Yellow ribbons: Texans rally in support of troops in Middle East

Yellow ribbons: Texans rally in support of troops in Middle East

Texans rallying in support of American troops in the fight against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein aren't stopping with public demonstrations.

They're organizing letter-writing campaigns as well as working to gather money, food and other items for shipment to the Middle East where American soldiers are fighting the air and ground war.

Before the war started this week, residents had already been demonstrating to publicly back troops. In some cases, the rallies were held to counter war protests.

Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce volunteers on Thursday tied yellow ribbons around car antennas while motorists were stopped at traffic lights.

"The least we can do is show our support and keep them in our hearts and thoughts and prayers," Laurie McPike Mosley, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, told The Dallas Morning News in Friday's editions.

Children at Celina Intermediate School collected videos, Kool-Aid and other items.

"Several students have parents serving in the military. They were wanting to do something to get involved," said Katherine Callaham, a fourth-grade teacher at the school.

"They're away from home, they're not with their families, and they need to know that we appreciate them," said Deirdre McClain, president and CEO of Families and Friends of the U.S. Military. "They need to have this inspiration and encouragement."

The Bedford resident said she helped start the group because her son, who serves in the Navy, was stationed in the Middle East during the holidays.

She said military personnel appreciate international calling cards, money, packaged candy and other goods.

In President Bush's hometown of Midland, the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee and a radio station are planning a pro-America rally on March 29. The scheduled site is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial near Midland International Airport.

"We want people to know that we're from Midland, Texas and we support God, we support country, we support our president and we support our troops," John Philbeck, the committee's president, said in a prepared statement.

In Garland, Lakeview Centennial High School officials requested the addresses of former students serving in the Middle East.

"The school plans to send words of encouragement and support to these Lakeview Patriots who are ... protecting us during a time of national crisis," student activities director Cheryl Jacobs said.

The project began with longtime Lakeview English teacher Elizabeth Driver.

"I have quite a few former students who probably are over there," said Driver. "I hope we can get a good response."

Although many campaigns focused on helping the military, others turned their attention to Iraqi civilians.

A strong need in Iraq is medical attention, said Judith Ritchie, president of Peacemakers Inc., a Dallas-based women's peace organization, which announced Arts for Peace, an April 5 fund-raiser to help Iraqi families.

"We saw the need to help the people in Iraq because there's not a lot of support there now," said Ritchie.

The Dallas chapter of the American Red Cross is taking donations for the agency's International Relief Fund, which provides services to military, prisoners of war and refugees.

Besides offers of food an other goods, money often makes the best gift, said Red Cross spokeswoman Lisa A. Lemons.

"Financial assistance is normally the easiest thing to do," said Lemons. "It helps the economy there, and it makes it easier for the organization that's doing it. And, the food is native to the country."

Many North Texas residents have contacted the Red Cross to donate blood for U.S. troops. The military will call on the Red Cross and other agencies — including Carter BloodCare — if it runs out of supplies. Meanwhile, the agency asks residents to start donating blood regularly so the Red Cross will be prepared.

Nine-year-old Collin Chitwood and classmates at Grapevine Elementary School already have sent cards geared toward one serviceman: Collin's brother, Andy Slauenwhite, 24. Mr. Slauenwhite, who serves in the Army, is in Germany expecting to be deployed to Kuwait in 30 days.

An online support group, Mothers of the Military, has chapters in Midland and Odessa and is now helping families.

"We sent care packages, (offer) emotional support, public awareness, send letters, anything we can do," said Odessan Debbie Magar, the national co-owner of MOM. Her 20-year-old son, Shawn, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Cushing.

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