WASHINGTON, D.C. — Blue Star Families (BSF), the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting military and veteran families, brought chapter leaders from across the country to Washington, D.C. for its 2026 BSF Fly-In. The event connected congressional offices directly with the military families and community leaders working every day to strengthen military-connected communities nationwide.
Representing communities from coast to coast, BSF Chapter leaders met with their Congressional delegations to share the experiences of military and veteran families in their states and districts, highlight the impact of Blue Star Families programs, and discuss policies that support military family well-being, readiness, and resilience.
Throughout the fly-in, participants discussed issues identified through BSF’s annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS) that captures the experiences and challenges facing military and veteran families. Meetings focused on priorities including housing affordability, military spouse employment, childcare access, transition support, outdoors programming, suicide prevention and community connection, and continued investment in programs that strengthen military family well-being.
Participants also advocated for passage of the Major Richard Star Act, which would ensure that combat-injured, medically-retired veterans receive both their earned retirement pay and disability compensation, and urged support for enhancements to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit that would expand employment opportunities for military spouses.
“Military families experience the impacts of federal policy every day, whether through housing costs, childcare access, employment opportunities, or the challenges that come with military service and transition,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “This fly-in provides an opportunity for policymakers to hear directly from the leaders and families living these experiences in communities across the country. Their stories help ensure that military family voices remain at the center of the conversation.”
The fly-in reflects Blue Star Families’ commitment to connecting research, community impact, and advocacy. By bringing local leaders directly to Capitol Hill, the organization continues to strengthen relationships with policymakers while elevating the voices of military and veteran families nationwide.
“Our chapter leaders see firsthand both the challenges military families face and the incredible resilience they demonstrate every day,” said Tom Porter, Vice President of Government Affairs at Blue Star Families. “They are trusted voices in their communities, and this fly-in provides an opportunity to share those experiences directly with policymakers who have the ability to make a difference.”
The 2026 Blue Star Families Fly-In took place June 8–10 in Washington, D.C., with participants representing Blue Star Families Chapters and military-connected communities from across the United States including southwest Ohio, southern California, Maryland and Chicago.
About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.
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