Military Families United

By Rita Boland, Signal Magazine

November 2011

For families who pay the ultimate price for freedom, another type of support is necessary. Military Families United (MFU) represents Gold and Blue Star families—those who have lost a loved one or have one serving—advocating for them and for veterans in Congress and offering them help. One of the organization’s main programs is to put on luncheons throughout the country where Gold Star families can meet each other. Through the lunches, attendees form bonds and relationships that last long after the meal. Families who want to speak at the events have a chance to share their loved ones’ stories. Brian Jodice from MFU says, “It’s not just about how they died...it’s about how they lived their lives up to that moment.” It also gives family members help with the healing process, he adds.

In addition, the organization is putting together the only comprehensive online database of those killed in the line of duty dating back to World War II. Named the National Gold Star Family Registry, it will be searchable and scalable. “It’s essentially an online memorial to the fallen,” Jodice explains. But rather than simply a list of names and dates, loved ones, including friends and unit members, will be able to go on the site and leave tributes to the heroes listed.

Though the registry is a large undertaking, Jodice says MFU is passionate about it both to support military families and to help everyone understand who these brave men and women were. He adds that the organization would be willing to talk to technology firms who could offer assistance and ideas. And MFU welcomes anyone who would like to donate, spread the word or join the organization to participate. Membership is open to all patriotic Americans.

To support Blue Star families, the charity runs Camp Desert Kids. This one-day event is held at various military installations across the country to teach kids about deployment and help them feel more comfortable with their parents’ absence. Participants have their passports stamped as they learn about the culture and environment where their parents are serving. “Essentially, it’s Afghanistan for a day,” Jodice says. The kids even can vote for their favorite Afghan food, using the inked finger method of elections in that country.

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