Since Martha Washington, military spouses have proven themselves to be self-starters, resilient, and a backbone of support to our armed forces. Many have gone above and beyond to support our nation's military and their families.

Mamie Eisenhower followed her husband, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, through 28 moves, to duty stations including the Panama Canal, France, and the Philippines, up through the presidency. Despite frequent moves that could make anyone want to pull their hair out and give up on decorating, she was known for her amiable character and sense of style.

In 1948, Gladys Vandenburg, spouse of then-Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Hoyt Vandenburg, noticed some funerals at  Arlington National Cemetery had only a chaplain present. She began inviting her friends to attend funerals of fallen airmen and eventually created a formal organization of current and former military spouses. Today, the mission of the Arlington Ladies is to “ensure that no Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Coast Guardsman is buried alone.”

Despite Audie Murphy's fame, his wife, Pamela, preferred to stay out of the spotlight. She worked at a VA hospital for 35 years, and, as one veteran put it, “Nobody could cut through VA red tape faster than Mrs. Murphy. … She was our angel.”

From well-known influencers to those working behind the scenes, military spouses continue to advocate for themselves, their servicemembers, and their country.

Back to 100 Veterans, 100 Years: A Century of Stories You Should Know