Allison Wheeler

Share your military spouse story:
I became a military spouse in May 2018. My husband and I then made the journey to our first duty station of Fort Richardson. When we first arrived things were extremely hectic and we were having trouble getting the answers we needed. Once in contact with our SFRG leader and being able to get out questions answered I realized that I never wanted a new spouse to have the same worries we did. We went months without pay and had multiple issues wrong with housing and insurance. I also knew no one and was so nervous entering this new lifestyle. I strive to make contact and answer any questions I can of incoming soliders and their spouses. Being a spouse of a lower enlisted solider gives me the ability to relate to most of the newer spouses. I am still learning everyday. My biggest motto is we all have to stick together. While being stationed in Alaska is a beautiful thing it can also have very many difficulties. While I still have many years left as a military spouse I hope to continue to learn and help implement ways to make transitions easier and less stressful.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I have shown leadership in planning and throwing a gender reveal for a newly pregnant spouse. This spouse had just moved here a few months before finding out she was pregnant. She was suffering from multiple medical problems as well as depression. With the help of a few other spouses we were able to work together to give her a gender reveal that she never thought she could get. As a spouse we all know that depression is a huge thing to deal with. We are constantly the backbone of our households for months at a time. Having little get togethers and seeing the smiling faces is what makes me the happiest. I always make it a point to try and make each spouse feel like they have a good friend within the company.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I am a active member of our SFRG. I also volunteer at as many fundraisers and activities as possible. I go out of my way to meet and welcome any new spouses that have entered the company. I enjoy putting on events and parties for these military members and their families. We host holidays and get togethers which gives us an informal way to all bond over the similarities that happen in our day to day life's.

Describe how you support your community:
I work with the homeless on a daily basis as my job in loss prevention brings me in contact with the growing population. I support the community by participating and collecting different donations. We also as a SFRG have fed the homeless. If I am unable to participate in the event I always make it a point to donate supplies needed to make it a success.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for a easier transition for new military spouse. I believe that this should be an exciting and rewarding chapter in our lives. It can be a scary and time of unknowns, but with the help of other spouses who have been through it we can all make it alot less stressful.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
As of right now my message is spread through face to face communication with other spouses. When I have an opportunity to voice concerns or praise I make sure and take it.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I hope to inspire other spouse who may be lower enlisted to participate and get involved. Alot of spouse I have spoke with believe that because there spouse isnt highly ranked they cannot make a difference. I simply believe that each and every person can bring their own unique perspectives on important issues that we speak on every day. I would hope to accomplish bringing confidence and more of a understanding to each and every military spouse.