On 5 Minute Salute – sponsored by MAVD, our host Chris Budihas talks to veterans making a difference in their communities. Today, Chris has the honor to speak with Wendy Layton of Blue Star Families.
Short description of you or your company: We empower families to thrive as they serve. We are committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support.
What Is Your Why (Why Do You Do What You Do)?: I love to serve the military and veteran families in this community because I understand the unique challenges of being a military family. Getting to a new duty station and starting over. It is my true passion. Helping these families find their way here is so meaningful. I am able to help connect them to local resources in Jacksonville and provide fun opportunities to get them out in the community.
How did you get started in your field or work?: I was an elementary education major and accidentally landed in a job at the Mayport USO. I knew this is the work I was meant to do. That was 25 years ago.
What’s one thing we should know that makes you or your company unique?: We are the largest grassroots non-profit serving military & veteran families in the country. We understand the challenges of military lifestyle because we have lived it. We also advocate at the highest levels of government for our families to have a better quality of life. We are constantly trying to address the issues faced by not only currently serving but veterans as well.
What are your biggest goals in the next 6 to 12 Months?: We want to continue to expand our chapter models across the country and be able to serve our families where they live. We are hoping to have outpost locations where we don’t have chapters. We are always looking for partnerships in our local communities to offer more programming.
