Attorney, Entrepreneur, Senior Business Executive, and Philanthropist
Since 2016, Blue Star Families and Starbucks have joined forces each holiday season to put up Yellow Ribbon Trees in participating Starbucks stores across the country. And the mission of these trees? To inspire store-goers—whether military-affiliated or civilian—to hang an ornament in honor of local service members who are away for the holidays.
Read more: Blue Star Neighbor Starbucks Honors MilFams with Yellow Ribbon Trees Across the Country
Tonight, the Blue Star Neighbors Celebration recognized military supporters from across the country and celebrated the 10th anniversary of Blue Star Families at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce building in Washington, D.C.
The Blue Star Neighbors Celebration is an annual celebration of the spirit of America – the kindness of military supporters across the country and their impact on the military family community.
Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, was awarded the Constance J. Milstein Philanthropic Award. Craig recently provided a gift of $1,000,000 to help fund the Craig Newmark Greater New York Chapter of Blue Star Families. He also contributes as a member of the Blue Star Families Board of Directors.
Recognition was also given to The Walt Disney Company with the Corporate Neighbor Award. Susan Masser was awarded the 2019 Blue Star Neighbor Award.
Several military leaders were in attendance including Secretary of the Army Mark Esper who participated in the award presentations.
Military kids are amazing and can accomplish extraordinary things based on the lessons they learn through their unique experiences! But they also sometimes face challenges that come from being part of a military family.
militarykidsconnect.dcoe.mil is a great resource to share with military families during this #MonthoftheMilitaryChild.
This summer, Blue Star Families is partnering with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of Defense and thousands of museums across the country to offer free admission to Blue Star Museums for active duty military personnel and their families. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, over 2,000 museums are offering this great opportunity for military families to create special memories together. Learn more.
Please take a moment this Memorial Day to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. We must never forget the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.