Published: November 26, 2024
Blue Star Families is celebrating 15 years of helping military families thrive and find belonging in their communities!
This is a huge milestone for our organization, and we’re proud of the impact we’ve made over the years. From providing critical resources to fostering a sense of connection, Blue Star Families continues to support and empower military families across the nation.
One way we’ve celebrated this milestone was by hosting our annual Celebration event at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on November 21, 2024. Celebration is an annual event that honors Americans who are doing their part to preserve our All-Volunteer Force’s strength and viability by supporting our military families, and serves as a fun way to celebrate our mission.
A Tasty Competition
Every year, guests can look forward to sampling delicious food from military and community chefs! Famous chefs and service member chefs came together for a friendly competition to find out which branch came out on top.
Chef Pairings:
United States Space Force: Chef David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery paired with Master Sergeant Jordan O. Olson
United States Air Force: Chef Todd Grey, Equinox, paired with Master Sergeant Asia McClain
United States Air Force: Chef Angel Barreto, Anju, paired with Technical Sergeant Sarah Izor
Army National Guard:Chef Katsuya Fukushima, Tonari, The Daikaya Group, paired with Master Sergeant Kevin Arwood
United States Coast Guard: Chef Spike and Catherine Mendelsohn, Santa Rosa Taqueria, paired with Chief Anthony Decker
United States Army: Chef Jenn Crovato, 1310 Kitchen & Bar, paired with Master Sergeant Maria Sandoval
United States Marines: Chef Patrice Cleary, Purple Patch, paired with Sergeant Patricia Gonzalez-Ochoa
United States Navy: Chef Harley Peet, Bas Rouge, paired with CS1 Cal Abdinoor
After all the votes were tallied, the Space Force pairing of Chef David Guas and Master Sergeant Jordan O. Olson came out on top with their pastelitos de carne — Cuban meat hand pies with beef, olives, and raisins.
A Moment of Recognition
One of the greatest highlights of the evening was the opportunity to present awards to some of the greatest supporters of our military families. The Lifetime Military Family Champion Award was presented to The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, and Mrs. Betty Del Toro. Over the years, they have stood alongside Blue Star Families, sharing our common goal to provide advocacy and support to military families across the nation. Their involvement with our Campaign for Inclusion and taking part in our Fleet Week events in both Miami and New York have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, and for that, we are truly grateful.
We proudly presented the Civil Leadership Award to United States Representatives Don Bacon and Chrissy Houlahan for their bipartisan commitment to addressing the critical quality of life issues faced by military families. Their leadership on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Quality of Life Panel has been instrumental in advancing key recommendations aimed at sustaining the All-Volunteer Force. Their unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of those who serve our country reflects true leadership and a deep respect for military families.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to announce that Craig Newmark, a visionary web pioneer and philanthropist, pledged $25 million over five years to Blue Star Families in order to continue our work of supporting military families! As a result of his generous contribution, we are bringing our programs and services to 11 new communities. New locations were selected in collaboration with leadership from each service branch to serve military families where they need it most.
- Fort Cavazos (Texas)
- Fort Eisenhower (Georgia)
- Norfolk (Virginia)
- Hawaii
- Camp Lejeune (North Carolina)
- New Orleans (Louisiana)
- Holloman Air Force Base/Fort Bliss (New Mexico/Texas)
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Colorado Springs
- Fort Liberty (North Carolina)
The evening’s celebration was a hallmark of celebrating 15 years of military family support — but it is only just the beginning. As we reflect on the past, we are also looking ahead to the future with renewed energy and commitment to ensuring that military families continue to thrive. The work we’ve done so far is just the foundation for the many efforts to come. Together with our incredible partners, supporters, and community, we will continue to advocate for military families, provide essential resources, and create lasting connections. Here’s to the next 15 years and beyond as we work together to make an even greater impact!
Thank you to this year’s Blue Star Celebration sponsors: craig newmark philanthropies, CSX Transportation, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Starbucks, JP Morgan Chase, BAE Systems, CGI Federal, CJM Foundation, Delta Dental, Humana Military, Tramiel Trust, Blue Shield of California, Citadel, Andruill, and USAA.
Posted In: Our Stories