It’s hard to be the parent of someone serving in the military. And it gets harder when the United States is at war.

No one knows that more than Rosie Vanadestine, of Skowhegan, who has one son who is a machine gunner in the Marines and another who previously served in the Navy.

“Yes, it is a scary time for military families,” Vanadestine said this week as the U.S. and Israel continued to strike Iran, and more American troops headed for the Middle East.

That’s why Vanadestine is starting the first Maine chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, a national organization formed during World War II that provides support and services to mothers of those serving in the armed forces.

The effort is still in the beginning stages. But Vanadestine already has 12 mothers interested in filing for the chapter, twice as many as needed, and many more supporters backing them up.

“This is for all military moms,” Vanadestine wrote in an email. “People don’t realize the sacrifices made by military families, and it is different than having kids in college or trade schools.”

Jane Thorndike, of Avon, said it would be wonderful to have a group of moms she can talk to who know exactly what she is going through.

“A place where no explanation is needed because they are living that every day like me,” she said. “I certainly hope this chapter in Maine takes off. It is needed. For all the new military moms and the ones like me, that’s been in this daily battle for years, reach out and let’s join together for our children and ourselves.”

Thorndike’s son, Barry Thorndike II, is a gunnery sergeant in the Marines. He is now on the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the Middle East.

Friends and family reach out often to see how she is doing. It’s appreciated, she said, but they don’t always understand what she is going through, or that she may not have any news.

“There’s almost a guilt for not being able to say what they want to hear,” said Thorndike.

When her sons joined the military — another son, Parker Thorndike, served four years in the Marines — a doctor told Thorndike to shut off the TV.

“I listened to him. I rely on a few military websites my son has recommended for me to follow and I try to stay away from the rest,” Thorndike said.

“I don’t watch TV other than streaming. If I did I’d be glued to it and a complete basket case.”

When Thorndike does hear news, it can be agonizing, like when there are reports of missiles being shot at American ships.

“My life freezes in that second,” she said. “The fear just stops everything else in your life until you hear it wasn’t true or they are safe.”

It’s a situation that calls out for support, Thorndike said.

“A group like Blue Star Mothers is vital because everyone around you asks if you’ve heard from your child, but they often forget how you’re doing,” she said.

There are over 200 Blue Star Mothers chapters throughout the nation, with nearly 6,000 members, the group said. It is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical, nonsectarian and 501(C)3 organization.

Once the Blue Star Mothers in Maine chapter is approved for a charter, Vanadestine said, members can determine their meeting schedule, fundraising and what projects to take on, such as sending care packages to servicemen and women.

They will also be able to offer associate memberships to anyone in the wider community who wants to help, she said.

Those interested can email Vanadestine at [email protected] or call or text 207-576-2960.