A presidential commission of military spouses held its first meeting at the White House, identifying healthcare, employment, and housing as top priorities for the nation's military families, according to the Department of War.
President Trump established the commission via executive order on Aug. 3 to advise and assist the president on policies affecting military spouses and families. The 20-member commission comprises spouses of the War Department's most senior military leaders. Jennifer Hegseth, wife of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, chairs the commission. Secretary Hegseth attended the meeting as a guest.
Three issues emerged as recurring priorities. On healthcare, Donna Caudle, wife of the chief of naval operations and a licensed healthcare professional, cited challenges accessing care and called for improving continuity of care, reducing appointment wait times, and closing gaps in specialty care and mental health services. On employment, Debbie Schiess, wife of the chief of space operations for the Space Force, proposed legislation allowing spouses licensed in any state to practice on federal installations, which she said would address both employment and mental health provider shortages. Angie Perryman, married to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and a federal employee with the Department of War for almost 20 years as a licensed clinical social worker, emphasized preserving military spouse careers through portable work, remote work, license portability, and employment policies that accommodate military moves. On housing, Katrina Isom, wife of the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cited rising housing costs and the challenge of ensuring the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) meets service members' needs, drawing on her experience with numerous relocations across her husband's nearly 40-year military career.
Secretary Hegseth praised the commission members' combined experience, noting they share 544 years of active-duty spouse experience. The commission is scheduled to meet monthly at the White House.