November Highlights of Blue Star Families’ Campaign for Inclusion DEPLOY Fellows

Our nation’s Veterans deserve more than just our recognition for their service and sacrifice; they deserve robust support systems that address their physical, mental, and emotional needs. It’s essential that we provide them with access to quality health care, educational opportunities, and job training programs that honor their skills and experiences. Furthermore, we must create a community that actively listens to their stories and challenges, ensuring they feel valued and understood.

Navigating the Transition: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Veterans and Their Families

I am so excited to be a part of an organization that serves to help military members and their families! I am even more elated to kick-start this year’s DEPLOY Fellow Newsletter by putting an emphasis on military Veterans. As the daughter of a single mother who has now retired from the military, I have experienced firsthand the unique challenges that come with transitioning from a military lifestyle to civilian life. For Veteran families, this shift often brings a significant change in financial stability and a need to reorient expectations. Like many military families, we faced a period of uncertainty as we adjusted to new routines, job markets, and budgeting for a civilian world. We no longer had the certainty of schedules or the built-in support system of the military. Instead, there was an urgency to navigate civilian employment, new financial responsibilities, and manage life without the structure that was once known. 

I want to take a moment to thank all the Veterans who have served our country, not just from myself, but on behalf of all the military children who have walked this journey alongside you. Watching my mother serve, I witnessed the dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering strength that comes with wearing the uniform. You didn’t just protect our country, you shaped our lives. As you transition into civilian life, we want to extend our deepest gratitude. Your legacy lives on through us, your children, and we are proud of all you have done and continue to do. From all military children, past and present, thank you for your service, your strength, and the love you gave us even when duty was called.

Many Acts of Service

November is easily my favorite month of the year. I was born in November, my favorite holiday is during the last week, and fall is an incredible transition season before it gets too cold. One part of November that has gained prominence in my favoritism is my celebration of Veterans Day. Every year I find myself asking, “Why? Why did I join? Why does my wife continue to serve? Why did I choose this turbulent lifestyle of being a military spouse? Why serve in all these ways?”

I chose to serve in the United States Air Force because I was an unmotivated high school student who didn’t know what he wanted to do after high school. I needed direction and purpose to ground me. Joining the Air Force truly gave me that sense of purpose every time I put the uniform on. Serving was submitting to something bigger than myself and doing something meaningful for our country. The greatest part was meeting so many unique people from all over the world and the family aspect that is only realized through a common struggle.

My wife continues to serve because she is so driven. We met at her first duty station and my last. Our bond was strengthened by our pursuit of the feeling that we could do so much more. She also loves serving in the Air Force and transitioned into Equal Opportunity because she knows she can make this branch better. I am a very proud military spouse when I get to say that every day her purpose is to make positive changes in the realms of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility for the Air Force. For her, serving is the duty of leaving the military a better place than how she found it. 

Every time I think about my journey and connection to the military it is easy to find my why. This sometimes turbulent path is always going to be worth it when thinking about what serving really means. Being a Veteran and military spouse reminds me how grateful I am for everything the service has done for my life.

Honoring Service: A Veteran's Reflections and Family Traditions on the Marine Corps Birthday

As a Veteran who served four years in the Marine Corps and as a proud military spouse married to a Marine for 16 years, I've had the unique opportunity to experience both sides of military life. This dual perspective has profoundly shaped our family's traditions and how we commemorate significant events like Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday. The military has woven itself into our daily lives; we live, breathe, and embody the essence of a military family. Continuous relocations and starting anew have taught us resilience and adaptability. Each new duty station presents both challenges and opportunities for growth, and with every transition, we find ways to honor our shared service and cultivate a sense of belonging.

The Significance of Traditions  

Traditions hold immense significance in military life. They serve to pass down values and memories from generation to generation, ensuring that the sacrifices and stories of those who came before us are never forgotten. In our household, the Marine Corps Birthday is especially meaningful. It’s more than just a day of remembrance; it’s an occasion that unites our family to celebrate the legacy of the Corps and the commitment of those who serve. Each year, we gather to mark this important date with a blend of reverence and joy. We share stories of courage and dedication, reminding ourselves of the challenges faced by Marines and their families. We honor our loved ones who have served and those who continue to serve. This celebration becomes a means to transmit the values of loyalty, honor, and commitment to the next generation.

Celebrating Together  

On the Marine Corps Birthday, we uphold a few cherished traditions. We gather with fellow military families, sharing a meal that echoes the camaraderie found in the barracks. It’s a time for laughter, connection, and reflection. We often include elements like reading the Marine Corps Birthday message and toasting fallen comrades, ensuring that the solemnity of the occasion is respectfully acknowledged. As the years go by, I’ve come to understand that these traditions are not merely about commemorating the past; they’re about building a future that honors our military heritage. They remind us of the strength of the military community and the support we extend to one another, particularly during challenging times.

As both a Veteran and a military spouse, I carry the weight of my experiences with pride. Each deployment and relocation has shaped who I am today, reinforcing my commitment to our military family. Celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day allows us to honor those who have served while laying a foundation of love and support for our family. These traditions are not just ceremonial; they are the threads that bind us together, ensuring that we remember our past while looking toward the future. In our household, the spirit of the Marine Corps endures, reminding us that service is not merely a duty — it’s a way of life that we cherish and celebrate together.

Take a Hike!

“Go take a hike!” Often, this phrase can sound rude, but on November 17th, it’s a compliment! This date marks National Take a Hike Day and as the  Outdoors DEPLOY Fellow, I can’t think of a better time to embrace the great outdoors.

Getting outside is one of the best ways to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Not only does it provide a refreshing break, but hiking also offers numerous health benefits. Research shows that spending time in nature can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, combat diabetes, and improve sleep, among other advantages.

One of the fantastic perks available to service members and their families is free entry to national parks. Current military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families are eligible to receive either a free annual or lifetime America the Beautiful pass, granting access to 63 national parks across 32 states and two U.S. territories.

So, whether you choose a national park or a local nature trail, I encourage you to get out there and take a hike this November 17th. Experience the beauty of nature, enjoy the fresh air, and give yourself a well-deserved break!

Happy hiking!

Honoring the Legacy of Indigenous Pacific Islanders in Military Service: Belonging Beyond Boundaries

As a Chamoru from Guam, I reflect on how my culture complements my new identity as a military spouse and within Blue Star Families. Indigenous Pacific Islanders from Guam, the Mariana Islands, and Hawaii carry traditions of collective responsibility, respect, and reciprocity. Military service is often seen as an extension of their cultural duty to protect and uplift their communities. These values — respect, inclusivity, and cooperation — help build strong, supportive relationships in military families, fostering unity and belonging no matter where they serve.

Honoring Indigenous Pacific Islanders in the military means celebrating the idea that "You Belong Here." Their values of harmony and mutual support create inclusive spaces within military life, transcending cultural boundaries. By embracing these traditions, we ensure that Pacific Islanders feel valued, and their legacy of belonging continues to strengthen the entire military community.