Maura Alice Bonham

Share your military spouse story:
I am a proud Naval Aviator Spouse of almost 13 years and we have 2 amazing children (an 8 year old son and a 6 year old daughter).  I met my husband at a wedding (I went to college with the bride and he went to the Academy with the groom) . We dated long distance until we were married.  I've loved the adventure of being a military spouse and all the amazing duty stations we have been able to call home. We currently live in Northern Virginia and love exploring the DC area.  I'm an avid reader and love my monthly NOVA MilSpouse Book Club events.Despite the challenges of being a military spouse (giving birth during a deployment and enduring 2 deployments during a global pandemic), I have never felt alone.  Meeting new spouses brings me so much joy.  I love to volunteer with different military nonprofits and at my kids' school.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
​Since becoming a military spouse I have proudly taken on several leadership roles within our military and local community. I've volunteered at Boutiki Gift Shop in Pearl Harbor, a non-profit store that donates all of its profits to different military charities on the island. I was the Ombudsman for VT-27 and helped the families of the squadron along with the command leadership. I am proud to say that I have volunteered over 1,000 hours for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society volunteering at the offices in Corpus Christi, TX and Yokosuka Japan. At NMCRS, I organized and ran the annual Volunteer Appreciation Week, represented NMCRS at various base events, helped with Quick Assistance Loans, and volunteered at the base Thrift Shop weekly. With every new duty station, I always get involved with the FRG/ Spouses Clubs and have held many leadership roles including Secretary and Vice President.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I believe that we can always learn something new and that as spouses, we are better when we work together! I am the Social Media Manager for the Military Mom Collective and love connecting with our community across our social platforms. We are currently in the planning process for a virtual summit designed specifically for military moms navigating the unique challenges of military life. I am also a cohost on our podcast, The Red, White, and Boo- where we discuss parenthood, military spouse life, and so much more. On the podcast we also interview other military spouses and bring attention to military spouse small businesses and authors. I love participating in base events whether it's spouse coffees, MWR programs, or bowling at the base lanes with my kids.

Describe how you support your community:
I believe we are better when we work together. My favorite part of working for The Military Mom Collective is that we are a collaborative community for military families all over the world. At MilMC we provide resources, encouragement, and community to all branches, ranks, and families through our website, original content, social media platforms, events, sponsorship partners, podcast, and community groups. I am proud to be one of the faces behind our brand and hope every spouse feels welcome and that they are represented when they interact with us. ​

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. I'm a proud former volunteer for NMCRS and fully believe in their mission. At NMCRS, they provide several programs and services to assist active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their families in financial need. NMCRS is there for Navy and Marine families at all stages of life, from providing Quick Assistance Loans and Emergency and Disaster Relief help to the Budget for Baby course for new parents and the Visiting Nurse program. I also love that NMCRS was started at an Army Navy Game to provide assistance to widows and families of enlisted men.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I loved my time as a volunteer and still actively spread the word about the Society and all the good they do. If I know of a Sailor or Marine who is in need of help or expecting a baby, I make sure they know all that NMCRS can help them with.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
As AFI Military Spouse of the Year, I would hope to continue to work with other military spouses and continue to make life a little bit easier and less lonely for military spouses everywhere. I hope to continue to encourage military spouses to step outside the comfort zone and work together. It is an honor to be considered!