New Jersey has become the fourth state in the nation to sign on to the “Do Your Part” initiative created by Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association.
Governor Phil Murphy made the announcement on Sunday, September 14 during the annual Pass and Review ceremony at the New Jersey National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt.
The Pass and Review is a long-standing tradition in which the state’s governor reviews the soldiers and airmen of New Jersey’s National Guard.
“We are honored to support every military family and veteran who calls the Garden State home,” said Murphy. “Whether it’s finding housing, accessing mental health services, or pursuing job training, we will stand with them every step of the way. They represent the very best of us, and they deserve nothing less than the very best in return.”
New Jersey joins Maryland, Utah and North Carolina as “Do Your Part” states.
Enacting this initiative helps states identify, prioritize, and implement best practices and programs to support military families and help them better connect with the communities where they live.
“New Jersey’s recognition as a ‘Do Your Part’ state underscores our unwavering commitment to our service members, veterans and families,” said Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, the Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we not only honor their sacrifices but also remain dedicated to providing the resources, support and advocacy they deserve.”
Kathy Roth-Douquet, the CEO of Blue Star Families and philanthropist and New Jersey native Craig Newmark were awarded the Civilian Commendation Medal by Murphy at the Pass and Review for their support of military families.
“Governor Murphy truly stood up for active-duty, guard and reserve, and veterans’ families,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. “By recognizing the remarkable generosity of Craig Newmark, and Blue Star Families’ growing impact in the state, the Governor is not only supporting military families, he is building a legacy of care and commitment that others can follow and do their part.”
Blue Star Families is a national nonprofit organization. It supports families of currently serving military members — as well as veterans – connecting them with their communities so they can thrive where they serve.
Also acknowledged for its support of military families at the Pass and Review was the Military Support Alliance of New Jersey (MSA-NJ), an Outpost organization of Blue Star Families.
Outpost organizations are like-minded partner organizations in states where Blue Star Families does not have a chapter.
“Becoming a Blue Star Outpost has allowed MSA-NJ to leverage the considerable resources of Blue Star Families in ways that help us do much more for our military families in New Jersey than we could do on our own,” said Gino Sciorilli, president of the MSA-NJ.
The Do Your Part initiative, launched in 2023, is led by Blue Star Families with support from Newmark and in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA).
