Christina Etchberger's Vision Behind It's a Military Life
Military families face unique challenges—from frequent relocations to navigating life during and after deployments. For many, finding a sense of stability and purpose can be daunting. Christina Etchberger, founder and CEO of It's a Military Life (IML), has made it her mission to bridge these gaps by creating a nonprofit that empowers military spouses, transitioning veterans, and their families.
On the latest episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, Christina shared her journey of turning a personal blog into a thriving nonprofit organization that continues to make an indelible impact on the military community.
From Blog to Nonprofit: A Mission Takes Shape
In June 2020, Christina’s life as a military spouse, educator, and mother of two young boys
Christina Etchberger
was anything but ordinary. Her husband, an Army captain, was deployed, leaving her to balance the demands of motherhood and a sense of isolation. Instead of waiting for circumstances to improve, Christina decided to act.
“It started with conversations,” she shared. “I realized there was a need to connect, empower, and support military spouses like me and the broader military community.”
What began as a personal lifestyle blog evolved into It's a Military Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Christina’s goal was clear: to provide resources, foster connections, and create opportunities for military families to thrive. With three core programs and a growing community of volunteers, IML has become a vital support system for many.
Three Programs, One Mission
The strength of It's a Military Life lies in its focus on three key programs designed to support veterans, military spouses, and families:
1. Veteran Pen Pal Project
This heartwarming initiative connects volunteers with veterans through meaningful letter exchanges. From veterans in homes and centers to those in hospice care, the project serves as a reminder that their service and stories matter.
- MATCH Program: Facilitates one-on-one correspondence between veterans and volunteers.
- Generations United: Encourages children, including elementary school students, to write letters and postcards to veterans. This fosters intergenerational connections while teaching kids the value of traditional communication.
Christina humorously noted that some children needed to be taught what a stamp was, highlighting the novelty of snail mail in today’s digital age.
2. It’s Military Child Life
This program focuses on supporting military spouse and veteran authors, providing a platform to showcase their work. It also creates resources for military children, such as books that help them navigate challenges like deployment, PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves, and making new friends.
It's a Military Life’s library catalog initiative ensures that military-focused books are available in schools, libraries, and homes on bases nationwide. “It’s important for military kids to see their experiences reflected in literature,” Christina emphasized.
3. It’s Military Connection
IML’s third program bridges the gap between military life and professional growth for spouses and veterans. Through workshops, cohorts, and mentorship opportunities, the program equips participants with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in civilian life.
Highlights include:
- Career coaching and resume-building workshops.
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals.
- Certification programs tailored for transitioning veterans and military spouses.
Volunteers: The Backbone of IML
Christina is quick to credit It's a Military Life’s success to its volunteers. “Our professional volunteers are the backbone of the organization,” she said. It's a Military Life offers a strategic volunteer program that allows participants to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful causes.
One inspiring example is Lourdes Gonzalez, a program manager for It’s Military Child Life. Lourdes started as a volunteer, later earned her master’s in library science, and now works to bring military-themed books to libraries on bases. Her story reflects the transformative power of volunteering—not just for the community, but for the individuals involved.
A Growing Impact
Since its inception, It's a Military Life has made significant strides:
- The Veteran Pen Pal Project has helped distribute over 100,000 cards to veterans, far exceeding its original goal of 10,000.
- The library catalog initiative has brought contemporary military-focused books to families, replacing outdated resources from nearly two decades ago.
- Numerous military spouses and veterans have found jobs, certifications, and new opportunities through the It’s Military Connection program.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for IML?
The future is bright for It's a Military Life. Christina and her team are focused on:
- Expanding the Veteran Pen Pal Project to include more veterans and spouses in the MATCH program.
- Growing the It’s Military Child Life library catalog and distributing books across more bases.
- Recruiting more volunteers and ambassadors to lead workshops and facilitate connections through It’s Military Connection.
IML also plans to partner with businesses and other organizations to amplify its impact and reach.
How You Can Get Involved
Are you inspired to support the military community? Here’s how you can join It’s a Military Life:
- Volunteer: Become part of the professional volunteer team or an ambassador for programs like the Veteran Pen Pal Project.
- Sponsor: Help fund postage, program materials, and other essential needs.
- Collaborate: Partner with IML to share resources, host workshops, or support its programs.
Visit itsmilitarylife.org to learn more. For direct inquiries, you can connect with Christina on LinkedIn.
A Final Word
Christina Etchberger's journey is a testament to the resilience and creativity of military spouses. By identifying a need and taking action, she has created a nonprofit that not only empowers others but also fosters a sense of purpose and community.
As Christina reminds us, “It’s not about waiting for things to get better. It’s about stepping forward and being the change you want to see.”
