FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 14, 2025

Governor Murphy Proclaims New Jersey as a “Do Your Part State”

SEA GIRT – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that New Jersey has signed on to be a Do Your Part State, a joint initiative between Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association. The initiative helps states identify, prioritize, and implement best practices and programs to support military families, which is crucial to recruiting and readiness.

“We are honored to support every military family and veteran who calls the Garden State home,” said Governor Murphy. “Whether it’s finding housing, accessing mental health services, or pursuing job training, we will stand with them every step of the way. They represent the very best of us, and they deserve nothing less than the very best in return.”

Under the Murphy Administration, the State has launched the Bringing Veterans Home initiative, a statewide effort to reduce veteran homelessness to functional zero by 2026. Through the coordinated work of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and federal and local partners, the State has committed more than $30 million in funding, deployed street outreach and case management teams, expanded voucher support like Veterans Affairs Supported Housing, and strengthened its homelessness prevention system to ensure newly homeless veterans can be placed into stable housing quickly.

“New Jersey’s recognition as a “Do Your Part” state underscores our unwavering commitment to the service members, veterans and families who call the Garden State home,” said Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we not only honor their sacrifices but also remain dedicated to providing the resources, support and advocacy they deserve.”

Additionally, the Murphy Administration fulfilled a key promise by establishing a Veterans Service Office (VSO) in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties, giving every veteran and their family in the state local access to state and federal benefits. In addition, Governor Murphy signed legislation to protect veterans from exploitation by setting clear requirements for individuals, with violations subject to penalties under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. He also ensured that New Jersey’s public colleges and universities must readmit students whose enrollment was interrupted due to military service, allowing them to return with the same academic status and without fees.

As part of the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, the Administration has convened over sixty day-long mental health first aid trainings in each of our twenty-one counties to train over 700 community, faith, first responder, and law enforcement leaders on how to identify the signs of suicidal ideation and take immediate, life-saving actions. New Jersey provides support to service members, veterans, and their families through the 24/7 Vet to Vet Helpline (1-866-838-7654). Staffed by trained veteran peers, this resource serves as a point of entry for local, state, and federal benefits, programs, and services.

The Do Your Part initiative, launched in 2023, is led by Blue Star Families with support from Craig Newmark. The Do Your Part State initiative began in 2024, in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA). Governor Murphy chaired the National Governors Association from 2022 to 2023. NGA and Blue Star Families will launch a toolkit in February 2026 to help states implement the best practices to support military families. New Jersey is the fourth state to sign on, following Maryland, Utah, and North Carolina. Governor Wes Moore and Governor Spencer Cox co-chair the initiatives’ Gubernatorial Honorary Committee.

“Maryland is proud to lead as a Do Your Part state, and I’m honored to chair this initiative with Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “I’m excited to welcome Governor Phil Murphy and the state of New Jersey to this growing collaboration. When states step up together, we send a powerful message: caring for veterans and military families is a national priority. By working across state lines, we’re building stronger communities, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring those who serve — and the families who stand beside them — have the support they need to thrive.”

Blue Star Families is a national nonprofit organization supporting Blue Star Families — families of currently serving military members — as well as veterans, connecting them with their communities so they can thrive where they serve. CEO of Blue Star Families Kathy Roth-Douquet and philanthropist Craig Newmark were awarded the Civilian Commendation Medal at today’s Pass and Review for their support of military families.

“Governor Murphy truly stood up for active-duty, Guard and Reserve, and veteran families today with his declaration making New Jersey the fourth Blue Star “Do Your Part” State in the nation. Paired with his award of the Civilian Commendation Medal recognizing the remarkable generosity of New Jersey native Craig Newmark, and to Blue Star Families for our growing impact in the state — the Governor is not just supporting military families, he is building a legacy of care and commitment that others can follow and do their part,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. 

To read the proclamation, please click here.

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. For more information, click here.