News

Blue Star Families is pleased to announce that Mark D. Smith has joined our team as Acting Executive Director.  Smith is an Army veteran, former West Point professor, a past President and CEO of Operation Homefront and the former Director of Strategy and Development for the Veterans Innovation Center.  Welcome, Mar

My husband and I are watching HBO’s 10-episode miniseries, “The Pacific.” It’s Tom Hanks’ latest on-screen history lesson detailing the WWII battles on the Pacific front. The Marines are wide-eyed and eager but no sooner after storming Guadalcanal, as the dirt and jungle grit cakes their faces and their uniforms tear, the war obviously begins to take its toll on the hubris of the young men.

Department of Defense officials recently announced the return - sort of - of the My Career Advancement Account program for military spouses. The program, which was abruptly shut down in February, came back on line March 13 for current participants. However, the program is not accepting new applications at this time. MyCAA offers grants of up to $6,000 for military spouses to obtain the training and education necessary to secure a portable career.

Mother's Day is approaching and advertising is out in force to remind us to thank our moms on the big day.  While you're celebrating your mom, don't forget to thank the mothers all around you as well, particularly the military moms.

Are you or a relative a current or former member of the military? Do you like writing about your experience with the military? Have you benefited from the financial or education benefits the military provides? If so, enter the ArmyStudyGuide Military Blogger Contest for a chance to win up to $1,000.  If you’ve got a story to tell about your military benefits, submit your entry, share your post, and check out your competition. Good luck!

Over the last few days we asked our Facebook Fans to tell us the best thing about being a part of a military family, and the worst thing. 

Here's what you said:

Earlier this week we asked our fans on Facebook to share the songs they would include on a "deployment soundtrack."  We got so many great responses, we had to share them all!

Blue Star Families is thrilled to announce Tiffany Isaacson as the new Membership Director. Tiffany makes a great addition to our leadership team and brings a wealth of non-profit and military family experience to the job.  Tiffany took the time to answer a few questions I had so that BSF members can get to know her better.

The Department of Defense announced this morning that it is reinstating the popular My Career Account program that provided up to $6000 of educational benefits to military spouses.  The program will resume this Saturday but only for those spouses who already part of the program.  New applicants won't be allowed until the Department of Defense develops a long range plan for, presumably, funding and administering the program.

You’ve submitted what seems like hundreds of cover letters and resumes for various jobs, and FINALLY, you get the long awaited phone call. You’ve got an interview! Now, it’s time to prepare to razzle and dazzle your future boss…