A recent survey released by Blue Star Families in partnership with Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families shows the current challenges faced by today's servicemembers and their relatives. About 6,200 people took part in the survey, including active servicemembers, armed forces family members and veterans.
Blue Star, a nonprofit, aims to shed light on the difficulties faced by military families in order to better understand how to empower and help them.
The White House praised the work done by the group, which was formed in 2009. According to WhiteHouse.gov, the organization has been influential in helping military families all across the country build connections with one another. The group also puts on fundraisers to provide a variety of services to military families – from children's books to discounted theater tickets.
This year marks the fifth Blue Star survey, and it increased the focus on financial issues, mental health and the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life. Topping the list of concerns were military lifestyle uncertainty, military spouse employment, impact of deployment on military children, changes to retirement benefits and military pay and benefits, according to the survey results.
The survey revealed some uplifting facts as well. For example, 80 percent of military couples report being very happy with their spouses, and 60 percent indicated that the military lifestyle has taught their children adaptability skills.