Yvonne Zdanowski

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse story begins in 2013 when I met my husband while he was stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. As a German citizen, leaving my family, friends and career was incredibly difficult, yet I was extremely excited to join my husband on this PCS, knowing there would be not only challenges but adventures ahead! After arriving to Keesler Air Force Base, MS, I committed to contributing and giving back to Air Force agencies and the local community. This mindset and saying YES to every opportunity led me to launching Keesler’s first Stroller Warriors Running Club chapter. I stayed engaged in my husband’s unit as the Key Spouse, volunteered at the Airman & Family Readiness Center and actively participated in the Keesler Spouse’s Club. Becoming involved in the military community from the get-go made the transition for our family much easier. I've learned the importance of leaning on fellow military families, knowing there will be times where we will need help. I truly believe that building a community network is key. I've asked questions, sought out helping agencies, and shared my experiences with other spouses who were going through a similar transition or just someone to talk to. I continue to seek ways to give back – most recently becoming a spouse resilience trainer. I feel connected to fellow spouses and the Keesler training mission by sharing and teaching coping skills that assist in overcoming daily stressors, changes, and the unknown. I launched a small photography business in 2019 and am also enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. My husband and I have two wonderful children. Emma is 4 & Bobby just turned 1 - their resilience is incredibly inspiring!

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I lead the Stroller Warriors Running Club Chapter on Keesler AFB. In my capacity as Chapter Coordinator, I’ve organized and led nearly 200 workouts with over 5000 miles, several Couch to 5k Beginner Runner's programs, Mini Miles programs to actively engage kids during the summer break, organized dozens of charity events, participated in monthly Coastal Clean-ups, Fisher House donation drives, and worked with the USO Gulf Coast to collect over 300 food items. As Key Spouse, I have mentored new Spouses and Key Spouses and have made an impact by initiating and coordinating Resiliency Trainings for Key Spouses. I am also leading and teaching Resiliency Trainings for Spouses here on Keesler AFB.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I am the Key Spouse of the 81st Force Support Squadron for 2 years now. I reenergized the program for my squadron, formed a fb group for our Spouses and Info Folders for Newcomer's, Deployment, Pregnancy, and other key events. On March 22nd, 2018, I launched the Stroller Warriors Keesler Chapter, a free running Club for Military Spouses. We offer friendship, fitness and support not only in reaching running goals, but also during times of hardship, deployments and everyday stresses. Our Chapter has 250 members and continues to grow. In 2018, I volunteered over 100 hours at the Keesler Air Force Base Airman & Family Readiness Center. I assisted the Newcomer's, Spouses, Deployed Family members events. In September 2019, I had the opportunity to become Keesler Air Force Base’s first Spouse Master Resilience Trainer (MRT), now offering Resilience Training for Key Spouses.

Describe how you support your community:
I believe in the phrase "Rise Together". Building each other up, support each other in creating and reaching personal goals no matter how big or small, and celebrate when conquered. Create friendships that turn into family. Make everyone feel included and welcome. There is room for everybody. Community is very important for a healthy life, mentally and physically, especially as a Military Spouse. I am very happy and proud about the fact that I brought Stroller Warriors Running Club to Keesler and leave "a part" of me here once we are ready to move on. In my role as a Master Resiliency Trainer, I want to reach and offer Resiliency Training to all Spouses.

What do you advocate for? Why?
My passion are Resilience and Health. When I first became a military spouse, I was happy to learn that Resiliency Training is mandatory for active duty personnel. But what about the Spouses? Spouses who deal with multiple stressors and changes every day, away from family and planting their family's roots somewhere new every few years. I want to establish resiliency training for Spouses along with fitness groups to strengthen the well-being of Military Spouses, mentally and physically.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I am the admin of our Stroller Warriors Keesler Running Club facebook group, where I post motivational messages, running and upcoming race tips and inspirational posts to motivate members to reach their running goals and lift each other up. I am also the admin of our Squadron Spouses facebook group, where I post almost daily inspirational, motivational posts and offer personal assistance. I have held a Resiliency Training for Key Spouses on Base and plan on offering Resiliency Trainings regularly. I love the personal interaction with people as well as public speaking and teaching about something I am passionate about.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Spread the importance of resiliency especially for Military Spouses to strengthen the ability to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands. I would love to develop a Resiliency Program fit for Military Spouses and use Social Media and in person workshops to spread it throughout the Military Community.