In the wake of the controversy, the group's website has password protected all its links. "They've locked themselves off to the world!" says Strzalkowski. "No one should be that high up on their pedestal."

Bragg brass says their power is limited. That's because, according to Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Col. Jeffrey Sanborn, the club is a private group, not a military one. Sanborn declined an interview with CNN, but he e-mailed statements saying he explained that in person to Broadway and her wife.

Officially, Sanborn has the power only to ensure "all private organizations operating on Fort Bragg comply with Department of Defense and Army regulations and with U.S. laws."

And the spouse club's bylaws, constitution and conduct do comply with DOD regulations.

"C'mon, really? That's a little disingenuous," said UCLA's Belkin. "When you're the commander at Fort Bragg, you are close to having godlike status in your community."

Sanborn could deny the club access to the base, Belkin said.

"He could tell service members not to participate. There are a lot of ways to send a signal that you disapprove."

At home this week, Broadway and Mack are busy around the house. Mack is days away from giving birth. Broadway talks as she heads home from a visit to the doctor.

After all this, does Broadway still want to be part of the Association of Bragg Officers' Spouses?

"Honestly, I'm torn," she said. "Each day that goes by, they are saying they don't want me. I check my spam folder every day to make sure I haven't missed a message from them.

"I wonder if it would be best if I focus on a group who would value me."