Governor Stein Labels NC a 'Do Your Part' State for Military Family Support

North Carolina Joins the Do Your Part Initiative to Support Military Families

North Carolina has officially joined the Do Your Part initiative, a collaborative effort between Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association. This announcement was made by Governor Josh Stein during an event at Fayetteville Technical Community College. The initiative aims to recognize and support the sacrifices of military families, ensuring they receive the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Governor Stein emphasized the importance of this commitment, stating, “Just as servicemembers and their families have served us, we must serve them.” He highlighted that supporting military families is not only a moral obligation but also essential for national security. By becoming a Do Your Part State, North Carolina reaffirms its dedication to being a top state for military families.

A Strong Military Presence in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to over 600,000 veterans and has the fourth-largest active-duty population in the country. Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs Jocelyn Mallette praised the state’s decision, saying, “We owe it to our service members and families to address the unique challenges they face and give them a bright future here in North Carolina.”

The state's efforts go beyond symbolic gestures, with a wide range of programs and policies designed to support military families in various aspects of life.

Key Programs and Initiatives

North Carolina has implemented several initiatives to assist military families, including:

• Resource Guide 2024/2025: A comprehensive guide created by the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, offering information on resources, centers, and organizations that support military and veteran families.

• North Carolina Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): This compact works to eliminate educational barriers for children of military families due to frequent relocations and deployments. It addresses issues such as eligibility, enrollment, placement, and graduation.

• MCCYN-PLUS: An initiative that provides financial assistance for community child care programs, helping military families access quality child care when on-base options are unavailable.

• Purple Star Award Program for North Carolina Military-Friendly Schools: Recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.

• North Carolina State Employment Veteran and National Guard Preference: Offers employment preferences for eligible veterans, current and former North Carolina National Guard members, and their spouses in state government positions.

• North Carolina National Guard Medical Insurance Benefits: Allows National Guard members and their dependents to be eligible for health care insurance through the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees.

• North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (NCTAP): Provides tuition reimbursement for drilling members of the National Guard attending approved North Carolina educational institutions.

• House Bill 67: Healthcare Workforce Reforms: Creates an Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to support military spouses and others in transferring their licenses.

• House Bill 231: Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact: Makes it easier for military spouses who are social workers to transfer their licenses to North Carolina.

• Senate Bill 118: Military and Veteran Support Act: Simplifies the process for military families to enroll their children in school and renew drivers’ licenses remotely.

• House Bill 373: UNC Tuition Discounts for Certain Students: Offers tuition discounts for military students attending the University of North Carolina.

• North Carolina Military and Overseas Voter Services: Helps servicemembers overseas register and vote in local, state, and federal elections.

Expanding the Do Your Part Movement

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who chairs the Do Your Part initiative, expressed pride in North Carolina’s participation. “Supporting our military families is not just the right thing to do — it’s essential to our nation’s strength and future,” he said. “I’m excited to welcome Governor Stein and North Carolina to this growing collaboration.”

Blue Star Families, a national nonprofit organization, plays a key role in connecting military families with their local communities. Through this initiative, the organization helps military families navigate the challenges of military life, ensuring they feel supported and valued.

North Carolina’s commitment to military families reflects a broader national effort to honor those who serve and ensure their loved ones have the tools and support needed to thrive. As more states join the Do Your Part movement, the collective impact on military families across the country continues to grow.