Spouse Spotlight: Allison Ramirez
Posted on: March 17,2025Meet Allison!
Allison is a rockstar spouse who was nominated by her friend Jackie. This is what Jackie had to say…
“Allison saw a need for military spouse support in the MCAS Beaufort community and led the revival of the spouse association. Allison spread the word to other spouses in the community and garnered enough interest to officially rename and rebuild the association. She also sought to make the association more accessible to all spouses as the previous club was only open to officers’ spouses. As such, Allison was elected to serve as Military Spouse Association Beaufort’s first official President, and with a team of other elected board members, she reimagined and founded the new organization to be available to all active-duty and veteran spouses in the Tri-Command area (MCAS Beaufort, MCRD Parris Island, and Naval Hospital Beaufort). As a ‘newer’ military spouse, her initiative serves as an inspiration to other young spouses, as well as to more ‘seasoned’ spouses in Beaufort. Her efforts in this foundational first year should not go unnoticed and it is through her work that many spouses have found a safe and welcoming space focused on uplifting each other and bettering our community for all.”
Photo by: Blooming Hope & Grace Photography
Q&A with Allison Ramirez
Q: How long have you been a Marine Corps Spouse?
I have been a Marine Corps Spouse for four years.
Q: What is your favorite duty station, and why?
Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort has been my husband’s and my favorite duty station because of the growth we have experienced here. From the expansion of our family to career growth and the amazing friendships we have formed – Beaufort will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment as a Marine Corps Spouse?
The most memorable moment I have had as a Marine Corps Spouse was seeing my husband transformed into a Marine for the first time on Family Day. I immediately saw his passion for the Marine Corps, as well as the growth in his confidence. The moment was filled with tremendous pride because I realized he was all-in. Because he was all-in, I was excited to throw my full support behind him & figure out this new adventure of military life together.
Q: What inspired you to take get involved within your community?
In the Fall of 2023, I attended a roundtable discussion focused on common struggles Marine Corps spouses face. The spouses in attendance shared their frustrations with isolation, impact on career, minimal of sharing of resources, and more.
After the meeting, I remember thinking that we have a lot of opportunity to improve our own community. I knew action was the only way to bring the opportunities to life, so I came up with some possible solutions and shared them with action-driven spouses that were already in my network.
Through the mutual love of our community & excitement to bring about change, we were able to build a small but mighty team of problem solvers!
Ultimately, change was made possible because of Melissa Bortnem, Spouse of MCAS-Beaufort Commanding Officer, Mark D. Bortnem. Without Melissa’s shared passion for spouses of ALL Marines, we would not have been able to launch the Military Spouse Association aboard MCAS-Beaufort.
Q: What advice would you give to Marine Corps Spouses looking to find their place in the community?
Don’t be afraid to get involved! If one group feels like it isn’t a good fit, try another. Engage in small talk with other spouses & build your network. The more chances you give yourself to find a place where you can exceed, the closer you are to finding where you belong. If you are afraid of going to an event alone, don’t be! There will be about 20 other spouses there that don’t know anyone. You will naturally group up & get to know each other.
Q: How has being involved in the spouse community shaped your experience as a Marine Corps Spouse?
Had I not gotten involved with the spouse community, I would not have had knowledge of or access to all the resources that are afforded to military families. I also wouldn’t have made such strong friendships. The combination of access to resources, as well as the bonds formed during good & bad times has completely enriched my experience as a Marine Corps Spouse.
Q: If you had to name one mentor or source of inspiration during your time as a Marine Corps spouse, who would it be?
Shawna Densmore was a Marine Corps Spouse for 18+ years. She has mentored me in juggling my career, motherhood, family & friendships with being a Marine Corps spouse. She intimately understands the great joys & pains that come with being a military spouse & selflessly shares words of encouragement, as well as stories of the struggles & triumphs she has had. She makes me feel seen, heard & understood as a Marine Corps spouse!
Q: If you had to pick three words to describe you, what would they be?
Resilient, curious, determined.
Q: What is one thing you wish more people knew about life as a Marine Corps Spouse?
You can be a Marine Corps spouse & accomplish the goals you have for your life. Being a Marine Corps spouse is not an “either, or”, it is an “either, and”. The experience will enhance every aspect of your life if you choose to embrace it.
Q: How do you like to spend your free time or unwind from the challenges of military life?
I love to walk, read, write, and bake!
Do you have a spouse you’d like to nominate to be featured on Behind the Camouflage?
