Should Military Families Do Social Media?

Our story begins on a bustling military base, where my husband and I were navigating the unique challenges of military life. It was around 11 AM when I received a message from him, letting me know he would have to work through his lunch break. Little did I know that the day would take an unexpected turn. When I saw him open the kitchen back door at 12:30 PM, my heart raced with excitement. He burst in, practically shouting, “We’ve got the email! We’ve got the email!”

This email was monumental for us. It was about his job transfer, a pivotal opportunity we had been anxiously awaiting. As he quickly made his way to the kitchen bench, he opened his laptop, and I decided to capture this momentous occasion. I grabbed my phone, found a charging cord, and propped it up on the bread bin, my makeshift tripod. Together, we read through the email that revealed he had been accepted for an incredible job offer that would significantly benefit our family’s future. Our joy was palpable; we jumped for joy and embraced, knowing this new role would bring opportunities beyond our imagination.

Once the euphoria settled, I took the plunge and posted the video capturing our reaction on TikTok. I never expected this simple recording to gain traction. The lighting was far from perfect, and the setting was just our modest kitchen, framed by the back door. Yet, against all odds, the video took off and, to my astonishment, gained a staggering 700.1k views.

As the views climbed, so did my follower count and the influx of messages from other military wives. It quickly became clear to me that there was a significant lack of support for military families, and I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of heartfelt responses. I found myself thrust into the world of social media almost unintentionally, feeling a weight of responsibility on my shoulders as I connected with so many individuals experiencing similar struggles and triumphs.

After many discussions with my husband, we decided to embark on this social media journey together. Our aim was to reach out to families like ours, sharing our experiences and providing a platform where others could find humour in the unique challenges of military life.

However, as we delved deeper into this new venture, we also confronted the complexities of breaking new ground within the military community. For my husband in particular, stepping outside of his comfort zone was no small feat. The stigma surrounding British soldiers engaging in social media weighed heavily on him, but he was resolute about embracing change, just as I was.

Yes! but for every negative comment we received, we recognized that we were positively impacting at least six other families. That sense of purpose quickly overshadowed any criticism we faced, and it fuelled our commitment to build a supportive, understanding online community. Together, we forged ahead, determined to make a difference and share our story with others navigating the same path.

 We quickly came to understand that one of the biggest struggles military families faces is accessing the support they need—often in a timely manner. Many families find themselves navigating obstacles and waiting for months, often unaware of the resources available to them. Additionally, some families struggle to afford the materials that could support their children during deployment. 

As a military family ourselves, we recognize these challenges all too well. I’ve honed my skills in digital design, while my husband excels in communications and brings valuable insights to the table. Together, we have a deep understanding of what military families require.

This brings us to where we are today, driven by our passion and commitment to create meaningful change for military families. While we may be just two people, we are fuelled by a sincere desire to uplift and support others in our community.