Blue Star Stories
Different, Not Less: Raising Neurodiverse Military Kids
By Jillian Johnson I’ve always found it rather fitting that the Month of the Military Child and Autism Awareness Month both fall in April. It’s a reminder of the importance…
Read moreOut of My Comfort Zone: A Lesson in Growth and Gratitude for Women’s History Month
Have you ever been placed out of your comfort zone in a way that helped you grow? I had this profound experience in 2019 while attending the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium (JWLS) — an event that completely shifted my perspective. I had the honor of presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Brigadier General (Ret.) Wilma Vaught — a true legend. She was the first woman to deploy with an Air Force bomber unit and the first woman from the comptroller field to reach the rank of brigadier general.
Read moreHow Civilians Can Step Up to Support Military Families Beyond “Thank You”
Supporting military families goes beyond a simple ‘thank you for your service.’ It’s about understanding the challenges we face and offering help in meaningful ways. The emotional strain of long deployments, the constant uprooting of our lives, and the isolation that often came with these are rarely fully understood or addressed. However, our civilian supporters have the power to change this.
Read moreNo One Should Face It Alone: The Vital Role of Support Networks in Military Mental Health
Resilience is a valuable skill that the military community can learn to more easily adapt to the many changes and challenges that military life throws at them. However, it’s not always enough. Despite being encouraged to “be resilient,” roughly 60-70% of service members struggle to reach out for help when they need it.
Read moreWhen Blue Star Connect Outdoors and Blue Star Families Outposts Combine Forces: Transforming Support for Military Families
Military families navigate unique challenges, from frequent relocations to extended separations. These realities often lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect. However, through the combined efforts of Blue Star Connect Outdoors (BSCO) and Blue Star Families Outposts, these families gain access to transformative opportunities that build resilience, foster community, and connect them with the rejuvenating power of the great outdoors.
Read moreBlue Star Careers Expands Collaboration with Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) to Empower Military Families and Their Careers!
We proudly announce an exciting collaboration between Blue Star Families and Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT). We are dedicated to expanding awareness of career programming for all military families. Due to frequent relocations, deployments, and transitions, military families face unique challenges in building and sustaining meaningful careers.
Read moreMaking Memories Outdoors: Highlights from Blue Star Outdoors’ Mingle & Chat
Recently, Mingle & Chat was taken to the next level with a special episode from our Blue Star Outdoors program, focusing on the joys of getting outside during the holiday season. While winter can be tough — especially with the cold weather and holiday stresses — the Blue Star Outdoors team reminded us that nature is always there, offering the perfect antidote to winter blues.
Read more2024 in Review: Blue Star Families Celebrates 15 Years of Impact and Explosive Growth
2024 was a year for the books at Blue Star Families! We not only celebrated our 15th anniversary of making a real impact for military and Veteran families, but we also experienced explosive growth, including the opening of a brand new Chapter in Puget Sound and the launch of several new programs aimed at supporting military families and ensuring they have what they need to thrive in their communities!
Read moreEmbracing the Adventure: Our Family’s PCS Journey and the Road Ahead to National Parks
When our family received orders for a PCS move from the East Coast to the Southwest, we knew it would be an adventure. Little did we know just how true that would be. Our journey started with excitement and a hint of nostalgia as we packed up our lives and hit the road in our faithful red truck, “Victory,” towing our flatbed car trailer and carrying our dreams.
Read moreSupplemental Vision Coverage Options for Military Retirees
Written by Blue Star Families Transitioning out of the military can be both exciting and challenging. Among the many changes, securing continued healthcare—especially vision coverage—is essential, as you can no…
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