The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year award was created to “recognize military spouses’ important contributions and unwavering commitment to the military community and our country.” Open to all branches of service, particular attention has been paid to the Coast Guard spouses who stepped up to support their families financially when their service member spouse went without pay during the government shutdown. For many, this meant taking on part-time work, a “side hustle,” or stretching already-thin budgets.
The award, which began in 2008, is now an annual occurrence at various levels. Installations are each encouraged to nominate a deserving spouse. Awards are also given for each service, as well as the overall Military Spouse of the Year Award winner.
Nominations, which have been open since January 2, will close at the end of January. Voting will commence in early February, with recipients announced later that month. The pool of nominees will be whittled down until the final recipient is announced in May.
Only a few days left! Nominate that special military spouse TODAY! #AFIMSOYFAMILY #MSOY19 https://t.co/a1Mdcisfcg pic.twitter.com/2Gv1GA81Gy
— AFI MilitarySpouse of the Year (@MilSpoOfTheYear) January 28, 2019
What Makes a “Military Spouse of the Year”?
The criteria for the award is front-and-center on the organization’s website. Nominees are judged on:
- Involvement in the larger military community and support of fellow military spouses and families
- Leadership demonstrated in the military community. The award recipient will take on additional leadership responsibilities in their role as MSOY
- Actively contributes to community building among military spouses through support
- Will be an effective communicator and representative to the public and media on issues affecting military spouses
- Has a compelling story to inspire others
Sounds Impressive! What Sort of People Win?
Past recipients have represented military spouses of service members of all ranks, backgrounds, and levels of experience. All branches (including the National Guard) are represented each year.
2018 Military Spouse of the Year, Krista S. Anderson, is the wife of Army Master Sgt. Gus Anderson. In 2013, her then-husband Staff Sgt. Michael Simpson was killed in action in Afghanistan while serving as a member of U.S. Army Special Forces. Krista went on to volunteer to help other families coping with loss, as well as start her own non-profit.
“I hope by simply telling my story I can provide some hope and light for others,” she said of the opportunity to use the platform of Military Spouse of the Year to further support families in need. She has furthered awareness for the needs of Gold Star families, those who have lost a service member, in her role as MSOY.
Other 2018 branch winners included Jolynn Lee (Marine Corps), Brian Alvarado (Navy), Kristen Christy (Air Force), Stacy Bilodeau (Coast Guard), and Shelia Brookins (National Guard).
Each of the award recipients has a different story to tell, influenced by their unique journey as a military spouse. But they all have an intense desire to support the military community in common. What sets each of them apart is the commitment that they continuously demonstrate to helping those in the military community thrive.
Do you know an outstanding military spouse who you would like to recognize? Nominate them for the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year award by January 31.
