Erdy said he became involved in order to support local military families.

“There are many very good charitable organizations,” he said. “But I chose to support the men and women who allow us to go to work each day and come home to our families safely and with protection.”

The Houston Chapter of Blue Star Mothers was formed in 2004. Their mission is to support members as they deal with the realities associated with having children serve in the military. Deployments, long separations with little to no communication, handling emotions of not knowing if their loved ones are safe and out of harms way – these are some of the struggles military families share.

The organization serves not only active military, but also veterans as well. They support the VA Hospital, Fisher House (an organization which donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers), and the USO.

Members prepare and send hundreds of care packages to deployed military personnel every year, participate in special projects including send-offs and welcome home gatherings for units deploying and returning; they collect blankets to donate to hospitals, and household items and food for pantries for disabled veterans.

Susan Lunson is first Vice President of Blue Star Mothers of America-Houston Area Chapter, and mother of two children serving in the military. She hopes that community members will rally around this good cause for the benefit of local military families.

“Most people want to do something to help the members of the military, but they just don’t know what to do,” said Lunson. “Signing up for and supporting the golf tournament helps provide funds that in turn provide all manner of support for the military; from care packages, to deployment send-offs, to stocking kitchen pantries in specially designed homes for severely wounded warriors prior to move in, to presenting banners and providing support to Houston Area Gold Star families whose have lost a loved one in combat. You get to play golf and feel good about helping to make a difference in the lives of the men and women who protect and defend our freedom every day.”

The Blue Star Mothers are looking for golfers, sponsors and donations for the tournament, auction and goody bags. They encourage the community to sponsor a golf-loving serviceman or woman, active or reserve.

Checks should be made payable to Blue Star Mothers Golf Tournament. To register online, visit www.bsmhoustonarea.org. For more information, call Judi Hanley at 281-467-6926 or Susan Lunson at 281-852-3297 or 281-507-0652.

Photo: Members of the Blue Star Mothers, enjoying a recent Keller Williams concert. From left, Carole Parslow, Rachel Morales, Mary Davis, Susan Lunson, Norma Deavours, Alice Rekeweg