2024 in Review: Blue Star Families Celebrates 15 Years of Impact and Explosive Growth
2024 was a year for the books at Blue Star Families! We not only celebrated our 15th anniversary of making a real impact for military and Veteran families, but we also experienced explosive growth, including the opening of a brand new Chapter in Puget Sound and the launch of several new programs aimed at supporting military families and ensuring they have what they need to thrive in their communities!
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Embracing the Adventure: Our Family’s PCS Journey and the Road Ahead to National Parks
When our family received orders for a PCS move from the East Coast to the Southwest, we knew it would be an adventure. Little did we know just how true that would be. Our journey started with excitement and a hint of nostalgia as we packed up our lives and hit the road in our faithful red truck, “Victory,” towing our flatbed car trailer and carrying our dreams.
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Supplemental Vision Coverage Options for Military Retirees
Written by Blue Star Families Transitioning out of the military can be both exciting and challenging. Among the many changes, securing continued healthcare—especially vision coverage—is essential, as you can no longer get eye exams, contacts, or glasses for you or your family through TRICARE once you retire. That’s where the Federal Employees Dental and Vision…
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15 Years Strong: Blue Star Families’ Annual Celebration Honors Supporters and Champions
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…
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A Day of Coastal Discovery at Boneyard Beach
Our weekend camping trip took an exciting turn when strong winds led us to explore the stunning Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park instead. After a fun lunch with the Wilderness Inquiry crew, we ventured along the beach, spotting wildlife and even identifying some insects with the kids. Families embraced their adventurous sides, climbing the massive driftwood trees scattered along the shore — a perfect opportunity for some memorable photos!
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Celebrating Thanksgiving: Fun Activities for Military Families Away from Home
By Jillian Johnson Many military families find themselves separated from their loved ones during the holidays, which can be especially tough. When a service member is deployed, those feelings of loneliness and longing really hit home. The holiday season often magnifies that desire for connection, making it all the more important to find creative ways…
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Making Merry Memories This Holiday with a Family Holiday Hike
Crunching leaves under my feet is my favorite soundtrack this time of year. Add in the smell of pine in the mountain air and it’s complete perfection. Many people think of hiking as a spring and summer activity, but fall and winter are my favorite times to hit the trail. The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year, filled with family gatherings, traditions, and, of course, delicious food! But as lovely as these moments can be, they sometimes
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Unlock Outdoor Adventures: Explore the Features of the Military Families Outdoors Website!
Planning new outdoor adventures just got a whole lot easier for service-connected families! The brand-new Military Families Outdoors (MFO) website is packed with resources and information for all families, whether they are seasoned outdoor adventurers or they are just getting started. What is the Military Families Outdoors Program? Military Families Outdoors, administered by the Defense…
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A Spooktacular Night Under the Bats with Blue Star Connect Outdoors
Spooky season is upon us, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and learn about some of the creatures that often haunt our imaginations. Last week in San Antonio, Texas, Blue Star Connect Outdoors hosted a bat-viewing event at Bracken Cave Preserve, where participants had the chance to witness the largest bat colony in the United States take their nightly flight!
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