I’ve asked Dr. Jessica Strong, our Senior Director of Applied Research to share why this matters...

Remember your voice matters. Take our annual survey!

Hello, members of Blue Star Families—Jess Strong here, Senior Director of Applied Research! Whether you’re new to military life or a seasoned spouse, you might know that June is the height of PCS season—a time full of change. Local neighbors reading this: not sure what that means? I can assure you that it was a new concept for all of us at some point! A permanent change of station, or PCS, is when military families pack up their lives and move with their service members to a new location, wherever duty calls. 

As an Army spouse, I am deeply familiar with the many effects of a PCS on families. Specifically for my career, one of my family’s PCSes resulted in my resignation from what I thought was my dream job—that I had worked long and hard to attain. It was hard to take a step down and face months of unemployment, but  I eventually started volunteering with Blue Star Families at our new duty station. The timing was just right, and I found a role on the Applied Research team and have been hard at work at my new dream job ever since.

The passion for positive change is strong at Blue Star Families. We've made lots of progress, but there's still much to do. Our annual survey provides a comprehensive view of the experiences and challenges military and Veteran families face, and better yet, elevates those experiences and challenges to make positive change for military families. 

Blue Star Families’ research brings about significant change for our military-connected community. Tangible results include the Department of Defense directing military leaders to allow time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This survey also helped build the case for making military spouses a protected class in the Commonwealth of Virginia and identified the need and gathered support for a new national governmental study exploring employer discrimination toward military spouses. To amplify your concerns, we need to hear your story!

Blue Star Families’ top priority is strengthening military and Veteran families. You’ll find volunteer opportunities in communities across the country as well as a vibrant, virtual Blue Star Families community that provides resources and support for all. 

The real strength of what we do is bringing people together.

Each service member, Veteran, and family member has unique experiences to share. Your voice matters, and we urge you to share it with us! If you’re reading this, please, take the time this summer season to share your voice!

- Jessica