Military Spouse Advocacy Network

09/03/2026

Before becoming one of television’s most recognizable stars, Lucille Ball experienced military life from the spouse side during World War II.

Her husband, Desi Arnaz, entered the U.S. Army in 1943, and Lucille continued building her Hollywood career while they navigated the separation that came with his service.

She would go on to become a television pioneer, actress, producer, and businesswoman eventually becoming the first woman to lead a major Hollywood production studio.

Lucille’s story is another reminder that military spouses have always carried their own ambitions, talents, and careers alongside the demands of military life and sometimes, they go on to change an entire industry.

Military spouses have always been more than the title. This is our history.

Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

09/03/2026

Almost time for Military Influencer Conference 2026! We can't wait to see you in Tampa, Florida, September 23-26!

Grab your pass > https://buff.ly/gsk97KV

09/03/2026

This month's Connecting with MSAN live chat happens next week!

Join us for fun, connection and a chance to win a giveaway in our virtual chat! Find it in our Mentorship-HUB (always free to join).

📆 September 9, 2026
🕰️ 7pm CST, 9am Japan
📍 Mentorship-HUB https://buff.ly/ELjyFTi

09/02/2026

Home Base–a valued MSAN community partner–is offering a 4-part series for veterans and families to learn about the impacts of trauma and mental health. Below is the link to learn more about the opportunity and how to register.

https://buff.ly/J5pvHm4

About HomeBase: Home Base is a national nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class, direct clinical care, wellness, education and research – all at no cost to them – regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location. The program was founded by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston Red Sox.

Since 2009, Home Base has served more than 60,000 Veterans and their Family Members and trained over 85,000 clinicians across the nation, and we remain at the forefront of discovering new treatments to ensure a brighter future for Warriors and their Families.

09/02/2026

In August we asked: Share a funny story that highlights the unique life of a military spouse.

What will September's question be? Log into the Mentorship-HUB today to find out. Answer for your chance to win a prize! https://buff.ly/85zzqo4

09/02/2026

Jeremy Hilton’s journey began as a Navy service member and evolved into life as an Air Force spouse, caregiver, and nationally recognized military family advocate.

Jeremy stepped away from his own military career to care for his daughter while his wife continued serving in the Air Force. His family’s experiences navigating military life and special-needs care became the foundation for his advocacy for other military families.

In 2012, Jeremy made history as the first male Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year and used his platform to advocate for military families with special needs, including testifying before Congress.

Jeremy’s story reminds us that leadership can take many forms—and sometimes our greatest impact comes from turning our own challenges into a voice for others.

Military spouses have always been more than the title. This is our history.

Photo credit: Sgt. Austin Hazard/U.S. Marine Corps, via DVIDS. Public domain.

The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.

09/02/2026

🎉 We’re incredibly proud to celebrate our President & CEO, Verenice Castillo, for being named in We Are The Mighty's "Mighty 25" list for 2026!

Verenice built this community around a simple but powerful need: ensuring spouses have access to the vital resources, peer-to-peer mentorship, and support they deserve.

Her vision, leadership, and commitment to strengthening the military spouse community continue to make a meaningful impact. We’re honored to see her recognized among this year’s Mighty 25!

Congratulations, Verenice! Your leadership inspires us every day.

Read more below:
https://buff.ly/O5A0mdj

When she was 16 years old, Verenice Castillo was an immigrant who promised her father she would be "the best citizen" she could be.

09/01/2026

Our monthly newsletter is coming out THIS week, are you ready for it?

Want to stay in the loop with everything MSAN has to offer? Sign up to get our monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about new courses, upcoming events, and more.

https://buff.ly/TdlTj2g

09/01/2026

Before becoming First Lady, Barbara Bush was the young wife of Navy pilot George H.W. Bush, beginning a partnership that would span more than seven decades.

Throughout their 73-year marriage, Barbara navigated more than 30 moves, adapting to new homes, communities, and chapters while raising their family. She later used her national platform to champion literacy, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989.

Her journey reminds us that the ability to adapt, build community, and pursue a passion can create an impact that reaches far beyond our own families.

Military spouses have always been more than the title. This is our history.

09/01/2026

MSAN Chats: Traci & Friends is back after our summer break! Join us in ONE HOUR to hear more about what it's like as an Army spouse and military member.

https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/mentorship-hub