Julie Moser

Share your military spouse story:
I'm a devoted Army Spouse for 18 years, a mom, a nonprofit founder, and an advocate for those going through cancer. I'm a two-time breast cancer thriver and recently lost my mom to breast cancer. This has given me a different outlook on life and finding ways to keep going and find silver linings in all things around me. I have worked for the Army for many years as a DoD employee and met my husband while in Fairbanks Alaska. I was head over heels for Bob and loved his passion for being a medic for the Army and the love of my daughter. We were married just a year later. After our move to Fort Hood, back-to-back deployments started. It was this experience that help me with the true meaning of resiliency and the ability to work through anything thrown my way. It was the second deployment when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39 that pushed both of us to our limits of love, understanding, resiliency, trust, and growth.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
When you are stationed at different duty stations there are many different organizations to be involved in. I chose to help our units with family readiness programs. Being an FRG leader/assistant/key caller, was important to me to be able to help those families unfamiliar with deployments, long training, and the impact of our friend "Murphy". After being diagnosed with Breast Cancer my direction changed to helping those going through a cancer journey. I realized that being in the category of a military family, we didn't qualify for assistance that could be offered to those with were below the poverty guidelines. I founded Pink Warrior Angels to help fill this gap.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Pink Warrior Angels is devoted to helping those going through cancer treatments with financial assistance, a support system, and advocacy. I used my experience of being a military spouse and my cancer trials and tribulations to help those navigate their journey. There is a special need for military families as we have health insurance, but it can be difficult to navigate with referrals to on-off post providers, understand your explanation of benefits, and referral systems from one specialty doctor to the next. I also created Runway of Hope. An inspiring evening filled with fashion & music that celebrates the strength & courage of cancer warriors in our community. Through this event, we aim to create awareness about the fight against cancer while providing a platform for those affected to come together and find hope & strength in each other’s stories.

Describe how you support your community:
Pink Warrior Angels is not just a nonprofit but my legacy. Building a community with all those around us naturally flows into the military community. We have many volunteers that have started with us in the Fort Hood Area but even after they PCS, they are still volunteering. They are sharing the programs with others throughout the US. I have spent time with countless families to understand you are your best advocate and that because we have great medical insurance we still have to know what is best for us and not just check the boxes

What do you advocate for? Why?
Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people around the world. It can be a difficult and overwhelming journey for those who are diagnosed, and it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Being your own best advocate is essential to making sure you get the support and care you need throughout your cancer journey. No one should have to go through this experience alone. It’s important to find support from family, friends, and other survivors who can offer advice and understanding. My first support was a fellow Army spouse who had been through the breast cancer journey. Marily was able to help guide me with the many questions I had. Military spouses are resilient and sometimes we just need someone present.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Pink Warrior Angels was established in 2015 and have since evolved into a full functioning nonprofit to help though going through cancer. I have coordinated relationships with another military/veteran businesses, nonprofits, and local businesses with the same mission and support. I have done numerous conferences in person and online. Appeared as a guest on podcasts, Facebook "lives" , local news, local newspapers and Military Family Magazine.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
My goal with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I want to establish better communication/transition for those who are military needing referrals to specialty doctors, and time off needed from command to help lessen the burden of not fighting cancer alone without their spouse. Help communicate that there is still financial stress despite having medical insurance. Educate how someone can help assist those through this cancer journey.