Ashlyn Miller: Turning Deployments into a Journey of Growth and Reflection
Military life is filled with challenges, but for Ashlyn Miller, it has also been a source of strength, inspiration, and creativity. As a military spouse, mother of two, and passionate entrepreneur, Ashlyn has taken her experiences and turned them into something meaningful: The Deployment Journal.
A Military Family’s Journey
Ashlyn was born in California while her father served in the Marine Corps, but she was raised in Seguin, Texas, a place she proudly calls home. In December 2016, she graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. That same year, she met her husband while he was stationed at Wounded Warriors Battalion at Fort Sam Houston, recovering from the loss of his left foot in Afghanistan in 2011. Their relationship spanned multiple states after he PCS’d to California, but despite the challenges of long distance, they remained committed to each other. Eventually, they reunited in Texas, where they started to build their life together and Ashlyn began her career as a teacher.
Marriage and motherhood added new dimensions to Ashlyn’s journey. She and her husband tied the knot in 2020, and in February 2021, they welcomed their son into the world. Just five months later, the military called them back to California. In June 2024, their family grew again with the birth of their daughter, adding another chapter to their ever-evolving story as a military family.
Creating The Deployment Journal
When her husband deployed in 2022, Ashlyn faced the difficult reality that many military spouses know all too well: the emotional toll of separation. Instead of allowing the time to simply pass, she channeled her creativity into something that would make a difference—not only for herself but for others as well. Introducing The Deployment Journal.
“I wanted to find a way to make the time feel a little easier and more meaningful,” Ashlyn shares. “I created The Deployment Journal as a way to have things to look forward to during deployment—to bring some light to a difficult time. I also wanted a simple, structured template I could easily fill out each day, even on the long, exhausting ones. Most importantly, I wanted a way to look back on specific memories with my son during that season of just the two of us.”
What began as a personal project soon evolved into a resource for military families everywhere. Ashlyn’s mission is clear: to help spouses document and cherish their journey during deployment. The journal provides a way to reflect on daily moments, create things to look forward to, and capture special memories with loved ones.
More than just a tool for organization, it serves as a source of encouragement, reminding spouses that deployment can be a season of growth, self-improvement, and positivity.
Supporting the Military Community
Beyond her work with The Deployment Journal, Ashlyn is deeply committed to supporting other military families. As the Southern California Volunteer Coordinator for Semper Fi & America’s Fund, she helps provide financial assistance, resources, and support to combat-wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. The organization has played a vital role in her own family’s journey, and Ashlyn is honored to give back in any way she can.
Finding Strength in the Everyday
Through every challenge and transition, Ashlyn has discovered the power of perspective.
With The Deployment Journal, Ashlyn is helping other military spouses find their own path through deployment, one page at a time. Her story is a testament to the strength and creativity that can emerge from life’s toughest moments, turning them into opportunities for reflection, connection, and growth.
To learn more about Ashlyn and to see her products use the links below:
