Outdoors Leader Consultant

FCPS and partners host resource fair for military families at West Springfield High School. Fairfax County Public Schools partnered with Blue Star Families to host the Mission Ready: Back to School Resource Fair at West Springfield High School on Aug. 1, providing military families with supplies, information, and community connections as they prepare for the new school year. Jack, an 11th grader at Robinson Secondary School who has lived in several states due to his family's military background, said, "You learn to adapt in different environments. You learn to find different teachers you like and just people you want to be around." His father, Matt Giffen, a nearly 20-year Army veteran, said moving frequently offers unique opportunities: "The opportunity of moving all the time is they get to see a bunch of stuff that most people don't: trying new foods, seeing new cultures." The event marked its third year and was open to active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and veteran families. At the fair, families collected information from FCPS offices and community partners while children picked up supplies and participated in games. Katie Server, FCPS family partnerships specialist, said the goal extends beyond distributing school supplies. "We're really committed to working on building relationships for our military families," Server said. "Bringing everybody together really lets them have that village around them that they need to feel welcome, feel like they belong, and to help with anything they may need." Deborah Judy, Navy spouse and FCPS parent who recently relocated from England with her family for their first experience in Fairfax County schools, said it was helpful having support specifically for military-connected students: "It was nice to have a military liaison counselor... It was a positive experience. And it was a good transition." Supporting students so they feel safe and included is Goal 2 of the 2023-30 FCPS Strategic Plan. The initiative also aligns with efforts for FCPS schools becoming a Purple Star Division equipped for serving military-connected students. Jessica Giffen expressed appreciation for returning to familiar surroundings: "My oldest had been there already... They asked to come back because they enjoyed their experience so much last time we were here." She added about school events tailored toward military families: "This program has welcomed so many families in helping out with school supplies... It's been nothing but welcoming, helpfulness, and kindness from all the employees."

Blue Star Families, the largest US nonprofit supporting military and veteran families, has appointed retired Air Force Lieutenant General Charles Plummer as its first-ever president. Plummer will report to CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet and lead enterprise strategy, organisational culture, and growth initiatives. The newly created role aims to help the organisation nearly double its reach and impact. Plummer previously served as The Judge Advocate General, where he led modernisation efforts for the Air Force and Space Force and oversaw military justice reforms. Founded in 2009, Blue Star Families has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts over 1.5 million people annually through its network of chapters and outposts.

The 2026 military family lifestyle survey is now live! Blue Star Families names Charles Plummer as its first President. Retired Air Force Lieutenant General to lead enterprise strategy and growth in newly created role. Washington, D.C. - August 3, 2026 Blue Star Families (BSF), the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to providing support to military and veteran families, announced the selection of Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Charles Plummer, U.S. Air Force, as its first President in the organization's history, reporting directly to the long-time CEO, Kathy Roth-Douquet. This inaugural role is responsible for translating Blue Star Families' mission, vision, and strategic priorities into measurable impact, and scalable infrastructure. Working with the CEO, the President will lead enterprise-wide alignment, performance, organizational culture, and sustainable growth. "Chuck Plummer is the right person at the right time in this new position for Blue Star Families, as we execute on our promise to almost double our reach and impact in the face of extraordinary demand from military families," said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "Chuck's record of military leadership at the highest levels, and his breadth of experience leading complex organizations and positioning them for impact and strategic growth gives me great confidence. Under his leadership, we will build our capacity to make military life great for families, and better connect Americans at every level to their military. That commitment strengthens military families and our nation as a whole." Prior to joining Blue Star Families, Plummer served as The Judge Advocate General, the senior uniformed legal officer for the Air Force and Space Force, where he led enterprise modernization and innovation, shaped the legal framework for the newly created Space Force, and oversaw major reforms across military justice and the full spectrum of Air and Space Force legal operations. Plummer also brings deep familiarity with military life and the issues impacting military families, both from his nearly three decades in uniform and as a military spouse during that time. "I'm honored to join Blue Star Families at such an important moment for our military and veteran community, and I'm deeply grateful to CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet, the Board of Directors and Advisory Board, our Blue Star Partners, and the entire staff for their trust and support. Blue Star Families has built a powerful model grounded in research, community engagement, and a commitment to strengthening the lives of military and veteran families. As a career military leader, there is no more meaningful mission to align myself with. I look forward to working alongside this exceptional team to expand our impact and ensure every service member and military family feels seen, supported, and connected as the organization enters its next chapter," said Plummer. About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A "blue star family" is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.