Base/Installation where Spouse is Stationed: Naval Station Norfolk
Active Duty Spouse: Eric Wandell
Duty Station/Unit: HSC-26
Branch of Service: Navy
Rank: O3
Currently deployed? Yes
Number of years as a military spouse: 6
Number of PCS moves: 1
Number of deployments: 5
How do you balance family/work/military life?
I don’t see balance as something you achieve once—it’s something you adjust as life changes. I stay intentional with my time, keeping family as my top priority while giving my full focus to work when I’m there.
What makes it work is flexibility, setting boundaries, and letting go of perfection. I also make time to recharge, so I can show up fully for both my family and my responsibilities. All together you just do the best you can.
Tell us briefly about your military spouse background:
I’ve been a military spouse for six years and have supported my family through five deployments, including my spouse’s current one. I supported my spouse through going to OCS after being enlisted as well.
What is the best part of being in a military family?
The best part of being a military family is the sense of community and resilience/endurance it builds. There’s a unique bond that comes from shared experiences, and I’ve met some of the most supportive, lifelong friends along the way. It’s also instilled a deep sense of pride, adaptability, and strength in our family that carries us through every challenge.
Volunteer service highlights:
FRG President USS Wasp, 2023-2024
Ombudsman HSC 26, 2025-Present
American Corporate Partners Mentor, 2025-Present
Tidewater Officers Spouses Club, Member 2024-Present
Tidewater Alumni Panhellenic Association: Treasurer 2023-2024 and Vice President 2024-2025
Alpha Chi Omega Tidewater Alumnae, Vice President: 2025-Present
What have you learned from being a military spouse? Advice for other military spouses?
Being a military spouse has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of flexibility. Plans don’t always go the way you expect, so learning to adapt and focus on what you can control has been essential. I’ve also learned the value of building your own support system and not being afraid to lean on others when needed.
My biggest piece of advice is to stay connected—to your family, your community, and yourself. Celebrate the small wins, give yourself grace during the hard seasons, and remember that every challenge you get through is building strength you may not always see in the moment.
Share some fun facts about yourself:
I love the outdoors. This includes hiking, visiting parks, spending time outdoors, whether that’s drinking wine at wineries, going to concerts or hiking a trail in Shenandoah and of course spending time at the beach, etc. I have a bucket list item to visit every national park in the U.S.
Base/Installation where spouse is stationed: Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads
Active Duty Spouse: Joshua Earls
Duty Station/Unit: US Fleet Forces
Branch of Service: Navy
Rank: O5
Currently deployed? No
Number of years as a military spouse: 17
Number of PCS moves: 5
Number of deployments: 5
How do you balance family/work/military life?
My faith is a huge part of my life. I try to really connect with my church family wherever we are stationed. Whenever my husband is gone, and he has been gone a lot over the last 3 years (23 months), I rely upon the love and support of friends and family. I also try to stay as busy as I can in my work as a Real Estate Agent.
Tell us briefly about your military spouse background:
My husband Josh and I were married for 3 years before he told me he felt called to go into the Navy as a Chaplain. It was hard to think about a life in the military as at the time the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were going on. God has been so gracious to us even in the most difficult times. Our oldest daughter was diagnosed with Autism when my husband was deployed for the first time and her health struggles have been an on-going concern through multiple deployments. But through those struggles my husband has been able to minister to people that really need him and I have been able to care for other military spouses in need.
What is the best part of being in a military family?
I think it brings you closer together. You learn to support one another. It also makes you versatile and adaptable. You learn to make new friends at each new duty station. We are grateful for them.
Volunteer service highlights:
I currently serve as the woman’s ministry leader at our church, where I also run a military spouses group. I love supporting my husband’s events and have helped him with the local Chaplain Corps Ball.
What have you learned from being a military spouse? Advice for other military spouses?
I have learned so much. I have learned that no matter what I am not alone. There are so many kind and gracious people that want to help and they have been such a blessing. I have learned what it really means to lean on my faith. So often it felt like it couldn’t get any worse, but sometimes it did get worse, medical struggles with our daughter or extensions to deployments, but during it all my faith got me through. I have learned to use my experience as a spouse and that now I can impart those lessons and that love to the spouses who are going through some of the same things for the first time.
Share some fun facts about yourself:
I am a spunky and lively 45 year old. I am married to a Navy Chaplain. I have two wonderful daughters, Isabella 17 (who is our special needs child) and Adeline 12 (who is growing into a beautiful young woman. I love helping people and being a small part of giving them hope. I love caring for my husband as he cares for Sailors and Marines wherever he is deployed.
What is one thing military families are facing that you would like to see improved?
I think there needs to be a focused effort to streamline and connect families to available
Base/Installation where spouse is stationed: Naval Station Norfolk
Active Duty Spouse: Raymond Rainer
Duty Station/Unit: Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9)
Branch of Service: Navy
Rank: E-7 / PRC
Currently deployed? Yes
Number of years as a military spouse: 3
Number of PCS moves: 2
Number of deployments: 2
How do you balance family/work/military life?
Balancing family, work, and military life is one of the greatest challenges I have experienced, but it is also one of my greatest accomplishments. As a military spouse, mother, veteran, and working professional, I have learned that balance does not always mean giving equal attention to everything every single day. Instead, it means prioritizing what matters most in the moment and being flexible when life changes unexpectedly.
Military life has taught me resilience, adaptability, and sacrifice. There have been long deployments, missed holidays, stressful transitions, and moments when I had to manage my household independently while still maintaining my professional responsibilities. Through those experiences, I learned the importance of organization, communication, and maintaining a strong support system.
I balance my responsibilities by keeping clear priorities. My faith and family always come first, followed closely by my commitment to my career and service to others. Staying organized with schedules, routines, and planning helps me manage daily responsibilities effectively. I have also learned the importance of asking for help when needed and relying on my support system during difficult seasons.
Additionally, I have learned that self-care is essential. In order to care for my family, support military families, and perform well professionally, I must also make time to recharge mentally and emotionally. While every day is not perfect, I strive to approach each challenge with determination, grace, and a positive attitude.
Overall, balancing family, work, and military life requires patience, flexibility, and perseverance. Although it can be demanding, it has shaped me into a stronger leader, wife, mother, and professional. Through every challenge, I continue to show up for the people who depend on me while remaining committed to personal and professional growth. Tell us briefly about your military spouse background:
I have proudly been a military spouse for over 20 years (3 with the Navy), supporting my husband throughout his United States Navy career while also serving as a veteran (Air Force for 16 years) myself. My husband currently serves as a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, and throughout our journey we have experienced multiple deployments, relocations, long separations, and the many unique challenges that come with military life.
As a military spouse, I have learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and building strong support systems for military families. I have also served in leadership and advocacy roles within the military community, including as a Key Spouse for the Air Force and currently as a Command Ombudsman for the Navy, where I support sailors and their families by providing resources, communication, and guidance during deployments and times of need.
Being part of the military community has shaped me both personally and professionally. It has strengthened my ability to lead, support others through difficult situations, and remain flexible in the face of constant change. Most importantly, it has taught me the value of service, sacrifice, and community.
What is the best part of being in a military family?
The best part of being in a military family is the sense of community, resilience, and pride that comes with it. Military families go through unique challenges together, and because of that, the bonds and friendships created within the military community are incredibly
See ASHLEY on Page C8
Base/Installation where spouse is stationed: Langley Air Force Base
Active Duty Spouse: Matthew Bauman
Duty Station/Unit: MAJCOM ACC IG
Branch of Service: Air Force
Rank: E8
Currently deployed? No
Number of years as a military spouse: 15
Number of PCS moves: 5
Number of deployments: 3
How do you balance family/work/military life?
I balance family, work, and military life by accepting that balance is not always equal. Some seasons require more from my family, some require more from my career, and some are shaped entirely by the military. Instead of trying to make everything perfect at the same time, I focus on being intentional, organized, and present where I am needed most.
As a military spouse, mother, and full time professional, I rely heavily on planning, routines, communication, and flexibility. I manage my calendar closely, prioritize what truly matters, and adjust quickly when military life changes the plan. I have learned that resilience is not about doing everything without struggle. It is about staying grounded, asking for support when needed, and continuing to show up for my family, my work, and my community.
My family is my why, but my work is also part of how I serve. Supporting military spouses, service members, and veterans through access to professional development and certification opportunities gives purpose to the complexity of my own life. I balance it all by remembering that I do not have to do everything perfectly. I just have to lead with purpose, protect what matters most, and keep moving forward.
Tell us briefly about your military spouse background:
I have been an active duty military spouse for over 15 years. Throughout that time, military life has brought seasons of change, uncertainty, relocation, solo parenting, and constant adaptation. It has required flexibility, resilience, and the ability to rebuild routines, community, and stability through each transition.
These experiences have shaped a deep appreciation for the strength, leadership, and resourcefulness military spouses demonstrate every day, while also providing firsthand insight into the barriers military families face when pursuing meaningful, sustainable careers.
That perspective continues to drive a strong commitment to helping military spouses, service members, and veterans access professional development, certifications, and opportunities that support long term career growth.
What is the best part of being in a military family?
The best part of being in a military family is the perspective it gives you. Military life is not always easy, but it teaches you to appreciate people, community, and purpose in a deeper way.
Throughout this journey, I have met people from different backgrounds, lived through seasons of change, and learned how powerful connection can be when families are navigating uncertainty together. Military families show up for one another in ways that are hard to explain unless you have lived it.
For me, the best part is the sense of purpose and community. Being part of a military family has strengthened my resilience, expanded my worldview, and given me a meaningful connection to something bigger than myself.
Volunteer service highlights:
Office of the Inspector General, Air Combat Command, United States Air Force | Key Support Mentor | 2026 - Present
Base/Installation where spouse is stationed: Naval Station Norfolk
Active Duty Spouse: Ross Stowers
Duty Station/Unit: VAW-123
Branch of Service: Navy
Rank: E7
Currently deployed? No
Number of years as a military spouse: 19
Number of PCS moves: 3
Number of deployments: 6
How do you balance family/work/military life?
Balance, for me, isn’t about doing everything perfectly. Honestly, I don’t think perfect balance exists—especially in military life. Some days my family needs more of me. Some days the community does. And some days, if I’m being intentional, I finally give a little attention to myself too.
Over the years, I’ve learned that balance looks less like “having it all together” and more like knowing what matters most in that moment. It means setting boundaries, asking for help when I need it, and giving myself grace when plans change—which they always do in military life.
As a military spouse, mom, coach, volunteer, and advocate, I spent a long time believing I had to carry everything on my own. But the truth is, the strongest communities are built when we lean on each other. I’ve learned to surround myself with people who remind me I don’t have to be everything for everyone all the time.
At the end of the day, balance comes from being fully present where my feet are. That mindset is what keeps me grounded—and what allows me to keep showing up for the people I love.
Tell us briefly about your military spouse background:
I married the love of my life at 19 years old, right after Navy boot camp in Chicago. Looking back now, it feels a little wild—and somehow completely right at the same time. Ross proposed to me three separate times “just to make sure,” and I said yes every single time without hesitation.
Not long after, we began our Navy journey together. We started in Norfolk for A-school, then headed across the country to Ventura County, California with VAW-116 Sun Kings. That duty station changed my life in more ways than one.
It was there that I met Ombudsman Tami Sequeira. Watching the way she cared for military families—with compassion, steadiness, and heart—left a lasting impact on me. She showed me what service looked like beyond the uniform, and she inspired me to become the kind of person others could lean on during difficult seasons.
Military life hasn’t always been easy. Before becoming a mother, I experienced miscarriage and heartbreak. But even in the hardest moments, there was still so much joy ahead of us. Our daughter Zoey was born on Christmas Eve in Oxnard, California, and after one final PCS back to Hampton Roads, we welcomed our son Mason in January 2012.
Nearly 19 years later, this life has shaped me in ways I never expected. It taught me resilience, adaptability, sacrifice, and strength—but most importantly, it taught me the power of community. Through every deployment, every goodbye, every homecoming, and every challenge, we’ve continued building a life rooted in love, purpose, and service. What is the best part of being in a military family?
The best thing about being part of a military family is the way complete strangers become your people.
Military life asks a lot of families. It asks us to say goodbye over and over again. It asks us to rebuild “home” in unfamiliar places, celebrate milestones through screens, parent alone during deployments, and somehow keep moving forward through uncertainty.
Base/Installation where spouse is stationed: Joint Expeditionary Base Little CreekFort Story
Active Duty Spouse: Francis Palmer Jr.
Duty Station/Unit: MESG 2
Branch of Service: Navy
Rank: E7
Currently deployed? No
Number of years as a military spouse: 21
Number of PCS moves: 5
Number of deployments: 4 longer than 6 months, many more if you count shorter deployments
How do you balance family/work/military life?
Balancing work, family, and military spouse life is rarely about achieving perfect balance and more about creating systems that can adapt with the changing demands of military life. Priorities will shift depending on the season, whether that means focusing on career goals, supporting our family through deployments and transitions, or simply getting through survival mode during high-stress periods. Using available support systems and focusing on what matters most — healthy kids, financial stability, maintaining relationships, and keeping my own identity — helps make the constant changes more manageable, while giving myself grace to let everything else simply be “good enough.”
Tell us briefly about your military spouse background:
I’ve been a military spouse since 2005 with extensive experience in leadership, family readiness, and advocacy across multiple commands and duty stations. I helped establish and lead Family Readiness Group programs as Secretary and later President, through recruiting duty in Atlanta. I served as Command Ombudsman for three commands between 2018 to current, providing critical communication, deployment support, resource coordination, and guidance to sailors and families. Throughout nearly two decades of military life, I have balanced these leadership roles while navigating deployments, PCS moves, and raising a growing family with each command.
What is the best part of being in a military family?
One of the best parts of being a military family is the resilience, adaptability, and strong bonds built through shared experiences. We as well as our children have friends all over the world. Despite the challenges, military life creates a unique sense of community, lifelong friendships, and pride in supporting something bigger than ourselves.
Volunteer Service Highlights:
MESG 2 Ombudsman, 2023-Present
USS Nimitz Ombudsman, 2020-2023
Compass Team Lead, 2021-2022
What have you learned from being a military spouse? Advice for other military spouses?
Some of the strongest moments come from realizing you do not have to carry everything alone, and that resilience is built one challenge, deployment, and transition at a time.
Share some fun facts about yourself:
I love camping, reading, and spending time with my family. I also love baseball and football. Two of my children have the same birthday 4 years apart.
What is one thing military families are facing that you would like to see improved?
More recognition and support for the mental load carried by military spouses and single parent households during separations. See HANNA on Page C9
Base/Installation where spouse is stationed: Walter Reed Bethesda
Active Duty Spouse: Timothy Bleigh
Duty Station/Unit: USUHS 4th year Medical School Student
Branch of Service: Navy
Rank: O1
Currently deployed? No
Number of years as a military spouse: 18
Number of PCS moves: 7
Number of deployments: 4
How do you balance family/work/military life?
A good rainbow calendar! Frig calendar, planner, Apple calendar. I make sure to have a sit down dinner with my family most nights to check in. Dinner is a time to talk about our day, listen to my kids, and we all try to help each other.
Tell us briefly about your military spouse background:
Lejeune in 2008. Afghanistan in 2011. Injured in 2011 and did recovery at Portsmouth, Palo Alto, and Balboa. Back to full duty in 2013, where spouse attended IDC School at Balboa. Stationed at MCBQ Hawaii in 2014. Multiple deployments and training ops. Then stationed at TBS Quatico in 2017 for 2 years. Spouse accepted into EMDP2 Program in 2019. Attended George Mason for Pre-Med and Masters program. Then he was accepted into USUHS Medical School 2022. I’ve been working since our youngest was in 1st grade at my kids schools as a special education aide. The past 3 years I have been the Athletic Director and Special Education Aide for Quantico Middle High School on MCBQ Quantico where my kids attend.
What is the best part of being in a military family?
The military gives us an opportunity to live the type of life we want to live and be able to be close to our kiddos in a way that we don’t always see in civilian life. Military life requires a different level of understanding, and some of the opportunities and impacts are just different. My husband has been able to have support through hardships and really build a career, while we have been building a life together with our kids on our terms — when the Navy/ Marine Corps allows it..lol. I was able to be a stay at home mom and raise my kids when they were little and have these incredible memories. I’ve been able to be a part of their school life.
I have supported and watched my husband advance from the ground up. He started out as a corpsman, then IDC, and now about to graduate Medical School and be a Lt. And through it all I’ve made some good friends.
Volunteer Service Highlights:
Volunteer with Team Semper Fi/Semper Fi Fund as a Runner Battalion Squad Leader
Accountabilibuddy
Completed 9 marathons with TSF
MCJROTC events at QMHS
What have you learned from being a military spouse? Advice for other military spouses?
Patience is a virtue. Have faith. The only thing that stays the same is change, so be Semper Gumby. Be in the moment of where you are and you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time.
Share some fun facts about yourself: I love hiking in Shenandoah, paddleboarding, snowboarding, camping, and running.
What is one thing military families are facing that you would like to see improved? Movingcrosscountryoroverseaswhen itdoesn’tmakesense
Shareoneofyourbestexperiencesasa militaryspouse: Meeting my lifelong best friends throughshareddeployment.
Whatwillyoudoaftermilitarylife? Not sure yet, but at least enjoy having myspousehomeallthetime!
Favorite (or most interesting) Duty Station: Norfolk
services There are so many services but mostofthetimeitiswhateveryouhappen to hear about on your own. Our spouses and parents deploy to do very important work, and it’s the support from the families at home that enable the service members to keep going. A greater effort tosupportthosefamilieswouldgoalong waytostrengtheningthefightingspiritof theservicemember
Shareoneofyourbestexperiencesasa militaryspouse: Therearesomany…Seeingmyhusband returnfromadeploymentinAfghanistan and feeling the pride in his service and the joy that he was safely home Having younger spouses reach out to me for my advice and care because I have so much experience ItmakesmefeeloldbutIam honored. Holding down the home front, through moves and home purchases, disability and hospital visits, so my husbandcancarefortheservicemembers heisdeployedwith Finally Igottogoon theUSSFordforafamilyday!Myhusband served there as the command chaplain until Jan ‘26 It was such an awesome experience
Whatwillyoudoaftermilitarylife?
Spendtimewithmyhusband,takecare ofourdaughtersandlookforalltheopportunities I can to invest in other military spouses
Favorite (or most interesting) Duty Station: 1stMarineDivision.WelivedinTemecula,CA Myparentsandbrotherandsister alllivedthere,soitwasgreattohaveatime soclosetothemforawhile
strong Thereisalevelofunderstanding, support,andconnectionthatisdifficultto explainunlessyouhavelivedityourself
Beingpartofamilitaryfamilyhasalso taughtmethevalueofsacrifice,adaptability, and teamwork. While deployments, relocations, and time apart can be difficult, they also strengthen relationships andcreateadeepappreciationforthetime spent together Military life has taught our family how to support one another through every challenge and celebrate eventhesmallestmomentstogether
Anotherrewardingpartofmilitarylife is the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, experience new places, and grow through experiences thatshapebothpersonalandprofessional character I am proud of the service and dedication my family has given to our country andIbelievebeingpartofamilitary family has made us stronger, more compassionate,andmoreappreciativeof oneanother
Volunteerservicehighlights:
HSC-3CommandOmbudsman
6/1/2022-6/15/2024
HSC-9CommandOmbudsman
7/1/2024 Present
NorfolkPublicSchoolsSpecialNeeds Committee8-1-2024 Present
NorfolkPublicSchoolsCommunity EngagementCommittee 11/1/2024 Present
SchoolBoard’sEducationaland FacilitiesPlanningAdvisory Committee07/31/2025 Present
2025ANADorthyFlatleyAward forMostOutstandingOmbudsman inCOMNAVAIRLANT
Whathaveyoulearnedfrombeingamilitaryspouse?Adviceforothermilitary spouses?
Being a military spouse has taught me resilience patience adaptability and the importance of community Military life oftencomeswithuncertainty,longseparations,unexpectedchanges,andsacrifices that many people outside of the military do not fully understand. Through those experiences, I have learned how importantitistoremainflexible,maintainapositive mindset, and lean on both faith and supportsystemsduringdifficultseasons.
OneofthebiggestlessonsIhavelearned isthatnooneshouldtrytonavigatemilitarylifealone Buildingrelationshipswith other military spouses and becoming involved in the military community can make a tremendous difference Having people who understand the lifestyle the challenges, and the emotions that come withdeploymentsandtransitionscreates astrongsenseofsupportandbelonging Myadvicetoothermilitaryspousesisto
giveyourselfgrace Itisokaytohavedifficult days and it is important to remember that you do not have to be perfect. Take care of yourself, ask for help when needed,andneverloseyourownidentity while supporting your service member Continue pursuing your own goals passions,andpersonalgrowth.
I would also encourage spouses to stayinformed,communicateopenly,and embrace flexibility because military life can change quickly Most importantly remember that your role matters Military spouses are often the backbone of their families and communities and the strength, sacrifices, and support they provideareinvaluable
Sharesomefunfactsaboutyourself:
SomefunfactsaboutmearethatIama retired Senior Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force, where I served in Security Forces, and I currently work forNorfolkPublicSchoolsinfinanceand accountspayableleadership
Another fun fact is that I love music and have a very outgoing personality In mysoftballdaysmywalkoutsongwasFat BottomedGirlsbyQueen,whichdefinitely matches my sense of humor and confidence. I also enjoy creating fun social media content, organizing community events and finding ways to make people feelwelcomedandsupported
What is one thing military families are facing that you would like to see improved?
OnethingIwouldliketoseeimproved for military families is access to consistent support and stability especially during deployments and frequent relocations Militaryfamiliesoftenfacechallenges related to childcare, employment opportunities for spouses, mental health support, and maintaining strong family routines while navigating the demands ofmilitarylife
As a military spouse myself, I understand how difficult it can be for spouses to maintain careers while supporting constant moves and long separations
Many highly qualified military spouses struggle to find employment that recognizestheirexperienceandaccommodates theuniquelifestylethatcomeswithmilitaryservice.Iwouldlovetoseeexpanded careersupportprograms,flexibleemployment opportunities, and stronger hiring initiativesformilitaryspouses I would also like to see continued improvementsinmentalhealthresources andfamilysupportservices Deployments andtransitionscanplaceemotionalstress onspouses,children,andservicemembers alike, and accessible support systems are extremely important for overall family readinessandwell-being Military families are incredibly resilient,buthavingstrongerresources,better communication, and increased support
would make a meaningful difference in helping families thrive, not just survive, throughoutmilitarylife
Shareoneofyourbestexperiencesasa militaryspouse:
Oneofmybestexperiencesasamilitary spouse has been serving and connecting withothermilitaryfamiliesduringdeploymentsandmajorhomecomings Supporting families through challenging times, helping them find resources answering questions,andsimplybeingsomeonethey could lean on reminded me how strong and connected the military community trulyis
Oneparticularlymeaningfulexperience washelpingfamiliesprepareforthereturn of their sailors after deployment. Seeing the excitement, emotions and reunions between loved ones is something that nevergetsold.Thosemomentsremindme whythesacrificesofmilitarylifeareworth itandhowimportantsupportsystemsare forfamiliesduringlongseparations
Another rewarding part of my journeyhasbeenthelifelongfriendshipsand sense of family that military life creates Even through difficult seasons, there is a unique bond among military spouses and families that brings encouragement, strength, and understanding Being able toservealongsidemyhusbandwhilealso supporting other families has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my military spousejourney
Whatwillyoudoaftermilitarylife?
After military life, my husband and I plan to settle down in Texas and focus on enjoying the next chapter of our lives surrounded by family and stability after many years of deployments, relocations, and military schedules We are looking forwardtofinallyputtingdownrootsand spendingmorequalitytimetogetherasa familywithouttheuncertaintythatoften comeswithmilitarylife
Professionally,Iplantocontinueworkinginfinanceandaccountingleadership, while also continuing my passion for servingandsupportingotherswithinthe community Iwouldalsolovetocontinue growing some of my personal passions including cooking, entertaining, and communityinvolvement.
Favorite (or most interesting) Duty Station:
One of my favorite and most memorable duty stations was Yokota Air Base LivinginJapanwasanamazingopportunitybecauseitallowedustoexperiencea completely different culture travel and create unforgettable memories I loved learningaboutJapanesetraditions,trying new foods and exploring the country It wassuchauniqueexperiencethatbroadenedmyperspectiveandcreatedlifelong memoriesforourfamily
ParentTeacherOrganization,Poquoson PrimarySchool|VicePresident|2025
-Present
OfficeoftheInspectorGeneral,Air CombatCommand,UnitedStatesAirForce |KeySupportLiaison|2025-2026
83DNetworkOperationsSquadron, UnitedStatesAirForce|KeySupport Liaison|2023-2025
Whathaveyoulearnedfrombeingamilitary spouse?Adviceforothermilitaryspouses?
One of the most important lessons I have learnedasamilitaryspouseisthatyoucannot build a career, a community, or a support systeminisolation.Militarylifeoftenrequires ustostartover,rebuildroutines,andredefine whatstabilitylookslike.Astrongprofessional networkcanhelpbridgethosetransitionsand create opportunities that may not be visible otherwise
Myadvicetoothermilitaryspousesistobe intentionalaboutbuildingrelationshipsbefore youneedthem.Connectwithpeopleinyour field,attendevents,joinprofessionalcommunities, ask questions, and stay engaged even during busy or uncertain seasons Networking is not just about finding a job. It is about findingmentorship information,encouragement, and access to resources that can help youkeepgrowing I would also encourage military spouses tousetheresourcesavailabletothem.There are programs certifications, training opportunities,employmentresources,andcommunityorganizationsdesignedtohelp,butmany spouseseitherdonotknowtheyexistorfeel hesitant to use them. Taking advantage of thoseresourcesisnotashortcut.Itisasmart andstrategicwaytoinvestinyourself
Military spouses bring adaptability, leadership resilience and problem solving skills toeveryspacetheyenter Thekeyislearning how to translate that experience, build the right connections, and keep moving toward thecareerandlifeyouwant,evenwhenmilitarylifechangestheplan.
Sharesomefunfactsaboutyourself:
My day usually starts with an early morning workout. It is my small window of quiet beforethehousewakesupandthedaystarts moving Mytwoboysare10yearsapart,soour homeisalwaysfilledwiththeenergyofteenageindependenceandkindergartencuriosity
My much needed caffeine support squad includes Coke Zero, iced vanilla chai, and
yellowMonsterRehabs Eachonehasearned its place I also fully embrace my millennial status,proudlyreflectedinmyInstagramand Peloton handles: @AnotherMillennialMilspouseandBasicBrittany,respectively WhenI dohavesomedowntime,Ienjoyagooddystopianorpoliticaldramaseries
Before joining the corporate workforce, I wasalicensedcosmetologist,andbeforemilitarylife,Idancedclassicalballetfor15years. I tend to go all in on the things I care about.
Whether it is family volunteering a hobby, oraprojectthatneedsaclearplan,Iamfully invested.
Whatisonethingmilitaryfamiliesarefacing thatyouwouldliketoseeimproved?
One thing I would like to see improved is greater awareness of, and more consistent accessto employmentresourcesforspouses ofcurrentlyservingservicemembers
Military spouse employment is often discussedasastandaloneissue,butitisclosely connectedtomanyofthechallengesmilitary familiesface includingchildcare,healthcare, housing, financial stability, and long-term career growth. When spouses who want to workcanaccessflexible,gainfulemployment it helps reduce financial strain, strengthen familystability,andsupportservicemembers astheycontinuetheirmilitarycareers
Iwouldliketoseestrongeraccesstocareer resources training certification opportunities, employer connections, and job placement support for military spouses across all branches, ranks, locations, and seasons of service Thatshouldincludemoreprograms that connect spouses directly with community employers who understand the value of militaryspousetalentandarereadytohire.
Resources are important but real opportunity comes when spouses can move from preparation to placement. When military spousesareabletobuildsustainablecareers, familieshavemoreoptions,servicemembers havestrongersupportathome andthemilitaryisbetterpositionedtoretainexperienced talent.
Improving military spouse employment is not just about jobs It is about strengtheningfamilies,supportingreadinessandretention,andcreatingmoresustainablefuturesfor those who serve and the families who serve alongsidethem.
Shareoneofyourbestexperiencesasamilitaryspouse:
It is hard to choose one best experience, because military life has been a culmination of once in a lifetime moments, meaningful places, and people who have shaped my life
inlastingways
Asamilitaryspouse Ihavehadtheopportunity to attend a Presidential Inaugural Ball,liveinCanadathroughthewinter,stand at both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and experience communities I may have never known otherwise Along the way, I have made lifelong friendships, including meeting my best friend, who has remained one of myclosestfriendsfor15yearsandisnowthe godmothertomyyoungestson.
For me the best experience has not been onesinglemoment,ithasbeenthefulljourney Military life has brought change, challenge, adventure, friendship and growth, and each placeandseasonhasaddedsomethingmeaningfultomyfamily’sstory
Whatwillyoudoaftermilitarylife?
If and when my husband retires I hope ournextchapterincludesalittlemoretravel beyond the familiar borders of our childhood towns Like many military families, we married young, did not have money for a honeymoon, and most of our vacations have beenspentvisitingfamilyratherthanexploringnewdestinations
Eventually we hope to settle in Western New York and finish building our forever homeintheFingerLakesregion.Afteryears ofmoving,adapting,andstartingover,putting downrootsclosetofamilyfeelslikeadream.
Even when military life is no longer our dailyreality,mycommitmenttothiscommunitywillnotchange Thislifehasshapedwho Iam,andIwillcontinuesupportingmilitary spouses,servicemembers,veterans,andtheir familiesinanywayIcan
Favorite(ormostinteresting)DutyStation:
One of our most interesting military life chapters was our short stint in North Bay, Ontario,Canada.Itwasauniqueopportunity to experience life outside the United States, includingaCanadianwinter,thearea’sFrench influence andacommunityshapedbyablend ofcultures,languages,andnorthernOntario history
It is hard to choose a true favorite duty station because military life is rarely that simple There have been places we did not love,butpeopleweabsolutelydid.Therehave also been places we enjoyed that still came withhardseasons
Forme,themostmeaningfulparthasbeen the people, perspective, and unexpected memorieseachassignmentbroughtintoour lives Everylocationaddedsomethingdifferenttoourfamily’sstory eventheoneswemay nothavechosenforourselves
HANNA
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Shareoneofyourbestexperiences asamilitaryspouse: Beingamilitaryspousehasafforded us the opportunity to travel a lot as a family Going places we may have nevergonebeforeifthemilitaryhadn’t supportedthat.
Whatwillyoudoaftermilitarylife?I amemployedwithFleet&Familyand willcontinuewiththatasalinktothe militaryworld.Ienjoymyjobhelping sailors and families through deploymentsandrelocation.
Favorite(ormostinteresting)Duty Station: BangorWashington
JESSICA
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I’vecompleted9MarineCorpsMarathonsandmanyotherraces.Running hashelpedmeinmydailylife It’sthe one thing I do for myself, it’s my me time
Whatisonethingmilitaryfamilies arefacingthatyouwouldliketosee improved? The quality of living and access to programsonbase
Shareoneofyourbestexperiences asamilitaryspouse:
Moving to Camp Lejeune with a baby and not knowing anyone My neighbors became some of the best friends I have ever had because we had each other and raised our babies together WeenjoyourweekendBBQs and being a family through deployments
Whatwillyoudoaftermilitarylife? We would love to move to a ski town in the mountains because we love to skiandflyfish.
Favorite(ormostinteresting)Duty Station: Hawaii-Outdoorparadise!
