May 1, 2026

Saying goodbye to my husband was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Watching his ship pull away from shore, knowing we wouldn’t see him again for months, hoping for his safe return — it’s a moment I’ll never forget. Sometimes, we wonder why we ended up here.…...

April 16, 2026

When Military Life Feels Isolating Nothing can truly prepare a new military spouse or family for the journey that this lifestyle brings. Our first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) was scheduled just eight months after we were married. I met my sailor while he was stationed near my hometown. I…...

April 13, 2026

In a span of a few days, roughly 2,500 Marines from Camp Pendleton deployed aboard the USS Boxer and other naval ships to the Middle East as part of a rapidly evolving U.S. response to rising tensions with Iran. This latest military deployment, including elements tied to a broader deployment…...

April 10, 2026

As April approaches, so does the opportunity to celebrate the Month of the Military Child (MOMC), a time dedicated to honoring the courage, strength, and sacrifices of children growing up in military families. Facing experiences that would test even the most resilient adults, military kids frequently develop remarkable adaptability, emotional…...

March 31, 2026

Thoughts of Deployment We’re originally from the small island of Guam, and Virginia is our first duty station. It’s where we’ve experienced many of our firsts as a military family, and now we are preparing for our first military deployment. Yesterday, I picked up my husband from his ship after…...

March 26, 2026

Spring as a Seasonal Reset Spring is especially meaningful for our family as we celebrate four birthdays in a joy-filled, two-week span. We usually mark the occasion with an outdoor activity: hiking, beach time, or exploring a local garden. We also visit our preferred locally owned restaurant for a special…...

March 12, 2026

  Becoming a first-time mom wasn’t in my plans for years to come. But last year, two weeks after my husband left for his first rotation (non-combat deployment), I stared down at the positive pregnancy test sitting on my bathroom sink — and a mix of emotions washed over me.…...

March 2, 2026

Military deployment brings unique challenges to families, especially to children. A parent’s absence can create big feelings, new questions, and noticeable shifts in daily routines. When those emotions do not have space to be expressed, they can build quietly over time. I still remember how it felt when my dad…...

January 22, 2026

As 2025 winds down, I find myself reflecting on another incredible season with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Military Spouse Writing Program. It’s the perfect time to pause, look back, and appreciate all the growth this past year has brought. From moving overseas to diving into topics far beyond my…...

January 20, 2026

When I first joined the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Military Spouse Writing Program, my motivation was simple: I missed writing. I hadn’t written anything creatively since high school yearbook and newspaper, but something in me knew it was time to pick up the pen again. I hoped the program would…...