Meet Kera Sanchez: The Military Spouse Using Storytelling to Transform Grief and Build Community
A Return to Military Life
Kera Sanchez is a proud Chicago native who recently stepped back into military spouse life after more than a decade of civilian living. She first became part of the military community when her husband served as an acoustics operator in the Navy, flying on P-3s. Together, they built their first chapter of military life while stationed at Kaneohe Bay Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB ) in Oahu.
After over 10 years as civilians, Kera and her family are navigating military life once again; her husband recently graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) and is currently completing his training. Meanwhile, Kera is holding down the fort in Chicago with their two daughters. She serves as the Dean of Student Attendance at the same high school where she spent the past decade teaching.
Turning Grief Into Purpose
In 2022, Kera’s world shifted dramatically with the unexpected passing of her mother just five days after the birth of her youngest daughter. Grief became overwhelming, but what made it even harder was the silence that surrounded it. “I wanted to talk about it openly, but it felt like no one else did. The silence was isolating.”
Determined to break that silence, Kera launched Get Griefy, a magazine created for those living with loss — and actually living. The magazine blends pop culture, dark humor, and heartfelt stories to connect with readers in a space where grief and daily life can coexist. Since its launch, Get Griefy has published six issues, been read over 6,000 times across 25+ countries, and was recently recognized as a New Release Best Seller on Amazon!
One of her reminders is: grief sucks, but life doesn’t have. Her commitment is to go beyond conventional narratives and to show that life after loss is not only about mourning but also about embracing the strength to live fully.
Through Get Griefy, she provides free grief resources, supported by donations and sponsors, because, as Kera believes, everyone deserves access to grief support.
Out of heartbreak came transformation and some surreal moments. “It’s a paradox I sit with often. Out of grief came growth — and with it, surreal moments I never could’ve imagined.” Among those moments: being featured on a billboard in Times Square, getting invited to an Oscars gifting lounge, and connecting with inspiring, like-hearted people from around the world.
Kera is living proof that even in our darkest chapters, something meaningful can grow. Her journey is a testament to the strength that can come from loss — and the power of using that strength to inspire and uplift others.
The Power of Storytelling and Community
“Building that platform showed me the power of storytelling and community — and now, I’m bringing that same energy to military spouses,” she says. Through social media and her work, Kera has found that community makes the world feel smaller, especially when military life can separate you across the country, and reminds us that anything is possible.
Her mission now includes uplifting military spouses who are building businesses and living boldly, even when life throws curveballs. She is dedicated to creating spaces that reflect their resilience and ambition.
What’s Next
Kera’s work with Get Griefy planted the seeds for her next project: MILSPO Social Co., a magazine launching in 2026!
MILSPO Social Co will be dedicated to military spouses, offering a space where their stories, successes, and businesses are celebrated. Kera’s vision is to create a platform where military spouses can share the real stories behind their brands, organizations, and initiatives.
Her goal? To uplift those who are building businesses, living boldly, and navigating the inevitable curveballs of military life. She is passionate about creating spaces that reflect the resilience and ambition of military spouses everywhere.
Kera’s Key to Resilience
Kera’s advice for others facing grief, transitions, or the challenges of military life:
“One step at a time, baby! But be sure to take that step. And the next day, take two.”
She encourages others to seek out and surround themselves with people who are already doing the work: “They are proof that it can be done too.” Kera knows firsthand that the journey can feel isolating at times, but her work proves that connection, growth, and new purpose can bloom even from the hardest moments.
To learn more about Kera and to check out the latest with Get Griefy and MILSPO Social Co, use the links below:
