July 2020 Newsletter

Published: June 30, 2020

Jolly Time Helps Troops This Summer

We’re honored to be selected by Jolly Time Pop Corn as a beneficiary of its “Help Our Troops” campaign! Show your support by voting for Blue Star Families here and purchasing a Jolly Time Pop Corn “Help Our Troops” Blast O Butter 3-pack next time you shop at your local Walmart. A percentage of all sales will be donated to Blue Star Families, Fisher House Foundation, Freedom Service Dogs, and Honor Flight now through September 15.

 

A Capitol Fourth

Join Blue Star Families for the 40th Anniversary presentation of A Capitol Fourth! Tune in Saturday, July 4 at 8 PM/ 7 PM CT. The show will air on PBS, and the Armed Forces Network and live stream on Facebook, YouTube, and the Capitol Fourth’s website.

 

#BlueStarSummer Takes Off

Summer 2020 looks and feels like no summer ever before. But you can count on Blue Star Families to offer continued family activities and adventures. Enjoy a game of BINGO or enroll your elementary-aged children in our first ever virtual summer camp!

Upcoming Town Halls

COVID-19 and the Base of the Future: A Conversation with Hon. Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Town Hall: July 9 at 3 PM ET / 2 PM CT / 12 PM PT. Register here.

Relying on Creativity to Cope with Stress Town Hall: July 16 at 3 PM ET / 2 PM CT / 12 PM PT. Register here.

Join Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) as Hollywood and Broadway actors and directors participate in a robust conversation speaking to the following questions: How does creativity play a role in your daily life in the military? How has art sustained you through difficult times?

AITAF will also discuss upcoming opportunities for engagement and scholarships, and attendees will have the chance to ask actors and directors questions.

Life Is in the Transitions Town Hall: July 23 at 3 ET / 2 PM CT / 12 PM PT. Register here.

Join us as Bruce Feiler—an American television personality, TEDx speaker, and best-selling author—shares his lessons learned and best practices on thriving through times of transition. He will bring a wealth of knowledge to this town hall thanks to many years of coaching and supporting parents, families, and employees on how to live to the fullest through the roller coaster of life.

You won’t want to miss this rousing conversation and the opportunity to ask Bruce your questions!

 

Discussion on Slap Shot with Laura Linney

Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) is offering YOU an AMAZING opportunity! Laura Linney, star of the Netflix drama series Ozark, will host a live talkback of one of her favorite movies on July 9 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT. Register here, and you’ll be emailed a link from AITAF to watch Paul Newman’s Slap Shot and a subsequent invite to the online discussion. Have your thoughts and movie questions ready!

 

Virtual Blue Star Parks Events are Back!

You’re invited to join Blue Star Families for another fantastic alternative to visiting our national parks on July 11! Grab the whole family and claim your spot for an action-packed Saturday of virtual exploration and the chance to receive an Outdoor Adventure Box. Register here.

 

The Blue Star Museums Program Goes Virtual

Due to the lasting impact of COVID-19, Blue Star Museums’ free admission program has been postponed for 2020. You can still visit thousands of museums online, many of which  are offering special events, tours, and activities. Then, share your virtual adventures on social media using the hashtag #BlueStarSummer, so we can tag along.

 

Why Your Voice Matters

Over the past few months, over 10,000 of you weighed in to identify the “Pain Points” you were facing due to COVID-19, to share your perspective about the use of force to quell civil unrest, or to help us understand what tools you’re using or need to be more resilient at a time when we’re all under a tremendous amount of stress. We value the time and energy you took to tell us your stories. Now, we want to share some things that YOUR input helped change or inform over the past few months because it’s kind of a big deal.

Explore the latest research here.

 

You Helped Impact Change!

Using your input and data from our aMFLS, we worked with Sen. Blumenthal’s office (D-CT) to develop two new pieces of legislation: the Command Accountability for Military Family Readiness Act and the Child Care Affordability and Accessibility for Military Families Act of 2020. The former would ensure that military commanders across the services are prepared and able to assist military family members within their units by mandating comprehensive training and requiring that military commanders be evaluated in command climate assessments on their efforts to support military families. The latter (true to its name) would make child care more affordable and accessible for military families.

 

Looking for Employment?

Or elevate your skills? We have plenty of resources available to you, including job search assistance and training. Check out our new Careers page.