Purple Stars: A Mission for Engaging and Supporting Military Families
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders podcast, host Dave welcomes Sarah, a Military Family Resiliency Specialist from Kentucky. Sarah, who has been making a significant difference at local, regional, and national levels, delves into her background, growing up in a military family. She shares poignant personal stories, including her father's deployments, her brothers' military experiences, and the tragic loss of her older brother to suicide, which deeply impacted her family.
Sarah's journey into the realm of prevention was marked by a transformative experience when she attended a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training. This experience underscored the importance of upstream prevention and the immense power of information. As she discusses the nuances of engaging with military families, Sarah emphasizes the need to understand their unique challenges. She highlights the establishment of the Purple Star Award program in schools, which aims to recognize and support military-connected students. This initiative, along with her collaborations with the VA and other military organizations, showcases her commitment to the cause.
Building resiliency in military families is a key focus for Sarah. She talks about offering evidence-based curriculum and training to these families and the role of schools in supporting military students. Community engagement and understanding stand out as crucial elements in her approach. Sarah also generously shares a list of resources and recommendations for further support, including "Make the Connection," the "VA Community Provider Toolkit," "Sesame Street for Military Families," the "Military Child Education Coalition," "Military OneSource," and "KYPurpleStar.org."
Notable and Quotable moments from Sarah:
"It's not just about the person in uniform; it's the entire family that serves. We're the backbone, the unsung heroes behind the scenes."
"Every move, every deployment, every challenge... it's a new chapter, a new story. But through it all, our community's bond is what keeps us grounded."
"The strength of a military spouse is like no other; we adapt, we overcome, and we stand resilient."
"Our journeys are filled with hellos and goodbyes, but each one leaves an indelible mark on our hearts."
"Behind every strong service member is an even stronger spouse, holding down the fort and keeping the home fires burning."
Key Takeaways
Challenges Beyond the Battlefield: Military families navigate frequent relocations and the absence of loved ones.
Unsung Heroes: Military spouses ensure households run smoothly, acting as both caregiver and decision-maker.
Power of Community: A supportive community offers military families emotional support and a sense of belonging.
Sarah's Dedication: Sarah bridges the gap between military and civilian worlds, spotlighting sacrifices and triumphs behind the scenes.
Episode Links:
