Meet a Milspouse: Our Chat with Amanda Huffman

GIVE US A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK AT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY – HOW DID YOU BECOME A MILITARY SPOUSE (MILSPOUSE)? WHAT DO YOU DO IN ADDITION TO BEING A MILSPOUSE? AND A FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR MILITARY FAMILY?

My husband and I met while both working to become officers in the Air Force through ROTC. He was ahead of me in ROTC and our paths kept crossing at various events. He left for his first assignment while I still had to finish my last year of college. We ended up getting married that year while he was in New Mexico and I was still in California.

I commissioned in the Spring and eventually made my way to New Mexico, with a detour in Alabama for training, so we could begin our life as a married couple. I served in the Air Force for six years and then left to be a stay at home mom and wife in 2013. Today, I am still a mom, now of two boys, and wife. Today, my husband is now serving in the Space Force and I also am an author, podcaster, and freelance writer.

WHICH MILITARY BRANCH DOES YOUR SPOUSE SERVE IN AND FOR HOW MANY YEARS HAS HE SERVED?

Space Force, 18 years total, 15 in the Air Force and 3 in the Space Force

WHERE HAS THE MILITARY MOVED YOUR FAMILY OVER THE YEARS? WHICH WAS YOUR FAVORITE DUTY STATION AND WHY?

We started at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, then my husband moved to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to complete his masters while I was deployed, then I moved to Wright-Patterson after my deployment. I left the military while stationed at Wright-Patterson.

We then moved to Los Angeles Air Force Base. Next, was the National Reconnaissance Office outside of DC in Virginia. Then we decided to move back to LA Air Force Base because we enjoyed it so much. We are also both originally from Central California so it was nice to be home. We are excited to put down roots in Southern California as my husband moves closer to retirement in a location that has lots of opportunities for his career both in the military and beyond.

It is the people who make each assignment great and we feel so blessed to have made such good friends. For a long time my favorite assignment was Holloman Air Force Base but now that we are back in LA I guess I would have to say it is our favorite since it is where we wanted to end our military career.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MILITARY SPOUSE? TELL US SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OR HAS MADE YOU STRONGER BECAUSE YOU ARE A MILSPOUSE?

My favorite part of being a military spouse is the people I have met. They inspire me everyday as they go out and do amazing things. I also have been moved by the kindness of others who supported me while my husband was gone and I was on my own.

I think being a military spouse forced me to learn to ask for help. I always try to remind myself what would I say if a friend asked for help in whatever situation I am in. I always resort to kindness and it makes it easier to say I need help and can't do everything on my own.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

My kids inspire me. They are so different not only from me, but each other. They are out there living the military life and overcoming challenges. It is inspiring to see how strong they are and I am proud of them each day.

Milspo Strong Bracelet with Meaning Card - Wear this bracelet as your everyday reminder that you are not alone on this journey. The common threads that weave through your life stories give you the courage to face the next chapter of your military family journey. Your milspouse tribe stands with you, helping you to dig deep and embrace change – they are your source of strength. You’re not just strong – you’re Milspo Strong!

WHICH CHARLIEMADISON EVERYDAY REMINDER DO YOU WEAR ON YOUR WRIST AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR BRACELET?

I was given a Charliemadison at this past Military Influencer Conference and it is my new favorite - Milspo Stong. I love it because it reminds me of how strong I am and the amazing friends I know who are standing beside me. It was so fun to open the gift box and see a Charliemadison bracelet! But I also have my eye on the Space Force one...

Shop Her Bracelet

WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS MOST, DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTY, FREQUENT MOVES, AND DEPLOYMENTS THAT GO ALONG WITH BEING A MILITARY FAMILY?

My husband and I have implemented a lot of routines in our life to help us stay connected. It sometimes sounds boring to do the same thing over and over but it really helps us connect and communicate. One of our favorite things to do together is a workout we do almost every Sunday. Some days, I don't want to work out but I love getting to spend time with him each week to connect and get caught up on what has happened over the week. We have other touch points through out the week but right now this is my favorite.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FELLOW MILITARY SPOUSE WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH MILITARY LIFE OR DEPLOYMENT?

Find someone you can talk to about the challenges you are facing. Also, know that hard is hard. There is no comparison in who gets to "struggle" - what is hard to you is hard. No matter if you know someone who is "handling more." Find people who can help you and don't be afraid to ask for help. I couldn't do this military life without friends.