Spotlight on Military Families: Blue Star Families Presents at the Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit

By Brooke Blaalid | Associate Director of Policy 

Blue Star Families was honored to participate in this year’s Congressional Military Family Caucus (CMFC) Summit, a convening dedicated to elevating the voices and needs of military families. The Summit brought together Members of Congress, policymakers, military leaders, and advocates from across the country to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families.

Our Associate Director of Policy presented findings from the 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS) — the most comprehensive annual survey of military families nationwide. The data underscored several pressing issues that remain top of mind for military families:

• Housing: Families continue to struggle with both the availability and affordability of housing near duty stations. Rising costs and limited options put added strain on family stability.
• Spouse Employment: Military spouse unemployment rates remain stubbornly high, significantly above the national average. Frequent relocations and a lack of flexible opportunities limit economic security for families.
• Childcare: Access to affordable, high-quality childcare remains one of the most cited barriers for both service members and spouses, impacting family readiness and overall well-being.
• Healthcare: Both active-duty and veteran families continue to report concerns about timely access to care, with shortages in primary and specialty providers creating additional stress.
• Veteran Transition: Transitioning service members and their families often face uncertainty, from navigating benefits to securing employment and housing, highlighting the need for stronger support systems.

By presenting these findings, we aimed to ensure that military family perspectives remain at the forefront of policy discussions on Capitol Hill. Events like the CMFC Summit remind us of the importance of collaboration among policymakers, community organizations, and military families themselves in identifying solutions that improve the quality of life.

At Blue Star Families, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of military families, advocating for meaningful change, and ensuring that those who serve — and their loved ones — have the support they need to thrive.