Featured Spouse of the Month...Maria!!!

January 2012

Featured Military Spouse of the Month

Maria 

Photo by Holly Patricia Photography

Maria is the proud military spouse of Ryan, who is active duty in the United States Marine Corps. Maria graduated from College Park in 2004 with a B.A. in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a minor in Spanish. After she finish her B.A. she was accepted into University of Maryland's School of Law and graduated with her J.D. in 2009...Pretty awesome huh? Ryan and Maria have one super handsome son named Sean. Maria is active in many military events and is an extremely inspiring spouse.

Photo by Holly Patricia Photography

I had the opportunity to interview Maria and get some great advice from her! Check it out!!

Me: When did you become a military spouse?

Maria: June 2009, We got married over bootcamp leave.

Me: What makes you most proud about being a military spouse?

Maria: Supporting my husband and knowing that he is doing what he wants to do while I hold the fort down back at home. I fully support whatever decision he makes with his career and look forward to wherever the military takes us!

Me: What has being a military spouse inspired you to do?

Maria: I volunteer with our unit's Family Readiness Officer and through that I have met many other spouses and have networked with higher ups. I also work with the Family Day Meet and Greets and Stand Alone Marine Bag Project for new Marines who have just graduated from bootcamp and who do not have family members coming for graduation. During the Meet and Greets, I meet with the family members of new Marines, get them pumped up for graduation the next day, and then pack goodie bags for the SAM's.

Me: What is one thing you have learned about being a military spouse?

Maria: You are stronger than you think you are. There have been many times where I have worried and panicked because my husband wasn't around, but things turned out just fine.

Me: What is some advice you would give military spouses and future military spouses?

Maria: I have two.

 1) Make sure you are informed and don't rely solely on your spouse for information. There are a plethora of resources out there from the family readiness programs,family team building programs, support forums, and more "seasoned" wives. Get involved with your spouse's base and/or unit. Learn how the background stuff works, who to contact, etc. Chances are you'll need to know these things when your spouse isn't around. Knowledge is power.

2) Continue to develop your own identity. Pursue hobbies, work out, take classes, find a job if you can. The key is to not sit at home bored all day waiting for your spouse to come home.

I hope you all enjoyed Maria's advice! She is such a wonderful person! A big thanks to Maria for letting me feature her on the blog!!

If you are a military spouse and would like to be featured or know someone to feature please send me an email! I love hearing from you all!!

Also don't forget the blog giveaway is going on now through Sunday! Hurry and enter before it's too late!!

xo, Emily