Mary Blumenfeld

Share your military spouse story:
My story as a military spouse began with a chance meeting in San Diego when my future husband was stationed at MCAS Miramar. We started as friends, and as his career took him across the country, our connection grew deeper. I found myself at a crossroads: stay in my comfort zone or take a leap of faith. So, I left my job, family, and home, and moved to Washington, D.C., to see where this romance might lead. My career in sales and market development at a nationwide hospice care company allowed me to continue to serve military families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. It gave me a front-row seat to the resilience of military families, lessons I still carry with me. We navigated those early days of our relationship through long hours and unpredictable schedules, and before we knew it, we were engaged, married, and preparing for our first OCONUS orders to Japan. In Okinawa, I shifted away from my career to embrace life as a homemaker. It was a true two-kid-tour! I threw myself into the community, supporting our squadron families and joining the Okinawa International Women’s Club. We immersed ourselves in local culture, and the friendships we formed there are some of our most treasured. Then the USMC sent us to MCB Hawaii during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found creative ways to safely connect with neighbors and fellow Marines, discovering the true power of community. Our nearly 5 years in Hawaii has had both joy and challenges. My husband was selected to command VMM-363, an Osprey squadron that had recently experienced the tragic loss of three Marines. As CO spouse, I took on the responsibility of supporting families through our grief. Drawing from my life's experiences, I’ve focused on fostering connection and reminding spouses they are never alone. Being a military spouse is challenging but rewarding. Across the world, I’ve learned to embrace “Semper Gumby” and am thankful for the beauty of service and the strength of community.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
To me, leadership as a military spouse means showing up, time and time again, for a your community. When my spouse took command, it was soon after a devastating mishap that claimed the lives of three Marines, including a dear friend. As a CO spouse, I knew our families were grieving, and I felt called to lead them with compassion and resilience. My background gave me tools to help others navigate grief, so I sat with spouses, listened to their stories, shared tears, and provided guidance. I knew it was vital to bring our community together to heal. So, I hosted gatherings in our home, planned events, worked to recognize achievements and celebrate holidays together. In the face of upcoming deployment, I hope that these moments of connection will prove that we really are stronger together. Whether planning a volunteer recognition luncheon or coordinating treats for the barracks, I continue to focus on fostering connection and belonging.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
As a mom to two young children, part-time professional, and manager of our home, I’ve learned that small, intentional actions can have a lasting impact. Whether through formal volunteer roles or simple acts of kindness, staying involved has been one of the most fulfilling parts of military spouse life. I’ve truly embraced the unofficial role of supporting our squadron’s families as the CO spouse. I’ve organized events to celebrate milestones, appreciate volunteers, and foster camaraderie. I collaborate with the Unit Readiness Coordinator to support social initiatives and serve as a Command Team Advisor, offering feedback on behalf of the spouse community. I also volunteer with the Marine Corps Family Team Building program, the ASYMCA, and in our neighborhood, children’s schools, and church community. I’ve learned that involvement isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about showing up, lending a hand, and being sincere.

Describe how you support your community:
Community is the heartbeat of military life, sustaining us through deployments, hardships, and change. A cherished CO spouse once taught me that her role was to foster opportunities for others to “find their people” — folks to celebrate with and lean on. I have gladly worked to rebuild our squadron’s sense of community after a devastating mishap. I’ve focused on building connecting through chats, events, activities, and volunteer opportunities, carefully creating spaces for meaningful interactions. Whether hosting town halls, organizing family picnics, or supporting new parents, I’ve strengthened both our Marines’ and our families' connection to our Red Lion Ohana. As a LINKS Facilitator, I’ve helped spouses and new employees navigate Marine Corps life, empowering them to find their sense of belonging. I also volunteer with the ASYMCA to support families in need. Community building is not just part of my role; it’s a responsibility I’m humbled to hold.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I’m passionate about creating connection and building community. As I’ve mentioned above, community really is the backbone of military family life. Military spouses are a hugely diverse group - we come from various ranks and backgrounds, yet we share a deep bond through our commitment to those who serve. We understand sacrifice, struggle, and the weight of service - and, if we’re fortunate, we also know the power of connection and support. I advocate for fostering meaningful relationships, finding common ground, and celebrating both our victories and leaning on each other through the challenges. The best part of being a military spouse, I’ve found, is the other military spouses.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Through my experience working in sales and market development, I’ve learned that effective advocacy is rooted in clear, compelling communication and strategic outreach. Although I don’t have formal media experience, my training in healthcare sales and communications have equipped me with the skills and resources to rise to the challenge of advocating for military spouses. I am confident in my ability to be a strong and steady voice.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I am deeply honored to be nominated for the AFI MSOY award, and my goal is to use this platform to shine a light on the powerful impact military spouses have every day. Most of us don't have grand platforms or agendas, but we are making a difference - one small act at a time. Whether supporting one another through deployments, fostering community in times of hardship, or mentoring each other, military spouses play a vital role in strengthening the fabric of our military communities. I’m eager to become more involved in military spouse issues on a larger scale, advocating for policies and resources that benefit us all. Most importantly, I hope to continue supporting and mentoring military spouses, reminding them of the incredible value they bring to their communities.