Getting serious support for military families
We owe a lot to military families. They sacrifice a lot so that family members can help protect the country, but the country doesn't do enough for them.
People at Blue Star Families and the Bob Woodruff Foundation have been telling me that for years, and it sunk in, not well enough, a coupla years ago, and I contributed some millions to address military family food insecurity.
Last week, I attended an event at God's Love We Deliver which helps address food insecurity, included Veterans Affairs secretary Denis McDonough and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Then, I went with Blue Star Families to visit the Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro. He agrees that we don't do enough for active service members and their families. That's a big problem for force retention, and that's a big problem for national security.
Overall, military families are moved around in the hundreds of thousands every year, which makes problems like the cost of housing, daycare, and food much worse.
Moves to other states might mean that military spouses in licensed jobs, like truck driving or cosmetics, aren't paid while waiting for new licensing.
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Maybe the biggest problem is the need for a military family in transition is to be welcomed and made part of the family networks in a new location.
The many moves and constantly broken networks leave military families vulnerable and isolated, resulting in food insecurity and mental health challenges.
Part of the solution is for communities to create a sense of Welcome, which is why Blue Star Families suggested I become the national Chair of Blue Star Welcome week with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Joe Dunford.?There is something everyone in every community can do to foster a sense of belonging.
In NYC, it's the Newmark chapter of Blue Star Families
This is all a work in progress, my deal is my commitment to learning a lot more, and, to follow through. Please demand more of me, as I learn more.
Documentary Filmmaker
1 年Craig, sorry I missed you in DC was there that day and would’ve loved to have joined you. Per your newsletter I think you’re down playing a role in influencing the masses. I truly believe that you indeed have the “rizz.” I agree entirely on your two priorities. Taking care of our military past and present, and taking the threat of cyber war as an existential threat. We’re essentially in our fourth industrial revolution. Our battles will be in cyberspace. Did you make your 50th reunion at MHS? Mine is October. Hoping to make myself “tizzy” over the next few weeks. I’ll keep you posted.
Wellness Enthusiast | Business Owner | Lifeguard | Mentor | Non Profit Executive | Retired Naval Officer
1 年Appreciate these initiatives, they are right. But having been raised a Navy Junior for my entire childhood, and having completed a 28 year Naval career I see the experiences as more positive than negative. There are many wonderful attributes and characteristics from being a military child and it seems we overlook this as we try to help. The 1% of the population serving in uniform are special and their experiences shape them, usually for the better, and their children build habits and talents they might not have if they were not raised in a military family. Those skills are invaluable. I'd overarch the positives as we seek ways to help.
Operations Manager at $insation$.
1 年The America way! there is BIG money in this none military service, much more than the veterans who served! NO! you did not serve for, a life for a life 'Valar Morghulis', everybody who serves dies for the America people, dead is dead period, its all the same but we are talkin about the living, spouses and dependants right? so what if you have no family? NO money in that so nobody cares!
Independent Long-Term Care and Life Insurance Specialist.
1 年Craig, thank you for everything you are doing! But let me ask, could it be more effective to work on reducing unnecessary military relocations rather than on trying to mitigate their impact? Anybody else has opinions to share? And if you are up to solving even a bigger problem, relocations and the related human cost of them is not unique to military. In pursuit of job and careers so many families and friendships are weakened and broken. It is especially harmful for the very young and very old. That's why it's so important to build stable communities that are good to grow up and grow old. But it's a difficult task that won't earn many accolades. Please feel free to contact me via my company's page www.lionheartfp.com
Video Producer at Black Bald Films LLC
1 年Hello Mr. Newmark, I would love it if you please watch my first feature documentary about the #BuffaloSoldiersPBS airing this June on PBS? Craig Newmark