Honoring the Unsung Heroes: Military Spouses
PARTNER CONTENT
Active-duty troops and veterans understand that serving our nation requires hard work and sacrifice, but they don’t face it alone. Behind most service members is a dedicated support system — family, friends and, most importantly, spouses. These spouses serve without wearing a uniform or collecting a paycheck. They do it out of love and a shared commitment to sacrifice. Yet their dedication often goes unrecognized, and a grateful nation can do more for them.
Military spouses often put their careers and personal goals on hold to take on roles as caregivers, cheerleaders, and coordinators, helping their partners succeed and navigate their transition back to civilian life.
For many active-duty spouses, frequent relocations disrupt not only their careers but also their friendships and support systems. Military spouses can endure high unemployment rates and significant financial stress, as the constant moves can make stable employment difficult to secure. The “relocation tax” they pay is more than just financial — in addition to lost income and delayed retirement savings, it includes the emotional toll of uprooting their lives every few years.
Isolation and loneliness are common factors among military spouses, both during active duty and after transitioning to civilian life. Frequent relocations make it difficult to build lasting friendships and community connections, and this isolation can exacerbate mental health challenges and contribute to feelings of frustration and helplessness.
Some veteran spouses find themselves playing catch-up with their careers and lives after years of prioritizing their partner’s military service. Many become caregivers for veterans with long-term injuries or illnesses, which can strain marriages and families. And the transition from military to civilian life can be particularly challenging, with spouses expected to help veterans navigate their benefits and find new careers, often without adequate support or preparation.
Several steps can be taken to better support military spouses. First, more research is needed to understand the unique needs and challenges military families face. Ongoing studies and consistent surveys can provide valuable insights into their well-being and help tailor support programs better suited to their needs.
Next, programs dedicated to serving veterans should also extend to their spouses and partners. This includes initiatives like hiring programs, employee resource groups, and support networks. Addressing the isolation and loneliness that many military spouses experience through social support networks and community-building activities is essential.
Third, providing well-paying, flexible employment opportunities for military spouses can help reduce financial stress and enhance their quality of life. Employers can provide remote work options, flexible hours, and support for job transfers.
Finally, providing specialized education and career coaching can empower military spouses to develop their skills and pursue their professional goals. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and career guidance can support them in achieving financial security and personal fulfillment.
Military spouses are the silent strength behind our nation’s defense, making military service possible through their commitment. Yet their contributions often go unnoticed. It’s time to recognize and support them. By confronting the unique challenges they face and providing the necessary resources, we can help ensure these home front heroes receive the support and care they deserve.
At PMI, we believe military spouses deserve to be better understood. Their concerns should be addressed. And most of all, their value should be celebrated. Through national philanthropic initiatives and local programs, we’re investing in resources that help military spouses build careers, access mental health services, obtain legal advice, develop community networks, and enhance their own health and wellness. One of the most important things we can do for military spouses is to listen and learn, so we know which programs and initiatives will best serve them and their families.
To learn more about how we can better serve those on the home front, visit pmi.com/us/empoweringmilitaryspouses
This article was produced in partnership with and paid for by PMI U.S.
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