‘Caring’ contributions
Skyla Govier leads to support Blue Star Mothers
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Born and raised in Florida, Skyla Govier has had family in the military, which included her father in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Her grandfather was stationed at Eglin U.S. Air Force Base as well as her step-father who retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, she met her husband, Tom Govier while he was stationed at the Eglin Air Force base in Florida.
The two fell in love and since Tom is originally from Sheffield, he missed the beautiful seasons we enjoy in Pennsylvania. The Goviers moved 1,100 miles north to Warren County, 36 years ago and raised four children. All Warren Area High School graduates, their children are Meghan and Chevy Rowland, Samantha and Joey Papuckoski, Bobby and Katelynn Govier, and Baylee Govier. They are blessed with five grandchildren.
Skyla shared how 15 years ago the family flirted with the idea of moving back to Florida, but she was the one that did not want to move. When speaking of the communities in Warren County, she said, "This place can be hard with the weather, but we seem to have some of the most supportive people I have ever met. I love living where we live. The community is caring and I love how people step up when people are in need." She did not have to put up a fight with her family in order to stay in Pennsylvania.
While her husband has been employed with Cameron Energy for nearly 20 years, she worked in her in-home salon, "Skyla's the Limit" full time up until three years ago when she began working at United Refinery. By balancing both jobs, she enjoys staying busy and maintaining close family-like relationships with her salon clients.
The youngest of her children are twins Bobby and Baylee, now 28 years old. Bobby went in the USAF first and was on active duty for seven years, currently in the Air National Guard out of Pittsburgh. He works in fuel system maintenance on KC 135, with part of his unit currently deployed, to which the Goviers are holding their breath anticipating a possible deployment. Twin sister Baylee enlisted shortly after her brother for seven years and more recently reenlisted for another four, serving as a USAF firefighter. She is stationed at Eglin Air Force base, making four generations to have been stationed there.
Govier shared, "The hardest moment was watching my son leave for his first deployment -- saying goodbye, not knowing if or when I'd ever get to hug my child again. And if something should happen to them, the agony of knowing you can't get to them right away is a fear that never leaves your chest. Then you look around and see kids his age out living their everyday lives, and it hits you: life goes on because brave men and women choose to stand up, raise their right hand, and say, 'I will defend you.'"
Upon becoming an empty-nester, Govier started to research volunteer organizations. Since her twins joined the service, it just made sense to look for a military organization.
"That is when I came across the Blue Star Mothers of America. We only needed five members and $25 to charter a chapter. I put one Facebook post out and the rest is history."
Exactly five people showed up to the very first meeting during a snowstorm in 2018 and each took on the roles necessary, answering to the national organization’s guidelines. Govier is President and founder of the Blue Star Mothers Kinzua PA203, the local non-profit chapter which covers Warren, McKean and Forest counties.
There is a yearly membership fee of $30 which goes to headquarters for marketing, but chapters receive half of that back. Associate members do not pay a membership fee. There are no requirements on how many meetings or events are required to attend. They meet on the fourth Saturday of each month at the North Warren Presbyterian Church, 200 S. State St. at 9 a.m.
The most difficult part of running a non-profit is coordinating fundraisers in the community. As the group becomes more well known, they have been very pleased with the support from area businesses and the public. They are always in need of and accepting the help of the community, whether it be for special projects or events, or helping with things like mailing letters out.
"We are a small group right now, but these women that I serve along with have passion, they have grit, we have become a family," she commented with sincerity.
They all work together for one cause, upholding the mission to make sure our veterans are always remembered. They are able to choose and come up with events that they feel are beneficial to our local and deployed veterans.
Govier said, "We are doing this because we want to honor our veterans - our deployed troops, our active-duty troops, veterans in nursing homes, and also graduating seniors who enlist. The mission is to uphold the memory of past, present and future veterans."
The most recent and highly successful event was the dedication ceremony of the Hometown Heroes Banners.
"I am so proud to drive down the road and see our Hometown Hero Banners. That project is intense,” she said, "but so very meaningful."
Some annual events include Christmas in July, Military Appreciation Night and at least one care package event a year, where typically around 200 packages get sent. Open to new members, associates and volunteers, as well as collaboration among other organizations and ideas for events, Govier shared how the behind-the-scenes portion of making events happen is stressful but by the time the event rolls around, no one would know.
"We're doing it for one thing and that is the love of our military. That is why we do what we do."
An appreciative veteran recently expressed his gratitude for the Blue Star Mothers, stating how they go above and beyond and how honored it made him feel. During a trip to the Flight 93 Memorial, another veteran told her that the experience was the best gift he's ever been given, and that was before they even arrived at their destination! Govier added that the group is so thankful to be able to do something for those who served our country.
During their second Annual Christmas in July, the room was filled with laughter, friendship, fellowship, and -- most importantly -- time spent honoring and celebrating veterans, reminding everyone just how much our veterans mean to this community.
Pointing out the fact that Warren County has the most veterans per capita in the state of Pennsylvania, Govier said, "That says a lot about our small community."
Blue Star Mothers asked veterans to fill out a questionnaire and share what trips, activities, and experiences they would love to see offered. After reading every single response, some of the most requested experiences included: a trip to Washington, D.C., a fishing trip, visits to military museums and attending a military concert.
The Blue Star mothers want to make those dreams possible. They are raising funds for something truly special planned for July 17, 2027. Sponsorships are being sought for a large community event to honor our veterans in a very special and fun way.
Over the next several weeks, you'll start seeing raffles, fundraisers, and community events as they work toward building something unforgettable for the military community. Having already sent out many sponsorship letters, with more on the way, they encourage anyone that has received one and has questions, to please reach out through Facebook, email, or phone as they would love to talk with you about how you can be part of this special event. Contact information:
Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua PA203, P.O. Box 324, Warren, PA 16365. Phone: (814) 230-0804; email: bluestarmotherspa203@yahoo.com
This isn't just about planning a day. It's about listening to our veterans and honoring their service and sacrifice. It's also about creating memories, experiences, and bringing our community together. It's about showing our service members -- past, present, and future -- how much they mean to us and everyone can be part of making it happen. Please share ideas, ask about how to become a sponsor or how to donate a raffle item by reaching out.
The hope is that through each and every event, the veteran community connects with one another, and that civilians can show their gratitude.
What the local Blue Star Mothers lack in numbers, Govier makes up for in fierce devotion. As president, she has proven that a small group can cast a massive shadow of support. By blooming where she is planted, she has transformed a handful of dedicated mothers into a lifeline for military families, proving every day that you don't need a massive army to honor a soldier's story.