Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, here for a live Q&A. What questions do you have about our services for military families?

Kathy Roth-Douquet — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:06:39 -0500

*RP Staff will be monitoring this discussion*

The largest of its kind, Blue Star Families’ annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey is one of the most important resources for understanding the current state of the military community.

DOWNLOAD FREE >>> bluestarfam.us/rallysurvey

Kathy Roth-Douquet is an advocate for the role of the military in civil society; she is an author, nonprofit leader, attorney, and former government official. Currently she is CEO of Blue Star Families, the largest Chapter-based nonprofit organization serving active duty of all branches, Guard and Reserve, wounded, and transitioning veterans and their families. Blue Star Families mission is to strengthen military families and our nation by connecting communities and fostering leadership to millions of people. Kathy Roth-Douquet received her B.A. from Bryn Mawr College, her MPA in International Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University where she held a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, and a JD from the University of San Diego School of Law, Magna Cum Laude and the Order of the Coif. While serving at the Pentagon as Principal Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Acting) she received the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service for her work on defense reform. She is also a recipient of President George H. W. Bush’s Daily Point of Light Award, and most recently received the Chief of Staff of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Award. Kathy is a commentator on patriotism, civil-military affairs, the value of service, and the experience of military families. She has appeared on the Today Show, Fox and Friends, CNN, NPR, has been a frequent contributor to USA Today, and is a frequent public speaker. She is an author, most notably of “AWOL: The Unexcused Absence of America’s Upper Classes from Military Service and How it Hurts Our Country” (Collins, 2006). She is a practicing attorney, a member of the Small Business Association Advisory Board, and is Co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center Defense Reform Task Force. She is a military spouse of 18 years, four deployments, and 9 moves. She lives with her husband and two children in Northern Virginia.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 11 at 2018 2:16 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:16:43 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet Where did You find the Time to Write a Book (I've got to Get a Copy it sounds Great) with all the PCS, Raising Children, Improving Your Education. Your Next Book should be on Time Management, I'm Sure We Could all Use Your Advice.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 2:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 14:21:55 -0500

I would like more information on how to volunteer for Blue Star and other great organization that you're apart of! I will connect with you and send you a message.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 3:11 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 15:11:23 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet Thank you for leading a great organization. What is the number one issue faced by Blue Star Families?

https://bluestarfam.org/

Home - Blue Star Families

Did you know there are many ways you can support military families? Here at Blue Star Families, we're all about choices. We know that one size doesn't fit all.

Response by PVT Patty Mike Figueras made Jan 11 at 2018 6:57 PM

PVT Patty Mike Figueras — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 18:57:25 -0500

Army. Son has a Collapsed Lung. He's okay but Army doc says he can't be in the Army with this. What do you know about this? Thanks

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 12 at 2018 12:05 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 00:05:53 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet thanks for joining us! What has been your favorite memory of working with Blue Star Families?

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 12 at 2018 1:04 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 01:04:02 -0500

First thank you for taking the time and joining us here on RP and as well for all the good work you have done in supporting the military community. A good friend was KIA in 2011 and has two children as such I want to make sure his kids are squared away. Being that they are 5 or 6 years away from college what if any services are offered by Blue Star Families that are geared toward education.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Jan 12 at 2018 10:24 AM

CPO Nate S. — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:24:11 -0500

Dear Mrs. Roth-Douquet,

Thank you for being here.

What is the single biggest challenge to senior NCOs, especially retired senior NCOs, transitioning? I have been retired > 20 yrs now and it still seems senior NCOs are still the most under-utilized group of men and women in the civilian workforce today.

What, in your opinion, are the real reasons why civilians do not understand about the waste in human resources that is also lending itself to the high veteran suicide rates? I say this because, my son shared with me that he has had several client spouses come into his bank where he is a manager devastated that they have lost a once proud and productive spouse because potential civilian employers lack the skills and understanding of how to effectively recruit, employ and then properly utilize this highly skilled talent pool.

In short, what will it take improve non-DoD civilian understanding regarding the waste taking place in this group of human resources?

Thank you!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 12 at 2018 12:28 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 12:28:18 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet thank you for joining us here on RallyPoint. Question- what inspired you to start Blue Star Families? Clearly it has required years and years of hard work and dedication from you and your team. What are some high points and low points that you remember about your journey with BSF? COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" can you guys help mass effects on this awesome thread? Thanks, bros.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 12 at 2018 8:06 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:06:12 -0500

Thanks for taking the time to address question son RallyPoint Kathy Roth-Douquet
According to the Blue Star Family homepage the focus seems to be embodied in this paragraph "Through our partnerships, Blue Star Families provides free resources, services, and opportunities to more than 1.5 million military family members—making military life more sustainable. Frequent moves, deployments, and transitions can make it hard for military families to establish strong, trusted networks. We bridge the gap between military family communities and the general public."
https://bluestarfam.org/
The growth of Blue Star Families since 2009 is impressive and indicates a void that needed to be filled.
1. Which issues faced by Blue Star Families should be addressed by the Congress, Department of Defense and Military Services to reduce the varied demand on your organizations chapters so they could focus on areas that the chapters are strong in such as those which benefit from personal relationships?

Home - Blue Star Families

Did you know there are many ways you can support military families? Here at Blue Star Families, we're all about choices. We know that one size doesn't fit all.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2018 2:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 02:27:54 -0500

Thanks for coming on here to answer our questions. I would like to ask you about our roles of an FRG and how the military could interact with their civilian spouses effectively. I have seen some FRGs that have been nothing more than a tool to complain for their spouse. I have recently seen an FRG meeting that seemed to be very effective. I will one day be a company commander. I hope that I could offer my support in a manner that leaves a lasting impact. What would you advise for us officers and commanders that could help?

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 13 at 2018 2:28 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 02:28:08 -0500

Not a question but a comment, for Military families that live in our town of Millis, Massachusetts, our American Legion, Post 208, Millis, MA provides free of charge a Blue Star banner for the family of members of the US Armed Forces that reside in our town. We also provide the same for an family within our town that have lost a family member and are Gold Star families. Another thing our Legion Post will do is pay for the Membership of any Town resident who in on active duty with the US Armed Forces during the entire time of their active duty service. We have had the Gold Star Mothers come and speak at one of our Post meeting to our membership also. I have always loved living in a Town such as Millis, Massachusetts where it is a very pro Veteran community. Even our Town Hall has been named the Veterans Memorial Building with displays inside and outside a Veteran's Memorial park.

Thank You for taking the time and effort Yourself to work for the Veterans and the families of our Veteran's of the US Armed Forces.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 13 at 2018 7:49 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 07:49:27 -0500

No questions ma'am, just wish to thank you for your dedication.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 13 at 2018 4:11 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 16:11:16 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet, my thanks to you for all your efforts with Blue Star Families. I wish continued success to your organization as it ministers to military families.
Your book (in collaboration with Frank Schaeffer) entitled, “AWOL: The Unexcused Absence of America's Upper Classes from Military Service -- and How It Hurts Our Country” discusses how “the absence of the leadership classes from the military and how that absence creates a failure of democracy. When those who make, support and protest defense policy to the greatest effect have the least actual experience with military – either through their own service, or the service of those close to them – America does not get the best policy possible. Moreover, the class gap harms our nation's solidarity and ability to sustain engagements.”
This work was published in 2006. Do you believe this trend has continued? Has the new administration been helpful in reversing this trend in your opinion?

Response by SPC Britanny Winnie Balthaser made Jan 13 at 2018 8:05 PM

SPC Britanny *Winnie* Balthaser — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 20:05:33 -0500

Hi Mrs. Roth-Douquet,

My mom was invited to a blue star family banquet when I deployed about 11 years ago. I seemingly remember how supportive they were for my parents when I was overseas. I am now an Army Spouse and find that it can be especially difficult to find a happy medium for some spouses. I was an FRG Leader due to my experience in the service and because the commander's wife was active duty with other commitments. I found the most difficult thing was making spouses feel comfortable with the military side of things as well as ensuring that we weren't there to gossip and badmouth anyone. How would you recommend educating both military and families on how to be in a happy medium to understand how each of their roles is just as important as the other? Thank you for taking the time out of what I assume is a very busy schedule.

Response by SFC Joseph Vega made Jan 13 at 2018 9:59 PM

SFC Joseph Vega — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 21:59:00 -0500

Happy that you are an advocate for your organization we have a reunion for the 3RD BN 71ST ADA that you might want to contact its on facebook

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 14 at 2018 4:49 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 16:49:17 -0500

RALLYPOINT CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO ITS MEMBERS!

RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH Kathy Roth-Douquet Wednesday, 17 January 2018.

WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK KATHY ROTH-DOUQUET THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT HER ROLE AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT BLUE STAR FAMILIES, THE LARGEST CHAPTER-BASED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVIING ACTIVE DUTY OF ALL BRANCHES, GUARD AND RESERVE, WOUNDED, AND TRANSITIONING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR KATHY ROTH-DOUQUET IN ADVANCE ON TOPICS ABOUT THE BLUE STAR FAMILIES, HER EXPERIENCE WORKING AS THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (ACTING), HER ROLE AS AN ATTORNEY, AND HER LEADESRHIP IN GENERAL.

PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/kathy-roth-douquet-ceo-and-president-of-blue-star-families-here-for-a-live-q-a-wednesday-what-questions-do-you-have-for-me

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.

YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and President of Blue Star Families, here for a live Q&A Wednesday. What...

Kathy Roth-Douquet is an advocate for the role of the military in civil society; she is an author, nonprofit leader, attorney, and former government official. Currently she is CEO of Blue Star Families, the largest Chapter-based nonprofit organization serving active duty of all branches, Guard and Reserve, wounded, and transitioning veterans and their families. Blue Star Families mission is to strengthen military families and our nation by...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 4:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 16:51:58 -0500

No questions here for you today, nothing significant to report except have a happy Martin Luther King day tomorrow!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 14 at 2018 4:52 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 16:52:18 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet I have two questions for you:

1. What is your biggest challenge in keeping all the Chapters on for the Blue Star Families on the same sheet of music (Operationally communicating as one)?

2. What is your recommendation to Non-Profits when it comes to fundraising for their organizations?

Thank you, Mikel

Response by Kimberly Bilyeu made Jan 14 at 2018 6:00 PM

Kimberly Bilyeu — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 18:00:14 -0500

God Bless you!!

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Jan 14 at 2018 6:38 PM

A1C Ian Williams — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 18:38:13 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet I came across this informational read the other day https://www.ny.gov/new-york-state-paid-family-leave/paid-family-leave-information-employees and my hope is that it will also apply for domestic deployments as well. I work hard to serve my country with my full attention. Will Blue Star Families be advocating for an expansion of the new regulations to allow those with domestic deployments to have the same protection for their loved ones? COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Paid Family Leave: Information for Employees

Starting January 1, 2018, the Paid Family Leave Program will provide New Yorkers job-protected paid leave to bond with a new child, care for a sick loved one or to help relieve family pressures when someone is called to active military service.

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Jan 14 at 2018 6:40 PM

Sgt Albert Castro — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 18:40:36 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet Welcome to the RP Ma'am.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 7:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 19:39:07 -0500

Kathy Roth-Douquet Hello. Does Blue Star Families have a program which can facilitate child care for soldiers who travel TDY, ADSW, TAD, TDT ... ?

Response by Bobby Heuring made Jan 15 at 2018 10:48 AM

Bobby Heuring — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 10:48:59 -0500

Question I'm civilian but my father was in the Marines now deceased I follow because of him could not serve due to born hearing loss does this bother any of the ones who served

Response by SP5 Billy Mullins made Jan 15 at 2018 12:27 PM

SP5 Billy Mullins — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 12:27:27 -0500

I just want to say THANK YOU for all your service to our country and to the Blue Star families and all the other veterans you serve. As a fellow Virginian i hope to hear you speak hear in Va.

Response by MSG Mark Million made Jan 16 at 2018 11:54 AM

MSG Mark Million — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:54:21 -0500

Thank You for looking out for out veterans Ma'am!

Response by SP5 Dennis Dorsey made Jan 16 at 2018 2:24 PM

SP5 Dennis Dorsey — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:24:21 -0500

Even though I contribute to my state military families, what more could I do locally?

Response by LCpl William E Thompson made Jan 16 at 2018 7:09 PM

LCpl William E Thompson — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 19:09:02 -0500

How do I get my 1059 and what is it

Response by PO3 Pamela Priscilla Gordy made Jan 17 at 2018 11:30 AM

PO3 Pamela Priscilla Gordy — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 11:30:50 -0500

I am a Navy veteran. I currently have 3 sons serving in the Army and a daughter enlisting soon, into the Navy. I am a proud "3 Blue Star Mom".

Response by SSG David Andrews made Jan 17 at 2018 6:56 PM

SSG David Andrews — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 18:56:38 -0500

No questions. Thank you for coming on here and thank you for your service to Blue Star families and to veterans.

Response by PO2 Kristine Lilja-King made Apr 4 at 2018 8:41 AM

PO2 Kristine Lilja-King — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 08:41:21 -0400

As well as being a veteran myself, my son served two tours in Iraq (2005 & 2007). I consider myself a Blue Star Mother, but never officially joined the organization. What are the criteria for becoming an official Blue Star Member?

Response by SFC Dagmar Riley made Jun 28 at 2018 1:31 AM

SFC Dagmar Riley — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 01:31:27 -0400

Thank you Kathy Roth-Douquet for all you do for the Blue Star Families! I have not had the pleasure yet to read your book but am planning on it. The few questions and answers I’ve seen on here, made me wonder why you feel it is that the upper class is absent? Could it have something to do with how our Veterans have been treated by having to fight for months/years to get treated fairly in getting claims processed by the VA or to get timely and proper treatment for service connected injuries/illnesses? I’ve heard from young kids often that they don’t want to wind up being a statistic and have to fight to get help if injured by their service and wind up like someone they know.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jun 28 at 2018 3:50 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 15:50:06 -0400

Can someone tell me where you get a Blue Star Family flag? What are the qualifications for a family to have one in their window at home?

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, here for a live Q&A. What questions do you have about our services for military families?

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, here for a live Q&A. What questions do you have about our services for military families?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 11 at 2018 2:16 PM

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 2:21 PM

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 3:11 PM

Response by PVT Patty Mike Figueras made Jan 11 at 2018 6:57 PM

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 12 at 2018 12:05 AM

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 12 at 2018 1:04 AM

Response by CPO Nate S. made Jan 12 at 2018 10:24 AM

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 12 at 2018 12:28 PM

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 12 at 2018 8:06 PM

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2018 2:27 AM

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jan 13 at 2018 2:28 AM

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 13 at 2018 7:49 AM

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 13 at 2018 4:11 PM

Response by SPC Britanny *Winnie* Balthaser made Jan 13 at 2018 8:05 PM

Response by SFC Joseph Vega made Jan 13 at 2018 9:59 PM

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 14 at 2018 4:49 PM

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 4:51 PM

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 14 at 2018 4:52 PM

Response by Kimberly Bilyeu made Jan 14 at 2018 6:00 PM

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Jan 14 at 2018 6:38 PM

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Jan 14 at 2018 6:40 PM

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 7:39 PM

Response by Bobby Heuring made Jan 15 at 2018 10:48 AM

Response by SP5 Billy Mullins made Jan 15 at 2018 12:27 PM

Response by MSG Mark Million made Jan 16 at 2018 11:54 AM

Response by SP5 Dennis Dorsey made Jan 16 at 2018 2:24 PM

Response by LCpl William E Thompson made Jan 16 at 2018 7:09 PM

Response by PO3 Pamela Priscilla Gordy made Jan 17 at 2018 11:30 AM

Response by SSG David Andrews made Jan 17 at 2018 6:56 PM

Response by PO2 Kristine Lilja-King made Apr 4 at 2018 8:41 AM

Response by SFC Dagmar Riley made Jun 28 at 2018 1:31 AM

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jun 28 at 2018 3:50 PM

Response by SPC Britanny Winnie Balthaser made Jan 13 at 2018 8:05 PM