Amanda Musick

Share your military spouse story:
My husband Enlisted in the Marine Corps out of high school, we were married on boot leave, then were station in 29 Palms, Ca. It was such an eye opener, I was fortunate to have so many strong military spouses to guide me. I knew I wanted to be someone others could come to, lean on and depend on! The military is a special kind of family, and If I could help just one person adapt it would all be worth it.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I worked with our housing community to create a support page for the military residents, planning events and helping to keep moral up. I also currently run a Facebook support page for friends and families who have loved ones currently in Naval OCS I have been able to guide many family members as they are newly adapting to the military lifestyle.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I have been able to be involved in many aspects of the military community, at our first duty station in Twentynine Palms, I Volunteered at the Base YMCA, and was involved in the Stroller warriors. I in New Orleans I have volunteered at many of the Base events put on by the MWR, the Backpack Brigade, the Christmas and Halloween events, as well as participated in the Stroller warriors and the mommy and me programs. I also run my own Home business selling baked goods at a discounted price for military families.

Describe how you support your community:
I have been fortunate to be able to volunteer at the food bank and the homeless shelter while being here in New Orleans as well as volunteering at a couple of the local schools and our church

What do you advocate for? Why?
I am an advocate for foster care awareness, I have been around and seen so many families affected by the foster care system. I have watched kids come from the lowest points and been placed in the right home and loved on and been able to complete turn their lives around. I have also seen so many families able to adopt through foster care and add to the family they have always wanted.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I share my passion on all my social Media accounts as well as volunteering, in the foster Care to Success program where we mentor children in the foster care system to prepare them for success. I also have provided baked goods for some of the Expos put on to encourage people to get involved in the foster care system. I have volunteered at many of the drives to gather supplies like school supplies, clothing, luggage, toys and other items for the children in the foster care system.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Adjusting to the military lifestyle is always difficult I hope to build a sense of camaraderie at whatever duty stations we may be at.