Whether a new military spouse or a seasoned one, Military Spouse Clubs have played an intricate role in connection and community for all involved. They provide a place of support and friendships that can last well beyond the time a spouse serves.
Family spoke with Carolyn Crissman, the CEO of Council for Military Spouse Clubs, about why Military Spouse Clubs are so important to the military spouse. Married to retired Army MG Doug Crissman, they have two adult children - son Garrett Crissman and wife Sarah Crissman and daughter Haley Usoz and husband Marine Captain Mike Osoz.
What is a Military Spouse Club and why are they important?
Military Spouse Clubs are organizations where spouses can come together to connect. Plus, they provide volunteer opportunities and support with like-minded individuals.
- Social connections – meeting people right away every time you PCS
- Professional Connections – networking with other professional spouses and community leaders
- Installation Connections – serving your military community through scholarships, grants, service projects – giving spouses a safe place to give back.
- Community Connections – helping the greater communities around the installation through grants; fundraisers; and service projects and providing a way for that community to connect with the military community.
Who can join the Military Spouse Club?
Every installation’s club has their own set of rules since they are private organizations not governed by the military. Some clubs allow just about anyone who is affiliated with the installation to join the club and contribute however they would like. Other clubs only allow certain segments of the community to be members and even others are somewhere in between. There are many variables that determine how clubs set up their memberships.
Is there anything you think new spouses should know when considering joining the club?
New spouses who are considering joining a club should understand that clubs are a great place to find a new friend, but they offer so much more in the way the clubs support the community. Most clubs are registered nonprofits: professional organizations with the common goal of supporting their communities through service, grants, scholarships, and volunteer support. If a new spouse wants to be a part of something that serves their communities while making lifelong friends, Military Spouse Clubs are a great place to start!