In the heart of the nation’s capital, a military spouse is championing a cause that could change the lives of countless families living on military bases. Erica Thompson, from Alabama, has been advocating for improved safety standards in military housing, driven by her family’s personal struggles with mold-related health issues.
Thompson, a mother of five and a military spouse for over two decades, has visited Washington D.C. six times. Her mission is to push for the Military Occupancy Living Defense Act, or MOLD Act, which aims to enhance environmental health and safety in military housing.
“Maybe ignorance is bliss because I had not been to D.C. to advocate for an issue before,” Thompson told Military.com. She emphasized the importance of sharing personal stories with lawmakers to make the issue more relatable and urgent.
Unresolved HVAC and Mold Problems
The journey began when Thompson’s family moved to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, in June 2023. They encountered severe HVAC issues and mold growth which went unresolved despite numerous service calls. This led to their decision to move off-base a year later.
Health Complications Arise
Health issues quickly became apparent. All five of her children are now medically disqualified from military service due to illnesses linked to their living conditions. One child developed postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and bilateral pediatric cataracts after living in the mold-infested home.
The family dog also suffered, developing seizures and losing mobility, which ultimately led to the decision to euthanize him.
Joining Forces for Change
In 2025, Thompson partnered with the Change the Air Foundation, which seeks to improve indoor air quality through education, advocacy, and research. This collaboration has helped amplify Thompson’s cause.
Brandon Chappo, co-founder of Change the Air Foundation, remarked on the systemic issues since the privatization of military housing, citing a lack of uniform health and safety standards.
Survey Highlights Widespread Issues
A survey titled Unsafe and Unheard by Change the Air revealed that nearly 97% of service members reported significant housing problems, with mold being a common issue. This data has been crucial in raising awareness among lawmakers.
Progress and Legislative Action
Thompson’s advocacy has led to the inclusion of mold remediation standards in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Her efforts continue with the MOLD Act gaining attention in Congress, with bipartisan support.
The proposed legislation mandates the Defense Secretary to set basic housing standards, focusing on safety and habitability. If passed, this would mark a significant improvement in the living conditions for military families.
