About the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Program
The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® (AFI MSOY) award was founded in 2008 to honor military spouses from all branches of service. More than one million military spouses support and maintain the homefront while our service members defend this great nation.
The AFI MSOY award recognizes military spouses’ important contributions and unwavering commitment to the military community and our country. Nominations for AFI MSOY are made by both the civilian and military community. There are four rounds of advancement, culminating in the announcement of the overall AFI MSOY in our nation’s capital in early May. AFI MSOY is so much more than an award!
What does it mean to be a SOY?
We believe that being a SOY is an honor that recognizes outstanding achievement for and in the military community. SOYs represent all of our military spouses as well as Armed Forces Insurance. Each year one SOY is selected as the overall Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® (AFI MSOY). As a SOY, Armed Forces Insurance looks for opportunities to help you amplify your passion, grow your reach, engage with more military spouses and tell your story.
Mission
The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® Program exists to recognize military spouses for their outstanding contributions to the military community and the world.
Values
The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® Program fosters a sense of community through acts of service and inclusion. We are stronger together.
Goals
The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® Program aims to recognize deserving military spouses for their unwavering dedication to their service member, the betterment of the military community as a whole and our nation.
History of the AFI MSOY Program
2022
Added a Spouse of the Year (SOY) for Space Force.
2020
Due to COVID-19 Armed Forces Insurance extended the 2020 AFI MSOY Class to a two-year term.
2019
Armed Forces Insurance transitions from long-time title sponsor to program owner and introduces the AFI MSOY Marily Considine Pursue Scholarship.
2018
Partnered with the USO-Metro Annual Gala for the 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® awards.
2015
Taya Kyle spoke at the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® awards luncheon, where she was awarded the Gabby Giffords Award for Bravery and Courage.
2014
First overseas AFI MSOY was selected, who was stationed in Okinawa, Japan (2014 AFI MSOY Lakesha Cole).
2013
Added an installation level to the award, ensuring that each and every base, district (Coast Guard), and state (National Guard) has a representative.
2009
Added a Spouse of the Year (SOY) for each branch of service.
2008
Pioneered the concept of empowering the community by enabling military spouses to recognize leaders within their ranks. It was also the inaugural year for the award* luncheon.
* The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® award was founded in 2008 by Chris Hale, CEO of veteran-owned Neptune Holdings, Military Spouse Magazine's parent company.