Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

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Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

How Outdoor and Off-Road Programs Benefit Military Families

By: NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - When you spend time outdoors, you feel better, physically and mentally, and a growing body of medical evidence supports the value of being in nature. For families in particular, outdoor time is a great way to build memories and share experiences.  

Time outdoors is scientifically linked to healthier brain function, reduced stress, increased physical activity, and overall improvements in well-being for individuals of all ages, according to multiple studies. Outdoor experiences can be especially valuable for military families, whose lives are often disrupted by deployments and frequent moves, according to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and connecting military families in communities across the United States.  

Blue Star Families has partnered with funders such as REI, the Defense Health Agency and the National Park Service to create Blue Star Outdoors

The Blue Star Outdoors website features a park locator to help families find outdoor spaces near them, as well as calendars of local outdoor events, specific activities and adventures for families, and resources on the benefits of outdoor time. Those seeking to connect with other military families for outdoor adventures can use the website to join Outdoor Explorers for All club, which organizes events for military families at parks such as fishing clinics, park and waterway stewardship activities, and nature observation hikes.  

Blue Star Families first started to engage active duty military service members and their families in park- and nature-based programs in 2019 through “Blue Star Parks.” In 2021-22, the program was rebranded to Blue Star Outdoors to be more inclusive of all outdoor spaces that offer respite and community for military families. Blue Star Families partnered with the National Park Service and corporate and foundation partners to deliver fishing and other outdoor recreation programs at park sites.

Today, Blue Star Outdoors consists of two programming types: Blue Star Connect Outdoors and Outdoor Explorers for All (OEA). Both programs build community to address social isolation, a root cause of mental and physical health challenges.

As a result of the work with the military family community and the strong outcomes, in 2023, DHA and NPS selected Blue Star Families as the Prime Awardee for a $4.475 million appropriation to implement outdoor programming and subgrant to Wilderness Inquiry (WI), YMCA of the USA, and Texas A&M University’s Center for Health & Nature.

Ford Motor Company recently teamed up with Blue Star Families' Do Your Part initiative to host the first-ever "Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo" experience. It was a powerful display of support for military families, Veterans, and survivors. The event was held at Horseshoe Bay, Texas, in June and brought 150 participants together for an exhilarating off-roading adventure.

Representatives from esteemed organizations such as Guitars 4 Vets, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Travis Manion Foundation, Team Rubicon, and Ford's Veteran Employee Resource Group were in attendance. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also provided valuable support and resources on-site. Beyond a fun day, this partnership underscores a shared commitment to community building and camaraderie in the great outdoors.

Visit bluestarfam.org for more information about community building and support for military families. 

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