This Military Appreciation Month, we celebrate the millions of resilient, adaptable, and dedicated military and Veteran spouses who serve as the backbone of their families.
Approximately two million men and women serve in active duty, National Guard, and Reserve roles to protect our country. Supporting nearly 48% of active duty Service members and approximately 73% of Veterans (Military OneSource) are their resilient, adaptable, and dedicated spouses.
Serving as the foundation of family stability, the important role of the military spouse was officially recognized by the federal government in May 1984. In recognition of this important observance day, TriWest spoke with two proud employees to learn more about the unique experiences that come with being a military spouse. Read on to hear their stories.
Dena P., Texas
Q: What branch does
your spouse serve in (or served in) and length of service?
A: My husband served in the United States Marine Corps, completing four years of active duty and four years in the Reserves, including two tours in Iraq as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic.
Q: What does being a military spouse mean to you?
A: Being a military spouse means loving someone enough to stand strong through every phase during service and long after. It means supporting each other through uncertainty, growth, and the adjustments that come with life after the military. It’s not always easy, but it builds a special kind of strength and bond.
Q: What’s something people might not fully understand about the military spouse experience?
A: I think people often don’t realize that the challenges don’t always end when service does. Even after, there can be things to work through as you adjust to a new normal together. During service, there’s already so much to carry — worry, distance, and responsibility — but that journey continues in different ways once they come home.
Q: Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud to be a military spouse?
A: One moment that stands out to me was the time after his service, as we navigated the transition back to civilian life. It was a challenging season for our family, and there were moments that tested us in ways we didn’t expect. But through it all, we leaned on each other, stayed patient, and kept moving forward together. Watching his strength, resilience, and determination during that time — and seeing how it ultimately brought us closer as a family — is something I will always be proud of. We have been together for 17 years, married for 11, and are blessed with two beautiful children.
Q: What strengths have you developed through this journey?
A: This journey has taught me patience, resilience, and how to adapt to change. I’ve learned how to stay strong during uncertain times and how to support someone through both visible and invisible challenges. It’s also given me a deeper sense of empathy that carries into every part of my life.
Q: As a military spouse, why is it important for you to work at a company like TriWest?
A: Working at TriWest is important to me because this isn’t just something I understand, it’s something I’ve lived. I know what it feels like to navigate uncertainty, to carry responsibility during difficult times, and to adjust to life after service. Being part of a company that supports military families makes my work feel personal. It’s not just a job to me; it’s a way to give back to a community that I’m connected to in a real and meaningful way.
Q: What would you want others — especially employers or communities — to know about supporting military spouses?
A: Military spouses bring strength, resilience, and adaptability that comes from real-life experience. Support shouldn’t stop when service ends. With understanding and opportunity, military spouses can bring a level of dedication and perspective that truly adds value.
Erin L., Arizona
Q: What branch does
your spouse serve in (or served in) and length of service?
A: My husband served as a Marine for five years and was medically discharged in 2010.
Q: What does being a military spouse mean to you?
A: Being a military spouse brings me so much pride. My husband worked as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist which means he got blown up a few times while ensuring the safety of others. His work earned him two Purple Hearts. I am immensely proud of his bravery and love for America.
Q: What’s something people might not fully understand about the military spouse experience?
A: I don’t think a lot of people realize the stubbornness that comes with it. After my husband was medically discharged, he didn’t want to go to someone to talk about PTSD. It took a lot of encouragement for him to go. The night terrors he experiences make me feel for him.
Q: Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud to be a military spouse?
A: We have been together for
10 years and married for four. I am excited for when our kids are old enough to understand what serving in the military means and they learn that it is a sacrifice our military is willing to make. They were so proud to have their dad come to Veterans Day pep rallies and share some of his experience in the military.
Q: What strengths have you developed through this journey?
A: Structure is super important as I need to handle so many things. I wear so many hats to make sure the house is organized and runs smoothly. I already have patience with having four kids, but when my husband has off days and thinks about his time overseas, I show him grace.
Q: As a military spouse, why is it important for you to work at a company like TriWest?
A: I love working at TriWest because we get to help all walks of life in the military. Working in the Grievance department is rewarding because you can see firsthand how solving issues relieves their stress and creates better rapport.
Q: What would you want others — especially employers or communities — to know about supporting military spouses?
A: It’s important for others to have patience with military spouses. There is nothing they can do when their spouses are deployed. It’s easy to become distracted. Military spouses should be recognized so much more and celebrated for keeping things in order at home.
Many thanks to all at TriWest who serve as military spouses! Your contributions are greatly appreciated.