MilSpouseFest makes historic overseas debut in South Korea, celebrates military spouse

CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea - More than 200 military spouses gathered at the Morning Calm Center on Oct. 21, 2026, as MilSpouseFest made its first overseas appearance in the event's 14-year history, bringing resources, professional development opportunities and community connections to military families serving on the Korean Peninsula.

Hosted at Camp Humphreys, the event welcomed military spouses from across the Korean Peninsula, reinforcing that the challenges and sacrifices of military life overseas extend beyond individual installations and service branches.

Brig. Gen. Robert S. "Todd" Brown, commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation for the sacrifices military spouses make while supporting service members stationed overseas.

Brown emphasized the importance of ensuring military spouses and families have access to the resources, relationships and opportunities they need to thrive while serving far from home. He acknowledged the unique challenges of military life overseas, including separation from extended family and established support networks, career interruptions and the demands of supporting service members assigned to a high-tempo operational environment.

"You deserve opportunities to grow professionally, build meaningful friendships, pursue your passions, and maintain your own sense of identity. Your dreams and aspirations matter just as much as those of the service members you support," Brown said.

For military spouses serving far from established support networks, events like MilSpouseFest provide opportunities to build friendships, discover resources and develop a greater sense of belonging within the military community.

The event's historic expansion to South Korea underscores the importance of ensuring military spouses stationed overseas have access to the same opportunities for personal growth, professional development and community engagement as their counterparts in the United States.

For the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, supporting military families remains an essential component of maintaining a ready and resilient force. As Soldiers train alongside their Republic of Korea counterparts to maintain readiness on the Korean Peninsula, the strength and stability of their families remain equally important to the division's ability to accomplish its mission.

Brown reinforced that connection, emphasizing that caring for military families is not only a community responsibility but also an investment in the readiness and resilience of the force.

"Our Soldiers can focus on their mission because they know their families are supported," Brown said. "And when our families are strong, our formations are stronger."

MilSpouseFest is a free event designed to connect military spouses with community resources, professional development opportunities and meaningful support networks. Through partnerships with military installations, nonprofit organizations and community organizations, MilSpouseFest supports and celebrates military spouses across all branches of the armed forces.