- Since the United States went to war with Iran six months ago, Courtney Sanders has been helping soldiers’ families fill the gaps left by their loved ones, describing the experience as a “roller coaster of emotions.”
- A Blue Star Families poll of some 200 active-duty military families in early March found that 81% reported elevated stress from the Iran conflict.
- Many service members' deployments have been extended unexpectedly, and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier went more than 200 days without a port call—a modern-day record—with military outlets reporting suicide attempts and declining morale among its 5,000 sailors and Marines.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the reports about the USS Abraham Lincoln “completely misrepresented” the conditions on board.
- The Pentagon stated: “We see these families (and) we hear their concerns. We will do whatever is necessary to provide the resources, assistance, and stability they need and deserve during these challenging times.”
- Some military families face financial strain; National Guard members often work regular jobs when not deployed, and the sudden loss of their main paycheck can make it hard for those left behind to keep food on the table, Sanders said.
- Shannon, a military spouse, described her husband deploying with five days' notice in February, sporadic contact for the first several months, and the emotional toll: “there are a lot of emotions,” she said, “especially when people are dying over there.”
- Shannon's children started therapy over the summer, and she tries to be strong in front of them but cries sometimes when they're not around.
- Pat, another military spouse, said her neighbors have been “amazing” about helping with kid pickups and other chores since her husband deployed about five months ago.
- Pat's family wears red on Fridays as a show of support for deployed service members, and many of her children's classmates do the same, even those without military connections.
- Shannon joined an Army-sponsored soldier-and-family “readiness group” within her husband's unit, helping organize meal trains and other support for family members in need.
- Shannon's advice: “Every day is not going to be a great day, but you've gotta just keep going and keep yourself busy.”
Since the United States went to war with Iran six months ago, military families have faced significant emotional and financial challenges.
In a Blue Star Families poll, 81% of active-duty families reported elevated stress levels.3
“It's like being on pins and needles all of the time,” said Courtney Sanders, who supports soldiers' families.12
Many families are grappling with the uncertainty of deployments, as service members' assignments have been extended unexpectedly.45
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier set a modern-day record, going over 200 days without a port call, impacting the morale of its 5,000 sailors and Marines.
“There is a huge misconception in the civilian world that if you are in the military, all of your bills are taken care of,” Sanders added, highlighting the financial strain many families face.8910
National Guard members, who often have civilian jobs, struggle when their main paycheck disappears.
In response to these challenges, military families are finding support through community initiatives, such as meal trains and readiness groups.
“Every day is not going to be a great day, but you’ve gotta just keep going and keep yourself busy,” said Shannon, whose husband deployed with little notice.111217
The Pentagon has acknowledged these concerns, stating, “We will do whatever is necessary to provide the resources, assistance, and stability they need and deserve during these challenging times.”7
“A Blue Star Families poll of 200 active-duty families found 81% report elevated stress, prompting the group to expand webinars and peer matching. The USS Abraham Lincoln went 200+ days without a port call, with reports of suicide attempts, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called 'completely misrepresented.'”
