Ashley Dixon

Share your military spouse story:
I’m truly blessed to be the wife of an outstanding Airman! Two small-town teenagers from Mississippi met in high school, fell in love and never looked back. It’s really that simple. I supported my husband’s decision to serve our country without a clue as to what it would entail. Being the spouse of an Airman was never my goal but this experience has fulfilled me. Coming from that small town in Mississippi, I never imagined my first time away would be in another country. Nothing prepared me for leaving my family, friends and the comforts and freedoms of America. Well, I took my southern hospitality and southern drawl and packed up and headed to the United Kingdom to follow my Airman. I put my personal and educational goals on hold to follow my Airman to England. I experienced first hand the importance of making connections with my military family. Initially, I felt alone and inept as a new spouse in a foreign country. This feeling of solitude compelled me to greet everyone with a positive attitude and genuinely care about their wellbeing. Today, I feel accomplished as a wife, mother and experienced military spouse.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I’ve led spouses and key spouses. I plan morale events for Airmen and families. By staying connected and informed I am able to provide current information to keep families connected with resources.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I’ve served as a key spouse for more than six years, two of those as a key spouse mentor. I have supported fellow spouses with the resources they need to be successful. By empowering fellow spouses, I’m helping Airmen and their leadership. When a family is taken care of, the Airmen is able to focus on the mission while deployed or TDY.

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by doing outreach, coordinating events, helping spouses becoming resilient

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for inclusion! I’ve never been one to make people seem less important because of their stature in the military. As a licensed social worker I rely on my education to guide me. As a social worker I understand the importance of human relationships. Some people want to be heard and I’m always available to lend an ear. If taking a few minutes to listen helps brighten someone’s day, it gives me satisfaction.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
My southern upbringing alone helps spread my message. When I ask how someone is doing, I genuinely care.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I want to be an example for all spouses. I hope to stop circles and “create U’s” by including everyone.