Erin McMenamin, Navy Spouse

As the wife of a Navy SEAL and the mother of their three young children, Erin draws her strength and inspiration from her husband. It is his unfailing personal sacrifice, devotion and belief in his life of service that drives Erin. While it can be difficult to accept that her family must share her husband with the world in order for him to do his job, it has taught the family that being an American often requires sacrifice from all who choose to support and defend her.

Erin and her husband met as teachers at the same high school. She became a teacher to help students find their voices through writing and is pursuing a master’s degree in social work to help others find a similar relationship of self-discovery. Her greatest wish is to become a counselor for military families.

She has seen first hand how divorce, PTS and other anxiety and depressive disorders have become a prevalent component of the mental health landscape of SEAL families. Erin aspires to be part of filling the need for greater counseling resources.

While military spouses depend on each other during difficult times, often they require additional support, but may not have access to it. Erin plans to become a counselor because she firmly believes that she can be a powerful tool in helping reach out to spouses who need additional and professional help.