Blue Star Stories

Welcome to our blog where you'll find the stories from the lives of our Blue Star Families.

New duty station? Your identity and finances could be at risk. Protect your family with Aura.

September 14, 2023

As you settle into your new home and gear up for the new school year, those of you who recently PCS’d or are still in the process of doing so should review Aura’s top five tips for keeping your family safe from cybercrime and online theft during a move.

Read More

Libraries — A Key Resource for Military Families on the Move

September 13, 2023

Libraries are particularly well-suited to welcome our military families. While many continue to host family favorite events like children’s story times, they have also evolved over the years to provide enhanced resources and opportunities such as outdoor exploring packs available for check-out or membership access for local attractions. 

Read More

Shattering the Stigma: Mental Health Conversations We Owe Our Veterans

September 12, 2023

By: Kali Hoffman It’s an unfortunate reality that the bravest among us, our veterans and active service members, often wage a silent war against mental health issues. This fight, unlike their outward battles, is invisible, isolating, and tragically lethal at times. The stark rise in suicide rates within our military community is a sobering reminder…

Read More

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis among LGBTQIA+ Youth with Military-Connected Parents

September 7, 2023

The spectrum of struggles encountered by LGBTQIA+ youth in military families remains largely unexplored, residing in the peripheries of common public consciousness. Nevertheless, these challenges are authentic, multilayered, and demand our immediate attention. Blue Star Families, via the Combat the Silence and research initiatives, acknowledges this concealed burden and pioneers innovative strategies to address it.…

Read More

Unseen Soldiers: Recognizing the Critical Role of Military Caregivers in the Fight Against Veteran Suicide

September 4, 2023

America is home to an invisible army, about 5.5 million strong, working tirelessly every day. This vast force isn’t made up of soldiers, marines, or sailors, but of caregivers to those who have served our country in uniform. According to a 2014 report by the RAND Corporation, almost 20% of these caregivers are looking after…

Read More

Clearing Up the Confusion: What Military Families Need to Know About Your Vision Healthcare Coverage

August 29, 2023

Hello, military families! We totally get how confusing healthcare decisions can be, especially when it comes to vision care. And things have only gotten murkier with inflation driving up costs. But listen up: You shouldn’t have to trade off your vision health for other essentials—especially when research shows a whopping 61% of Americans and one…

Read More

Empowering the Unsung Heroes: The Role of Family and Friends in Veteran Mental Health Support

August 28, 2023

  The ripple effects of military service reverberate far beyond the battlefield, reaching into the homes and lives of those who love and care for our veterans and active service members. These loved ones often stand as the first line of defense in the war against mental health crises, a role of paramount importance yet…

Read More

Navigating Military Life with Connectivity & Communication: Elyce’s Story

August 21, 2023

Meet Elyce, a seasoned Navy spouse who navigates the ups and downs of military life alongside her dedicated active-duty husband. Over the span of two decades, they’ve encountered numerous deployments and relocations, relying on effective communication to strengthen their relationship with each other and their community. If you’re new to the military journey and looking…

Read More

Job Application Scams Targeting MilSpouses: Protect Yourself!

August 21, 2023

Hey there, military spouse, we’ve got something to share with you that might be quite concerning if you’re job hunting. According to a recent report from the Federal Trade Commision (FTC), cybercriminals are targeting you.
Why? Because of your unique circumstances: Frequent relocations. The need for remote work. And the desire to contribute to your family’s finances.

Read More