Konica McClure-McKoy

Branch: Air Force

Duty Station: Barksdale Air Force Base

Number of Deployments: 1

Number of PCS's: 1

Share your military spouse story:
I have been an Air Force spouse for 4 years. I am an office manager at a medical practice, and spend most of my free time volunteering in and around our community. I like to think of myself as a service minded individual. I have been a healthcare professional for almost 20 years, and have a true passion for helping others. My father is retired from the Army, so when my husband decided he wanted to join the Air Force I leaned on my mother's experience as a military spouse to help navigate this new role. My mom told me volunteering would be the best way to get adjusted to my new base. I have always felt my best when I am of service to others. I was a member of Junior Civitan's where I learned to be a builder of good citizenship which encouraged me to serve unselfishly because it is what we're called to do through Christ. I decided to join the Key Spouse program in 2021. In 2022 I helped the booster club raise $16,000 to support the families of our squadron. I serve on the residence council where we meet once a month to discuss any issues or concerns residences may bring to us, with the commander of the base, the Civil Engineering squadron, and members of the housing office. We also host base clean ups at parks and around the housing area. I am the treasurer of the Barksdale African American Heritage Committee. I have found my time at Barksdale enjoyable because of my involvement in the community. I am so happy that my husband decided to take this journey. I have always had a volunteer heart, but I feel like I have found my calling being here at Barksdale and helping so many people directly and indirectly.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I am the Key Spouse mentor for the 2nd Maintenance Squadron here at Barksdale. I organize meal trains for families that have welcomed new additions, that are bereaved, or are dealing with serious illness or medical needs. I construct "stop and talk" events within the squadron where I bring the members of our squadron hot chocolate when its cold or popsicles when its hot and I check in with as many airmen of our 600+ member squadron. I introduce myself, tell them about the key spouse program, and remind the single airmen that I am there to help them connect to resources too. As a constituent of the residence council I often gather information from neighbors to bring to the monthly meetings. I assist the council in coming up with solutions to problems and identifying trends and repeat matters. I'm grateful to be viewed as a trusted member of this community, and as someone people can come to with issues they may be having with their home because they know I will work for answers.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
As a child, when my family moved back to the United States from Germany I remember not feeling like the US was home. I talked to my mom about my feelings and she gave me great advice that has set me on the path of volunteerism. "If you don't like something, start working to change it," my mom said. I have taken this advice to heart and I have become a member of the Barksdale Spouses club, Key Spouse program, residence council, 4 book clubs, and the Barksdale African American Heritage Committee. As a member of the key spouse program I have participated in round table discussions with various leadership to try and improve and refine the program so it best services the families of Barksdale AFB. Attending these events keeps me up to date on latest changes that I can then pass on the families of my squadron or anyone that I come in contact with that may need help. I am enthusiastic about these conversations because supporting military spouses is near and dear to my heart.

Describe how you support your community:
I coordinate meal trains for members of our squadron. My southern roots have embedded in me that there is not a lot a hot home cooked meal can't sooth. It really warmed my heart when I prepared a meal for a family in need and received a text from the mother a few hours later that her daughter devoured the meal I brought and asked for seconds. This coming from a child who does normally eat meat. I text the mom back that her child must have been able to taste the love I poured into that meal! I have provided first aid and basic life supporting measures for a neighbor's child who was experiencing a medical emergency. I am so comforted by the thought that I was in the right place in the right time for this family-not once, but twice. As a military family we are often away from our immediate and even extended family. My presence has been a God send for this family and their child who has had some unexpected health issues. I am always more than happy to help or assess a situation for them.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I am passionate about helping military spouses make the best of their experience and finding their path as a military spouse. I enjoy helping them become acclimated to Barksdale as quickly as possible. I have created a resource map that I give to all in bound spouses so they are able to find what they need quickly. When we found out we were coming to Barksdale the first thing I did was map out where all of my creature comforts were. I had the idea to share this map when I first joined the key spouse program because if I had these questions I know others have and will have them too. I can't remove all of the obstacles of moving, but I can assist with making the experience as smooth as possible.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have spread my message of providing seamless transitions to and from Barksdale by sharing my ideas with leadership at the squadron and wing level. I have participated in discussions and spoken up and behalf of spouses who are not in the room on ways to improvement family moves. I believe that the relocation assistance program should be standardized across all military installations to make transitions easier on our families that are helping to support those defending our freedoms.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title?
I hope to be able to advocate for a more logical and comprehensive moving experience for our military families. If I win the title of AFI Military Spouse of the Year I plan to work with all levels of leadership to cultivate a program that alleviates some of the stress that comes along with moving. Our service members go where they are needed, and the families come along for that journey. I'd like to make it an easier process.

Nominations

Konica is a proud military spouse at Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB). While at BAFB, Konica serves as a member of the Spouse Club, African American Heritage Committee, 2MXS Booster Club ( where she helped raise $16,000), 2MXS Key Spouse Program (where she serves as a Key Spouse Mentor), and has a full-time job as an Office Manager. She is seen by her peers as a kind, dedicated and thoughtful leader and always contributing ideas. She is an amazing resource and looked to as the military “go-to” person for all her friends/family. She is dependable, reliable, and often uses her knowledge to help empower others. Most recently, Konica had to come to a neighbor’s aid in 2 medical emergencies, one requiring her to administer life resuscitating measures until the medics arrived. Her quick action and preparedness is yet, another example of the kind of pillar and leader she is within her military community. Konica is the perfect representation of what every military spouse should strive to be.
- by Ameka Mmoh-Hooper

Konica is a proud military spouse at Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB). While at BAFB, Konica serves as a member of the Spouse Club, African American Heritage Committee, 2MXS Booster Club ( where she helped raise $16,000), 2MXS Key Spouse Program (where she serves as a Key Spouse Mentor), and has a full-time job as an Office Manager. She is seen by her peers as a kind, dedicated and thoughtful leader and always contributing ideas. She is an amazing resource and looked to as the military “go-to” person for all her friends/family. She is dependable, reliable, and often uses her knowledge to help empower others. Most recently, Konica had to come to a neighbor’s aid in 2 medical emergencies, one requiring her to administer life resuscitating measures until the medics arrived. Her quick action and preparedness is yet, another example of the kind of pillar and leader she is within her military community. Konica is the perfect representation of what every military spouse should strive to be.
- by Brienne Jamieson

Konica is a proud military spouse at Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB). While at BAFB, Konica serves as a member of the Spouse Club, African American Heritage Committee, 2MXS Booster Club ( where she helped raise $16,000), 2MXS Key Spouse Program (where she serves as a Key Spouse Mentor), and has a full-time job as an Office Manager. She is seen by her peers as a kind, dedicated and thoughtful leader and always contributing ideas. She is an amazing resource and looked to as the military “go-to” person for all her friends/family. She is dependable, reliable, and often uses her knowledge to help empower others. Most recently, Konica had to come to a neighbor’s aid in 2 medical emergencies, one requiring her to administer life resuscitating measures until the medics arrived. Her quick action and preparedness is yet, another example of the kind of pillar and leader she is within her military community. Konica is the perfect representation of what every military spouse should strive to be.
- by Tyeasha Jones

Konica is a proud military spouse at Barksdale Airforce Base in Shreveport, La. In her years of being a military spouse, Konica has mastered the balance of being able to support her husband, all while tackling the duties and responsibilities within her military community. At Barksdale, Konica serves as a member of the Barksdale Spouse Club, a member of the Barksdale African American Heritage Committee, a member of the 2MXS Booster Club ( where she was able to help raise $16,000), a member of the 2MXS Key Spouse Program ( where she serves as a Key Spouse Mentor; assisting other military families and facilitating squadron initiatives to help better serve airmen and women in times of need), a member of 4 Barksdale Book Clubs and has a full-time job at the Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, where she works as an Office Manager. In her various roles, Konica is seen by her peers as a kind, dedicated and thoughtful leader, always contributing ideas and advocating on behalf of others.
- by Morgan A Frazier