Recently, Disney and Blue Star Families visited Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California to make some magic for military families. This was done by sharing the joy of reading and also making meaningful family connections. Disney has a long-running legacy of showing gratitude to those who serve in uniform along with their families. The collaboration between Disney and the non-profit Blue Star Families with their Blue Star Books program is just one of many ways Disney honors those who serve the country.
The event took place on June 8th. U.S. military children and their families received free Disney books and also got to enjoy other activities at Camp Pendleton. This included getting to hear a story read by a military service member and Disney VoluntEAR from Disneyland Resort. There were also reading-themed crafts. To top it all off, Mickey Mouse also made a special appearance!
“The Walt Disney Company is honored to have worked with Blue Star Families for more than a decade to celebrate military and veteran families,” said Jessica Moore, vice president of government relations for The Walt Disney Company. “This collaboration shares the magic of our stories with the hope it inspires these military children to become the next generation of storytellers.”
One of the Disney VoluntEARS in attendance was retired Marine Corps Warrant Officer and current Disneyland cast member Ariel Elias. This experience was extra special for Ariel.
“Military family life is both exciting and challenging so it’s special being able to help bring Disney magic to the base as a way to express our gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the military community here,” said Ariel, a manager of supplier diversity for Disneyland Resort.
Disney Publishing has a long running collaboration with the Blue Star Families “Blue Star Books” program. It dates back to 2011. Since then, over 300,000 books have been donated as Disney continues to demonstrate its support of service members and their loved ones. This is a program that has spanned the globe with Disney supporting Blue Star Books events at U.S. military bases across the United States.
Meghan Wieten-Scott, a military spouse and current Senior Director of External Affairs for Blue Star Families, shared how the Blue Star Books program is extra special to her. She has been with it since its inception.
“The magic of Disney has always been very special to our family, and when the opportunity to support Blue Star Families’ collaboration with The Walt Disney Company arose, I jumped at the opportunity to bring together my love of Disney with my passion for supporting the military community,” said Meghan. “My son has grown up attending these amazing events, and it brings me so much joy to watch other military families experience these special opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.”
Photos of Meghan and her son, Matthew attending Blue Star Books events in 2014 and in 2024 that were sponsored by Disney
Disney shared that it is thrilled to add joy to the lives of military children in a way that promotes both education and literacy. The work that happens with the Blue Star Families is among Disney’s staple events in its pursuit of honoring U.S. military service members and their families.
What do you think of the Blue Star Books initiative? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
