When we think about the transition from military to civilian life, our thoughts often gravitate towards the veterans themselves. It’s a monumental shift—moving from a structured, purpose-driven existence within the military to navigating the freedoms and challenges of civilian life. Numerous organizations and initiatives stand as a testament to our collective commitment to ensuring that those who served our country find their footing in a new chapter outside of the military. Yet, there’s another equally important transition occurring in tandem, one that deserves equal attention—the transition experienced by the spouses of these veterans.
The journey of a military spouse is profound and complex, encompassing much more than a change of address or a new job. It’s about a transformation of identity, an evolution of roles, and a redefinition of personal aspirations. As their veteran partners embark on the quest for what comes next, spouses face their own set of challenges and changes. This transition isn’t just about supporting a partner; it’s about rediscovering oneself amidst the upheaval.
For too long, the narrative has positioned these spouses merely as extensions of their veteran partners. While their roles as supporters are invaluable, it’s crucial to recognize and honor their individuality. They are not just spouses but people with their own dreams, struggles, and journeys. It’s time we widen our focus and provide them with the support they deserve, not just as partners of veterans who are critical to mission success but as individuals navigating their own significant life transitions.
At the Commit Foundation, we are immensely proud of our initiatives that acknowledge and support spouses in their unique paths. We understand that transitioning to civilian life is a shared journey, but one that affects each person differently. Our programs are designed to empower people, acknowledging their sacrifices and ambitions and providing them with the tools and resources to forge their own paths.
This commitment to the spouses of veterans is about recognizing the full spectrum of transition within a family. It’s about understanding that changing routines, identities, and lives affect everyone involved. As we continue to support veterans in finding their purpose post-service, we are equally committed to ensuring their spouses receive the attention and recognition they deserve. After all, transition is not just a veteran’s journey; it’s a family journey.
The impact of this approach is profound. By treating spouses as individuals, we not only honor their contributions and sacrifices but also empower them to find their own purpose and direction. This dual focus enriches the entire transition process, making it more holistic and effective for the family as a unit.
As part of the Commit Foundation, I am proud to advocate for and implement programs that understand and address the unique needs of military spouses. Their strength, resilience, and adaptability inspire us. It’s our duty and privilege to support them as they navigate their own transitions, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and supported as the remarkable individuals they are.
In the end, the success of transitioning veterans is intricately linked to the well-being and fulfillment of everyone involved. Recognizing and supporting these spouses as individuals is not just an act of respect—it’s a fundamental component of facilitating successful transitions for military families. At the Commit Foundation, we’re not just helping individuals transition but also supporting families in redefining their futures together and as individuals.
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JC Glick serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The COMMIT Foundation. JC brings with him a wealth of experience as a leadership consultant and career Army officer and is driven by a deep commitment to supporting veterans in their transition journey. Since transitioning from 20 years of military service in 2015, J.C. has been a founder and partner of two leadership companies, where his clients included Fortune 500 companies, international non-profit organizations, government agencies, the NFL, numerous NFL and NBA teams, and multiple NCAA programs.
Over the course of his Army career, JC spent over seven years in the Ranger regiment, serving in two Ranger Battalions as well as Regimental Headquarters, participating in the Best Ranger Competition twice, and has over seven and a half years of command time with 11 operational and combat deployments to Haiti, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Afghanistan. JC is the author of two books, including A Light in the Darkness: Leadership Development for the Unknown. In 2017, he was selected as a TEDX Speaker and delivered Rethinking Leadership at TEDX Hammond. JC is also an adjunct professor at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and is a Liberty Fellow, part of the Aspen Institute.
As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.
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