Marine Salty Dogs

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

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09/08/2026

We continually see information shared about the different military family stars and service banners. Sometimes it is meant to educate. Sometimes it leads to comparison. And sometimes it shows just how much confusion there is about what each recognition actually means.

So we wanted to share the differences, because they are different. Blue Star, Gold Star, Green Star, Silver Star, and White Star do not all have the same history, purpose, eligibility or legal recognition.

But there is something at the heart of every one of them: Families.

Families serving alongside someone in uniform.
Families caring for someone who came home changed.
Families grieving someone they love.
Families trying to make sure that person's life, service and sacrifice are remembered.

Green Star was created because there is a group of those families who often struggle to know where they belong: families who have lost a Veteran to su***de.

We are not trying to replace another recognition or diminish another family's loss. We are not trying to compare one type of death with another. We are saying that these families deserve to be recognized too. That is why Green Star is needed. We hope this graphic helps explain the differences between these recognitions while also reminding us of what they have in common.

Behind every star is a family. And every family deserves to be seen.

***deaprevention

09/04/2026

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08/31/2026

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/251st-marine-corps-birthday-ball-3

08/28/2026

For many Veterans, leaving military service is the beginning of an entirely new transition, and research shows it can be a dangerous one.

A study of nearly 1.9 million U.S. service members found that su***de risk was highest during the first year after leaving the military, particularly between 6 and 12 months after separation.

That matters. Because behind every Veteran struggling after service is often a family watching, worrying, trying to help, and hoping the person they love will be okay.

At Green Star Families of America, we believe we have to talk about what can happen after the uniform comes off, not only after a family experiences a devastating loss.

Awareness matters. Prevention matters, and the families walking beside our Veterans matter.

*Source: JAMA Network Open (2020), study of nearly 1.9 million U.S. service members following military separation.

08/28/2026

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