Challenges Faced by Military Families
Frequent relocations are a primary issue for military households. Blue Star Families' survey found 45% of military families moved at least three times in five years.
Spouse employment is another challenge. Military spouses face barriers in finding stable jobs due to constant relocations. Blue Star Families reports a 22% unemployment rate for military spouses in 2019.
Isolation is the third major challenge. With loved ones deployed for extended periods, military families often lack their usual support networks in unfamiliar locations.
Community programs and legislative advocacy are addressing these issues. Blue Star Families connects military families with local communities and has influenced policy changes like the Military Spouse Employment Act.
Support Programs for Veterans
Veterans face challenges in employment, education, and mental health when transitioning to civilian life. The U.S. Department of Education offers educational benefits and programs like federal student aid and the 8 Keys to Veterans' Success to assist in this transition.
Google's Grow with Google initiative provides digital skill training for veterans. The Google Launchpad for Veterans program trains thousands in cloud skills, positioning them for tech jobs.
- Google's Vetnet Career Week
- Partnerships with organizations like Blue Star Families
- Grants and initiatives to support veterans in rebuilding careers
These programs aim to support veterans in rebuilding careers that match their skills and aspirations.
Community and Advocacy Initiatives
Organizations like We the Veterans and Military Families encourage veterans to engage in community-building activities and civic participation. They partner with entities like Google to enhance civic understanding and engagement through digital platforms and skills training.
"Alone we can do so little; but together, we can do our part in supporting and uplifting our military families, making them feel at home no matter where they are in the world." – Blue Star Families
Collaborations with organizations such as Folds of Honor provide support to families of fallen and disabled service members through scholarships and resources.
These initiatives also extend to policy advocacy, pushing for legislative changes that address issues faced by veterans and military families.
Corporate Involvement in Veteran Support
Companies like Anheuser-Busch, Google, and Syracuse University are actively supporting the military community.
- Anheuser-Busch collaborates with Folds of Honor to provide educational scholarships
- Google's initiatives focus on creating pathways for veterans into tech careers
- Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute supports military-connected entrepreneurship
The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales participate in events supporting Folds of Honor, symbolizing patriotism and honoring military sacrifices. As Rocky Sickmann, a Marine veteran and Folds of Honor spokesperson, states, "You can't bring loved ones back, but you can honor their sacrifice."
The challenges faced by military families and veterans are met with support from community programs, educational institutions, and corporate partnerships. These initiatives aim to assist in their transition and integration into civilian life, providing resources, training, and opportunities for success.
- Blue Star Families. Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey. 2019.
- U.S. Department of Education. 8 Keys to Veterans' Success. 2021.
- Google. Grow with Google: Veterans Initiative Report. 2022.
- Syracuse University. D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families Annual Report. 2023.
- Folds of Honor Foundation. Impact Report. 2022.