Georgia has the nation's 4th highest number of unemployed veterans and 60,000 plus vets will leave active duty by 2016 -- that means spouses too will leave the highly mobile lifestyle behind and settle down somewhere permanently.  Georgia wants them to stay in the Peach State! 

Bravo to Georgia's Veteran's Licensure Bill that creates a committee to do the following:

1) Identify military jobs with requirements that meet or exceed Georgia's requirements for certificate in the skilled trades listed.  The committee is empowered to allow exemption from some Georgia requirements if their research shows it is appropriate. 

2)  A military spouse living in Georgia who has a skilled trade certification form another state may apply for and receive Georgia certification if the committee determines the other state's requirements meet or exceed Georgia's requirements. 

The link to the full bill is here:  

http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20132014/HB/188

Military Spouse Appreciation day is less than a month away! On Friday, May 10th we all share an equal responsibility to thank our military spouses for their strength and patriotism as heroes on the home front. Big or small, there are many ways for each of us to honor the unparalleled contributions and sacrifices of our military spouses.

“Organizations, businesses, groups, or individuals can all come together to honor military spouses," said Kirsten O’Neill, Founder and CEO of Silent Rank Sisterhood. Less than one percent of the nation's population serve in the uniform armed services, and one hundred percent of the burden is carried by our military members and military families. We have been at war now for over ten years, and our families continue to struggle with the burden of war. Even as the war in Iraq an Afghanistan draw to a close, our troops continue to deploy. "Military Spouse Appreciation Day is the national day to show our military spouses appreciation and it’s our job, as well as the public’s job to say thank you," said O'Neill. 

The Silent Rank Sisterhood is one of many organizations participating in Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Once again, they will be hosting their highly successful Military Spouse Appreciation Day Girls Night Out – a free event for all military spouses held in Chesapeake, MD.

“These types of events are incredibly important to military spouses. They allow our local communities to recognize and show appreciation for their sacrifices, as well as encourage others to participate in National Military Spouse Appreciation Day,” explained O’Neill.

If you are in the DC, MD, VA area and are interested in attending Girls Night Out, email Kirsten@silentranksisterhood.org for more information.

Another great way to honor military spouses is to coordinate a local service project. You can organize a small-scale event, such as having your child’s classroom write letters of appreciation as a school project, or a large-scale event like putting together appreciation bags filled with donated items from local businesses.

Blue Star Families currently has several projects planned across the U.S. for our upcoming observance of Military Spouse Appreciation Day. A great example of a simple but meaningful project comes from our Chapter Director in Miami, Florida; she has received 500 free codes from RedBox and will be putting them together with a card from Operation Appreciation and a bag of popcorn to give 500 of the spouses at her installation. Blue Star Families will also be at Walter Reed Medical Center distributing appreciation bags filled with items, such as chocolate bars and recipe books, donated from local businesses in the DC Metropolitan area.

If you need ideas or suggestions to jump-start an appreciation project in your community, feel free to email ohc@bluestarfam.org. Showing your appreciation through community service is both a great way to make a positive impact in your community and to support your local military spouses. Make the pledge today to honor those who serve with community service by getting involved with our Operation Honor Corps program – an effort to encourage Americans to support our military families by participating in service projects to serve those who serve us. At HonorCorps.org, you can pledge hours of community service, find service projects in your area, and track your progress.

Blue Star Families hopes that everyone will make the commitment to honor our military spouses on May 10! It is one day for us all to acknowledge the hard work and the sacrifices made by our military spouses throughout the year. 

I’ve been a member of the military family since birth. My dad served in the Navy for 32 years and I followed my older brother to the Naval Academy, graduating in 1984 in the fifth class to include women. I began my 20 year career by attending language training at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France before heading to my first duty station at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  In addition to three assignments on Oahu, I served on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Naval Personnel, and the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. I was also the Officer in Charge of the Naval Support Unit, Saratoga Springs, NY and the Executive Officer of Naval Station Anacostia in Washington DC.

I retired after 20 years of service and am now a full time stay at home mom to four children, each adopted from China. After retirement, I went back to school, earning a Masters degree in Public Administration during my husband’s first deployment to Iraq. In addition to my work with Blue Star Families, I serve as a member of the Fayetteville Observer’s Community Advisory Board, writing op-eds on whatever strikes my fancy – usually issues relating to military families, as well as volunteering with my children’s schools and our church.

Blue Star Families has had an active presence in Fayetteville since its inception in 2009. I began following BSF on Facebook and jumped at the opportunity to serve when a new Chapter Director position opened up here in Fayetteville.

Being a CD has given me the opportunity to tell our story in many different venues here in Fayetteville and connect with dozens of other organizations that are working on behalf of military families.

Because there are so many organizations supporting military families here (along with a crowded calendar of events), I have tried to position BSF as a partner rather than an independent entity in the community. I have joined the Community Blueprint, a consortium of local organizations that serve military families, and serve as a member of the Executive Steering Committee. I also serve on the Living in the New Normal committee, which coordinates an annual conference, Forward March, for educators and helping professionals on military family issues. Blue Star Families was finally granted permission to operate on Fort Bragg last October so we have a voice on the installation now as well.

I hope that the needs of military families are not forgotten as we draw down in Afghanistan. I believe we will not fully realize the impact of over a decade of war for many years to come. As a nation, we must remain committed to helping our service members, veterans, and their families heal.

The Commandant and SgtMaj of the Marine Corps, Gen James F. Amos and SgtMaj Micheal P. Barrett, provide a second update to active duty, reserve and civilian Marines throughout the Marine Corps about the status and implications of the 2013 sequestration situation, and the ways ahead during this time.  They encourage Marines to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and focus on discipline, mission and preparation. 

"Unless Congress changes the law, those deep sequestration cuts will be with us for the next nine years," said Amos. 

Major Highlights: (1) Although a budget has been passed for FY13 does not mean that the Sequestration cuts went away...they are here for the next 9 years, unless Congress passes a bill negating Sequestration; (2) We were provided relief with the $10.4B DoD reprogramming into O&M this year, which will allow us to continue to train, fight, fly, continue Tuition Assistance and induct aircraft and ground vehicles into the depot maintenance cycles; (3) Civilians will not be furloughed for the entire 22 days as originally planned, but instead will be furloughed no more than 14 days. Furlough notices have been delayed until Mid-May, with an effective date of Mid/Late June. CMC asks that we continue to be judicious in how we spend money and maximize our training opportunities.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/286467/gen-james-f-amos-sequestration-update-2#.UXVj0I5rBRC#ixzz2RD6cyqqo

Blue Star Families guest blogger Jolene Handy introduced us to a Marine Corps Gold Star Spouse named Tanya Thomas last summer.  Here's the story in case you missed it: http://www.bluestarfam.org/blog/view/grace-institute-update

We've got good news and great news to share about Thomas.  But we'll let Alice Kenny of Cross Streets tell the story of how Thomas attended the Grace Institute and is now a case manager with Catholic Charities.  

“It’s great to assist people with empowering themselves,” she said.  “I know the feeling from both ends.”

If you are a female veteran or family member and would like to take advantage of this tuition-free program that provides intensive computer training along with business writing, resume writing and soft skills training along with access to our Social Work Staff, and workshops! 

Contact Gigi Gilliard at ggilliard@graceinstitute.org

If you are a New York City employer seeking trained, responsible staff:

Contact Jolene Varley Handy at jhandy@graceinstitute.org.

Camp Corral is a free week of summer camp for military children with priority given to wounded, disabled or fallen Military families.    In the summer of 2013, Camp Corral will send 2,000 children from Military families to a week-long camp free of charge (parents are only responsible for transportation to and from camp).   Camp Corral has grown from the pilot, one camp, program in 2011, to nine camps in 2012 and has expanded to 18 camps in 14 states for the summer of 2013.

Camp Corral, a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit corporation, builds on Golden Corral’s commitment to honoring  disabled American veterans and their families.  Since 2011, Golden Corral has been collecting donations for Camp Corral, with one hundred percent of the donations going directly towards funding the Camp Corral campers’ participation.

Camp Corral is a one-week camp experience where kids, ages 8 to 15, are free to be kids, far away from the day-to-day challenges they face as children of wounded, disabled or fallen Military families.   Camp Corral will be “a week of a lifetime” providing kids non-stop fun with activities like  canoeing, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, ropes course challenge, archery,  horseback riding, and other camping activities in the great outdoors.  The week will encourage the campers to create friendships and bond with other kids who share a similar family situation.  There's a great video on their home page. 

2013 Camp Corral information:

•             Eighteen Camp Corral locations in 14 states across the country, offering a one-week camp session

•             Camp participants – boys and girls ages 8 to 15

•             Online registration   www.campcorral.org

•             Camp Corral locations, camp weeks and information at www.campcorral.org

•             Camp Corral locations will be managed and staffed by the 4-H Youth Development Group and YMCA Organization; camps are accredited by the American Camp Association or follow guidelines set by the ACA.

•             Campers will have a traditional camp experience with camp crafts, recreational water sports, archery, horseback riding, ropes course challenge, camp fire stories, exploring nature, and other outdoor activities

•             Camp Corral Hot Line for questions:   1-855-605-1267

•             Donations to Camp Corral are accepted at any Golden Corral restaurant, through PayPal or can be mailed to the Camp Corral Office in Raleigh, North Carolina

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm a theater geek and in a big way.  I'm the girl in the photo on the left, rockin the straw hat and pinafore.  The photo was snapped circa 1989 (my apologies to my friends Jane and Amanda who might be so thrilled that I shared this photo with the masses!).  Anyway, we were in our high school production of "Oklahoma!" I can't carry a tune to save my soul but I've got some serious dance moves so I ended up in the chorus.  Okay .. the truth is, I went to a small high school and they needed bodies so I ended up in the chorus.  Regardless of my non-role, I had a blast and went on to appear in "Guys and Dolls,""Kiss Me Kate," and "Hello Dolly" where I actually had a name and a few lines! My name was tragically Ermengarde but STILL - it was awesome.  

The theater is a space unlike any other.  Far better, I think, that a flat movie screen, because actors and actresses come alive before your very eyes. It's transformational. 

As Ermengarde, described as an emotional character, I had lines like "I’m not too young! I’m seventeen, an in another year I’ll be an old maid!" and "I'll die if I don't marry him!" She mostly whined and cried on stage - a task I was fully committed to - but it left me with some incredible memories.  I wonder though if today, the school theater production people would have chosen a different musical - not that Guys and Dolls isn't profound but it just seems that the theater is the place to tackle the tough issues like war, reintegration, transition and PTS.  There's a new docudrama called ReEntry.  It's written by Emily Ackerman and KJ Sanchez, featuring actor Larry Mitchell. It's described by American Records as "An unflinching look at the lives of Marines getting ready for and returning from deployment, ReEntry is a docudrama exploration of the challenges faced when re-entering family, community and country. Honest, moving, and surprisingly funny, this play is based entirely on interviews with Marines and their families."

Blue Star Theatres is one of the programs that makes it possible for more military families to experience impactful and rich events. And it wouldn't be possible without partners who rally their own community to support military families. 

"Like so many of Blue Star Families programs, Blue Star Theatres has exceeded expectations right out of the gate,” said BSF Senior Director of Programs Sheri Robey-Lapan.  “As of our DC launch event on May 18, the program has nearly 100 participating theatres – twice the maximum number we believed the program could attract – and a vibrant buzz across the country.” 

At a recent press event that featured Teresa Eyring, executive director, TCG; Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO, Blue Star Families; Colonel Anthony M. Henderson, special assistant to the chairman, joint chiefs of staff for warrior and family support; Joan Shigekawa, acting chairman, National Endowment for the Arts; Molly Smith, artistic director, Arena Stage; Douglas Wilson, former assistant secretary of defense for public affairs; and Dennis White, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation, Larry Mitchell did a reading of a scene from ReEntry.

I’m not the man I once was.  I look at pictures of myself, before and after, and, it— it sucked the life out of me.  You know, I had plans, I had stuff I wanted to do – typical-type stuff.  Get out of the Marine Corps before I’m completely broken.  I don’t know what that jump-off point is, because it ain’t about us, particularly the higher rank you get.  We’re always taught, “It ain’t about you.”  But at this level, the big-boy talk you get is, “You’ll get out when we’re done with you.”  That’s the big-boy talk.  “You’re here to serve.” 

Robey-Lapan praised Theatre Communications Group for their dedication to connecting military families with the performing arts community.  And scores of theatres have multiple offerings for the many military families who have taken advantage of the program. 

"Our military families have so much to gain through Blue Star Families Arts programs, made possible by the MetLife Foundation, and need only engage to reap tremendous benefit," added Robey-Lapan.

90 TCG Member Theatres have already signed on to participate in Blue Star Theatres. To find the full list, visit: http://www.tcg.org/pdfs/advocacy/Blue_Star_Theatres_alpha_list.pdf.

The Month of the Military Child is almost over.  Sigh ... and for Blue Star Families, it's been a particularly busy month. Between Books on Bases events, special Milkid certificates, Outdoor events with the Sierra club, and other activities - military kids all over the US have been recognized for their resolve and general awesomeness.  

Here's the thing though. Blue Star Families doesn't need a specially designated month in order to honor our military families. We do it all year long, 24-7!  As our social media gal would say, "Holla!" (I think that is a general and very hip way of saying YAY!).

Okay so what do we do?  I'll start with Blue Star Museums and Blue Star Theatres because they are two of my most favorite programs.  Blue Star Museumsallows active duty military and their immediate family free entrance into almost 2,000 museums, science centers, art galleries and more.  All you have to do is show your ID. It's perfect for summers movers who, while driving to their new post, can absorb some culture along with too many fast food dinners!  The program launches on Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. 

Blue Star Theatresis next!  If you'd like, I will be more than happy to sing the entire repertoire from Les Miserables ... but it would likely be better if you headed out to a Blue Star Theatre.  And there are tons to choose from -- in cool cities like Dallas, Philly, San Diego and more.  Participating Blue Star Theatres offer discounts on entrance and other opportunities like acting classes.  BST is open to active duty, retired and Guard/Reserve. 

There'sBlue Star Careerstoo - it's a focal point for spouses who are job hunting or interested in a career change.  Our research team has done a ton to help spouses see their status as a benefit for companies.  Check it out and take advantage of all the free resources available to you. 

That's all for now. I'll post again about all the amazing programs BSF has to offer and what we are doing to help make your military life work for you ... personally and professionally. 

In the meantime email me at molly@bluestarfam.org if you are interested in blogging for us! 

My driver's ed teacher's name was Mr. Snowden. He was at least 98 years old and extremely grouchy. This may have stemmed from dealing with teenage wanna-be drivers for far too long.  We spent a couple weeks in Driver's Ed class learning the rules of the road, what the different street signs meant, the difference between a double yellow and yellow dashed lines and what to do when you hydroplane.  I remember asking in one class what would happen if you stepped on the gas and the brake at the same time.  The entire class laughed at me -- and I still think it's a good question!  Anyway ... the fun started when we got into the "behind the wheel" portion of the class.  Poor Mr. Snowden had his own brake in the passenger seat allowing him to slam on the brakes when he saw his life flashing before his eyes -- which was frequently, I imagine. 

This was back in 19 ... oh dear .. it was in 1989 so distractions like cell phones and texting weren't around.  And so driving today is infinitely more dangerous, in my opinion, but the good news is teens and parents are more aware of the dangers and can have frank, honest conversations about the no-no's of the road. 

USAA has come up with this handy dandy graphic as a friendly reminder ... take a minute and have a talk with your teen driver. 

I think about Mr. Snowden every once in a while, when I make a driving error or fail parallel parking. I wonder how he would handle today's teens.  My guess? Early retirement. 

Join Blue Star Families for our 2013 Military Families Lifestyle Survey Findings Release and Panel Discussion.

Thursday, May 16
Capitol Visitor's Center
10:00 am

New York Times National Correspondent, veterans and military affairs editor Jim Dao will moderate this important discussion between Senator Barbara Boxer, Senator Richard Burr, Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Representative Sanford Bishop, Members of Congress, representatives from the Department of Defense, military families, concerned citizens and members of the media.  

Seats are limited.  Register by May 3. 

Here's how it works:

1. You must be a follower of Blue Star Families on Pinterest.  Follow us here: http://www.pinterest.com/bluestarfam 

2. Pin the image, be sure to include @bluestarfam 

Sample text for your pin:  I want to win a signed copy of Alison Buckholtz's book "Standing By" courtesy of @bluestarfam #milfam 

3. Once you have pinned your image send us a link to your pin.  Email jhatzung@bluestarfam.org, subject line should be: link for pin to win contest. Include your snail mail address!  *see below for official rules. 

You can read about this book here: http://www.standingbybook.com/

And just a few reviews to pique your interest!

"Alison Buckholtz’s memoir is a universal story of friendship, family, and endurance that reveals the history of the American military spouse from Revolutionary War camp followers to her own experience as a Navy wife in the post-9/11 world. Standing By is sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, but always a beautiful, honest book about the toil and triumph of modern military life". -- Siobhan Fallon, author of You Know When the Men Are Gone

“Everything about this book is unexpected.  Although based on Alison Buckholtz’s experiences as a military spouse, which is a life of quiet sacrifices and countless hardships,Standing By is a hysterically funny, deeply moving, and ultimately breathtaking book.  Any husband or wife will draw inspiration and wisdom from this extraordinary story.”  --Andrew Carroll, New York Times-bestselling author of War Letters andBehind the Lines

Official Rules: 

1.Submissions must be received at jhatzung@bluestarfam.org by 11:59pm EST on May 9, 2013.

2.Submissions must be received from a member of Blue Star Families and at least 18 years of age. Join Blue Star Families at www.BlueStarFam.org. We'll be checking to be sure!

3.Each submission should have the suggested language.

4.Contest ends at 11:59 May 9, 2013  Winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

5.Winner will be selected at random.

6.Winner will be announced on the Blue Star Families Web site at www.BlueStarFam.org and winners will be notified by email.

By submitting a photograph to Blue Star Families, you are warranting that you own the work and have exclusive rights to the photograph. You also grant Blue Star Families the right to publish it on the Blue Star Families website, Pinterest page, and other social media sites. You are further granting both Blue Star Families the right to use your submission in publicity or advertising and to syndicate the material. You further indicate that your work will always be credited to the name included with your submission. We will withhold your last name from publication upon your written request.

You may submit as many submissions as you like. You must be 18 years of age to submit an entry. Contest voting ends at 11:59 PM on May 9, 2013. The winners will be announced by June 1, 2013. Only residents of the Unites States may enter. Questions? Email Molly@bluestarfam.org. Void where prohibited.

Blue Star Families is excited to be collaborating with American Heart Association for our second year! We will be promoting to our military spouses and all women in their lives the message of healthy heart. It’s time for women to stand together in the fight for their lives.

WHY JOIN THE FIGHT?

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women – mothers, sisters, daughters, friends – and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. 

• Heart disease causes one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute.
• An estimated 43 million women in the U.S. are affected by heart disease.
• Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
• Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease and the gap between men and women’s survival continues to widen.
• While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease causes one in three deaths each year.

But the strength of mothers, sisters, daughters and friends fighting side by side is more powerful than any killer. For 10 years, women have been fighting heart disease individually and together as part of the Go Red For Women movement. They have proudly worn red, shared stories of survival and begun to understand the truth about women’s hearts and how heart disease can be prevented. More than 627,000 women’s lives have been saved, but the fight is far from over.

Now is the time to shout louder, stand stronger and demand change. It’s time to come together in a movement that is not just FOR women, but BY women.  It’s time for women to Go Red!

Blue Star Families will be holding events across the country honoring our military spouses on May 10^th for Military Spouse Appreciation Day- During this time we will also be promoting this message of health.

ABOUT GO RED FOR WOMEN

The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement has been impacting the health of women for 10 years. More than 627,000 women’s lives have been saved, but the fight is far from over.  Now is the time to shout louder, stand stronger and demand change. It’s time to come together in a movement that is not just FOR women, but BY women.  It’s time for women to Go Red. Visit GoRedForWomen.org for more information or call 1-888-MY-HEART

This photo is one of my favorites.  It was taken at our change of command and I just love it.  That was an incredibly special day for my husband and I -- besides the fact that General and Mrs. Amos attended our event along with General and Mrs. Conant, Sergeant Major Kent of the Marine Corps and his wife, my parents and other friends and family members -- it was a day that he had worked towards his entire career as an aviator. 

I won't go into detail about why being the Commanding Officer of an operational AV-8B Harrier squadron was such an honor but I will say that for me -- being the COW (that's Commanding Officer's Wife) afforded me an opportunity to lead an astounding group of spouses and participate in our command team. I took that responsibility very seriously.  My goal, all along, as the COW was to create an environment where the young spouses could support one another, bounce ideas off each other, and most importantly - meet people and form lifelong friendships. 

We have met dear friends over the years and I think that's what being a military spouse is partly about -- building friendships.  Some were temporary and some just weren't a good match but in the end, the women who I have met over the past nearly 20 years will be my friends for the rest of my life. 

I hope on this day, you take a minute and call up a milspouse pal.  Here's a novel idea: write an actual note to someone to tell them you are thinking o them.  Reach out to a young spouse whose husband is deployed or off on some training mission and take her out to coffee or breakfast.  Check in with a friend who you haven't talked to in a while ... don't take the easy way out and just write a facebook post -- do something special for a friend today. 

Thank you to all the military spouses out there!  

Mrs. Amos is a dynamite person -- I know this because I have had the pleasure of meeting the funny lady on many occasions, working with her and getting to know the mother, grandmother, and Marine Corps wife.  

In a recent issue of Military Spouse Magazine, I wrote this about Mrs. Amos:

"Bonnie Amos is revered for her impeccable stye, grace and commitment to USMC families -- and perhaps most notably for her hugs. Her recipe is simple:  engage, make eye contact and don't let go. When that sort of greeting comes from the wife of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, it resonates with meaning. Like the vapor train of a jet, her grip on your arms remains for just a bit afterwards as a reminder that she's there with you-in the trenches of USMC spouse-hood."

Mrs. Amos has had a very successful career and recently released a recommended reading list for military families.  Besides that she travels to bases all over the world to speak with military families about their needs and hopes.  

It's our hope that you join us for a google+ hangout on May 10, Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  You can watch it live but be sure and submit a question on our google+ page.  Click here!  http://ow.ly/kNIni

We'll be joined by incredibly talented writer Alison Buckholtz, Tiffany Silverberg, a dear friend and fabulously successful small business owner and Raleigh-Elizabeth Duttweiler, a blogger and Phd. student. 

What a super-charged group of women. Meet them tomorrow at NOON est.!

http://ow.ly/kNIni

If you missed our incredible Google+ Hangout with Mrs. Bonnie Amos ... don't worry!  We've posted the entire 30 minute discussion below.  

The First Lady of the Marine Corps was joined by Alison Buckholtz, author of "Standing By: The Making of an American Military Family in a Time of War," and small business owner Tiffany Silverberg, plus Raleigh-Elizabeth Duttweiler and little ol me, Molly Blake. 

We talked about military spouse employment, ways to make yourself stand out in a crowd of applicants, why you should be proud of your milspouse status and lots more.  Our panelists, all successful in their own right (and really pregnant!), also shared some secrets to small business ownership, writing, maintaining a career and more. 

Blue Star Families is SO thankful that our four panelists took time our of their busy days to chat with us.  We hope we can do this again soon!

Alison Buckholtz writes a smart, fresh post about military spouse appreciation day, which happens to be today.  Oh, she happens to be the most gifted writer and someone who I am so proud and honored to know.  Her book, Standing By: The Making of an American Military Family in a Time of War" was re-released, this time in paperback this month.  And you can win a signed copy of this classic resource for military spouses right here.  CLICK here for details about the giveaway!  

"Four years ago, in the spring of 2009, the Iraq War was at its height.  American soldiers and sailors overseas made headlines every day, but military spouses –holding down the home front during an era of deployments that set records for length and frequency — were rarely heard from.  But all of that was about to change."

To finish reading this must-read post, click here>>>>>>

The Countdown is ON! That's right, one of my favorite programs is kicking off in just days!  Blue Star Museums is a national partnership among Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts, and museums across the country. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families.  Our kick off event is May 21 and then the program begins for all active duty and their families on Memorial Day! 

Blue Star Museums first launched in the summer of 2010 as a way for museums to offer their appreciation to military families and enable them to enjoy the nation's cultural heritage. Currently, there are more than one million active duty military in the United States, and an estimated 900,000 children whose parents have served in multiple deployments. Blue Star Museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa took part in the initiative, including 627 new museums this year. Last summer's 1,882 participating museums are more than triple the 600 museums that launched Blue Star Museums in the summer of 2010. 

"Blue Star Museums is a way for the arts community to say 'thank you' to our military families, and forge stronger connections as well," said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. "We are also grateful to the record-breaking number of museums that opened their doors to military families this summer."   

"As we close a phenomenal third consecutive year of the Blue Star Museums program, we are again thrilled to provide an opportunity for our nation's service members and their families to connect with our national treasures," said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. "Through this distinctive collaboration military families had an unparalleled opportunity to visit some of the country's finest museums for free.  We look forward to a 2013 program that will build on the first three years of success."    

National service organizations, including the American Association of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Children's Museums, the American Association of State and Local History, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers supported the recruitment effort to increase the number of Blue Star Museums. 

Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and children's museums.

We're not the only ones getting excited. The National Museum of Health and Medicine has a cool Civil War Discovery Cart exhibit ready! And since they are a participating Blue Star Museum, it's free!  

June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9 and August 23, 2013

1:00 -2:00 p.m.

Location: National Museum of Health and Medicine

2500 Linden Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Take a closer look at Civil War medicine at a hands-on discovery cart featuring artifacts and specimens related to the care of soldiers during the Civil War. For more information, call 301-319-3303 or visit http://www.medicalmuseum.mil

Emily Clark Munoz is the Eastern Regional Associate for Hiring Our Heroes. Below is the first part in a series she’s written for veterans and military spouses helping them understand the importance of knowing how to dress for the workplace. Because she never, ever wants DoD to have an excuse to create a transition class module called Uniforms to You-niforms. Unless, of course, she is teaching it. And if she sees one more Ed Hardy shirt at a hiring fair, she’s going to lose it.

The scene is the kitchen of a modest house near Fort Bragg, NC. An Army captain walks in, dressed and ready for a date with his wife, who is (let’s face it) not ready to go.

But not only is she not ready, she’s completely unprepared for the fashion scenario that is unfolding in front of her. Her reaction is, of course, mature and helpful: she dissolves into fits of giggles, which, for the sake of her marriage, she tries to choke down. Our Hero (clearly not the wife) pauses, turning around to see just why his less-better half is making such odd gurgling sounds. Upon realizing they are the sounds of suppressed laughter – at his expense – he sighs and says, “It’s my clothes, isn’t it.”

Indeed. Read on>>>>>

National Military Family Lifestyle Survey findings offer profound insight into the current concerns of military families and recommendations for policy, research, and partnership with the civilian community

Panel discussion with military experts and families discuss results and solutions, moderated by The New York Times’ James Dao.

Washington, D.C. (May 16, 2013)—Blue Star Families, a national non-profit organization supporting military families, today released the results of its 2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey at an event cohosted by the Senate and Congressional Military Family Caucuses. Featuring a panel discussion between military experts and family members, moderated by James Dao of The New York Times, the event focused on issues of top concern to military families. The full survey report is available at www.bluestarfam.org/survey.

The fourth consecutive survey fielded by Blue Star Families, the 2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey detailed the many challenges faced by military families after more than twelve years of continuous war. The key concerns identified include pay and benefits, changes to retirement, military spouse employment, the effects of deployment on the emotional well-being and development of military children, and military child education.

The 2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey also uncovered valuable information on many important aspects of military family life, including relationships, suicide prevention, financial literacy, caregiving, communication, and public policy. The findings continued to indicate a distinct civilian-military cultural divide.[i] Eighty-eight percent of respondents disagreed with the statement, “The general public is aware of the impacts of military service on military families.” Ninety-two percent disagreed with the statement, “The general public truly understands the sacrifices made by service members and their families.”

Regarding stress and mental health, 23% of all respondents and 24% of spouse respondents reported posttraumatic stress (“PTS”) symptoms in their service member regardless of diagnosis. Comparatively, 19% of service members reported having a PTS diagnosis and 21% reported symptoms regardless of diagnosis. Of those who reported that they or their service member had exhibited symptoms of PTS, 57% reported not seeking treatment through a military provider and 50% cited “confidentiality/career concerns” as a reason for not seeking treatment at all.

Held at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., and attended by government, military and community leaders, the launch event featured a panel of experts on military family issues discussing the survey findings with military families and service members.

Joining Mr. Dao in the panel discussion were Colonel Anthony M. Henderson, USMC, Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Ms. Mary Winnefeld, spouse ofAdmiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; Dr. Mary M. Keller, President and CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition; Ms. Noreen O’Neil, Deputy Director of the Military Spouse Employment Program for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program; Staff Sergeant Jennifer Hunt, a noncommissioned officer in the Army Reserves; and Ms. Angie McDaniel, spouse of a Naval officer.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), co-chair of the Senate Military Family Caucus, said, “The strength of our military is inextricably linked to the strength of our military families. These families sacrifice so much for our country and we owe it to them to ensure they have the support, services and resources they need. This survey provides these families with a voice so that we can better meet their needs and address their concerns.”

“Military spouses and families endure so much on our behalf that many of us will never fully understand the scope of their sacrifice.  Their selflessness and patriotism are an inspiration to all of us.  I applaud the efforts of Blue Star Families and hope this survey can be helpful to our work here in Congress,” said Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).

“It is only with metrics that we can determine where we are and thus how to get where we need to be,” said Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA2). “Once again Blue Star Families has provided an excellent analysis of the critical issues that directly affect our military families. It is now our job in Congress to take this vital information and work with our colleagues to address these issues in order to assist the backbone of our armed forces, the military family.”

“When a service member joins the military, it’s not just a job; it’s a family commitment to our country,” said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA5). “This year’s Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle survey will help us better understand the challenges that military families face every day, give us actionable data to meet their needs, and elevate our nation’s commitment in a way that makes our military families safer and stronger.”

As a follow up to the survey release, Facebook will host an online live panel on June 12, 2013, to discuss veteran and military spouse employment. In addition, USAA will host an online panel to discuss finance issues among military families that will air in mid-June. More details about both events will be available shortly. 

Blue Star Families’ 2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey was made possible with the support of many organizations and interested groups, including Blue Shield of California Foundation, Facebook, Care.com, Hunt Companies, Inc. and USAA.

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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. Blue Star Families hosts a robust array of morale and empowerment programs, including Books on Bases, Blue Star Museums, Operation Honor Corp, 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 Contact:

Stephanie Himel-Nelson

Stephanie@BlueStarFam.org

703-472-6292

AnnaMaria White

AMWhite@BlueStarFam.org

619-500-3616

@white_am 

Survey report and infographic available for download at http://bluestarfam.org/PressBox.

The results of our 2013 Military Families Lifestyle Survey were released today and they paint an important picture about not only the concerns our military families but also the varied silver linings that so many find. 

One of my favorite findings from the survey was this: 

Respondents also reported positive aspects of their children’s experiences in military life: 73% of respondents noted the adaptability of their children, 68% saw an increase in independence, 67% reported an increase in resilience, and 59% reported an increased sense of pride.

I love the part about increase in independence and resilience and my two girls are living proof of that having done the whole moving and changing schools thing.  We focus on the positives, look at pictures of our new city, cool parks and museums (shameless plug for Blue Star Museums here).  Since we are moving to California this summer -- my girls have already found the "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" restaurants they want to visit.  Talk about a silver lining ... a yummy one!

Far more productive, I think, than the mothers parading their children in front of tv producers for a shot at a reality program. In fact there's a story in the NYT about parents in one particular state who are, desperate it seems, to shove their children into the underbelly of television - reality television. That time could be better spent doing something to better their own community - not even to benefit military families necessarily - but how about disadvantage folks in their hometown or elderly?  That leads me to my next important part of this survey: the foreward. I am not the person who reads the camera or DVD instructions. I buy an appliance, plug it in and hope for the best.  But the survey foreward, penned by Deanie Dempsey, is wonderful. She ends it by encouraging people to take the results and make a difference in their own community.  

I think more people should read this survey and think about how many military families they know.  Do you have a cousin who serves? Reach out to his spouse.  Do you have a neighbor whose husband is in the National Guard or Reserves?  Check in on them and see if their unit needs anything.  Forget reality television. Forget stardom. Find the real deal right down the street and thank the Solider or Marine or Airman or Coastie for their service. Then hug that person's spouse and their kids.  We all serve.