More Than A Spouse: Reaching Military Families Through Digital and Personal Outreach

A trend that never fades is the wave of military spouses stepping into the military family journey. For many, military life is the great unknown, yet they enter it with open hearts, resilient minds, and a willingness to serve alongside their service members.

Air Force spouse McKinzee Crow embraced that journey with determination. Drawing inspiration from her spouse’s role as an Air Battle Manager— she brought her own version of connection and leadership to the forefront. Her mission? Reaching military families where they are—online and in person.

Modern Approach to Reaching Military Families

In 2023, after she and her husband graduated from college, he joined the Air Force and moved to their first duty station.

“Upon settling and ready to use my degree, it quickly set in for me that military spouse unemployment was a real thing,” McKinzee shared. “I realized that my experience extended beyond my own journey, and I wanted to ensure spouses felt welcomed and supported, so I worked to build connections through technology—something that came naturally for me.”

As a member of Gen Z, McKinzee is no stranger to digital technology and the internet. “I created my own blog to share resources and advice I came across and to also talk about my personal experiences,” she said. “It became a platform where spouses could feel seen and understood, fostering a sense of belonging and community.”

McKinzee has thousands of social media followers, so she knew she could leverage her experience to reach families right where they are, and this fed her soul.

“I advocate for younger military spouses who often feel unheard or unwanted, especially those without children, who may struggle to find a sense of belonging. I’ve experienced this feeling firsthand and often felt overlooked or irrelevant because I didn’t have a family of my own yet. I know what it’s like to want to connect with others but do not know where to start. That’s why I’m passionate about creating spaces for these spouses to meet, share experiences, and feel included.”

Screen to Scene, Making Lasting Impressions

While you can catch McKinzee talking or writing about all things military life, she is most passionate about showcasing how elements of military spouse life are transferrable to the workforce and personal successes.

“I wish more employers understood the resilience, adaptability, and diverse skill sets that military spouses bring to the workplace,” she said. “We are used to navigating constant change, whether relocating every few years, adjusting to new cultures, or managing households during deployments. These experiences make us highly adaptable, quick learners, and excellent problem-solvers.”

McKinzee knows this reality is a work in progress, so she continues to hone her skills, market her degrees in technology and operations management, and make connections happen. “The military community has opened doors to opportunities and collaborations I never expected. I’ve connected with organizations focused on military spouse employment, received mentorship from incredible leaders, and even had the chance to participate in programs like Hiring Our Heroes. These connections have not only helped me grow professionally but have also allowed me to give back by supporting other military spouses navigating employment challenges.”

In some of her most engaging TikTok videos, you can find McKinzee’s followers—fellow military spouses—identifying with her advice on self-care and pushing through when rejection happens with job interviews. Her ability to connect often leads to in-person meetups.

“I’ve seen how important it is to include spouses early on in their military journey, to help them feel like they belong,” McKinzee reinforced. “If we don’t, they may carry that feeling of being disconnected for years to come. It is important to me to engage and use my platform to raise awareness about the challenges spouses face, encouraging them to connect and support each other. Through both online and in-person efforts, I make sure their voices are heard so they know they’re not alone.”

No Military Spouses Left Behind

McKinzee’s journey serves as a poignant reminder to those new or seasoned in military life: all military spouses deserve a sense of security and purpose in their chosen lives. When we tap into our personal strengths—those things we excel at—they may lead us to new opportunities and even new friends. We don’t have to do it alone.

Together, we’re stronger®.

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

By: Angela Sablan Tenorio, Content Manager