By Liz Vierheller
Most will agree that the outpouring of patriotism following the events of 9/11 had not been seen in the United States since WWII. But for people like Kelly Cross Oakes, such patriotism has always been a way of life. Her father served in Korea, her grandfather in WWII, her brother in the U.S. Army, and former husband in Vietnam. Her son Jeremy began participating in JROTC as an eighth grader, and by the time he graduated from Edison High School in 1999, he had been honored as the "Most Decorated Cadet." Currently a student at OSU, Jeremy has his sights set on becoming a career military officer.
Besides the loss she felt for her country, the 9/11 tragedy and its aftermath also hit close to home - her husband works for American Airlines.
The events that followed, including the subsequent deployment of American troops to Afghanistan, compelled Kelly, a life-long artist, poet, photographer and lyricist, to put her thoughts on paper. In July 2002, inspired by the united efforts of America for our troops, she wrote a poem titled "Dear American Soldier" in tribute to the members of our armed forces serving our country on foreign soil. "I knew my son Jeremy would one day be there," said Kelly.
For New Year's she sent copies of the poem to each branch of the military and even sent a copy to President Bush. She subsequently shared the poem with Renae Phillips, a co-worker at Reasor's Photo Department, whose fiance had just returned from Iraq. Renae was so moved that she encouraged Kelly to do something more with the poem.
In response, Kelly launched Glory First Creations and now produces 5" x 7" greeting cards featuring her "Dear American Soldier" poem. The poem is also available as 8" x 10" frame-ready print. Getting the cards to as many soldiers as possible seemed challenging at first but a friend told her about Blue Star Mothers of Oklahoma. The service organization, comprised of mothers, fathers, and families of active military members and veterans, provides "freedom boxes" to troops on active duty around the world who do not have access to needed essentials. The group is currently collecting donations for Christmas boxes that must be shipped in November to arrive on time.
Kelly immediately joined the organization, and her goal is to include a "Dear American Soldier" greeting card in each freedom box sent for Christmas. "I want as many of our soldiers as possible to know how much we support them," she said.
To help defray the cost of printing the cards for the freedom boxes, Kelly has set up a booth in the Crafter's Market in Promenade Mall located on the lower level next to Foley's. Both the greeting card and print are available for purchase. Kelly also accepts special orders if you would like to personalize a card with a particular soldier's name.
"My lifelong ambition has been to pursue my art full time," Kelly said. "This opportunity has allowed me to share my God-given talents with others. The entire process has been an incredible experience."
September 10 - 12 the Blue Star Mothers will be involved with a baseball tournament featuring the Tulsa Senior Men's baseball league. In lieu of an admission charge, the Blue Star Mothers will be accepting donations for the Christmas box project. Door prizes will be given away to audience members throughout the tournament. For a list of items to donate, visit the Blue Star Mothers Web site at www.okbluestarmothers.org. The local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of Oklahoma has sent over 10,000 freedom boxes since March 2003 to soldiers from Oklahoma as well as other states.
