Meet The Band Of Mothers

SEATTLE - Its difficult to be far away from loved ones this time of year. And one group of local women knows that very well.

The "Band of Mothers" are helping each other through the holidays, and the war in Iraq.

The 150 or so women are MOM's --- Mothers of Marines. And they help in the worst of times.

"We attend the funerals, we send cards, whatever needs to be done," said founding member Claudia Joines. "We roll up our sleeves and do it."

Marine mom Karen Shepard has seen them in action. "They go in and help out with anything, the funeral. It's like a ballet to watch them. "

But Shepard says they also share the joy and that is important to her.

"It's a place I can go, we can all brag on our sons and daughters and nobody judges you." Shepard's son has already been to Fallujah, and he's going back soon.

Annegret Heller has been involved with the group only a few months -- her son will spend Christmas in Iraq.

"He's sleeping on the ground, his pillow is a rock and I'm comfortable here, going on with my life. Its hard," she said, adding having the "mothers' " support makes it a little easier.

"Its amazing how much peace I have. The prayers and encouragement strengthen you."

To learn more about the Band of Mothers, go to www.sharpdesign.us.