Empowering Military Spouses to Share Their Stories

At Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), we believe that the voices of military spouses are powerful, inspiring, and essential to building a stronger military community. Our Military Spouse Writing Program gives spouses the opportunity to develop professional writing skills while sharing their unique experiences of military life.

Through this paid writing program, selected participants create blogs, articles, and stories that highlight the strength, resilience, and challenges of military families. Their work is featured across ASYMCA’s website, social media, and communications — giving a real, authentic voice to the stories that matter most.

Poli Dimitrova

I’m Poli Dimitrova, currently living in Italy, though originally from Bulgaria. I’ve been a military spouse for about three years, and I’ve found the military community to be incredibly supportive and inspiring. That’s why I’m so excited to continue with the Military Spouse Writing Program — finding ways to contribute and meet new people!

Hiking and photography are two of my biggest hobbies. My primary writing experience is in travel, but I’m also passionate about lifestyle topics and toddler life, as I have a constantly on-the-go one-year-old son.

Maddison Bailey

Hi, I’m Maddison! I currently call Tennessee home but originally hail from Idaho — yes, the land of potatoes! In 2017, I married my high school sweetheart, and since then we’ve had the incredible opportunity to live in Hawaii and Washington State, making unforgettable memories at each base.

We also have two dogs we consider our fur babies, and we proudly own a mobile coffee truck—so yes, I’m a big coffee gal! Creativity is my true passion, and through my writing, I hope to inspire others to embrace their creativity as well.

Julianna Burson

I am currently a Home & Hospital Teacher with Charles County Public Schools and have a background in biomedical research and education. I earned my B.S. and M.S. from Old Dominion University.

As a lifelong Girl Scout, I developed a strong desire to serve my community, which continues today through my volunteer work with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. I have also served as a Family Readiness Group leader and as a host with the Murphy Canyon Bread Ministry.

I’ve been married to an active-duty service member for seven years and am a proud mom of two children. Through my writing, I hope to encourage and educate military spouses and their families.

Elizabeth Dueñas

Hi, I’m Lizzy! I’m a communications student at Western Governors University and a military spouse stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. I’ve been married for over a year now and am a soon-to-be mother to my first child.

I’ve been writing since I was ten years old, and my passion for it has only grown. Now, I study communications so that I can continue my education and meet my career goals of becoming a full-time writer and editor.

I understand the challenges of being part of the military community, and I hope to show my support through my time writing for the ASYMCA.

Kalyn Love

I have been married to an active-duty infantryman for three years. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and taught first grade for three years before deciding to take a break and become a stay-at-home mom after having my son last year.

Now based at Fort Campbell, I’m passionate about supporting fellow military spouses through my writing and hope to inspire others through the Military Spouse Writing Program.

Explore Stories from Our Military Spouse Writers

Through the Military Spouse Writing Program, military spouses share firsthand stories about military life—capturing moments of strength, change, and hope. Each blog offers a personal window into the military family experience, written by those who live it every day.

Discover their stories, celebrate their voices, and see the heart of the military community.

Read the Blog