For nearly two decades, Blue Star Families has conducted the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS) to better understand the realities facing military families across the country. The 2025 MFLS collected responses from more than 6,000 military-connected individuals, including over 2,600 active-duty family respondents.

This year’s findings around belonging and perceptions of community support offer both encouragement and a call to action – especially for communities like Fayetteville that are home to one of the largest military populations in the world.

“Fayetteville has always been proud of its connection to the military, and that pride matters,” said Executive Director of the Blue Star Families Greater Fayetteville Region Chapter Tate Johnson in a press release. “But this data shows that pride must be matched with intentional action if we truly want military families to feel seen, supported, and connected in the places they call home.”

Nearly three-quarters of active-duty family respondents say they trust their neighbors, and more than 83% report feeling safe where they live. Yet only 52% say they are satisfied with their local community. 

The MFLS found that quality-of-life challenges such as recent PCS moves, military spouse unemployment and food insecurity are associated with lower feelings of belonging. Only 38% of unemployed active-duty spouses reported feeling a sense of belonging, compared to 56% of those who were employed. Families with very low food security also reported substantially lower belonging than those with high food security.

Despite these challenges, active-duty family respondents reported volunteering in their local communities at nearly double the rate of the general population.

“Military families are already showing up for Fayetteville,” Johnson added in a press release. “They’re coaching teams, serving on boards, volunteering at schools and supporting nonprofits. They want to invest in this community. The question is whether we are investing back in them.”

When asked what would make them feel a stronger sense of belonging, respondents most often cited actionable support such as information on services or childcare, community programs and events where military families are invited and centered, and stronger connections between military and civilian communities.

When military families feel connected, they are more likely to shop locally, seek employment locally, open small businesses and even put down roots after service.

Local employers and business leaders can play a powerful role by offering military spouse-friendly hiring practices, sponsoring or hosting inclusive community events and supporting programs that address food security, childcare access and career pathways.

“Businesses are often the front door to a community,” Johnson said in a press release. “When employers say, ‘We see you, we value you and we want you here,’ it sends a powerful message to military families that Fayetteville is not just a duty station – it’s home.”

Readers can learn more about how they can do their part to support military families and read the survey and view national findings at www.bluestarfam.org.