About Us

Our Mission

The Stars of Valor Fellowships Program provides employment opportunities in the United States Senate for wounded or disabled veterans, active-duty military spouses, and Gold Star families. We are dedicated to honoring the profound commitment of veterans, active-duty military spouses, and Gold Star families to serving the country while providing Senate offices with qualified candidates who offer unique perspectives, especially on policies pertaining to national security and veterans’ affairs. These two-year fellowships will provide unique experiences and exposure to the fellows, broadening their career opportunities. Senate offices will also benefit from the dedication, resilience, and commitment to service these veterans, active-duty military spouses, and Gold Star family members will bring.

Background

The Stars of Valor Fellowships Program honors the commitment of veterans, active-duty military spouses, and Gold Star families to serving the country. The program allows individuals with a deep sense of patriotism to continue their service in a new capacity.

Defined with a prestigious name attributed to participating fellows’ dedication to service and sacrifice to our Nation, the Stars of Valor Fellowships Program was established through three Senate resolutions named after servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom – Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton, as well as two military veteran Senators who dedicated their lives to service – Senator John McCain and Senator Mike Mansfield:

  • The SFC Sean Cooley and SPC Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program (Senate Resolution 442, 117th Congress)
  • The McCain-Mansfield Fellowship Program (Senate Resolution 443, 117th Congress)
  • The Active-Duty Military Spouses Fellowship Program (Senate Resolution 737, 118th Congress)

The Program creates two-year paid fellowship opportunities in the United States Senate for wounded or disabled veterans, active-duty military spouses, and Gold Star family members. The positions may be available in Washington, DC or in Senator’s state offices across the country, as determined by the Senator. Specific job duties may vary by office and are determined by the Senator, though many fellows may help resolve military members’ and veterans’ challenges with federal agencies. Fellows may also support Senators’ efforts to develop legislation or address constituent concerns. While employment beyond the two-year fellowship is not guaranteed, some fellows may have the opportunity to transition to full-time employment with the Senate.

The skills and focus of those who have bravely fought and became wounded while serving our country, and the resiliency and dedication of the families of America’s heroes, will offer significant contributions to many roles within the Senate. Whether in Washington, DC or in offices across the country, the fellows’ unique perspective and experience-based insight will enrich the Senate.

Program Eligibility Criteria—

SFC Sean Cooley and SPC Christopher Horton Gold Star Family Fellowship candidates. The SFC Sean Cooley and SPC Christopher Horton Gold Star Family Fellowship candidates must be a family member of a U.S. Armed Forces servicemember who died in the line of duty or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who died of service-connected injuries. To qualify for the SFC Sean Cooley and SPC Christopher Horton Gold Star Family Fellowship, a candidate must submit the following:

  • For eligibility through servicemember’s death in the line of duty: DD Form 1300, “Report of Casualty,” or DD Form 2064, “Certificate of Death (Overseas),” and documentation of kinship with servicemember, such as a marriage license or birth certificate.
  • For eligibility through veteran’s death due to service-connected injuries: Documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs and documentation of kinship with servicemember, such as a marriage license or birth certificate.

McCain-Mansfield Fellowship candidates. The McCain-Mansfield Fellowship candidates must be a wounded or disabled veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. To qualify for the McCain-Mansfield fellowship, a candidate must:

  • Submit DD Form 214 or other official documentation confirming an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions;
  • Have been released from active-duty within the last five years;
  • Qualify as Wounded or Disabled, and provide official documentation thereof, which may include a DD Form 214 or other documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
  • Confirm a terminal pay grade at or below E-5 (Enlisted), CW-2 (Chief Warrant Officers), or O-3 (Officers). Veterans promoted to the pay grades of E-6, W-3, or O-4 within six months of separation from active-duty are eligible.

Active-Duty Military Spouse candidates. Active-Duty Military Spouse candidates must, at the time of application, be the spouse of an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces servicemember. Active-Duty servicemembers work for the U.S. Armed Forces full-time and are subject to permanent change of station, or permanent change of assignment orders, upon completion of each tour of duty. Those servicemembers subject to Title X mobilization are not eligible. To qualify for the Active-Duty Military Spouse Fellowship, a candidate must submit the following:

  • Proof of spouse’s active-duty service, such as a Department of Defense-issued Common Access Card.
  • Documentation of marriage to the active-duty servicemember, such as a marriage certificate or a Department of Defense Uniformed Services identification card.