Jennie Taylor recently joined the Advisory Board of the Utah chapter of the national non-profit organization Blue Star Families, an organization serving military families.

“Her name kept coming up as a perfect fit for our organization,” shared Marcie Valdez, Executive Director of the Blue Star Families Utah chapter. “It’s a win-win for both our organizations, identifying different needs and gaps that we can work together to fill.”

If you are a military family, an active-duty service member, a veteran/veteran family, or a civilian supporter, you can become a member of the local chapter, which is free.

Blue Star Families began as a grassroots effort by military spouses on the east coast in 2009. The Utah chapter was formed in 2019, right before Covid hit.

“Which was a blessing in a lot of ways because it allowed Blue Star Families to pivot, and begin offering online workshops and different ways for people to connect,” shared Marcie.

So, what exactly does the Blue Star Families organization do?

“There’s so many challenges that come along with military life, especially during a deployment. And, not only with active-duty, but also our reservists, the National Guard, and their families.

“More than 70% of active-duty families live in the community. Sometimes it can be hard to integrate, especially if you didn’t grow up here,” Marcie shared. “In the case of reservists/National Guard and their families, when they’re deployed it can be hard to find people who can relate to what they’re dealing with. How beautiful is it that we have the opportunity to build this community of mutual support.”

Blue Star Families’ greatest focus is providing opportunities for engagement between military members and the community.

“We’ll host community events, for instance, during the Month of the Military Child, and the Month of the Military Spouse. We have three core programs on which we focus,” shared Marcie.

The three programs are welcome activities, introducing new families to Utah; caregiver support, giving military caregivers a chance to recharge;  and Blue Star Careers, helping military spouses find their passion, their career.

“One can never discount the importance of volunteerism, and it’s wonderful to include on a resume! With the support of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation we’ve found a way to connect our Blue Star Family members to volunteer and engage with the Foundation,” said Marcie.

In Utah we have over 43,000 military-connected families, and 150,000 Veterans.

“It’s really an honor to have Jennie serve on our Advisory Board. She’ll help guide our Utah mission and vision to ensure that we’re serving ALL military families,” continued Marcie.

On Tuesday, February 18, Jennie, Marcie, and Blue Star Families CEO and Board President, Kathy Roth-Douquet met with Utah Governor Spencer Cox, to thank him for the work he does to support military families, and to raise awareness of the Blue Star Family organization.

“Utah leads the nation in policies that support military families,” shared Marcie. “Other states can look to Utah as an example of good policy supporting military families. The state has implemented policies that make it easier for families to enroll their children in public schools and maintain engagement with sports and other activities; and in protecting benefits military spouses work hard to earn and could typically lose when they move to a new duty station.”

Marcie said that they look to the families they serve to help identify the best way to serve them in the community.

“With Jennie on the board we’re fortunate to have her voice in helping guide our programming, and our mission,” praised Marcie.

For additional information on the Blue Star Family organization visit their website.

(Photo above: L-R) Brian Garrett, Deputy Director for Utah Division of Military Affairs, Jennie Taylor, Governor Spencer Cox; Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet, Utah Chapter Executive Director Marcie Valdez, Program Director Madeline McDonald; and Gary Harter, Executive Director, Utah Division of Military and Veteran Affairs, on February 18, 2025 at the Governor’s Office.