Blue Star Families (BSF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military families and strengthening communities across the United States, is proud to announce that it has partnered with the Washington Nationals on military-focused programming.
Through their Nats on Base initiative, the Nationals aim to provide year-round experiences that contribute to the quality of life for service members and their families in the Washington, D.C. area. The Nationals serve as a resource for senior, regional, and grassroots leadership, working together to develop specialized programming to address issues faced by the military community. The partnership with Blue Star Families will help identify new engagement opportunities as well as increase the reach of the club’s community programming.
Blue Star Families seeks to be a voice for, and frontline resource for, American service members and their families. This collaboration aligns with their mission to help military families combat isolation and find a sense of belonging through baseball and the programs offered by the Nationals.
On September 28, during Blue Star Welcome Week, the Nationals will host the Blue Star Welcome Week at Nationals Park for military families. Representatives from Blue Star Families will be honored on the field during the pre-game ceremonies.
Blue Star Families will launch its annual Welcome Week from September 24, 2022, to October 2, 2022. For an entire week, Blue Star Families is providing fun and creative opportunities for military families to meet and engage with members of their new community, helping to facilitate their transition and creating a greater sense of belonging in their new home. “Baseball is an integral part of the fabric of America and has long shaped and sustained American culture, just as the service and sacrifice that service members and their families have dedicated to this country,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “Military life comes with its fair share of challenges, and activities and programs that focus on creating fun memories help make a monumental difference in the lives of those who serve. Blue Star Families is proud to partner with and have the support of the Washington Nationals, who represent the nation’s capital, and we look forward to bringing the stadium fun to military members, families, and veterans, who are most deserving.”
“When fans come to Nationals Park, they immediately notice the displays of military pomp or military recognitions. But that is really just the tip of the iceberg,” said Gregory McCarthy, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement for the Washington Nationals. “Through a variety of outreach initiatives, including professional development opportunities, intramural support, and educational programs, we can impact military members and their families more intensely where they work, live, and play. The partnership with Blue Star Families will allow us to tailor programming to meet the ever-changing needs of the military community.”
About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families is the largest grassroots organization supporting military families in the country, with a mission to support military families to improve military readiness. Its distinctive approach builds stronger communities around military families through knowledge and programs that address the unique needs of those who serve. Blue Star Families’ nationally recognized research and analysis give military families an important voice that informs policymakers and their programs for military families. It leverages the power of its collective resources and cross-sector collaborations to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of military family members, strengthening the troops, their families, and our nation as a whole. For more information, including upcoming events for Blue Star Families Welcome Week and participation opportunities, visit bluestarfam.org.
About Nats on Base
The Washington Nationals are committed to enhancing the quality of life for citizens in the Washington, D.C. area. Our primary focus is on initiatives that honor military families, encourage youth participation in baseball and softball, and support K-12 education in our community.
As the home of the national pastime in the nation’s capital, the Washington Nationals take pride in working with the large community of military bases, facilities, and hospitals that serve as permanent or temporary homes for service members and their families living in the area.
For more information, visit www.nationals.com/military.
Source: Blue Star Families