Our Chat with Anna Larson

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?

I met my servicemember during a break in his service. He'd completed 9 years of active duty and was serving in the National Guard. I called them his "camping weekends." How little did I know then what being a military spouse meant! After "going where the Army sent us for nearly 2 decades he retired in 2021, and I became a veteran spouse. That was a challenging process!

In addition to being a veteran spouse, I own a small marketing agency that supports entrepreneurs and business owners. We also build websites and write copy and content for a variety of client industries.

And, because I don't know how to not be busy, I also started MilSpouse Transition—which focuses on supporting military spouses through the transition out of active duty military life by helping them better understand who they are and how they can thrive in five areas of wellbeing—financial, career, physical, social, and community.

Last, but not least, my kids are scouts and so we are a scouting family. I run a Cub Scout camp for over 100 local elementary-aged children every year, staff the National Youth Leadership Training program and Wood Badge (the equivalent for adults), and am an Asst. Scoutmaster at our local troop.

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

The short answer is Army (R) for 24 years. The long answer? He started out enlisted and served for 9 years. When he left and earned his veteran status, he realized he missed the camaraderie, the mission, the work... So he joined the National Guard. From there, he earned his college degree and commissioned as an officer in the National Guard. That wasn't the job of his dreams, however, so he resigned his commission and moved to the Army Reserves as a Warrant Officer. He was called up into active duty service from the Army Reserves and retired after 24 years in 2021.

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

We've lived in Oregon, Arizona, Germany, Kentucky, Virginia, Uganda, Africa, and Texas. Our favorite duty station was probably Africa - it is rare for a family to be able to be assigned to that type of location so we took full advantage and traveled.

We had the opportunity to go to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mauritius, Kenya and a number of National Parks on safaris. I fulfilled a life-long bucket list item and saw the wildebeest migration over the Mara River. We also got a glimpse into U.S. Embassy life and work and I had a job as a grants coordinator so I travelled to very remote villages working with grassroot organizations. It really was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

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?

I love the adventures I've had because of being a military spouse. Meeting people, and experiencing places, people, and cultures that I might not have otherwise has been a huge part of becoming who I am.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

My bestie, Selena, inspires me. She is the kindest person I know. She truly cares about people and has the ability to make them feel so loved. If you know me, it's likely you know her or have heard of her or will meet her in the near future. One thing about military spouses is that when we find someone we truly connect with, that bond goes deep and is strong. Some of the most amazing women I have ever known have entered my life because of being a military spouse. I'm forever grateful to all of them who have given wisdom, advice, comfort, laughter, and commiseration at the times I needed it the most!

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

I have MANY Charliemadison bracelets, but my current favorite is the Army bracelet. I loved what being part of the Army offered my family and it's a great reminder of that.

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?

Social media and texting, of course. I do remember when that wasn't so easy. I remember SAT phones and phone cards and letter writing. Even email was uncertain. I'm glad that things have become easier for spouses and servicemembers over the years. The best part of your chosen military family is that they "get it." That means that even if you don't talk for a while, you can often just pick up from years before and still feel like you know and love each other.

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

Remember this is a short season. Find something that makes you smile and keep doing that thing. Others will join you. You will find your way through it.