National PTSD Awareness

Starting in 2010, Congress named June 27th PTSD Awareness Day (S. Res. 455).  In 2014, the Senate designated the full month of June for National PTSD Awareness (S. Res. 481). Efforts are underway to continue this designation for the third consecutive year in 2016.

After a traumatic event, most people have painful memories. For many people, the effects of the event fade over time. But for others, the memories, thoughts and feelings don't go away - even months or years after the event is over. Mental health experts are not sure why some people develop PTSD and others do not. If stress reactions do not improve over time and they disrupt everyday life, it is important to seek help to determine if PTSD is present

The purpose of PTSD Awareness Month is to encourage everyone to raise public awareness of PTSD and effective treatments. We can all help those affected by PTSD.

Raise PTSD Awareness, because you can make a difference!

“Greater understanding and awareness of PTSD will help Veterans and others recognize symptoms, and seek and obtain needed care." - Dr. Paula P. Schnurr, Executive Director of the National Center for PTSD

"Raising PTSD awareness is essential to overcoming the myth, misinformation and stigma surrounding this mental health problem" said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. "We encourage everyone to join us in this important effort."

News Release

Effective March 15th, 2016 the Indy Blue Star Mothers has partnered with a Hoosier Service Dog Trainer "Ultimate Canine" to provide service dogs for our Hoosier veterans that suffer with PTSD.

President of the Indy Blue Star Mothers, Vickie Sullinger says, "All of our Indy Blue Star Mothers cannot be more excited to partner with Ultimate Canine to provide professionally trained service dogs to our Hoosier veterans and making an impact in their lives. The wait times for veterans to begin living with their service animal will be drastically decreased by our efforts we have with our Hoosier communities’ involvement.  Ultimate Canine currently
trains K9's, therapy and service dogs professionally. When we educate our communities that we are still losing on average of 22 veterans every day to suicide and those that are directly affected by their deaths is extremely important, but we can all make a difference. The stigma attached to their trauma needs to end and it starts right here in our communities so that veterans seek help that is available. Veterans will be able to begin the application process in the coming weeks on our website so that we can assist Ultimate Canine with the red tape while Ultimate Canine focuses on what they do best, training service dogs. Thank you and God bless those that have and still sacrifice today."

Watch our Indy Blue Star Mothers website blog or on Facebook at Indy Blue Star Mothers - IN14 to stay tuned on the newest stories of bringing veterans and canines together for a better future. Any donation you can provide from here on out will go towards this effort. We are also looking for businesses to team up and have company fundraisers, so please contact us through our website contact page HERE.

About Ultimate Canine

Ultimate Canine is an award-winning, national and internationally recognized company providing dog training services to customers across the nation and abroad. They specialize in family dogs, service/therapy dogs, Police K-9's and protection dogs located in Westfield, IN.

About Indy Blue Star Mothers

The National Blue Star Mothers organization has over 6,000 members from over 200 Chapters throughout the nation.  The Indianapolis chapter, Indy Blue Star Mothers was chartered in Indianapolis in August 2015.

Blue Star Mothers is nearly 75 years old that began with mothers that volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers and were a working part of homeland security during times our time of war. The organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. 

We are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard, or reserves, or children who are veterans.  We support each other and our children while promoting patriotism.  Our organization focuses on our mission every single day providing support for active duty service personnel, assisting Veterans organizations, and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong and never, ever forsake our troops, our veterans or the families of our fallen heroes.

Indy Blue Star Mothers
P.O. Box 269543
Indianapolis, IN 46226-9543

indybluestarmothers@gmail.com or (317) 775-4984

Indy Blue Star Mothers share with WISH-tv viewers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH-TV, By Vi Nguyen Published: November 11, 2015, 8:35 am)

An Indianapolis support group is hoping to unite mothers who have children serving our country.

The mission is to help them through the most difficult and challenging times as a parent.

The group called Indy Blue Star Mothers meets once a month in Indianapolis. The mothers get together during that time to share stories about their son or daughter.  Members said they have created a special bond, something only they could understand and relate too.

Isaiah Martin, 19, is in the army and is currently stationed in Texas. Autumn Cordell said she’s proud of his decision, but can’t help to worry.  “You know we worry every day and wait to hear for that next phone call to make sure that they’re okay,” said Autumn Cordell, mother.

Shelby Sullinger, 22, will soon be deployed. Vicki Sullinger said she thinks about her daughter every day.  “She’s my best friend, we talk as much as possible,” said Vicki Sullinger, mother. “We don’t talk every day, but at least every other day.”

The two young adults have never met before, but their mothers have.  “You lean on them during the tough times and you have a comradery, an immediate comradery,” said Sullinger.

“I couldn’t imagine going through this alone. I couldn’t imagine,” said Cordell. “I mean it’s been such a saving grace.”

Both are members of Indy Blue Star Mothers. The group launched back in August with more than 10 members. Aside from being there for one another, the group is also planning to do community and volunteer work.

“We have this desire to be patritotic to do something on behalf of our children’s name for the sacrifice that they gave or they are giving,” said Sullinger. “It’s the least we could do.”

The group has been life changing for Cordell. She said it has helped her through the emotional ride of her son being away from home.

“We not only support each other as far as our kids being in the military, but if we have personal struggles of our own, you know some of the moms will step in and say, do you need help?” said Cordell.

Cordell said Sullinger has helped her along the way. Sullinger is the president of the group.

The meetings have been therapeutic for Sullinger. She said it has helped her cope with the subtle reminders that her daughter is giving the ultimate sacrifice.

“Sometimes the tears just roll and there’s no rhyme or reason. It’s just the moment,” said Sullinger. “But you know that there’s another mom out there who feels the same way, who goes through the same things so you have the immediate connection,” said Sullinger.

Indy Blue Star Mothers is hoping to schedule a date to do care packages for our soldiers.

The group is still looking for business partners to help with the cause.

The next monthly meeting is scheduled for Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Financial Center in ndianapolis.