Since the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran six months ago, military families across the country have grappled with heightened stress and uncertainty as they cope with the extended deployments and evolving challenges faced by their loved ones.
Courtney Sanders, who leads the Chicagoland chapter of Blue Star Families—a nonprofit organization supporting military households—describes the past half-year as an emotional “roller coaster” for those left on the home front. Sanders, whose own daughters serve in the Navy, highlighted the ongoing struggles families face, such as managing daily responsibilities like school pickups and dealing with lost income alongside the ever-present anxiety over the safety of deployed service members.
The US maintains a substantial military presence in the Middle East, with more than 50,000 troops stationed in the region, supplemented by thousands of additional Marines and sailors deployed specifically to support the conflict. To date, 18 US service members have been killed and over 750 wounded in the fighting, which has alternated between intense clashes, intermittent diplomacy, and unsuccessful peace negotiations. This unpredictable dynamic contributes to the emotional toll experienced by military families, Sanders said, noting the difficulty of finding relief as new developments resurface.
A poll conducted by Blue Star Families of approximately 200 active-duty households in early March found that 81% reported increased stress levels due to the Iran conflict. In response, the organization has expanded its efforts by increasing online resources, hosting webinars and in-person support meetings, and creating mentorship programs that pair first-time military spouses with more experienced peers.
Extended deployments have also taken a toll on service members themselves. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, for example, remained at sea for over 200 days without a port visit, with reports from some military outlets indicating increased suicide attempts and declining morale among its crew of around 5,000 sailors and Marines. However, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly rejected these accounts, saying they “completely misrepresented” conditions aboard the ship.
Financial difficulties have compounded the pressures on military families, especially for National Guard members who typically hold civilian jobs during peacetime. The loss of regular income during unexpected deployments can create significant hardships for dependents. Sanders emphasized that a common misconception outside the military is that service members’ expenses and bills are fully covered during deployment, which she described as inaccurate.
The Pentagon acknowledged these challenges in a statement, affirming its awareness of military families’ concerns and committing to provide the necessary resources and support to maintain stability during the ongoing conflict.
Among those navigating the difficulties is Shannon, an Army spouse and mother of three from North Carolina. Her husband deployed to the region in February with just five days' notice, and for months, she had limited communication with him. While contact has improved in recent months to near-daily conversations, Shannon said emotional strain remains high, particularly given the continued casualties. Her children have begun therapy to address the impact of the separation, and Shannon herself experiences moments of vulnerability that she tries to conceal from her family.
To build community and assistance networks, Shannon joined an Army-sponsored soldier-and-family readiness group shortly after her husband’s deployment, helping coordinate meal trains and other support efforts to aid families adjusting to the demands of wartime separation.