National Newsletter | Issue #18
Well, it’s hot. But it's still summer, so let's make the best of it! Our “beat-the-heat” strategies at my house include my latest-fav mocktail (mint from the garden, homemade simple syrup from farmers’ market sour cherries, lemon juice, seltzer, and lots of ice. Yum!). I encourage you to take time for what brings you joy! Catch some sunshine (with sunscreen, of course), recharge indoors, and fill up your cup. Find a moment to slow down – even if just for a moment, because we’re over halfway through 2022, and the fall season will ask a lot of us.
For many, fall means school is right around the corner. During one PCS season, my family returned to the States after an eventful move from Germany and just 10 days before the start of school. We had lost our housing unexpectedly, and I couldn’t enroll my kids without an address. Disaster was looming, BUT an amazing retired Army couple stepped in to help! Because of their generous hearts, we stayed at their home and immediately became part of their family. To this day, we are the closest of friends – and that house became our forever home.
My point is… As military families, we encounter tough situations that seem like just that: a disaster. Not every struggle has a good side, but many do! Give yourself some time, allow life to unfold, and you may find that “curse” to actually be a blessing. Remember, your community at Blue Star Families is here to support you through it all!
We’re working to bring you more opportunities for finding connections & community – just as I did after that particular PCS. We've got #BlueStarPerks (check out Caribu, a reading app to keep little ones connected to loved ones far away), tons of programs (there’s still so much to do during #BlueStarSummer), and events to fill your calendar for August!
As teachers and students return to school, we’re proud to welcome the 2022 DEPLOY (Diversify and Expand the Pipeline of Leaders Of Your Military Community) Fellows cohort. This talented group is continuing their education and blazing trails in their career fields. We know that education is ongoing. If you’re looking to continue yours, visit Spouseforce to see what training courses are available.
No matter what’s on your horizon, one thing’s for sure: everyone deserves to feel welcome. Join us for Blue Star Tips: Be Healthy and Thrive this Fall. We’re here to help keep your family happy and healthy as we enter a new season. We also have fantastic things coming up for Blue Star Welcome Week 2022. Stay tuned!
Here’s to soaking up the rest of summer together!
Blue Star Summer Fun Submissions
Share your summer fun and learning experiences with Blue Star Families for a chance to win one more family prize box!
Thank You for Sharing Your Stories & Experiences
We’re so grateful for the thousands of military and Veteran families who answered the 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey! And a special thank you to the following partners who made it possible: USAA, Lockheed Martin, craig newmark philanthropies, BAE Systems, and Pratt & Whitney.
Blue Star Tips: Be Healthy and Thrive this Fall '22
Each season brings its own unique challenges. This fall, whether you’re changing duty stations or just looking to change your daily routine, our next virtual town hall will be filled with information to help you and your family stay on top of your game! Join us on September 1st at 2:00 PM ET.
Beat Summer Boredom at a Museum
Our partnership with National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of Defense allows us to offer complimentary admission to more than 2,000 Blue Star Museums nationwide to active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, now through Labor Day.
Finding a Welcoming Workplace: Blue Star Families and AARP on MilSpouse & Veteran Employment
We know securing employment is a key concern for you, particularly after moving or transitioning out of active-duty service. During this virtual webinar, we’ll explore a solution with AARP's new Job Center, where you can find courses, tools, and resources to give you an edge in your job search. You’ll also have the chance to enter for a style consultation with E’Beth Goad, Personal Brand & Change Strategist, and other fun opportunities. Join us on September 29th at 3 PM ET!
Blue Star Welcome Week is Coming Soon!
Starting September 24th, we’ll be honoring the hundreds of thousands of military and Veteran families who move each year. Help get the party started by signing our virtual Welcome Card to welcome families who may be new to YOUR community!
¿Hablas Español?
Verano Bilingue Summer 2022 with Spouseforce, powered by Blue Star Careers, is still going strong this month! Bilingual/Latinx/Hispanic military spouses are invited to participate in exclusive professional development and career opportunities.
Maintain a Competitive Edge in Your Career
Military spouses: take advantage of Google’s no-cost certification options! Blue Star Families offers Grow with Google Scholarship certificates to our members at no cost.
Happy Birthday, Spouseforce!
Since 2009, Blue Star Careers has been facilitating career connections for military spouses, driving millions in local economic impact. We’re happy to celebrate two very successful years of helping military spouses achieve their career goals through our virtual community, Spouseforce!
Interested in leveling up, networking, or finding your next job? Spouseforce has weekly webinars and meet-and-greets with employers interested in supporting military spouse careers. Be sure to join us from August 22nd to August 26th, when we’ll celebrate Spouseforce with giveaways just for you!
Advancing Holistic Health for Military Families
We're committed to combating hunger in our military community. So when we find an opportunity to help pack bags for a food distribution event, with partners like Humana Military from Operation Family Resiliency, we raise our hand to help. More support is on its way.
Protect Your Military Family
Are you PCSing this summer? You may be at higher risk of identity theft or fraud. Check out aura.com/military for resources on how to secure your digital lives. Aura digital security helps keep you and your family safe - both online and off. Aura is honored to thank military families for their service and sacrifices with a two-week free trial and up to 50% off.
Ford Proud To Honor
Show your patriotism this summer by repping Proud to Honor merchandise, and 100% of Ford's profits will be donated to Blue Star Families and DAV – two military charities that help Veterans, service members, and their families.
Hero Discount
Sleep Number has been a Blue Star Partner for nearly nine years, and as a "THANK YOU!" for your tireless work keeping our nation safe, it’s offering a 20% Hero Discount on all Smart beds, bases, and most bedding now through August 8th.
Calling All Golfers!
Enter to play in the Joan L. Kidd, MD Fight for Life Golf Series. Participants play a round of golf on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday of the scheduled tournament week at a course of their choice. The series is powered by the Chipd In mobile app, which connects players to compete against other golfers across the country during the same tournament weekend at a U.S. golf course. Be sure to designate Blue Star Families as the nonprofit organization you’ll play for, and one-third of that entry fee will go to supporting military and Veteran families across the U.S.
Thank You, Blue Star Partners!
We’re so grateful for our corporate partners’ support in helping strengthen military families and build stronger, more connected communities.
- USAA continues to support our efforts to make Blue Star Welcome Week an amazing week full of in-person and virtual events for all of our members.
- craig newmark philanthropies aids our efforts in combating food insecurity among military and Veteran families.
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. offers support through its continued Campaign for Inclusion efforts.
- Thanks to the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, we’re innovating our members’ digital experience.
Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of many!
