National Newsletter | Issue #20
Hello Friends!
Military families: how are you feeling? I sure hope the answer is welcome! After Blue Star Welcome Week last month, I hope you know that Blue Star Families is here to support you through all that military life has to throw your way.
I am so inspired by the impressive turnout of our members, Blue Star Partners, volunteers, and incredible civilian neighbors during Welcome Week. We had government officials across the nation make official proclamations recognizing military families, and with 180 events in communities around the globe, we are so grateful for everyone’s involvement. That’s right — globe! Military families are stationed everywhere, so that’s where Blue Star Families will be, right in your neighborhood!
I know that housing continues to be a top concern among military families. Thank you for sharing your stories in our recent Housing Pulse Check. Your feedback helps us inform policymakers to make better decisions concerning your housing needs. Stay tuned, because we’ll share our impactful findings in the coming weeks.
Whether you’re the new kid on the block or have been around the neighborhood for a while, leaves near you are probably changing and pumpkin spice flavors abound! Fall is finally here. It brings to mind the transition that so many military families experience.
So, let’s not let our momentum from Blue Star Welcome Week wane! We’re excited to extend the welcome. We need you, our members of Blue Star Families, to update your ZIP code to ensure we send you event information as well as coupons and Blue Star Perks specific to your local community. Update your ZIP code or create your profile today.
Whether you enjoy apple picking or leaf peeping, it’s great to explore the great outdoors during this time of year. Embrace the feeling of fall with Blue Star Outdoors. Don’t forget! If you want to join us, we are always looking for volunteers. I invited you to register as a volunteer and get involved in events happening in your area.
Until next time!
Thank you for a wonderful Blue Star Welcome Week!
We look forward to a time when ALL military and Veteran families feel a sense of belonging to the communities where they live and serve. We took a huge step toward that goal with this year's Blue Star Welcome Week. We'll be sharing highlights from this special week soon, but for now, we want to thank YOU for showing up and going on the journey with us. And, we want to thank our wonderful partners who believe in the power of welcome.
T-Mobile Careers is on a mission to hire YOU, military spouse!
They're working with Blue Star Families to put your needs first, ensuring their employment initiatives work with your lifestyle. Want a job with a company that's got your back? Check out what they've done for Logan, an Army spouse, and then connect with a #TeamMagenta recruiter today.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Blue Star Career Webinar
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by breaking cultural barriers to maximize your milspouse career journey! Watch LIVE on our Facebook social networks on October 12th at 1 PM ET.
Save your military family money
Hey, military spouse. FEDVIP Open Season is almost here. Read this if you or someone in your family wears prescription eyeglasses or contacts. Do the research now and thank us later when you save your military family lots of money with Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision.
October 10th is World Mental Health Day
Schlotzsky's Military Discount!
Hungry?! Use code "MILITARY22" to get a small sandwich for $1.99 through the Schlotzsky's App now through October 31st. Terms and conditions apply. Schlotzsky's created this exclusive promotion to celebrate and support YOU — our U.S. military and your families.
Home is where the food is!
While you settled into your new communities after a long PCS season, our Blue Star Chapter Directors and the Amazon Community Access team sprung into action together to welcome you to your new locations across the country. No matter what time of year, Amazon is on a mission to make groceries more accessible to all. If you're a SNAP recipient, check out the Blue Star Perk they created to welcome you to the neighborhood.
Protect your military family with Aura
Did you know that members of the military and their families are at greater risk of fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime? Frequent moves can mean that your family's personal information gets into the wrong hands. Aura, an expert in online security and a trusted Blue Star Partner, wants to help make it easier for you to keep your online activities private and secure, wherever the military takes you. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, you can get a two-week free trial and up to 50% off an Aura subscription.
A Warm Kansas City Welcome with the Chiefs and Sleep Number
Retired Army officer Neil was surprised by Clyde Edwards-Helaire of the Kansas City Chiefs with a warm Kansas City welcome and a brand new bed for his family’s forever home courtesy of SleepNumber®, the official Sleep and Wellness Partner of both the NFL and Chiefs!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Food is a universal language and it is something we have taken with us to every duty station. Follow along with Maria Reed from Moving With The Military as she celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and shows us how to make a home-cooked meal with easy to find ingredients!
Vote Blue Star Families!
We’re participating in the Target Circle program! You can vote for us and help direct Target’s giving to benefit our nonprofit. For full program details and restrictions, visit Target Circle.
Financial Wellness Resource for You!
Find financial wellness resources with our JP Morgan Chase DEPLOY Fellow Lydiah Owiti. Join the discussion and check out her resource webinar below.
Thank You, Blue Star Partners!
We’re grateful for the support of JP Morgan Chase, Lockheed Martin, Salesforce, and Wells Fargo. Because of the generous gift of these partners, we hired Lydiah Owiti, Financial Wellness DEPLOY Fellow; Marla Bautista, Food Insecurity DEPLOY Fellow; Angela Alford, Technology DEPLOY Fellow; and Kimberly Gold, Wells Fargo Housing DEPLOY Fellow. We’re so excited they’re a part of our team, and we enjoy seeing the positive impacts they’re making on the military- and Veteran-connected community.
Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of many!
