From Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank, a leading full-service community bank in California, delivered letters of encouragement this week to Blue Star Moms for the soldiers wounded in Afghanistan.
The letters are part of the “You Make a Difference Campaign” Fremont Bank recently launched in partnership with Alameda County Blue Star Moms.
Until the end of November, bank employees, clients and their families are writing hundreds of letters to thank U.S. soldiers for their dedicated service to our country.
“Our troops need to know that people back home are thinking of them and are thankful for their sacrifice,” said Fremont Bank's Brian Hughes, director of nonprofit business development. “We are so grateful for all of those in harm's way serving our country and hope these letters truly do make a difference in the lives of the soldiers receiving them.” Hughes noted that Fremont Bank has set a goal to send 600 letters by the end of the campaign.
Alameda County Blue Star Moms is a nonprofit group of local mothers of soldiers providing support to troops and their families during and after deployment. One of the group's important missions is to raise funds for military letter writing campaigns.
According to Julie Ramirez, the organization's founder and president, soldiers serving overseas are seeing casualty rates almost daily. The wounded are often relocated to hospitals away from their units and struggle with loneliness, particularly during the holidays.
“As the mother of a soldier who has been admitted to the hospital in Landstuhl, I know what our brave men and women in uniform go through to protect our country. Many feel forgotten, which is why letters from home mean so much to them," said Ramirez. "The many Fremont Bank employees and clients taking the time to express their gratitude and admiration have no idea the impact these cards will have on our soldiers,” she said.
After Ms. Ramirez' own son Sgt. Victor Ramirez received a holiday card of thanks from a young boy prior to returning to the war zone, she realized the impact even the smallest gesture makes.
“Reading that little boy's letter reminded Victor why he was serving. He sat on the floor and wept as he read that card,” said Ramirez. “It's especially meaningful when children write to our soldiers as it shows parents are taking the time to teach their kids about the sacrifice involved in protecting our country.”
In addition to letter writing campaigns, Alameda County Blue Star Moms has a number of programs through which it provides food and clothing to veterans and their families in need, as well as resources and support for current military families.
“We encourage all local residents to learn more about Alameda County Blue Star Moms and how they can encourage soldiers and their families this holiday season,” Hughes said.
If you would like to write a letter, please visit your nearest Fremont Bank branch, or to donate money or provide food or clothing for our troops this holiday season, please visit http://www.alamedacountybluestarmoms.org/.
About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank (www.fremontbank.com) is the leading full-service community bank in Northern California. Founded in 1964, Fremont Bank is one of the oldest independent family-owned and managed banks in the region and focuses on personalized service for individuals and businesses. It serves communities through 18 branches and seven additional ATMs throughout the Greater Bay Area. Exceptional client service is the cornerstone of Fremont Bank's business. Accommodation of customer needs in a friendly, personal atmosphere characterizes Fremont Bank's culture.
About Alameda County Blue Star Moms
Alameda County Blue Star Moms, Chapter CA23, is a local San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. serving all cities of the County of Alameda in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. It is a non-profit charity, a non-partisan, non-political organization that does not support any political candidate, nor endorse any religious organization.
