“At ease” is a welcome command for service members. But for their families holding down the home front, relief is much harder to find.
Military spouses juggle parenting, careers and households -- often while living far from friends and extended family. Frequent relocations mean restarting jobs, transferring schools and building a new community from scratch every couple of years. All while carrying the emotional weight of a loved one in service.
These families serve, too -- often doing it without the tight-knit support that service members have in their units.
That’s where Blue Star Families comes in.
Building support networks where they’re needed most
Blue Star Families, founded by military families for military families, is now the nation’s largest and most trusted nonprofit supporting military and veteran families. Its mission is simple: connect military families with neighbors -- individuals, schools, businesses and community groups -- to build strong, supportive communities.
Sometimes that support is big: helping a spouse find a job, connecting someone with mental health resources or building peer support groups. Other times, it’s small, like a casserole left on a porch, a carpool to soccer practice or a neighbor showing up just to say, “I’m here if you need anything.”
Small acts, big impact
You don’t need to be part of the military to be part of the support system. In fact, it’s often everyday people who make the biggest difference.
With hundreds of thousands of military families in the membership nationwide, Blue Star Families can help enable you to make a big difference with a few small gestures.
Things like:
- A simple introduction. Saying “hello” can open the door to lasting friendships.
- A shared recommendation. A great local pediatrician or plumber can save weeks of stress.
- A seat at the table. Inviting a new family to a block party or book club can make them feel welcome.
- A helping hand. Offering to babysit or lend a tool may mean more than you know.
Why ‘at ease’ matters at home
Military families are your neighbors, your kids’ classmates, your fellow shoppers at the grocery store. They’re part of your community -- even if they’re only stationed nearby for a year or two. And while they may not wear the uniform, they play a vital role in our nation’s security by supporting those who do.
How you can help
If you meet a military family at school, church or work, ask how you can make their service easier. Share a local tip, offer a ride or just let them know you’re nearby.
Don’t know where to start? Blue Star Families can help with that. Visit BlueStarFam.org to learn how you can welcome, connect with and support military families in your neighborhood.
Because “at ease” shouldn’t just be a command on base -- it should be a feeling every military family can count on.