| Operation Appreciation to Recognize Outstanding Military Children
Blue Star Families unveils plan to offer military child award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tricia Ross
Email: books@bluestarfam.org
Phone: 910-430-4216
 Falls Church, VA — Sending a loved one to war puts enormous stress on families – and children are particularly susceptible. In fact, over 2 million military children have sent a parent to war in recent years, on top of the frequent moves that come with the military lifestyle. Most military children have moved more times in several years than most Americans will their entire lives! Although our military kids do not wear uniforms, families are vital to the mission of our military. While our service members are frequently thanked formally and publicly, their children stand on the sidelines cheering them on. To raise awareness of the challenges and triumphs of military children, Blue Star Families is shining a spotlight on our littles heroes during this special Month of the Military Child. Blue Star Families will allow military families to recognize these dynamic youth by distributing formal, personalized certificates recognizing each individual child's contribution to defending our freedom, supporting our military, and being a vital part of a military family. Families may request a certificate via the Blue Star Families website www.bluestarfam.org/operationappreciation or by emailing OpApp@bluestarfam.org for more details.
About Operation Appreciation
Operation Appreciation, is a nationwide program with the goal of recognizing the millions of military family members supporting our troops. "The goal of the Operation Appreciation program is to thank the family members standing behind our military. A thank you note can mean so much to a military parent, spouse or child," said Mark Smith, executive director of Blue Star Families, Inc. Operation Appreciation letters are distributed to military spouses, children, parents, service members and veterans across the country and throughout the world. About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect and empower military families. In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Membership includes military spouses, children and parents as well as service members, veterans and civilians. To learn more about Blue Star Families, visit http://www.bluestarfam.org. Media requests may be directed to Meghan Wieten-Scott at OpApp@bluestarfam.org or 910-366-9752. | 
