National Newsletter | Issue #19
Welcome to September! Have you heard… Blue Star Welcome Week is almost here! A sense of belonging is so important for everyone, but it’s crucial for military- and Veteran-connected families who often face the uncertainty of a relocation.
I know firsthand the grit required for military families to juggle PCSing and how much strength it takes for them to thrive outside their comfort zone while trying to integrate into a new community. From house hunting to scouting out schools, and finding a military spouse-friendly job, there’s a lot to take in!
That’s why we created Blue Star Welcome Week!
It’s a special week designed to ease transition challenges and support military families with opportunities and events to make meaningful connections in communities far and wide. From September 24th to October 2nd, 2022, we’re welcoming military families by providing adventures, tips and tricks, and fun programs for everyone to enjoy.
Here at Blue Star Families, we’re a unified force — a family. We know it’s not just the service member who serves; it’s the whole unit on the home front — the spouses, partners, children, brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. Together, we’re stronger, and our programs during this special time for active-duty military, Veterans, and their families reflect the diversity of that strength.
If you’re not located in one of our 12 Chapter locations, we can still get together virtually. You’ll definitely want to follow along on social media because we have amazing giveaways lined up from outstanding Blue Star Partners like Target, Amazon Fresh, Google, and more!
We can't wait to celebrate all things WELCOME with you!
Prepare to Find Your Next Welcoming Workplace
Do you worry about keeping your career on track while living military life? Or do you wonder what’s next for you after military service? We’re teaming up with AARP for a virtual town hall during Blue Star Welcome Week to help military spouses and female Veterans find a welcoming workplace!
Blue Star Welcome Week is Almost Here
Mark your calendars for Blue Star Welcome Week, happening September 24th - October 2nd! Around 600,000 active-duty and transitioning military families move each year. This is a special week to welcome them (or you!) home. Stay tuned to bluestarwelcomeweek.org to learn all about what we have planned for you—giveaways, events, special programming, and more!
We want to say a huge thank you to our partners who believe in the importance of building a sense of belonging and community for all of us: craig newmark philanthropies, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, CVS Health, Schlotzsky's Deli, Starbucks, Leonardo DRS, Sleep Number, Target, T-Mobile, AARP, and Amazon Fresh.
Operation Family Resiliency
We've teamed up with Humana Military via Operation Family Resiliency to provide military and Veteran families FREE access to Headspace, Spiritune, and Thrive Market. Grab your complimentary subscription today.
Schlotzsky's: Kids Eat Free!
Schlotzsky's Hometown Heart program is serving up something special for our military members and their families on September 29th during Blue Star Welcome Week. Meet your neighbors and enjoy a FREE kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree. Plus, use code "MILITARY22" to get a small sandwich for $1.99 through the Schlotzsky's app, now through October 31st. Terms and conditions apply.
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.
Protect Yourself
✋You need this if you have or will be PCSing this year. Aura, an expert in digital security and a trusted Blue Star Partner, designed a safety guide to keep your military family protected online before, during, and after a move.
Calling All Golfers!
Enter to play in the Joan L. Kidd MD Fight For Life Golf Series, benefiting Blue Star Families. 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 your entry fee will go to supporting military and Veteran families across the U.S.
U.S. Air Force Airman Gets a “Dream” Experience
Jacob, a #USAirForce airman, won a "dream" experience courtesy of our partner @SleepNumber®, the official Sleep and Wellness Partner of both the #NFL and LA @RamsNFL!
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 program full of in-person and virtual events for all of our members.
- Thanks to the generous support of Lockheed Martin, we’re welcoming the 2022-2023 cohort of DEPLOY Fellows. We can’t wait to see what’s in store in the near future!
Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of many!
