Many Paths, One Mission

by Chavelle Zackery | JPMC Financial Wellness Fellow ‘25

Less than 20% of congressional staff have military experience or affiliation. This means that in the very spaces where decisions are made about military and veteran families, the lived experiences of those directly impacted are often missing. On September 10, 2025, that changed.

The Blue Star Families United Military Families Campaign Class of 2025 Fellows walked the halls of Capitol Hill not only as advocates, but as storytellers. We carried with us the voices of families across the nation. The stories of those who are often overlooked, and we shared both the challenges and the values that unite us as a community. While our graduation from the fellowship was a celebration of growth and achievement, the very next day, we took on a mission far greater than ourselves: to advocate, to educate, and to push for change.

We often say, “Support our troops.” But true support is not found in words alone. It is realized in the policies that strengthen military families, protect their stability, and honor their sacrifices.

At its heart, Blue Star Families exists to connect military families with their civilian neighbors, bridging understanding and fostering community. On Capitol Hill, we lived out that mission. We invited lawmakers and staff to see military life through our eyes and to consider how thoughtful policy can improve everyday realities for those who serve and those who love them.

I am deeply proud of what this fellowship cohort accomplished. Together, we elevated issues that span the entire spectrum of military life: from spousal employment and military fatherhood, to cybersecurity of family data, to the unique struggles of single parents and guardians in uniform, and the well-being of military children. Each fellow brought forward their lived experience and research, and in doing so, ensured that no corner of our community went unrepresented.

This year’s theme, Many Paths, One Mission, could not have been more fitting. We came to this fellowship with different backgrounds, different affiliations, and different knowledge of military and veteran issues. Yet we were united by a shared mission: to ensure that every military family has a voice in the policies that shape their lives.

From meaningful conversations with congressional leaders to a Capitol tour that reminded us of the weight of history, Fellows Hill Day was the culmination of our fellowship year. It was not just an ending, but a beginning. A call to continue the work of advocacy beyond the walls of Congress and into every community where military families live and serve.

What a way to close this chapter: standing together, advocating in one of the most powerful spaces in our nation, and proving that when diverse voices unite, change is possible. To the 2025 Cohort, thank you for reminding us all what we came here to do.