Blue Star Community Changemaker: Meet Mitch

Published: April 12, 2021

 

Blue Star Community Changemaker: Meet Mitch

Delivered by CSX Pride in Service

Did you know that only one in four active-duty family respondents told Blue Star Families in the 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey they feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community? In fact, one-third say they have no friends in the local community and nobody they could ask for a favor. Why is that a major problem? Because we know a lack of belonging is a mental health risk that puts stress on the entire family unit. And when there’s stress on a service member’s family, it jeopardizes their readiness and the military as a whole.

While we frequently talk about the resilience of military children, the pain of isolation caused by a lack of belonging affects them, too. That’s where Mitch hopes to help. He’s a milkid himself who wants to educate the civilian community and help others like him feel connected. “It is important for me to volunteer with the military community so I can mentor younger military children,” Mitch shared. “In retrospect, I wish I had more mentors or big brothers to show me the ropes. It can be challenging with frequent moves and friends moving away. I hope to help as many kids as possible.”

The reality is, military families move three times as often as their civilian peers; most moving every two to three years. That leaves military kids starting over as the “new kid” in town all too often. “At Blue Star Families, we strive to be connectors,” said Rachele Belt, Blue Star Families’ Baltimore Chapter Director. “Creating connections for military families to their communities helps them to feel a part of something, to feel supported, to feel like they belong. That’s when military families thrive. Blue Star Families is fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers across the country who support that mission. Here in Baltimore, we are lucky to have Mitch among our volunteers. He connects with the other kids, giving them someone to talk to, to make them feel welcome.”

Mitch is such a great role model for younger military kids because he’s been in their shoes. At sixteen, he has moved four times and endured five deployments. “My father also did two unaccompanied tours to allow our family to remain stabilized in Maryland,” Mitch recalled. “I was happy to get to stay in the same community of friends, but the separations and deployments are never easy. I can remember several times saying to myself, ‘I wish my Dad could see this.’”

That explains why, according to the 2019 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, 52% of respondents found friends to be most helpful when dealing with separation from their service member. In the Baltimore community, Mitch aims to be that friend and point of connection for other military kids. And for Mitch, the commitment to serving others is something he’s dedicated to for the long haul.

“I have truly enjoyed serving the military community, especially [at] all the amazing Blue Star Families events!” he shared. “I aspire to attend one of the U.S. military academies, [to] serve as a leader in our military while pursuing medicine or engineering. It is a strong aspiration of mine to one day become a physician because I really enjoy helping others.”

Mitch’s commitment to supporting and mentoring military kids deserves to be recognized. “Together with CSX, our Blue Star Partner who funds our Baltimore Chapter, we want to thank Mitch for giving so much of his time,” Belt said. “His friendship and volunteer efforts have a big impact on other military kids, making them feel welcome and supported, and that’s why we’re honoring him as a Blue Star Community Changemaker.”

“CSX is happy to join Blue Star Families to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with this Changemaker recognition for Mitch,” said Bryan Tucker, vice president of corporate communications for CSX. Through Pride in Service, we aim to help families – including spouses and children – thrive in their communities. There is no doubt Mitch’s powerful, service-oriented example will go a long way for all of the military kids he supports along the way!”

Visit bluestarfam.org/changemakers to learn more about Mitch and the other Blue Star Community Changemakers we’ll be recognizing over the next few months. Their heartwarming stories are so inspiring, and we’re honored to share them with you. #BSFChangemakers