Governor proclaims Blue Star Welcome Week

In almost any given year, over a half-million active-duty and transitioning military families move to new communities, and nearly half of these permanent change of station (PCS) moves occur during the summer. When those families move into the local communities, they are bringing so much with them, while also looking for a sense of belonging to their local civilian community, which is essential to the well-being and readiness of military families.

Military spouses and families perform an incredibly important mission of keeping things running smoothly while the active duty continue to serve. It is a meaningful life … and it’s also a challenging one. While there is camaraderie and connection to other military families and wellspring of goodwill from other Americans, it can also be lonely, especially being far from family and friends who could help with the problems that come up in any life, and especially military life with its many moves, deployments, and separations.

That’s where Blue Star Families comes in. Founded in 2009, Blue Star Families is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military and Veteran families in the communities where they live. They have raised and delivered over $100 million in support and services to active-duty, National Guard, Reserve, wounded, transitioning service members and their families, and survivor families. They seek to empower military families by connecting them with their neighbors, individuals and organizations to foster vibrant communities of mutual support;

Governor Mike Dunleavy recently proclaimed September 22-28, 2024 as Blue Star Welcome Week.

“There are 20,757 Active Duty Service members and 1,090 Blue Star Family members living in Alaska and we urge all Alaskans to welcome military and Veteran connected families into their communities.”

This special week raises awareness and builds support for military families across the country and asks what can local communities do to help improve military families’ sense of belonging in your community?

“We are committed to ensuring that military and Veteran connected families feel a strong sense of belonging to their local civilian communities and express gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members, transitioning Veterans and their families,” he wrote. “I encourage all Alaskans to support and help our military families feel welcome in our communities and in our Great State, and to recognize the sacrifices they have made.”

For more information about Blue Star Families, please visit www.welcomeweek.bluestarfam.org