WHO WE ARE
For decades American mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and children, have sent off their warriors who have heeded the call to be a part of something larger than themselves. These patriots have volunteered to stand on the front line, and in harm’s way, in defense of our values and way of life.
Yellow Ribbon Support Center is a group of volunteers supporting troops serving in harm’s way and
remembering those who did not walk off the plane. Through our alliance with our charter partners,
we identify resources for returning vets in finding jobs.
HOW WE STARTED
Support the men and women serving in harm’s way…
Yellow Ribbon Support Center sends care packages to any military individuals serving in harm’s way, to offer a little bit of home comfort and to let them know we appreciate what they are doing for us. Our packages contain items such as snacks, health and beauty aids, books and magazines and other entertainment. (See our Soldier's Wish List.) We also include, when available, what might be the most important of all in every box, letters and notes from school kids here at home.
Remembering those who did not walk off the plane…
Yellow Ribbon Support Center presents an annual event in April to honor and remember local fallen heroes, the “Let Us Never Forget" Scholarship Dinner. Our past efforts have resulted in numerous scholarships awarded in the memory of fallen heroes. So far, we have been able to give over
$750,000.00 in post-secondary scholarships, so our fallen heroes are not forgotten.
Educate and raise awareness about our troops…
The welfare and news of our troops on the ground serving in harm’s way around the globe are not always part of the media. You may find us at events, speaking to political representatives, visiting schools, etc. to keep reminding our community, so our fallen heroes are not forgotten.
WHY WE DO IT
Our journey began on April 9, 2004, when SSG Matt Maupin was taken captive by Iraqi insurgents and held in an unknown location. A close-knit community and the determination of the Maupin family to locate their son was the impetus for a massive campaign of sending care packages. In these boxes were a minimum of 10 baseball size pictures of Matt with a sticker on the back that said, “My name is Matt Maupin. Please place me in your bible and prayers can set me free”.
One major accomplishment was the purchase of 90 computers with webcams with funds raised by a number of events and donors. The computers were then donated to the United States Army and sent to LSA Anaconda. Some of the computers were to allow those serving at LSA Anaconda to stay in contact with their families back home. Some of the computers were placed in two “Matt Maupin Computer Labs” and the remaining computers were placed in the “Matt Maupin Internet Café”, so those serving there could further their education while serving.
MATT IS FINALLY FOUND
After four long years, Matt’s remains were found March 21, 2008 and returned to his home April 26, 2008 in Clermont County, Ohio and laid to rest at Gate of Heaven at I-275 on Montgomery Road. There were many prayers from around the world that were said for Matt and the Maupin’s during Matt’s capture and they continue today.
