More Than A Spouse: Reaching Military Families One Resource at a Time

When Nasira Mukendi married her Airman and embraced military family life, she didn't just commit to supporting her spouse's service to the country—she also committed to her own ambitions. Driven by a passion for positive change, she first earned a master’s degree in public health. Building on her experience in the field, she went on to obtain a master’s in social work. With her academic achievements, lived experiences, and deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of military life, Nasira set out on a personal mission to serve in her own way. As a mother, spouse, and installation community health program coordinator, she is dedicated to equipping military families with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

An Oath to Serve

The social work profession is rooted in core values, including social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, and integrity. Pairing these values with military family life became a compass for Nasira to reach those in her community—especially those struggling with the journey.

“Frequent relocations, deployments, and the inherent stresses of military life can create barriers to accessing resources and support,” she said. “Additionally, the transient nature of military life can disrupt established support networks, making it difficult for families to find consistent resources.”

Nasira wanted to fill that void by reaching more families and she’s done that through her work at installation Family Readiness Centers and with the Defense Health Agency.

“By understanding the complexities of military life, I can tailor my approach to serve families better and help them navigate the available resources to enhance their health and wellness,” she shared. “Service members and their families often face stigmas associated with seeking help, which can hinder their willingness to utilize available services.”

Nasira has reached families through installation-wide community events, including workshops and informational sessions for military spouses.

“It is easy to feel isolated in each new location, but actively seeking out professional groups, attending employment workshops, volunteering, and engaging with local communities can open up numerous opportunities.”

Empowering Others

Nasira commonly receives questions from military spouses seeking employment. With out-of-pocket expenses for PCS moves and the rising costs of everyday essentials, the number of spouses seeking to contribute financially to their families rises daily. She gets questions about where to start, how to explain resume gaps, and how to find opportunities.

“I share my background as a military spouse, emphasizing how it has shaped my adaptability, strong communication skills, and ability to thrive in dynamic environments,” she said. “I also encourage continuous learning, portable careers, professional development, and building a strong support network.”

With every success story Nasira hears, she is reminded of the resilience and strength of military families, which reinforces her commitment to supporting them in any way she can.

“Being able to recognize and appreciate their contributions while providing them with tools for self-care and personal development is truly a highlight on my journey as a military spouse.”

Doing Better by Our Military Families

The House Armed Services Committee’s Quality of Life Panel report states that military spouse employment is a vital quality of life factor and can impact financial stability, community integration, and career fulfillment. This statement rings true in Nasira’s professional circles and at NMFA.

“Military spouses are valuable assets to the community, and their diverse experiences can align with career opportunities.”

With advocates like Nasira amplifying the voices and realities of military families, we can create targeted policy work and make impactful change—a commitment of NMFA’s for over 55 years.

“Advocating for marginalized groups, educating, connecting to resources, developing programs, or providing support during challenging times is incredibly fulfilling,” Nasira shared. “Knowing that my work contributes to improving health and wellness outcomes and quality of life for military families is the ultimate goal.”

NMFA stands with Nasira and her goals. Together, we will create a world where all military families thrive.

Share your ‘More Than A Spouse’ story with us. We want to hear it!

By: Angela Sablan Tenorio, Content Manager