The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) at The University of Texas at Austin is bringing attention to the unique challenges faced by military and veteran spouses in On the Home Front: Addressing the Needs of U.S. Military Spouses, a newly released white paper by PMI U.S.
Developed and published by PMI U.S., the report features expert insight from Dr. Elisa Borah, Director of VSN and the Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness (IMVFW). As part of a national media tour in partnership with PMI U.S., Dr. Borah highlighted key obstacles military and veteran spouses encounter, including employment barriers and the complex demands of caregiving.
“Military spouses are often highly skilled professionals who, due to frequent relocations and other challenges, must accept lower-paying jobs that don’t reflect their qualifications. On average, they earn 25% less than their potential, a disparity that deserves urgent attention.”
Dr. Elisa Borah, Director of VSN and the Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness (IMVFW)
In support of this mission, PMI U.S. has donated $100,000 to VSN to expand research initiatives, peer support programs, and educational resources tailored for military and veteran families. The partnership’s impact was further magnified by a strategic media campaign that generated:
- 118 media placements across U.S. and international outlets
- An estimated audience reach exceeding 116 million
- 16 interviews and 27 radio segments across 12 major markets
Major media coverage included prominent outlets such as the Associated Press (WSS), Business Wire, and Yahoo! Finance.
The white paper underscores ongoing challenges, including a 21% unemployment rate among military spouses and difficulty sustaining careers amid frequent relocations, factors that disrupt family stability and professional growth.
With over a decade of research and program expertise in spouse-focused wellness, VSN remains a trusted leader in the national conversation on military family well-being, driving evidence-based solutions to improve the lives of those who serve alongside our nation’s military members.