Blue Star Families was recently named to The Patriot's Initiative list of the best and most effective groups serving military families.  

According to The Patriots Initiative™ website, it is "a resource for identifying and evaluating those organizations. Through The Patriots Initiative™ you can be assured that your donation will support only the most worthy and responsible programs. And we get results: As appropriate, we follow up to insure that your dollars are invested as you intended."

The Patriot's Initiative will help potential donors navigate the many options they have when seeking to provide financial support to meets the needs of military service members and their families.  Blue Star Families is proud to be counted on this list of the most effective organizations doing important work for our nation's military community," said Liz Boring, 

The Patriots Initiative™ carefully researches and rigorously evaluates nonprofits providing services to the military, and then compiles The Directory based on these evaluations. The Directory is a comprehensive selection of the most trustworthy and accountable nonprofits doing the best work supporting military service members and their families.  The Directory is a resource for donors to scores of important charitable organizations, and this listing of recommended organizations is rapidly growing.

Blue Star Families is incredibly proud of the programs we roll out in cities across CONUS including Books on Bases, Blue Star Museums, Blue Star Theatres, and others. Our financial readiness page is rich (get it, rich!) with useful material for service members and families at every stage of military life and our suite of employment resources for spouses are designed to support militaryfamilies throughout various points on their career paths from building a resume, to finding a job, and keeping that job despite the unique challenges of a military family lifestyle.

But that doesn't mean we are resting on our collective laurels. Nope. We are busy planning for a stellar 2014, rolling out new and impactful programs, and expanding our chapters so that no military family is without resources and support. We are honored to be a part of The Patriot's Initiative directory.  

Blue Star Theatres is one of our favorite programs. It's a chance for service members, military families, and vets to take advantage of the theatre ... and with deals and discounts all year round, it's a wonderful opportunity.  And the participating theatres are so incredibly generous to our military families.  Read a guest blog below. 

“Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful…”

Admit it: as you read that, you were singing along.

It’s now officially winter, snowy and wonderful (at least when I write this), and that means that it’s time for the most musical of seasons. All those reindeer with red noses that need to be sung about, all those Christmas carols, all those bells jingling all the way: December is a time for song.

We at Two River Theater certainly agree. We love December not only for the snow and the sparkly decorations and the plentiful cookies that start showing up in our office kitchen (and eaten - everyone knows you need an extra layer of insulation against cold winters!), but because it’s time for our holiday musical. And this year, we have one that is utterly delightful.

The Wind in the Willows is a classic, beloved by generations now. The stories of Rat and his friend Mole, and the animals of their community by a river, are as heart-warming as a mug of cocoa on a cold day. The writing team of Mindi Dickstein (book), Sarah Schlesinger (lyrics), and Mike Reid (music) have brought those stories to life, telling the story of lonely Mole’s search for a home for Christmas and the friends along the way, and added songs that are beautiful and fun – although, warning, they will get stuck in your head for days, (and you MIGHT get weird looks on the subway when you realize that you were accidentally singing Mrs. Otter’s song about being born to fish out loud instead of in your head. Not that that’s happened to me or anything.)

We’ve got all the things that makes a show delightful – a great cast, some of the coolest costumes around, and a set that is rather magical (look closely at the decorations around the proscenium – some of them are made out of such humble materials as raffle tickets and potato chip bags!). We love watching the show, but what we love watching even more is the kids watching the show; seeing their faces light up as their favorite character appears, or hearing them laugh at a joke, or watching as they realize it’s magically snowing on the audience - well, it’s a Christmas gift to us, every time.

But we don’t want you to have to take our word for it – we want you to discover the joy for yourself. So we’re offering a special deal to Military families: Family 4-Packs of Tickets to A Wind in the Willows Christmas for $120 (regularly $150-$160) with the code BLUESTARW.  And if you want to prolong the holiday magic, on December 21st Horse and Carriage Rides will be available from 1pm to 5pm from Two River Theater.

We hope to see you here. And, from our Two River family to yours, happy holidays! 

By Anika Chapin

Literary Manager, Two River Theater

My paternal grandfather John P. Aikins served in the United States Army Air Force in the last year of World War I.  Whereas he is a subject that is very little discussed in my family, I have come to understand three things: 1) His de Havilland plane was shot down over No Man’s Land after which he managed to get himself back to the Western Front, a task of no small accomplishment or resilience.  2) As his first grandchild, I was the only thing that would get him to agree to a temporary “cease fire” with his seemingly incessant smoking.  3) His fortitude that served him so well in wartime likely made home life for my grandmother, father and uncle very challenging.

Since World War I, what have we learned about the stress and resilience of the Military Spouse and their children?  In the last few years, it has been my privilege and honor to serve as a civilian scientist supporting research to better understand the impact of deployment separation on families with children age 3-7 with the 10^th Mountain Light Infantry Division at Fort Drum New York.  We created a survey that Spouses could either complete on-line or come to the Family Readiness Support Assistant and complete in person.  Afterwards, many would share their experiences with me.

Do you find that you are a Mom non-stop with no time to take care of yourself?  Have you wondered how your husband’s deployment is impacting your child’s progress at school or with his or her ability to make friends? Does contact with Dad make your children feel better or worse?

These are the kinds of questions that are being asked by Project CAPS – Child Adjustment to Parental Separation.  Project CAPS is an Army-funded study to better understand the practical impact of deployment on military families and the role that we might all play in helping them to function at their best.  “Our findings to date tell us how important it is that Mom gets as much support as possible during a deployment”, says Dr. Julie Wargo Aikins.  “Not only with the kids, but for her own well-being.  Our hope is to present this study to the Army to direct services not only for families, but for Spouses as well.” 

Together with Project CAPS we invite you to participate in an anonymous online one-hour survey.  You must have an active duty Army husband/ significant other currently deployed and a child between the ages of 3 and 7.  You will be compensated $50 for your time. We believe this project can help our military families greatly and we encourage you to participate.  If you’re interested please contact Dr. Julie Wargo Aikins at projectcaps@wayne.edu

Dr. Wargo Aikins and Dr. Aikins are devoted to understanding the impact of deployment on military families and the role that we might all play in helping these families to function optimally.  While many families demonstrate resilience even in the face of the lengthy and frequent deployments of the last decade, we are gathering evidence that suggests that other families are struggling with these experiences.  Understanding more about what factors contribute to deployment adjustment will be important as we help our military communities recover and prosper in the years ahead.  

This survey entails Service Members’ spouses completing questionnaires regarding their own well being, the well being of their child, and their experiences with deployment.  In order to participate, spouses must have a active duty Service Member currently deployed in the Army and a child between the ages of 3 and 7.  We believe this project can help our military families greatly and we encourage you to participate. 

If you are interested in participating or would like to hear more about the project please contact the project staff at projectcaps@wayne.edu. 

Do you ever feel like you are on a treadmill moving a tad too fast? And despite the frenzied attempts to catch up it is soooo boring? With four children under the age of six I felt like that a lot. My former Air Force C-130 pilot husband became an airline pilot and was gone four to six days at a time. There were many days when the kids were small that I literally felt out of breath by the time he got home. And the everyday routines of trying to do it all myself felt so tedious and yes, boring. They grew up and I survived that hectic chaos. Life changedchanged when they all joined the military and spread out across the United States. And then the deployments began.

I am on my sixth virtual deployment. This does not include the year I spent teaching in Kabul, Afghanistan- we will save that story for another day. When one of my sons or daughter deploys I am with them in my heart and mind every step of the way. I feel like I am wearing a backpack with a twenty pound weight in it. I watch the news, and then I decide not to watch the news. I do the things moms do. I send care packages to them and their families. I pray. I call on my other military moms for support. And there is a big circle on the calendar when they will be back in the United States again.

It can be tedious waiting. And this deployment has bothered me more for some reason. I don't know why- maybe it is because it was unexpected and he had already been gone so much. So I decided I needed to do something to rise above to honor his and his family's service. I decided to start walking an hour a day six days a week with an interval training fitness app. Before you think I am a fitness person let me tell you I don't like to sweat. When I was in Air Force ROTC I barely passed the run on the PT test. This was a major challenge for me. But it helped me to take my worry and turn it into positive energy.

And now the ice and snow is here and a friend gave me a treadmill. After a hundred days of walking I was feeling mighty proud of myself until the treadmill began to move. Oh my goodness! This was nothing like the trail. It was me against the machine. It was hard and it was boring! Then I thought of my promise. My son and his family are stuck on the deployment treadmill and they cannot get off. So I will keep moving forward.

That treadmill looks different for everyone. Maybe the you house is full of small children and mom or dad are overwhelmed. Maybe you have teenagers who need dad. Maybe you are dealing with an empty nest and holiday gathering? How can you move forward?

My daughter in law married my son three and a half years ago and got a rapid initiation into life as Marine wife. Now on the third deployment she has impressed me with her grace and stamina on the treadmill. She chose to jump into her passion for photography and start a business, while working full time and taking care of our grandson. Her studio Facebook page is full of pictures of families. She has a knack of capturing the love that glows between them. Most recently she did a series of shoots for the squadron so they could send Christmas pictures to deployed dads. Brave moms with smiles on their faces cuddling precious children, some holding Daddy dolls- you can't look at them without smiling albeit through misty eyes.

It can be very tough to hold down the home front. Our nation is so fortunate that we have men and women who choose to serve, and families who serve as well. If they can rise above I can too. I am going to just keep walking, one step at a time. When I get tired I will just look at those faces- pictures of grace and stamina holding families together. Press on. 

USAA is aware of the Target credit and debit card security incident and is taking appropriate measures to help protect our members. Security of our members’ information is always a top priority, and we have an extensive information security program that includes dedicated teams to detect and investigate suspicious activity. At this time, members do not need to call USAA to learn whether they are impacted. If fraudulent activity is detected on your account, a USAA member service representative will contact you.

While USAA uses sophisticated fraud detection processes, we are most effective in fighting fraud when we work together with you. USAA security professionals recommend that you monitor your account activity on a regular basis. USAA actively monitors the activity on members’ accounts to help protect them from fraud. We offer our members multiple layers of security protection against fraud, including our Zero Liability policy. 

How can I find out whether my card was affected? Find out the answers here >>>

Then be sure and check out our financial readiness page. We partnered with USAA to create an informative video series that tackles debt and budgeting, saving, retirement, and life insurance. In just under three minutes, Montanaro and Debbie Bradbard, BSF's Deputy Director of Research and Policy, talk real solutions for real military families and veterans.  Watch the videos here>>> 

Congratulations to TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) volunteers for serving surviving military families through more than 40,000 hours of service!  TAPS has thousands of volunteers nationwide that help TAPS be successful in providing long term emotional care to all those affected by a service member’s death.  They offer these services at no cost and to anyone, regardless of their relationship to the deceased, or the circumstance of that loved ones death.  “We deal with each circumstance of death knowing that grief knows no boundaries,” says Jerome Tennille, Manager of Volunteer Services at TAPS.  “We have a support network giving people light at the end of a very dark tunnel.”

Founded in 1994, the organization will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2014.  TAPS’s founder, Bonnie Carroll, founded the organization following the death of her husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll, in an Army C-12 plane crash in 1992.  She came to realize that there was no program in the government that truly addressed the emotional and psychological needs that accompany the loss of a loved one.  The organization hosts over 60 events each year, ranging from seminars and conferences to retreats and grief camps for children, and fosters a network of peer support through these events. 

None of this would be possible without the commitment of TAPS volunteers.  With this essential support, TAPS can keep its staff and admin costs low and focus on carrying out its mission to the fullest.  The effective way in which it organizes its volunteers is critical to the success of the nonprofit organization’s success.  Volunteers are organized into several groups: 

• A core group of Peer Mentors.  They are all survivors themselves and mentor new survivors through their most recent loss.
• Good Grief Camp Mentors are active duty or veterans and work with a child as a big brother or big sister and attend survivor seminars together.  They engage in multiple activities together building a strong relationship.
• Event Support Volunteers provide staff support to allow the organization’s more than 60 annual events to run smoothly. 
• Pro bono volunteers provide skill based services based on their profession both in the office and offsite. 

TAPS is innovating to allow its volunteers to take part in even more meaningful work.  For instance, volunteers have the opportunity to be proactive and host their own fundraisers, such as charity races ranging from 5k to 10k distances. Several ambitious volunteers have already stepped up to the plate.  TAPS has also established partnerships with some of the major sports teams in the D.C. area, giving volunteers additional opportunities. For instance, through the ‘Courage’ Fundraiser, in partnership with the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, volunteers can sell ‘Courage’ ball caps with all proceeds going to TAPS.  Since November, TAPS has already done 9 events at the Verizon Center.  This is yet another opportunity for volunteers to get involved to help support TAPS’s important work.

TAPS provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to serve those who have served and sacrificed for our country—and you can be a part of it.

Here’s what you can do:

Get involved. Tap into your inner volunteer.  Contact manager of volunteer services Jerome Tennille at jerome.tennille@taps.org. 

Commit. Make a commitment to serve with an Honor Card. 

Learn more. Read TAPS’s quarterly magazine and visit their Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Washington, DC (January 6, 2013)– Blue Star Families, the nations largest chapter-based military families non-profit, is proud to be recognized by The Patriot’s Initiative. This prestigious directory of recognized nonprofits identifies those organizations that have engaged in ‘best practices’ and have proven to be effective, efficient and reliable service providers. The Patriot’s Initiative focuses specifically on the very best nonprofits providing services to the military, locally, regionally and nationally.

“Blue Star Families has been supporting, connecting and empowering military families nation wide for five years now, and we are constantly improving our programs and resources to better fit the changing needs of today’s military families,” said Blue Star Families managing director, Noeleen Tillman. “We are honored to be recognized by The Patriot’s Initiative and to be in the company of so many other nonprofits doing very valuable work for the military community.

The Patriot’s Initiative evaluates all qualifying nonprofits on eight critical criteria to determine their level of effectiveness, efficiency and use of best practices in their work. The Directory is a comprehensive selection of the most trustworthy and accountable nonprofits doing the best work supporting military service members and their families.

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, dedicated to supporting, connecting and empowering military families. With our partners, Blue Star Families hosts a robust array of morale and empowerment programs, including Books on Bases, Blue Star Museums, Operation Honor Corps, Blue Star Careers and Operation Appreciation. Blue Star Families also works directly with the Department of Defense and senior members of local, State and Federal government to bring the most important military family issues to light. Working in concert with fellow nonprofits, community advocates, and public officials, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Our worldwide membership includes military spouses, children, parents, and friends, as well as service members, veterans and civilians 

To learn more about Blue Star Families, visit http://www.bluestarfam.org. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Media contacts:

Stephanie Himel-Nelson

Stephanie@BlueStarFam.org

703-472-6292

AnnaMaria White

AMWhite@BlueStarFam.org

917-579-4716

@white_am

Calling all school-aged military kids!

Come over to the USO Warrior and Family Center for a few hours of fun, some light snacks AND You'll get to meet Michaela Coplen who was recently appointed as one of five National Student Poets and represents the program’s Northeast Region AND she's a milkid! 

Meet Michaela Coplen who was recently appointed as one of five National Student Poets and represents the program’s Northeast Region!

Michaela, 17, attends Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She is the youngest child in a family that includes two Army parents, an ROTC cadet sister, and a farm full of horses. Michaela is the captain of the varsity soccer team; a member of the Model United Nations, the National Honor Society, and the Spanish Honor Society; and editor-in-chief of the literary publication Young Adult Writers and Poets (YAWP).

In an excerpt from the beginning of her poem “Cassandra Breaks the Speed Limit” she writes:

I told you what I was.
I told you I was a series of boxes.
I told you I was nine homes
that never showed me where the heart is
And seven schools that defined “love”
but never taught its application.
I told you I was a child of war who never learned to be at peace.
I told you that when they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up,
I said “gone.”
I told you I saw life through a burgundy kaleidoscope.
I told you there were things I couldn’t tell you.
I told you the truth. - See more at: http://blog.artandwriting.org/2013/09/24/coplennspp/#more-10655

The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers partner to present the National Student Poets Program (NSPP), the country’s highest honor for youth poets presenting original work. Five outstanding high school poets whose work exhibits exceptional creativity, dedication to craft, and promise are selected annually for a year of service as national poetry ambassadors.

How is this event happening? The Milkidz club!  That's right. This kids-only group is like a wingman for every single military child. MilKidz Club is all about cool events, free tickets, and tons of other happenings that all show our military children some well-deserved appreciation. 

Over two million children have sent a parent to war in past years and Blue Star Families has learned through our military family lifestyle survey that parents are most worried about the effects of deployment and the effects of the military lifestyle on education.  It's these revelations that have prompted the creation of MilKidz Club. 

• Rank and service branch are left at the door
• Attend sporting events with fellow military children
• Connect with other military children, and their families

SEE YOU soon!

There is nothing like being in the nation’s capitol at the holidays to make you feel proud to serve military families.

Just before Christmas, I was honored to spend the weekend in Washington, DC with two other Blue Star Families chapter directors.  It was a chance for us to come together to talk about the volunteer work we do together, though we work miles apart.

All three of us are spouses of active duty service members.  I am the Miami, Fla. chapter director. The colleagues who joined me on our adventure were Nathalie O’Shea, who is a chapter director in Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and Tina Shifflett, the chapter director at Fort Rucker, Ala. Coming together invigorated all of our enthusiasm for our volunteer work.

“I feel the opportunity strengthened Blue Star Families camaraderie and renewed each volunteer’s commitment and excitement, “ Shifflett said.

The first stop on our trip together was a tour of the White House Christmas decorations.  Upon entering the East Entrance Landing, one of the first Christmas trees to greet guests was the Gold Star tree, which was decorated in gold with handwritten ornaments bearing the names of visitors’ loved one who have died in military service.  Just adjacent was a station for visitors to pledge their own service to military families through volunteerism by filling out an Honor Card. (http://joiningforces.allforgood.org)  As I filled out my card pledging hours of my work with Blue Star Families with the Gold Star tree in my eye line, I was overwhelmed with the emotions of having the privilege to give my time in meaningful ways.

As a chapter director, I am one of the many boots on the ground, so to speak, for Blue Star Families.  We bring fun programming like Books on Bases and Blue Star Museums, but we also bring important assistance like our Spouse Employment Toolkit or Caregivers Empowering Caregivers.  Not a day goes by that I don’t get the chance to speak with military families in my area and find new and different ways to make their lives easier through BSF.

The official White House tree in the Blue Room was decorated with more than 2,000 ornaments recognizing the service and sacrifice of military families around the country. Every state was recognized with beautiful fabric ornaments bearing their silhouettes, but the most beautiful ornaments on the tree were the photos of families celebrating the homecomings of their service members.

Pride in service remained a theme throughout the weekend.  The second morning found the three of us in an especially meaningful conversation over breakfast.  We had met Blue Star Families leadership and other chapter directors for breakfast before we went out to volunteer together at a holiday gathering.  We were all telling each other how we found our way to BSF and what our experiences meant to us.  For me, I found Blue Star Families after giving up my job to move with my family to a new duty station.  I used my unemployment as a chance to doing something I had wished I had more time to do when I was sitting behind a desk:  to help and support military families.  Becoming a chapter director gave me a new way to use my work skills to do better for my community.

As I looked around the table, and listened to everyone share their experiences, I could follow the common thread among us:  We care so deeply for military families that we were all compelled, in one way or another, to step up and serve in our own ways.

This conversation was a highlight of the weekend for all of us. For O’Shea, the camaraderie in that moment among volunteers who work far and wide was one of her favorite parts of the trip.

“Having breakfast with all my colleagues and getting to know everyone, it was so nice to have so many Blue Star Families people in the same place and to hear their stories,” she said.

Shifflett said it gave her a chance to learn more about the diverse backgrounds and skill sets we all bring to our work.

“I didn't realize the level of experience and education throughout our volunteer body,” Shifflett said.  “I am always impressed by the quality of volunteers drawn to military communities and efforts.”

After breakfast, we reconvened at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to do what we do best – work together.  We all took part as volunteers at a holiday party for the families of wounded warriors. It was the perfect culmination of our trip and our work this year as chapter directors.  It was a chance to assist the military families who need us. It made me grateful to be a part of an organization whose members believe so strongly in making a positive difference that we act on it together.

O’Shea also said her experiences at Walter Reed solidified the importance of our work as chapter directors.

“It was so humbling to see all the wounded veterans -- to put a face on the severely wounded and to meet their families.  I was amazed by the spouses' resiliency, and how they were trying to make everything as ‘normal’ as possible for their children,”  O’Shea said.  “It also made me  better understand the impact that these wars have had on our service men and women. I loved that we were able to put a smile on everyone's face.  To see the transformation on the soldier’s faces as they realized that BSF was there for them and to honor them was so gratifying.”

Shelley Kimball is a Coast Guard spouse, Army sister, and Air Force daughter. She started the first Coast Guard chapter of Blue Star Families and was selected as the 2013 AFI Coast Guard Spouse of the Year. She is especially passionate about military spouse hiring and military children’s issues.

Shelley gave up a tenure-track teaching position to move with her family to their current duty station in Miami. Before the move, she worked as a newspaper reporter and taught college-level journalism, ethics, and media law. She continues to write a column about family issues for the Coast Guard. She also serves as a visiting scholar at The Brechner Center for Freedom of Information and as a researcher with Blue Star Families.

Shelley has a doctorate in mass communication with a specialization in media law. She and her husband of 13 years, Joe, have two children, Joey and Gracie.

Army spouse Nathalie O’Shea joined Blue Star Families in 2011. Born in Paris and raised in Ireland, she speaks Italian, German, Spanish and French. This has served as an asset over her nine years as a military spouse helping other foreign spouses acclimate to the unique challenges of military life. Nathalie has a long history of volunteerism, starting with the International Federation of the Red Corss and Red Crescent in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo during the Rwandan Genocide. She also served in Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo and Hati.

Nathalie is also a Knitwear Designer and Design Director for The YarnSisters, a company she co-founded 7 years ago. She is currently stationed with her husband and two sons and Fort Huachuca.

Tina Rochelle Shifflett was born in Fort Stewart, GA and grew up as an Army Brat, living around the world from California to Germany.

Tina has shown great leadership during times when her husband was home and abroad for peacekeeping missions. While he was deployed to Afghanistan, Tina volunteered to be the Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader. She was the solid communications link between the deployed unit commander, rear-detachment, and the soldier's spouses for all events, flights, and emergencies. For her leadership and dedication to this critical mission, Tina was awarded The Honorable Order of Our Lady of Loreto, a U.S. Army Aviation and Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) award.

In January 2013, Tina and family moved back to Fort Rucker, where she continues her volunteer work as the Blue Star Families organization, Fort Rucker Chapter Director, Team Mom, and tutor.  Tina  conducted many events this year coordinating the distribution of thousands of books being passed out to military children at two Schools on post, two schools off post,  the Garrison Commander's book reading at the lake program, and Operation Santa,  to name a few.  Tina’s passion for her military and surrounding communities continues shine in service to others.

eKnowledge is offering $250 SAT and ACT test prep programs for just the cost of providing the programs (under $20)...the fee covers everything, including: materials, shipping, student support, and streaming. You may request your programs online: www.eknowledge.com/BlueStarFamilies

The Military Donation Project is in alliance with the DOD and supported by over 100 Partners including NFL and MLB players. In 8 years, eKnowledge has donated more than 200,000 SAT/ACT programs valued over $44 million – no profit is created by the donation effort and all proceeds are reinvested to improve the program.

eKnowledge has received thousands of thank you notes from families just like yours:

“As a veteran I can fully understand the difficulties that face not only us, but the friends and families of veterans in general. The readjustment to civilian life has numerous obstacles and a certain level of uncertainty that make the transition difficult. However, the donations and support of these sponsors can help veterans and their families prepare for the new challenges and tests they may face. Thank you for your generosity and support.” Kevin Dunkerson

The SAT and ACT PowerPrepTM Programs are available online or on a single DVD. Programs include more than 11 hours of video instruction and 3000 files of supplemental test prep material, thousands of interactive diagnostic tools, sample questions, and practice tests Students select the training they need and study at their own pace.

Request your program online:

www.eKnowledge.com/BlueStarFamilies

or call: 951-256-4076

SAT/ACT Project waives 100% of the retail cost ($200 to $250) of all STANDARD version programs and up to 93% of all other programs and services (up to $1,575). For Standard Programs there is a nominal per program, student fee of under $20 for materials, shipping or streaming.

For further information contact Lori Caputo, 951-256-4076 LoriCaputo@eknowledge.com

January is off to a great start - Jenny Smith, our Mobile, AL chapter director, represented BSF at a Yellow Ribbon event this past weekend in New Orleans, LA. where many guard and reserve families live.  Smith introduced them to our programs and resources including the "Everyone Serves" e-book.

The Fort Belvoir MilKidz club sponsored a fun event last night, hosting Michaela Coplen, a military kid who also happens to be a National Student Poet. Michaela shared her love of writing poetry with the military families and BSF volunteers in attendance.  She was joined by Talon, the DC United soccer team mascot, who also swooped in for a visit!

And that's just this week ... I'd like to reach waaaayyy back to 2013 and talk about some of the other amazing events and activities we've supported and organized. 

One of our most exciting initiatives is our new Caregivers Empowering Caregivers workshops.  We've held one awesome one and our second event is slated for January 27 in San Diego.  After that, we've got 5 on the books.  CEC, as we call it, is such a unique program. It's more like a coffee klatch of caregivers who can talk, vent, laugh, compare stories and resources and most importantly feel that they have their very own support network.  

Blue Star Theatres is also buzzing with activity.  This program is full of year-round opportunities for theatre lovers to attend shows, workshops and classes at discounted rates. Boom. I break out into song ("Don't cry for me Argentinaaaa...") every time I think about this creative outlet.  And I'm thankful for all the theatres that participate. It's such a simple and yet powerful way to say thanks to our milfams. 

Check out the map that our social media gal, Jen, created.  That's just a sample of the Books on Bases events that have been held across our nation in 2013.  Just a sample!  

“Reading has recently become very exciting in our house, and summer vacation just started, so this is great. Once the heat sets in and you can only be outside for a little bit, it will be so nice to have these books," writes the mother of an Army family of 5. 

We also launched an e-book. Exciting, I know!  It's called "Everyone Serves:  A Handbook for Family & Friends of Service Members During Pre-Deployment, Deployment, and Reintegration"

“I want to let you know how pleased I was to run across your organization and look over your resources. Your Everyone Serves book is wonderful in its thorough coverage of information. As the Director of Psychological Health for our Wing, I meet with the members prior to their deployment. While I have gathered information on various deployment related topics, I found your book to be one of the best from a visual and content perspective. I plan to utilize your resource in my future deployment oriented briefs.” Daniela Lupu, PsyD, Wing Director of Psychological Health, 167th Airlift Wing

WE also launched Blue Star Careers program under which all of BSF’s education and employment initiatives are consolidated. With that, the Blue Star Spouse Employment Toolkit has been downloaded over 3,000 times and its link shared widely, it was expanded for the 4th time in 2013. Blue Star Careers resources were presented to over 5,000 spouses at 22 US Chamber Hiring our Heroes Spouse Employment events in 2013.  Craig Newmark, founder of Craig Newmark said Blue Star Careers, "is an example of best practice in addressing spouse unemployment." 

Check out some of the work our Chapter Directors spearheaded!

Jenny Felsen, our new Fellow/Chapter Director out at Travis AFB, hosted her first tabling event at Macy's as part of the Got Your 6 campaign. Children prepared thank you cards for service members and their families.

Our team in Colorado hosted a Celebration of the Military Child with about 250 military family members attending. Go Melissa Parent!

Amazing CDs, Amberly Calvert (Norfolk) and Tamika Butler (Hampton) worked a table at the Hiring Our Heroes job fair in Norfolk that day, educating military spouses on our resume toolkit and other career resources

Nicole Krebs hosted a Books on Bases event, ably assisted by a local Girl Scout troop and described one young lady's beaming face when she learned that she could select a book for her very own. Wendy Hayes participated in a breakfast with Santa event and had the children craft holiday cards for the local VA hospital which she then delivered - smiles all around.

Stephanie Pack-Tatum, Amberly Calvert, and Marianne Fontillas all hosted events to help military families celebrate the holiday season!

And for the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance BSF’ers were feeding the homeless and greeting an Honor Flight in Washington DC. 

That's not all of what we've done, of course but it's little taste of all the Blue Star programs and initiatives that we are bringing to military families. We look forward to serving you in the coming year and thank you for all you do to make this nation awesome! 

Does the thought of going on a shopping spree now and paying for it later bring a smile to your face? You consciously monitor your spending, but when you see the latest smartphone hit the shelves, it's hard not to want it — along with the latest tablet. While you're at it, how about that huge plasma TV you've been eyeing, even though you haven't been able to save enough to buy it?

Then a store employee comes up to you and mentions the store's credit card program, adding that she can get you approved in a matter of minutes. "You will also save 10% for signing up today," she tells you.

Well, saving 10% on your entire purchase justifies the shopping spree, right?

Think again. >>> CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS POST ...

About 50 military kids, plus parents, came out to the Fort. Belvoir USO Monday, Jan. 13 for an awesome event with National Student poet, Michaela Coplen who also happens to be a milkid.

Michaela read one of her poems to the kids sitting at her feet. They were mesmerized! Michaela is the daughter of two military officers and despite the fact that she's only 17, she’s moved 11 times. The kids immediately sensed that she was one of them.

Afterward, she fielded questions, sharing a poet’s secret: “Poems don’t have to rhyme.” Some of the kids were shocked. Then she let them in on another secret – they could ALL be poets!  This lovely, poised young lady is just the kind of person we want our milkidz to look up to! Thanks Michaela for being a great role model. 

Just as Michaela finished, D.C. United’s mascot, Talon, swooped in. Some kids had pictures taken with Talon, others asked for photos with Michaela.

The MilKidz Club program empowers military kids through social, volunteer and educational opportunities. The Club brings together military children for needed support, regardless of rank or branch of service. All school-aged military children are welcome to join and middle-school aged military children take on the role of mentors, allowing them hone valuable leadership skills.

The Club’s activities concentrate on four basic areas: literacy, patriotism, volunteerism, and leadership. Our current curriculum uses both teacher-as-educator and peer-to-peer learning models.

For more information about the MilKidz Club, contact milkidz@bluestarfam.org.

The Things We Carry

(Inspired by Tim O’Brien’s short story “The Things They Carried”)

We carry their letters in our backpacks.

We encase them in plastic, try to catch grains of sand that slip from the seams under stamps.

In the late afternoon, after slogging through school, we dig through our homework for these buried deserts, spend an hour or two sifting through layers of cursive undertones.

They never speak of war, except in missyous and behomesoons- instead they offer poetry and platitudes, advice that arrives a week too late.

We press the gritty envelope flaps to our tongues, wonder if this is what they taste before they brush their teeth at night.

We carry the “Love” they use to sign their letters, hold it like a Bible to our chests and dare God to intervene.>>> Click here to read the rest of the poem and more about Michaela ... 

If you haven't read the Time article (Are U.S. Veterans Selfish? As the Pentagon budget vise tightens, those who served complain over cuts by Mark Thompson on 1/26/14), then you might want to. It's a powerful article, albeit with an unfortunate title. I'm a Marine Corps spouse and my husband served 20 years in the USMC and I can say without a shadow of doubt in my mind that vets are not selfish.  But that's beside the point.

Here's my point.  It's likely that once you get past the title, you'll have some feelings about the writer's arguments. And you can comment beneath his article all you want.  You can engage with the smartest and most intelligent comments, but it's not going to get you much - other than a tiny bit of satisfaction that you got the last word in an argument with a person who goes by the name WFYH445 or whatever.   

But that might be all you'll get. I can pretty much promise you that lawmakers, congressional staffers and policy wonks may or may not plow through more than 800 comments to get a handle on how the military community feels about the budget cuts or commissary closings.  Often, they want research. They want smart answers to smart questions. They are interested in knowing how our lives are affected by deployments, PCSing, financial constraints and yes, budget cuts. As Thompson says, the thrum of our collective complaints continue, we risk widening the gap between the military and civilians. Thompson writes: "But it is disquieting. It suggests that the nation is developing a military caste, separate and apart from the nation. It seems the military is in danger of becoming just another special interest group." 

Here’s something else you can do:  voice your concerns when our 2014 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey launches in the coming weeks.   Put your thoughts together -- think about the realities of our lives, our challenges, our interactions with our kids, their schooling and their mental well-being.  Our lawmakers do listen, and sometimes they want research.   That’s precisely why the Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey is so important. 

Here’s why:  the  2013 Survey was designed by Blue Star Families with extensive input from military family members and advocates, subject matter experts, and policymakers who work with military families. The survey is intended to facilitate a more complete understanding of the experiences of military families so that communities and policymakers can better serve their unique needs, thereby making voluntary military service sustainable. 

Here are just a few of the ways previous surveys have made an impact:  there have been increasingly higher number of private sector businesses/employers who are equipped to address the unique needs of military families including veterans and spouses—like portable, flexible work. The results have provided a better understanding how family finances and concerns about finances are impacting military families and increased programming around military family finances. And, there's been an increase in the number of states/schools around the country who recognize the unique needs of military connected children and educators who know how to support them. These are real results. And, just a few examples of tangible ways your thoughts have been translated into action.  So, as Terri Barnes suggested last year, “grab a cup of coffee and a sandwich and take the survey!”

So we've had a few Caregivers Empowering Caregivers workshops. And while we would just love to shine a giant, I-can-see-it-from-space-light on these amazing caregivers, we want to respect their privacy!  But we wanted to share a few comments that help illustrate how powerful these events are for our caregivers: 

"Loved the Yoga Breaks ..."

"The facilitators were very empowering, kind, extremely knowledgeable."

"I wish the workshop was longer!" 

"Enjoyed connecting with others, the resources were helpful.  Gave me tools to be proactive."

"Enjoyed that they reminded me to take care of myself." 

"Full day would have been more helpful!"

"Thank you, great experience to see how I/my family is doing and where we can do more.  So helpful, also great to be with people who are in different phases of the caregiver continuum."

AnnaMaria White, a BSF'er attended and had a few things to say about it: "For me, I think one of the best parts was seeing the caregivers really engaged in the program. We covered a lot of heavy topics, and every one was asking questions and offering ideas and advice to each other."

Tons of valuable information is shared in a constructive and supportive way at the workshops and because all the attendees are caregivers, they share advice, ideas, and resources with one another -- it's really a one of a kind event.  DON'T MISS OUR TEXAS WORKSHOP! And if you have a minute, you can read a great article that appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune!    CLICK HERE >>>

SOUTHERN REP THEATRE offers a 20% ticket discount to military personnel and their immediate families through Blue Star Theatres. Please visit our season calendar to find out what's playing! The Blue Star discount can only be redeemed by calling the box office at 504.522.6545 and identifying yourself as military personnel.

Founded in 1986, Southern Rep’s mission is to develop and produce new plays that reflect the diversity of the city we call home, to provide our audience with professional theatre of the highest artistic quality and achievement, and to establish a creative working environment that nurtures theatre professionals. As New Orleans’ only year round professional theatre, we strive to use the artistry of theater to enlighten, educate, and entertain audiences, and further extend that service through educational and outreach programs.

Q. You've been a working actress on and off Broadway and all over the world. Tell us about some of your favorite previous projects!

A. I have been very fortunate to work with excellent peers on terrific projects. All of them teach me something new and make me better at my craft. I would have to say my first Broadway show was memorable because of the entire cast but, especially Kevin Kline. He was a joy to work with and we never stopped laughing the entire time. It taught me the lesson that even with the insane amount of hours that are needed to do something truly excellent, you can, and must, always find the humour and the joy. It makes you better at what you do.

Q. In your off time, you are committed to volunteering with veterans. Can you tell us a little bit about that work?

A. I was born in Canada and became a Dual Canadian/American Citizen. I am very proud to be a citizen of this country, it has been very good to me, and wanted to give back. The idea of volunteerism is an important part of my belief that we can all, each one of us, have an impact on the world we live in.

About 10 years ago I went to a play in Los Angeles that Tim Robbins' Actors Gang did about journalists being embedded with the troops. There was a discussion afterwards about whether this was a necessary tool to bring the "truth" to the American people. There was a young serviceman in the audience, just returning from active duty, who voiced his concerns and I was absolutely shocked at how he was summarily dismissed. Here was someone who had served their country being completely and utterly disregarded. I remembered wanting to tell that young soldier that his courage and sacrifice was not only appreciated but, honoured. That the majority of Americans are behind their troops. I left the theatre that night not knowing how I would serve our troops but knew it was something that I had to do.

At first I was involved, as an actress, and performed in new theatre pieces in New York that were about the conflict in Iraq and Afganistan. It was work being written by some of the brightest talents in the country and I truly believe that we brought to light many of the challenges and prejudices that were faced by active and returning troops. Then when I moved to Westchester I wanted to do something that was more directly involved one on one. And that's how my dogs and I got involved with The Good Dog Foundation.

Q. What made you want to volunteer? What has the experience been like?

A. My dogs and I, Romulus and Remus (don't even get me started on their names...my husband named them), visit The Veterans Hospital in Montrose, New York. It is a terrific facility that takes excellent care of these men and women. I cannot say enough about the staff and Ms. Angela who is the head of the volunteers. When I am at home I go at least once a week and visit the two different wards of veterans who are seniors. My mother was a Geriatric nurse and she always told me if I visited the ward to be "respectful, interested and wear lipstick". So, I visit my guys, shoot the breeze, and we laugh alot. My two dogs have two very distinct personalities and, as I only bring one at a time, my visits could not be more different. They are Labradoddles, which is just about the most unfortunate name for a dog ever invented,  a Lab/Poodle mix. They were an Australian idea for vision impaired people who were allergic to dog hair. It's a really fantastic hybrid because you get the steadfast loyalty of a Lab with the unbelievable smarts of a Poodle, So, Romlus is bigger and basically just wants to be loved. Often he will come into a room with me, by now we know who responds to him more, and will put his head on the lap of someone and just chill out. I have seen him calm a weeping man by putting his head on their chest and just breathing with them. Remus is an entirely different story. He is the trickster, He will, of course with permission given, will climb up on a bed beside his pals and proceed to listen very intently to the conversaton, pausing every so often to give kisses. I am very very blessed to be able to visit these veterans.

Q. Tell us a little bit about your current work!

A. My current project at Southern Rep is the world premiere of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's THE TOTALITARIANS directed by Kenneth Prestininzi. It is about the absurdity of political discourse and explores why it is so easy to believe things without facts.  It’s also a play about how hard it is to be honest not only in politics but with the ones we love and ourselves. Once again, much merriment is being had during rehearsals and it is going to be just a spectacular production. The level of commitment and talent from the cast and crew is awe inspiring. I am madly in love with the character. It is not every day you get to shoot a bow, give a stump speech, threaten bodily harm and seduce everyone stage all in 4 inch heels! New Orleans and its people have been extremely kind and welcoming to me. I look forward to having the next month running the show and getting to see more of this amazing town.

Southern Rep's THE TOTALITARIANS is now showing at Mid City Theatre, Thurs- Saturday 8:00 pm, Sunday at 3:00 pm through February 23rd. For ticketsand more information about special events around the play, please call 504 522 6545 or visit www.southernrep.com.

Judith Hawking* (Penelope Easter) is thrilled to be at Southern Rep working on this  fabulous new play. She has appeared on Broadway (Ivanov, Drama Desk Nominated Best Revival) and off Broadway, most recently in THE INVESTED where her performance was declared “flamboyant” and “mind blowing.”

Originally from Canada, Judith is now a proud dual citizen. She was one of 10 Canadians chosen for the first National Film Board Festival and her international theatre work includes The Citadel, The Grand, Pleiades as well as the Edinburgh Fringe (Best Ensemble Nominee). Judith received her M.F.A. from Cal-Arts where she won the National Irene Ryan Best Actress Award.

Other Off-Broadway credits include The Mint (Drama Desk Nominee), The Public, Shakespeare in the Park, Playwrights Horizons, Second Stage, Soho Rep, Hudson Stage (IT Award Nominee), Theatre Row and Signature Theatre. Judith has been fortunate to work extensively with regional theatre companies including the McCarter, Long Wharf, American Repertory Theater, Arena Stage (Helen Hayes Nominee), The Globe, The Denver Center.

She is a favorite on the Independent Film circuit, (New York, L.A., Las Vegas, Moscow and Shanghai) and been featured in films on HBO, Showtime and Starz!. Television appearances include the recurring Judge Morrison on Law and Order and guest spots on Lights Out, Law and Order C.I. and S.V.U., and the USA pilot Eden. Judith is honored to be an active volunteer with The Good Dog Foundation for Veterans’ Affairs. Judithhawking.com

CLICK here for more information about Blue Star Theatres! 

Washington, DC (February 3, 2014)– To show their support for military families and encourage those who need it to seek help with mental health concerns, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bently, Gary Allen, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many more country music stars come together for “This Country Cares” PSAs.

“This Country Cares” is a partnership between Blue Star Families, HeathNet, Inc., The Creative Coalition, The Nashville Film Institute, Uncharted Mind Productions, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.), volunteers, and country music’s finest. The PSA was written by Creative Coalition member and writer Peter Mattei.

Last year, the U.S. lost more troops to suicide than to combat. On average, 18 American veterans take their own lives every day. Annual surveys by Blue Star Families consistently show that 92 percent or more of American military families believe that the country does not understand or appreciate their service and sacrifice.

“This Country Cares” reminds military family members that the nation cares and appreciates their many sacrifices. “This Country Cares” directs military family members to the National Suicide Hotline for help. The PSA will air on broadcast television, radio, and the internet, and will be shown on military and veteran installations.

“We sincerely appreciate Country Music’s assistance in letting our service members and their families know how grateful our nation is for their service and how concerned we all are for their well-being,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, Chairman of Blue Star Families.

“The Creative Coalition is extraordinarily proud to partner with Blue Star Families on this effort that allows artists and the arts to spotlight this country’s bravest women and men who serve our nation,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. 

“This Country Cares” is available online, staring Tim McGraw, Dierks Bently, Gary Allen, Billy Ray Cyrus, Autumn Letendre, Billy Dean, Rachel Farley, Darryl Worley, Buddy Jewell, Mark Cooke, Mark Collie, Ira Dean, Ty Stone, Rachel Farley, Ryan Weaver, and Ryan Weaver.

Blue Star Families and The Creative Coalition created the first of this series of PSAs featuring leading actors and actresses. For more information visit http://bluestarfam.org/preventsuicide.

The script for the “This Country Cares” PSAs is as follows:

This Country Cares

In the military you learn to care for the troops on your left and on your

right.

Your families learn to care for themselves and for each other.

You serve us every day.

Let us honor your service.      

Sometimes everyone needs help, even you.

We want you to know that this Country cares about you, and we care about

your families.

You are not alone.

If you need someone to talk to,

please call this number.

There's help. It's confidential and it's free.

You have taken care of us,

now let us take care of you.

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, dedicated to supporting, connecting and empowering military families. With our partners, Blue Star Families hosts a robust array of morale and empowerment programs, including Books on Bases, Blue Star Museums, Operation Honor Corps, Blue Star Careers and Operation Appreciation. Blue Star Families also works directly with the Department of Defense and senior members of local, State and Federal government to bring the most important military family issues to light. Working in concert with fellow nonprofits, community advocates, and public officials, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Our worldwide membership includes military spouses, children, parents, and friends, as well as service members, veterans and civilians.

To learn more about Blue Star Families, visit http://www.bluestarfam.org. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

About The Creative Coalition

The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance.  The Creative Coalition uses the power and platform of the arts and entertainment communities in award-winning PSA campaigns, mentoring programs, and arts advocacy initiatives on the federal, state and local levels.   Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization's President.

Media Contact

Stephanie Himel-Nelson

Stephanie@BlueStarFam.org

703-472-6292

AnnaMaria White

AMWhite@BlueStarFam.org

917-579-4716

@white_am

Dog Tag Bakery is thrilled to announce that the 2014 program application is now open!

Here's how Dog Tag works: beginning in 2014, our organization will hire a cohort of ten to twelve veterans with disabilities and their spouses to complete a six month program, encompassing both substantive work experience and a tailor-made curriculum at the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University. During the day, veterans will operate our bakery, currently under construction in the Georgetown neighborhood. In this handicap-accessible space, our students will learn skills ranging from baking and sales to small business management and budgeting.

At the same time, our students will undertake a course of study through Georgetown University, which will include entrepreneurial training, leadership development, personal counseling, communications, and more. The ultimate goal of our program is the empowerment of our students to take that next step into civilian life, whether that next step is going back to school, starting a small business, or successfully finding a job at a pre-existing firm.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

 -- Any veteran or military spouse of any armed conflict (NOTE: Dog Tag welcomes veterans of any “service-connected disability,” regardless of severity). If an applicant is unable to fill out the online, he or she will be able to complete the form in-person or on the phone.

 -- This program does NOT require or use any GI Bill benefits.

 -- Prior baking/business experience is NOT necessary.

COMPENSATION:

Every veteran and military spouse selected will receive a stipend of $2,200 a month, plus healthcare benefits and full tuition.

APPLICATION DATES:

The application will be open to veterans and their spouses from February 4, 2014 through April 20, 2014. After we receive the completed application, each candidate will be reviewed and notified if they are selected to move forward in the process. CLICK HERE to apply! 

QUESTIONS:

 -- For more information or assistance in completing the application, please contact Justin Ford, Dog Tag Bakery General Manager, at justin.ford@dogtagbakery.org or 850-445-6623 

READ about Connie Milstein, a unique partner in the Dog Tag Bakery and a BSF Director! 

Connie Milstein is a successful attorney, entrepreneur, senior business executive and philanthropist. As Principal and Co-Founder of Ogden CAP Properties, LLC, she oversees and guides the company’s real estate, hotel and development operations. Connie directed Ogden CAP Properties through the elegant reconstruction of Washington DC’s historic Jefferson Hotel.  In 2005, Connie Milstein opened Connie's Bakery & General Store, which opened a second location in 2006 at Northern Westchester Hospital. Connie serves on the Board of several organizations, including the Board of Advisors of the National Symphony Orchestra.

Guided by the principal of giving back to the country that has given her so much, Connie is a fervent advocate of military service and as a Board member of Blue Star Families, actively works to empower and support military families. Connie’s “Adopt a Base” program includes honoring military families with special events and treats ranging from fresh baked brownies to new books for children. A long time supporter of medical research, Connie serves on the Board of Directors of CURE (Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy), a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy. A consummate problem solver, Connie is not only committed to finding a cure for the disease, but also for erasing the stigma of epilepsy.

100% of our profits support the men and women who bravely serve in our military and their families. It’s our way of saying “Thank You.”

In 2012, Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, partnered with Blue Star Families, to create Blue Star Theatres. Part of the Blue Star Arts program, Blue Star Theatres recognizes the profound contributions of service families and seeks to build stronger connections between theatres, military families and their communities. To date, 105 theaters have signed on including The Goodman Theatre in Chicago.  This Blue Star Theatre is offering a substantial discount for a hot new show, "Buzzer."

Here's a synopsis of the show:

Jackson is a young, successful African American attorney determined to build a life in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of his youth. When he returns “home” with his girlfriend and troubled best friend—both white—in tow, the trio are soon forced to confront the simmering tensions that exist both inside their home, and outside their apartment.

The Goodman is committed to offering the US military, police and firemen access to our world-class theater at significant savings. Qualified individuals will be eligible for up to four (4) half-priced mezzanine tickets to preview performances (first 9 performances) in our Owen and Albert Theatre by using the promo code BLUESTAR.

This promo is available for all preview performances of Buzzer(February 8-16). To redeem, enter the code BLUESTAR in the blue promo box on the ticketing page.

This discount is available online, by phone, or in person for preview performances only and subject to availability. Discounts cannot be combined or applied to previously purchased tickets. Per-ticket handling fees apply for telephone and internet sales.

CLICK here to buy tickets!

The participating theatres are very excited to support the military family community through their discounts and programming offerings! Stay connected to bluestarfam.org because more incredible theaters are joining Blue Star Theatres every day, and check out the map on our website that helps locate theatres in your area!

Suicide is a difficult subject to discuss. And I'm not even going to try and write about it. Instead, I'm going to quote a brilliant writer and friend Alison Buckholtz who, in 2010, penned a beautiful op-ed for the LA Times in which she encouraged an "it gets better" campaign to battle suicide among our service members.  She writes: 

"It's pointless and petty to compare heartbreak. In the last few weeks, four young gay men have committed suicide, all in some way connected to fear, shame or isolation around the issue of their homosexuality. I'm horrified by this, and ashamed it could happen in America in 2010. I'm just as alarmed that during three days in late September, four soldiers at Ft. Hood Army base in Texas took their own lives. This is not an isolated incident. The New York Times reported Monday that 20 soldiers connected to Ft. Hood have committed suicide this year; the Army has confirmed 14 of those cases, and six are under investigation. The base's suicide rate is about four times the national average.

In fact, the Army's suicide rate overall exceeds that of the civilian population, with 160 active-duty suicide deaths in 2009 and 239 across the total Army, including the reserve component. Army suicide rates are now higher than the age- and sex-adjusted rate for the general public, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health.">>>

That was in 2010 and her words did indeed spark action.  Much action. Thank you Alison and thank you to all who have worked tirelessly to bring attention to this subject. But the battle isn't over ... Relatively little attention has been given to suicidal risk or behavior among military family members. According to our 2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, 9% of military spouses reported they had considered suicide—it was 10% in 2012. 

But just yesterday, according to CNN, the Pentagon's Defense Suicide Prevention Office has sent a report to Congress detailing for the first time a proposal for tracking those deaths. Here's an excerpt from the article >>>

"The spouse of the highest-ranking military officer in the country tried to call attention to the problem four years ago. Deborah Mullen, wife of Adm. Mike Mullen, then the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took the stage at a Defense Department conference to say she'd tried to get information about suicides among relatives. She met with leaders to see if they tracked family member suicides. Army leaders told her there were nine military family member suicides in 2009.

Mullen said she asked Army officials if they knew how many family members had attempted suicide.

"I was stunned when I was told that there were too many to track," she told the crowd. "If that number is that large just in the Army, we really don't have an idea of the scope of the problem."

"It's our responsibility," she implored. "These are our family members. We have got to find a way to track them."

An annual survey by Blue Star Families, the largest military family advocacy group, found suicide among relatives to be a serious concern. Out of 5,100 military family members surveyed in 2012, 9% of military spouses reported that they had considered suicide. Of those, nearly a quarter said they had not sought help.

But even if they had, it's unclear if they would have been heard..." Click here to read the full article on CNN >>>>

We already know that: 

• Risk factors that predict suicide among military family members are not yet known, but among civilians factors such as depression, substance abuse, limited social support, and isolation from friends and family are risk factors that would seem to also be present for military families
  
  
• Prior research has suggested that mental health diagnose such as depression increase during deployments
  
  
• One of the most consistent findings is that mental health and well-being of non-deployed parents impacts the coping and well-being of military children

The 2014 Military Family Lifestyle Survey will launch next week -- and as in the past several surveys, we will once again ask about this difficult subject. Please take the time and tell us about your experience. All of your answers are confidential, and by sharing your experiences on the survey we can let our leaders know what military families need to help them get through the hard times, by providing them data and numbers as well as real life stories about how military life has impacted you.  We need to be able to show this is an important issue, but without numbers and facts, we can’t do that. Help us to continue to make an impact so that no military family member has to feel like they are alone.