When her son enlisted in the Navy, Patricia Harper set about to do whatever she could to support him and his fellow military members. Her devotion led her to the Blue Star Mothers, where she is now president of the Long Island division.
“Who better than the mothers to dig into the resources and challenge the status quo to make things better for our veterans,” said the business entrepreneur from Great River when she made a presentation about the group at a recent veterans appreciation event. “We are a warm and soft resource for those transitioning from the military to civilian life.”
The Mothers make sure soldiers know they are loved when they are far from home and are there to greet them when they return home. Once the military releases them, Harper and the Mothers provide a safety net so that there’s something there to catch them.
Harper served as a Naval Sea Cadet Officer for six years where she handled recruiting. She was also a Supply Officer at the U.S.S. Liberty Division in Farmingdale and worked with the Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Division 7.
Harper organized a veterans conference in April and is planning another one in March in Hauppauge to connect veterans with opportunities for technical training, housing, job placement, and mental and physical health treatment. They work with VFWs, American Legions, and other veterans groups to ensure they reach everyone in need.
“We are mothers, daughters, sisters, and fathers working together to make sure our veterans are taken care of,” Harper concluded.