Operation Homelife Appreciation and Admiration for Military Spouse

By Krysta Murray

Military Spouse Appreciation day is May 7 this year and I have to say, I have some real awe and appreciation for many of these spouses.

The day-to-day challenges military spouses face on the home front typically include frequent moves, unexpected stressors, parenting, managing households, being caretaker of family and pets, holding down a job of their own and much more. So when I hear about spouses that manage to start their own companies, publish a novel, run marathons, volunteer or head up charitable organizations, etc., I am incredibly impressed. queried and networked, and got that book sold! That is more proof of the resilience and determination many military spouses possess. As an avid reader and as a writer I am all for supporting these authors and recognizing how hard that must have been.

If it can be done on a computer or out of your home, a savvy military spouse can turn it into something they not only do for themselves but that can also benefit others.

Starting a business of any kind is no easy feat. But I’ve seen it done and done well. Many military spouses work outside the home. Some find it easier to create a career they can take with them and do anywhere. Military spouse-owned companies tend to

Military spouses tend to be flexible, adaptable and determined. With so many relocations, distance from their significant other and family and constant changes, they effectively adapt and evolve themselves. I myself find it a constant struggle of figuring out what is it I want to accomplish and how can I make it happen in my given circumstances.

Recently I have discovered a couple of authors that are currently or are formerly military spouses, who wrote their books while their spouse served. Just the fact that they found the time to collect their thoughts and then get them on paper makes me awe-inspired. But then they went out,

collect clients anywhere and everywhere which requires a lot of networking, selfpromotion and hard work.

Personal businesses I have seen flourish by talented, hard working military spouses include: photography, baking, cooking, sewing, woodworking, hair care, aestheticians, pet sitting, lawn services, babysitting and day care, fitness trainers, dietitians, tutors and direct sales. I could go on, but you get the idea. The best part is that these military spouses create a business that is wholly unique with the experiences they collect. Plus, at almost any duty station I can find a small business like these that does exactly what I need and I can support them in return.

Another big aspect that isn’t always recognized is that many military spouses volunteer their time for good causes. They take on roles within their community or associated commands such as serving as an ombudsman or leading family readiness groups. They offer their knowledge to organizations, such as the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society or teach classes for Morale, Welfare and Recreation or Fleet and Family Services. These organizations serve to give back to the service members and their families.

Some spouses take on extra training and certifications to perform certain work within these organizations, such as financial management. Some volunteer time to make events possible or hold fundraisers for certain causes. Some have even gone on to start their own charitable services or organizations. I’ve known yoga instructors who host free classes for service members and their families for stress management and those recovering from injuries.

Regardless of what it is, there’s something that can be built upon. Military spouses tend to make it happen. The military life can certainly be a challenge to navigate at times but it also creates so much opportunity and I think if it’s looked at in a positive way, more positive things rise from it. It’s so easy to be defeated by the obstacles that constantly get placed in front of us, but overcoming them makes the celebration so much more rewarding.

Whether they run a business, a household or a marathon, military spouses prove time and time again their resilience. The best part is not just how much they support their service member, but each other as well.