Kaylee Tackett

Share your military spouse story:
My story began when I met my husband. He was already in the military at the time. We talked for months getting to know each other through long distance communication while he was on deployment. I knew we were meant to be together in the short time we had known each other. We knew we were in-love and just a year and half later were married. We were delighted to find out we were expecting. My pregnancy was a very scary and difficult time for us but, soon we welcomed our first son, John Jr. Being a new military wife was difficult, and moving to a new town was very hard. Having little communication to make friends or get information from within the unit, I felt very isolated. That's when I met the community that changed my life forever. Fast forward to now, and having my army community that has always been there for me, I honestly don't know what I would have done without them. Having experienced the same situations as new Military spouses, my experience really encourages me. I have always tried to embrace every duty station with optimism. Getting out and discovering new places and meeting new friends really helps in ways that you wouldn't have thought! I try hard to give back to that same community that helped me and to speak on how important it is to get involved in your military community. I couldn't do what I do now if it wasn't for my husband. We are a team. He truly is my biggest supporter!

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
Since becoming a military spouse I have filled several leadership roles within the military and local community. I have served as a Family Readiness Group Leader for several organizations and have been responsible for providing fellow military spouses with resources and pointing them in the direction of helpful agencies such as ACS and FRC. I am serving as the North Country Spouse's Club Reservations Chair. I'm responsible for making spread sheets, invitations, and disseminating information for members of the North Country Spouse's Club. Also, I serve at the chapel as a board member for PWOC, leading woman to Christ. Finally, I serve as an AWANA Leader responsible for teaching children about God.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I definitely believe in leaving a place better than you found it. This is why I find it important to be involved in my community, both on and off post. I also believe in finding balance for myself and my family and recognize that different seasons in life may affect my involvement level within the community. I attend installation sponsored events such as PWOC, coffee club, monthly spouse's socials. If I could say one thing, it is, "If you know someone that doesn't know where to start, help them get involved with there community!!".

Describe how you support your community:
I’m very passionate about encouraging, helping, working with other military spouses to pursue their passions, and what makes them happy within the unit. PWOC is a very important part of my life where I know I can encourage new military spouses/sisters in Christ, and support them through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Despite the ever changing military life, I hope I can bring love, guidance, and encouragement to all fellow military spouses. I believe you get what you pour into any community, whether on post or off. Community has always been a big priority for me. I want people to know that we can come together to support each other in a time of need and do what is right.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for knowledge and represent spouses! I try hard to give back to that same community that helped me, and to speak on how important it is to get involved in their army community. Being a military spouse and volunteer gives me great satisfaction and helps me in assisting other spouses I meet.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have regularly volunteered to speak at many housing town hall meetings over the years, addressing substandard maintenance, unsafe living conditions, and other issues that plague our military families .

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
To be an advocate and inspire other military spouses to do what they are passionate about. I want them to feel that their passion has meaning. I want them to know that they can do anything they put their mind to. "The impossible is possible", also "With encouragement, and determination, everyone can make change!"