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MURRAY -- A group of Utah mothers who have all lost sons in the war in Iraq plan to visit that country on a peace-keeping mission.
Colleen Parkin says she thinks of her son every day, though he died five years ago in Iraq while protecting residents during the first election after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's government. Now she'll visit the country where her son died, to meet with women and children.
"Matthew would always write and say, ‘I love the women and children.' He said, 'They're fabulous, Mom. The news media doesn't share they share what I'm seeing," Parkin recalls.
"Our goal is to connect with the people, reach out," says Amy Galvez.
Galvez' son, Corp. Adam Galvez, died in Iraq four years ago. She will also go to Iraq in his memory.
"Our sons sacrificed so much. My son gave all he had to give, and I just consider it an honor to reach out to the people that he helped protect," Galvez says.
The loss of their sons has brought each of these mothers together, first as Gold Star Moms, and now as friends who must raise $5,000 apiece to go.
"I'm hoping I can make a difference in at least one person, letting them know I believe in them and the future," Jan Moncur said.
Moncur's son died in a training accident stateside. His old room is now loaded with 7,000 scarves she will hand out to the women and children in Iraq.
"This is my part. Yes, that I can do," Moncur says.
The women are with the Future Organization. After spending some time in Iraq, they will go to Kuwait and visit with the troops.
Carol Young says she's going to make sure her son's life counts. He was a Green Beret, who died five years ago.
Mail: Mail a check to American Gold Star Mothers of Utah P.O. Box 711713, SLC, UT. 84171
Online: Calvary Chapel Salt Lake City
"We need to connect with other families who have lost and paid this price for this war," Young says. "We aren't the only ones who have lost loved ones."
All the women are sure their sons would be proud of them for going.
"I think his spirit will be there with me," Young says.
The women hope to raise enough money to make the trip to Iraq this September. CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can donate to their cause*.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
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*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
