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An overview of the Blue Star Card Program www.bluestarcardhawaii.com
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An overview of the Blue Star Card Program
www.bluestarcardhawaii.comwww.bluestarcardhawaii.comwww.mwrarmyhawaii.com
What is the Blue Star Card Program?The Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) Blue Star Card program is a deployment discount and activity card for Army Spouses and Families of deployed Soldiers. This program was created in 2004 by FMWR Hawaii and is a joint effort of all FMWR facilities. The primary goal of the Blue Star Card program is to support these Families and thank them for the sacrifices they make while their service members are deployed.
The term “Blue Star” originated during World War I. The Blue Star Service Banner or Service Flag was designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. This symbol quickly caught on amongst the Families of the Soldiers fighting on the battlefields of Europe signifying they had a loved one in the service. These flags were displayed in the windows of many homes throughout the United States as a sign of hope and pride. In keeping with the history and tradition of this symbol, it was a perfect fit for our program.
What’s new with the Blue Star Card Program?
Several changes have been made since the Blue Star Card program launched in 2004. We have been able to expand the discounts offered by the program, as well as offer many special events and activities for our Families of deployed Soldiers. Please review our benefits and look for the Army Family Covenant logo. Anywhere you see the logo, it will mark a new or increased benefit or discount, courtesy of FMWR and the Army Family Covenant.
Redeployment is here!!!!
When the day finally arrives FMWR will be there with you to celebrate the return of your Soldier. FMWR volunteer staff works hard to attend every redeployment ceremony and will provide each Family unit with one free purple orchid lei to greet their returning warrior with.
FMWR also greets Soldiers returning home who do not have Family present to welcome them home with a job well done.
2 What is the Blue Star Card Program? Redeployment is here!!!! 7
For more information on the Blue Star Card Program please call 655-0002. You may also email [email protected].
Walk off the W
ait: M
akapuu Lighthouse
FMWR Volunteer greeting a returning soldier
Eddie the Eagle @ Redeployment
U.S Arm
y Haw
aii Soldier happily reunited w
ith his family
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Star Card Program:WHO is eligible for a Card? Spouses of Army combat deployed Active Duty/Reserve/National Guard Soldiers or DA Civilian employees stationed in Hawaii. Soldiers must be deployed for at least six months* and receive hazardous duty pay.
*Spouses of Soldiers deployed for less than six months may also qualify. Please call 655-0002 to find out if you are eligible.
WHAT is a Blue Star Card? A discount and activity card intended to enhance the well being of Families during the stressful time of deployment.
WHERE can I use my Card? Blue Star Cards are accepted at many FMWR facilities and special events on Oahu Army installations. Please look for the complete listing on the Blue Star Card program flyer.
WHEN can I use my Card? Your Blue Star Card will be valid for the duration of the deployment, even when your Soldier is home on R+R!
HOW do I get a Blue Star Card?Bring a copy of your Soldier’s deployment orders, along with your military ID to either the Schofield Barracks or Tripler Army Community Service (ACS) locations.
If you are awaiting orders, you may still register one month prior to your Soldier’s deployment. Please visit ACS and ask for assistance from the Mobilization and Deployment team. If you lose your copy of your Soldier’s orders, the Mobilization and Deployment team will be able to verify that your spouse is deployed and assist you with getting your card.
WHY should I get a Card?The Blue Star Card offers you many discounts at FMWR facilities, with childcare, and special events. It is FMWR’s way to give you a break and support during this stressful time.
Blue Star Card Special Events & ActivitiesThe Blue Star Card program offers many activities and events for Families. These activities are a great way to relieve some of the stress of deployment by having a little bit of fun. They also provide an atmosphere for the unique camaraderie and support that is only found in others who truly understand what it means to have a loved one deployed.
Each month there are several FMWR activities specifically for Blue Star Card holdersand their Families to participate in. In addition to the regularly scheduled Blue Star Card events, card holders are also given special benefits at large FMWR events, such as reserved seating areas or discounted or free game and ride tickets. Also, by joining our email list and Facebook group, Blue Star Card holders may receive special last minute perks such as free ticket giveaways or special meet and greet opportunities. The following is an overview of several of our regularly scheduled Blue Star Card events and activities. For a complete list of activities please visit our website at www.bluestarcardhawaii.com.
Big R: Countdown to Redeployment• This is a monthly event for Blue Star Card holders to count down the months until their Soldiers return. Each month there is a different activity such as Bowling, a Casino Night, Luau, Zumba, etc. as well as free childcare and appetizers.
Walk off the Wait (WOW)• This activity is held every other month to give Blue Star Card holders the opportunity to see how beautiful the island is by going on various hikes around Oahu.
Create-a-Card• This activity is held four times per year at the SGT Yano Library. It gives the families of deployed Soldiers the chance to make personalized greeting cards for their Soldiers.
Theatre Night• This event is held four times per year at the Army Community Theatre, Richardson Theatre, Ft. Shafter. Blue Star Card holders can enjoy transportation, pre-show appetizers, and a viewing of a performance of the current production at the theatre, all for free!
Frequently Asked Questions 36 Blue Star Card Special Events & Activities
Big R
: M
argarita Madness
Everyday Cardholder Benefits Include:
12 free days of pet care, with a limit of 2 kennel days per month, provided by FMWR Pet Kennel along with 10% off the regular boarding fee
10% off At the Nehelani, Hale Ikena, Kolekole Bar & Grill, Mulligan’s and Leilehua Grill
10% off Bowling fees at the Army Bowling Centers and $1 off Bowling Coupons available from www.bluestarcardhawaii.com
10% off Craft classes at the Arts and Crafts Center
10% off Any rental at Outdoor Recreation
10% off On monthly Pool passes
25% off Towing through FMWR Auto Crafts Center
$10 off On cottages at Pililaau Army Recreation Center (PARC) (per night) and automatic monthly entry to win a free weekend Getaway at Pililaau Army Recreation Center
10% off Hawaiian Luau at Sunset Cafe at PARC
$5 off Golf Coupons at the Army Golf Courses available from www.bluestarcardhawaii.com
Webcam access and Video Tele Conference (VTC) capability at ACS
Priority FRG classes for Blue Star Card holders from ACS
Everyday Childcare Benefits
Free Child Youth and School Services (CYS Services) childcare registration & re-registration
20% off CYS Services full and part time care
16 Free hours of hourly respite care (per child, per month) for children 6 weeks - 12 years through CYS services. (This benefit begins 30 days before deployment and ends 60 days after the Soldier returns)
2 free Child & Youth Sports classes for youth team or individual sports per child/youth
4 free SKIES (Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills) Unlimited classes per child
$2 per hour, per child for any hourly care beyond the free respite care hours
Free story-time taping at the FMWR libraries
To take advantage of these benefits, visit your nearest Central Registration Office or call 655-8380 (Schofield Barracks) or 833-5393 (Aliamano Military Reservation).
4 Everyday Cardholder Benefits Everyday Childcare Benefits 5
FMW
R Staff @
The Pet Kennel
Children participating in one of the many SKIES Unlimited classes
Members participating in the
Stand-up paddleboarding classes
Everyday Cardholder Benefits Include:
12 free days of pet care, with a limit of 2 kennel days per month, provided by FMWR Pet Kennel along with 10% off the regular boarding fee
10% off At the Nehelani, Hale Ikena, Kolekole Bar & Grill, Mulligan’s and Leilehua Grill
10% off Bowling fees at the Army Bowling Centers and $1 off Bowling Coupons available from www.bluestarcardhawaii.com
10% off Craft classes at the Arts and Crafts Center
10% off Any rental at Outdoor Recreation
10% off On monthly Pool passes
25% off Towing through FMWR Auto Crafts Center
$10 off On cottages at Pililaau Army Recreation Center (PARC) (per night) and automatic monthly entry to win a free weekend Getaway at Pililaau Army Recreation Center
10% off Hawaiian Luau at Sunset Cafe at PARC
$5 off Golf Coupons at the Army Golf Courses available from www.bluestarcardhawaii.com
Webcam access and Video Tele Conference (VTC) capability at ACS
Priority FRG classes for Blue Star Card holders from ACS
Everyday Childcare Benefits
Free Child Youth and School Services (CYS Services) childcare registration & re-registration
20% off CYS Services full and part time care
16 Free hours of hourly respite care (per child, per month) for children 6 weeks - 12 years through CYS services. (This benefit begins 30 days before deployment and ends 60 days after the Soldier returns)
2 free Child & Youth Sports classes for youth team or individual sports per child/youth
4 free SKIES (Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills) Unlimited classes per child
$2 per hour, per child for any hourly care beyond the free respite care hours
Free story-time taping at the FMWR libraries
To take advantage of these benefits, visit your nearest Central Registration Office or call 655-8380 (Schofield Barracks) or 833-5393 (Aliamano Military Reservation).
4 Everyday Cardholder Benefits Everyday Childcare Benefits 5
FMW
R Staff @
The Pet Kennel
Children participating in one of the many SKIES Unlimited classes
Members participating in the
Stand-up paddleboarding classes
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Star Card Program:WHO is eligible for a Card? Spouses of Army combat deployed Active Duty/Reserve/National Guard Soldiers or DA Civilian employees stationed in Hawaii. Soldiers must be deployed for at least six months* and receive hazardous duty pay.
*Spouses of Soldiers deployed for less than six months may also qualify. Please call 655-0002 to find out if you are eligible.
WHAT is a Blue Star Card? A discount and activity card intended to enhance the well being of Families during the stressful time of deployment.
WHERE can I use my Card? Blue Star Cards are accepted at many FMWR facilities and special events on Oahu Army installations. Please look for the complete listing on the Blue Star Card program flyer.
WHEN can I use my Card? Your Blue Star Card will be valid for the duration of the deployment, even when your Soldier is home on R+R!
HOW do I get a Blue Star Card?Bring a copy of your Soldier’s deployment orders, along with your military ID to either the Schofield Barracks or Tripler Army Community Service (ACS) locations.
If you are awaiting orders, you may still register one month prior to your Soldier’s deployment. Please visit ACS and ask for assistance from the Mobilization and Deployment team. If you lose your copy of your Soldier’s orders, the Mobilization and Deployment team will be able to verify that your spouse is deployed and assist you with getting your card.
WHY should I get a Card?The Blue Star Card offers you many discounts at FMWR facilities, with childcare, and special events. It is FMWR’s way to give you a break and support during this stressful time.
Blue Star Card Special Events & ActivitiesThe Blue Star Card program offers many activities and events for Families. These activities are a great way to relieve some of the stress of deployment by having a little bit of fun. They also provide an atmosphere for the unique camaraderie and support that is only found in others who truly understand what it means to have a loved one deployed.
Each month there are several FMWR activities specifically for Blue Star Card holdersand their Families to participate in. In addition to the regularly scheduled Blue Star Card events, card holders are also given special benefits at large FMWR events, such as reserved seating areas or discounted or free game and ride tickets. Also, by joining our email list and Facebook group, Blue Star Card holders may receive special last minute perks such as free ticket giveaways or special meet and greet opportunities. The following is an overview of several of our regularly scheduled Blue Star Card events and activities. For a complete list of activities please visit our website at www.bluestarcardhawaii.com.
Big R: Countdown to Redeployment• This is a monthly event for Blue Star Card holders to count down the months until their Soldiers return. Each month there is a different activity such as Bowling, a Casino Night, Luau, Zumba, etc. as well as free childcare and appetizers.
Walk off the Wait (WOW)• This activity is held every other month to give Blue Star Card holders the opportunity to see how beautiful the island is by going on various hikes around Oahu.
Create-a-Card• This activity is held four times per year at the SGT Yano Library. It gives the families of deployed Soldiers the chance to make personalized greeting cards for their Soldiers.
Theatre Night• This event is held four times per year at the Army Community Theatre, Richardson Theatre, Ft. Shafter. Blue Star Card holders can enjoy transportation, pre-show appetizers, and a viewing of a performance of the current production at the theatre, all for free!
Frequently Asked Questions 36 Blue Star Card Special Events & Activities
Big R
: M
argarita Madness
What is the Blue Star Card Program?The Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) Blue Star Card program is a deployment discount and activity card for Army Spouses and Families of deployed Soldiers. This program was created in 2004 by FMWR Hawaii and is a joint effort of all FMWR facilities. The primary goal of the Blue Star Card program is to support these Families and thank them for the sacrifices they make while their service members are deployed.
The term “Blue Star” originated during World War I. The Blue Star Service Banner or Service Flag was designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. This symbol quickly caught on amongst the Families of the Soldiers fighting on the battlefields of Europe signifying they had a loved one in the service. These flags were displayed in the windows of many homes throughout the United States as a sign of hope and pride. In keeping with the history and tradition of this symbol, it was a perfect fit for our program.
What’s new with the Blue Star Card Program?
Several changes have been made since the Blue Star Card program launched in 2004. We have been able to expand the discounts offered by the program, as well as offer many special events and activities for our Families of deployed Soldiers. Please review our benefits and look for the Army Family Covenant logo. Anywhere you see the logo, it will mark a new or increased benefit or discount, courtesy of FMWR and the Army Family Covenant.
Redeployment is here!!!!
When the day finally arrives FMWR will be there with you to celebrate the return of your Soldier. FMWR volunteer staff works hard to attend every redeployment ceremony and will provide each Family unit with one free purple orchid lei to greet their returning warrior with.
FMWR also greets Soldiers returning home who do not have Family present to welcome them home with a job well done.
2 What is the Blue Star Card Program? Redeployment is here!!!! 7
For more information on the Blue Star Card Program please call 655-0002. You may also email [email protected].
Walk off the W
ait: M
akapuu Lighthouse
FMWR Volunteer greeting a returning soldier
Eddie the Eagle @ Redeployment
U.S Arm
y Haw
aii Soldier happily reunited w
ith his family
An overview of the Blue Star Card Program
www.bluestarcardhawaii.comwww.bluestarcardhawaii.comwww.mwrarmyhawaii.com
