OPERATION GOLD STAR (OGS) - A DQS PROJECT

As many of you know, we formalized and initiated OGS in January of this year. A small group of DQS Vets has been working very hard at shaping and re-shaping this effort while keeping the momentum in forward motion. These same individuals have donated their time, money, effort and hearts to this worthy endeavor. It is now time for all of DQS to join in and support OGS in a like manner. Show these wonderful ladies (moms) what DQS is about and what the sacrifices of their sons (our brothers in Vietnam) mean to us! Donate now! Spread the word and raise funds! Let us know if you want to accompany them to Vietnam! Get involved!

OGS is a project to take desiring Gold Star Mothers (GSM's) to Vietnam and to the area where their sons served and/or were killed. GSM's (usually 4), or as $$ allow, will be accompanied by DQS Vets on these trips. Each OGS Trip will be from 10 to 14 days in length and the DQS Vets will be able to stay longer to see more of their areas, if they desire. We will try, as best as we can, to match DQS Vets up with GSM's who want to travel to the same areas. DQS is raising funds to pay for the GSM's trips (approx. $2500 per lady) and each DQS Vet (wives and family members may participate) will pay his own way. Spouses and family members of GSM's who want to travel with them will need to pay their own expenses or raise funds themselves. All $$ contributed to OGS will be deposited in a separate account that has been set up solely to fund OGS Trips for the ladies (mothers). DQS (primarily individual DQS members) is covering the administrative costs of this effort.

We are working with American Gold Star Mothers, Inc and all GSM's who wish to make an OGS Trip will be routed through AGSMI. If adequate funding is maintained, OGS may extend over the next 3 to 5 years or more. As you can see we have a lot of work to do and we need the help and involvement of all DQS Vets!

We are pleased to let you know that the efforts of the few DQS Vets (and a few friends) already involved will result (maybe as you read this) in the initial OGS Trip departing on July 16, 2000! 4 GSM'S, 1 DQS Wife and 5 DQS Vets will pioneer this effort. YOU are invited to help make the next trip, and future trips, a reality. You are invited to travel with these wonderful moms, ladies, Gold Star Mothers. Join our effort, make your contribution (or contributions), help raise the funds necessary, approach those in your community (friends, family, Veteran & other organizations, businesses and the like) and ask for their support, hold or help hold fund raisers (dances, dinners, yard sales, booths at fairs & etc) and do whatever you can to fulfill the dreams, desires and needs of these ladies. Help bring closure to them. Help bring peace to their minds and hearts. They are most deserving! The price that they have paid is unfathomable! Surely we can and will do what we can to recognize their loss and their need for peace, closure and etc. These are our brothers! They fought and died along side of and for us! These are our moms!

Visit and encourage others to visit the OGS Web Site: www.operationgoldstar.org

For more information contact: Joe Belardo (908)-754-5129 dusterman@erols.com or Ed Allen (812)-845-2303 DusterEd@juno.com

At this time, we plan for George Nagelschmidt (716)-388-0988 and Bruce Geiger (914)-576-1050 bmgeiger@aol.com to head up the coordinating effort for future trips. Get your Passport (it will be good for 10 years) and send your Name, Address, Phone Number & etc, Unit(s), Year(s) and Area(s) in Vietnam to these guys. Let them know when you would be available or when you would not be available (whichever is easiest) to participate in an OGS Trip and, when funds are in place, they'll let you know when a trip is planned that fits your needs or desires. If you have a buddy or buddies you'd like to travel with, let them know. Anything else - tell them.