Scholarship Award Presented to Military Spouse and Nurse
In a heartfelt moment during NMFA’s 2025 State of the Military Family Summit, military spouse and nurse Claire Buda was awarded a $5,000 Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship. NMFA’s Director of Military Family Programs, Becca Garrison, presented the scholarship alongside Mary Considine of the Fisher House Foundation, NMFA’s longtime partner, whose continued generosity helps keep our military spouse scholarship program thriving.
A Full-Circle Moment
For Claire, the scholarship carried personal significance beyond its financial support.
“The impact of the Fisher House Foundation is deeply personal,” she shared. “My family and I had the privilege of staying at the Fisher House in Florida during my father’s cancer treatment with the VA.”
The Fisher House Foundation provides lodging free of charge for military and veteran families that have a loved one receiving care at military and VA medical centers. “In a time of uncertainty and stress, the Fisher House provided us comfort, community, and a sense of home,” Claire expressed. “That experience has stayed with me, making this scholarship even more meaningful.”
Nursing Life as a Military Spouse
Claire received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and thrives in her remote role, which is a perfect complement to balancing military life. She shares that it may not have been the easiest path, but it is doable, and her fellow nursing professionals can do it, too.
A military spouse for four years, her nursing path spanned 10 years, and she knew her career was going to look different. However, with the right outlook, she felt she could make it all work.
“I’ve worked in various departments like the emergency room and Neonatal Intensive Care, but my biggest struggle has been the interruptions to my career growth and the need to pivot into different specialties and roles with each relocation.”
This common obstacle among military spouse nursing professionals—repeatedly restarting with new employers—is demanding and exhausting. Recently, Claire achieved a significant career milestone by securing a remote role that accommodates her pursuit of a master’s degree and offers the flexibility essential for military family life.
“My biggest win has been securing a fully remote nursing position with an incredible company aligned with my experience,” Claire proudly shared. “It provides the stability I’ve long hoped for—knowing that even if we move again, I’ll continue working without disruption.”
NMFA and Fisher House Support
Claire’s journey highlights the resilience and determination of military spouses who balance family commitments with personal career ambitions. NMFA, supported by enduring partners like Fisher House Foundation, remains dedicated to empowering military spouses. Our scholarships transform recipients’ lives and positively impact their families’ financial security for the long term.
Claire exemplifies this spirit: “I’m passionate about continuing to support military families and hope to give back to the community that has supported me throughout this journey.”
NMFA proudly shares this commitment—because together, we’re stronger ®.
By: Angela Sablan Tenorio, Content Manager
