tribute to her husband, a Vietnam veteran. She agrees that the reward for her efforts can be seen in veterans' faces.

"Any time we can bring a smile makes the long hours worth it," she said.

As the Singing Blue Stars performed songs such as "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Sentimental Journey" at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Lafayette, there were many smiles. There was also laughter and, at times, a few tears.

But for Cliff Daulman, of Orinda, a World War II veteran who fought at Iwo Jima, there was mostly dancing.

"They're fabulous," Daulman said, catching his breath between numbers.

"It lets you see how the old-timers do it," said Ed Calderon, of Walnut Creek, a 10-year Navy veteran. "This really brings back memories."

The event's organizer, Terry Murphy, said the Singing Blue Stars are always well-received by the veterans at the Memorial Building. But Murphy, a veteran of the Vietnam War, said it goes beyond singing old songs from the past.

"Each of us who served had a Blue Star mom," he said. "And we don't forget."

Ellie