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.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions 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.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
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.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
I support my community by doing outreach, coordinating events, helping spouses becoming resilient

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
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.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
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.