1MCD Family Readiness

08/24/2026

Military members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens: On September 21, ballots will be sent out all over the world.

Request yours today at FVAP.gov and follow two simple steps to make your vote count.

08/24/2026

RS Frederick, RS Baltimore, RS Boston, & RS Springfield

NEW SHOWERS ADDED!

PPLY AND SHARE TODAY!

*** Thank you for your patience as we will respond to all inquires in the order of when the shower is being held!***

FORM: https://forms.gle/ijeYUevCetrYQQBbA

We appreciate your understanding that we wish nothing more than to be able to celebrate every military mom and that our criteria is in place to help us manage the number of submissions we receive.

Please read the following criteria to see if you qualify:

- Be able to attend the shower you are signing up for in person
- Must be military mom pregnant or have newborn no older than 3 months old on shower day, to include families having babies via surrogacy or adoption.
- 1st priority: Have a spouse or partner who is deployed or deploying (or other official duty separation) at some point during their pregnancy
- 2nd priority: Active duty spouse of or service member (E-6 or below)
- You have not been showered by Operation Shower in the last 3 years
- See form for any additional criteria

Note that filling out the form is not a guarantee of attendance but every effort will be made to include those who sign up. You will be contacted by an Operation Shower team member via email in the coming weeks!

08/21/2026

Deployment, relocation, and family separation are part of military life. For children, these experiences can carry a weight that is not always easy to see or name.

Military Child Education Coalition® has a free resource to help: Supporting Military Kids Through Trauma, Deployment, and Change. Designed for parents, educators, and counselors, this resource offers practical guidance for recognizing and responding to the emotional impact of military life on children.

Access it for free at the link below and share it with anyone who supports military-connected kids. https://heyor.ca/f2VAVW

Support this mission at https://heyor.ca/ZpVQiL.

08/21/2026

RS Albany

School is back in session! Bring the whole family to the Botanical Gardens while kids 12 and under are free for the entire month of September! Ease back into the school year while relaxing and unwinding inside our plant-iful conservatory.

Every Saturday during Growing Back to School, join us from 10am-1pm and complete a special Seed Planting activity! This activity is included with admission and is fun for kids of all ages. Learn more at https://www.buffalogardens.com/events/growing-back-to-school/

Growing Back to School is presented by M&T Bank

08/19/2026

RS Harrisburg 🎷 Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival!

Is just under one month away, Fort Hunter Park will come alive with an unforgettable weekend of smooth jazz, Pennsylvania wines, delicious food, shopping, and beautiful riverside views.

Your ticket includes both days of live entertainment, plus the opportunity to enjoy wine tastings from Pennsylvania wineries, browse local artisan vendors, and savor offerings from a variety of food trucks and vendors.

September 12 – 13
Fort Hunter Park
$60 in advance | $75 at the gate
Children 12 & under are free
Sponsored by: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)

Tickets are on sale now. Secure yours today: bit.ly/Jazz_Wine

08/18/2026

Ready to make a lasting impression on LinkedIn? Join the USO and Hire Military for an exclusive Employment Workshop on Monday, August 24th at 7pm ET | 4pm PT, featuring Michael Quinn, a 3x LinkedIn Top Voice. Learn how to optimize your profile, expand your network, and unlock new career opportunities. Register now!
https://bit.ly/AugLinkedInUSO

08/17/2026

🧸 Tomorrow 🧸

Calling all military parents & parents-to-be! 🌟

Join NMCRS Visiting Nurse Molly Curtis, BSN, RN, IBCLC, for our free In-Person Breastfeeding Basics Class TOMORROW 8/18 at 1 PM EST!

In just 90 minutes, you’ll learn the ins and outs of breastfeeding! Hosted on Microsoft Teams — attend from anywhere!

Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/4oEwijO

08/16/2026

RS Springfield ☕️

☕💙 Rhode Island Monthly Coffee Connect 💙☕

Join Blue Star Families – New England and Starbucks for our monthly Coffee Connect—a welcoming space where military-connected adults can gather, build friendships, share experiences, and strengthen community connections.

Stop by after work to unwind, connect, and recharge with free coffee provided by Starbucks, meaningful conversation, and connections that help make military life feel a little more like home. 💙

📅 Wednesday, August 26th
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Starbucks
1191 Division St, East Greenwich, RI 02818

https://neighborhood.bluestarfam.org/topics/29324/events/279638
✨ What to Expect:
☕ Complimentary coffee from Starbucks
🤝 Connect with other military-connected adults
💬 Relaxed conversation and peer support
📚 Resource sharing to help you get connected in the community
📅 Learn about upcoming Blue Star Families programs and events

🌟 Limited space—please register each attendee, including children. 🌟

Whether you stay for the whole evening or just stop by for a few minutes, we can’t wait to welcome you, celebrate YOU, and share an evening of connection and community!

👉 RSVP today to save your spot!

08/15/2026

RS Albany

FREE SWIM LESSONS may be available for your child! 🏊‍♀️🙌

Through NY SWIMS, eligible families can receive 21 free swim lessons for children ages 6 months – 12 years at the Saratoga Springs or Glens Falls YMCA.

✅ Three 7-week sessions
✅ Age-appropriate swim instruction
✅ Water safety, swimming skills & confidence

Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe and confident in and around the water. If your family may qualify, we encourage you to apply while funding is available!

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4wVk7Tq

Made possible through grant funding from the NYSDOH - New York State Health Department