A Closer Look at Military Children’s Mental Health: 4 Steps You Can Take to Make a Difference
Summer is nearly in our rearview mirror and back-to-school time is here! The large number of families PCSing this season means thousands of children will start the upcoming school year…
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Strengthening Food Security in the Force: Strategy and Roadmap
The TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) Version In November 2021, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued a memo, “Strengthening Economic Security in the Force.” It directed the following actions: increase…
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Powerful Legacy in Bronze: Mission of a Buffalo Soldier
When reflecting on her childhood, Dr. Aundrea Matthews recalls time spent at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. She was raised outside its historic walls in…
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More Than a Grocery Store: Everything You Need to Know About the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
In the military world, summer is the unofficial “PCS season.” Each year, about 600,000 military families relocate through a permanent change of station (PCS) or transition out of the military.…
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What You Need to Know About Male Military Spouses and How to Help
The upward trend in male presence in the military spouse community is uncovering a lack of inclusivity and representation. A recent article by Military OneSource raised concerns about male spouses’…
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Sleep Number Raises Its Hand Year-Round To Help Military Families Thrive Through Better Sleep
Murphy’s Law states that if anything can go wrong it will. Did you know that this phrase was first coined about a service member? Seriously. Edward J. Murphy was a…
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5 PCS Guides to Get You Through Your Next Move
A big part of the military experience is the inevitable Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. Hundreds of thousands of service members and their families do it each year, and…
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How Identity Affects Transition: A Veteran’s Perspective
The biggest issue facing Veterans during transition isn’t just a lack of resources. And the solution isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many in the field have tried to pinpoint one exact causality for…
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How You Can Turn a Military Move Into a Worthwhile Trip with Preparation
Welcome Vicki J., Army Veteran, active-duty Army spouse, and licensed social worker, to the Blue Star Families blog! As PCS season fast approaches and the stress of moving closes in,…
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