Hi, I’m Christina Riley, Executive Director of the Tricare for Life Care Initiative. As a military spouse with a background in health insurance, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming healthcare and coverage decisions can be. Medicare alone can feel complicated, and when you add Tricare for Life, the process often becomes even more confusing for so many in our community.

What began as a small Facebook group has grown into a vibrant network of support. At first, I wasn’t sure it would take off—especially since most people eligible for Tricare for Life are 65 and older. But the need was clear. Retirees joined, yes, but so did spouses and their caregivers, all looking for clarity, encouragement, and a place to belong.

This mission is deeply personal for me. Years ago, I knew a fellow military spouse who entered Tricare for Life at a young age due to medical circumstances. Though we never spoke in detail about her journey onto TFL, it left a lasting impression. For me, living with a health condition that could place me on TFL earlier than most, I understand how isolating and overwhelming that road can feel.

Service has always been at the core of who I am. I’ve served on Family Readiness Group boards, worked as a Navy ombudsman, and today I also teach courses in nonprofit management, human resources, and organizational leadership as an adjunct instructor. Each of these experiences, both personal and professional, has shaped me and prepared me for this calling.

Whether you’re navigating this transition yourself or walking alongside a loved one, you deserve to feel informed, supported, and seen. At the end of the day, this initiative exists to ensure that every retiree and family member facing this transition feels supported, understood, and cared for.

I’m so glad you’ve found us.