How the New England Patriots and the Kraft Family Do Their Part for Military Families

Growing up a Patriots fan was more than just a hobby; it was a bonding experience with my dad, who served in the military. Watching the Patriots together became a cherished tradition, a way for us to connect and share moments of joy and triumph. The mantra “Do Your Job,” coined by Bill Belichick, became a part of our lives, a reminder of the dedication and hard work that defined both the Patriots and my dad’s service.

Flash forward to today, and I find myself deeply involved with Blue Star Families, working on the “Do Your Part” initiative. This initiative resonates with me because it echoes the values I learned from my father and our time watching the Patriots together. It’s about doing more to support military families, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.

Day three of the New England Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium was a massive success, not just for what happened on the field but for what transpired off the field. The day included exclusive player interactions, memorable photos, and a highlight that will forever be ingrained in my memory: each child received a bike directly from Patriots players.

At the invitation of the New England Patriots Foundation and Bank of America, military kids and their parents watched a Patriots training camp session from a private tent located in the end zone. The tent featured free lunch, Gatorade, and all-you-can-eat ice cream. One participant had just returned from deployment the night before, making the event even more special. While the Patriots players were heroes on the field, after practice, they showcased their real superpowers.

Out of the blue, Patriots players and Coach Jerod Mayo appeared riding over on brand-new bikes. Each new bike was gifted to each of the 20 Blue Star kids who lined up on the sidelines proudly holding signs with their names. This scene gave me chills, and the smiles on the Blue Star kids’ faces will forever be an indelible memory.

According to the Blue Star Families’ 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, 1 in 3 military-connected family respondents reported their financial situation as “we are just getting by” or “we are finding it difficult to get by.” For these families, the bikes symbolize much more than a gift — they represent the community’s appreciation and unwavering support during challenging times. It’s a tangible reminder of gratitude and a small but meaningful token of the nation’s appreciation for their service.

Anyone who has been a fan of the New England Patriots over the last 25 years knows the slogan “Do Your Job.” This term helped earn the Patriots dynasty six Super Bowl wins. At Blue Star Families, we have a similar slogan — “Do Your Part.” “Do Your Part” is a call to action for Americans to do more to support military families. Luckily for our Blue Star kids, the Patriots Foundation, players, coach, and Bank of America did their part to make military life a little more awesome for military families in New England.

Blue Star Families of New England is honored to be selected as a 2023-2025 Community Captain with the Patriots Foundation, thanks to the support from Bank of America. This charitable initiative was created to build deeper relationships with nonprofits and strengthen the impact on the populations they serve. “Do Your Part” is made possible by Craig Newmark and Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

Now, more than ever, we need all teams and businesses to embrace the spirit of “Do Your Job” and “Do Your Part.” Just as my dad and I bonded over watching the Patriots, we can come together as a community to support those who serve our nation.

Everyone can do their part to support military families. Learn how you can Do Your Part at DoYourPart.com

— By Ryan Callahan

Ryan Callahan is the Executive Vice President of Digital Marketing & Innovation at Blue Star Families and a devoted supporter of military families. A community servant at heart, Ryan serves as the chair of the Board of Directors for Kids in Tech and as an advisor to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. His commitment to uplifting underserved communities is evident in his efforts to empower youth and bolster community support for military families