Paola Fernandez

Share your military spouse story:
My story begins 17 years ago, when I met my husband who is in the US Air Force. My life changed forever the day I said "I Do", because I became a military spouse and only God knew what the future would hold for us. It was an unknown world for me at first, but is where I learned how to be resilient, independent, flexible, adaptable, creative and much more that comes with the territory. At first, it wasn't easy when we had to see my husband go on long deployments or TDY's. The times we had to move to a new duty station wasn't easy either, but as time went by I learned to adapt and somehow it became easier. As a military spouse I became a mother, a wife, commander in chief of our household, a travel planner, a chef and much more to that is required. The military became part of me, it opened my eyes to new horizons, to see the world and to new opportunities I never imagined in my life. Somehow I wanted to give back to a community that became my family. There were many opportunities to volunteer and I became very involved with the USO, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, Spouses' Clubs, Squadron events, and with the Army Community Center. I didn't do it for the recognition, but because I truly love being part of this community where many sacrifice so much for the freedom we have today. Being a volunteer for this organizations across the military gave me a chance feel part of that mission and a sense of accomplishment. To be able to provide help to other military spouses or military active duty was the biggest achievement for me. I am proud to be a military spouse and I am grateful each day that God put my husband in my path, because without him none of this would have been possible.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
With all the experiences the military gave me, I was able to share much of those experiences with other military spouses along the way. It gave me a sense of responsibility to be able to help out those who were young, new to the military or simply to those who didn't know much of the military. I would attend Military Spouses club events or gatherings and voice my opinion and experience as a military spouse. I would share my knowledge and experience of what entitles to be part of the military, and many times I found that we all shared a common trait. Being able to help out my fellow spouses along the way was one of my biggest accomplishments.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Somehow I wanted to give back to a community that became my family. There were many opportunities to volunteer and I became very involved with the USO, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, Spouses' Clubs, Squadron events, and with the Army Community Center. I recently volunteer for the Army Community Center at Fort Carson and I learned much was done very differently with the army as opposed to the Air Force. I became the Army Volunteer Coordinator in a short period of time and was able to be part of a team that helps out roughly 25,000 soldiers across the installation with volunteering. I was volunteering almost everyday because I loved what I did and I didn't mind that it was an unpaid position, I just wanted to help out and do what I do best...Volunteer. It is said that there's nothing bigger than the heart of a volunteer. I didn't do it for the recognition, but because I truly love being part of this community where many sacrifice so much for the freedom we have today.

Describe how you support your community:
Volunteering with numerous organizations across the military community, such as the USO, A&FRC or currently M&FRC or the Army Community Service, shaped me into being knowledgeable in many areas. I learned that many military spouses sometimes lack the knowledge of what entitles to be part of this community or sometimes they feel disconnected because of all the moving around. I found that becoming involved with the community is the best way to go out and make friends, meet people, create memories or even perhaps acquiring the skills to find a job. I discuss these experiences with other military spouses to create awareness and make them feel that change can be good, to learn from each experience and go out and make friends. Recently, my volunteer position at the army community center helped me land a GS position and I have been sharing my thoughts and experience with other spouses who are looking to get a job. I will make it my goal to continue sharing any experience and knowledge I can.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate to help military families feel a sense of respect, honor, acceptance, and love for all the sacrifices they each make. Being a military family is not easy, it comes with many sacrifices that sometimes many take for granted. I love to help out in some way anyone who I come across that needs advice, mentorship or guidance. We have all being there at one point, feeling a sense of loneliness, lost, starting over or moving. Even if I can make a difference in the life of one person it will be enough to know that I have accomplish something. Helping my fellow military spouses is one of my biggest goals. I don't do it for the recognition, but because it is my duty and I love helping others whenever I can.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
For me technology is not the only way to spread the message, I believe the best way to do it is by taking action. I like to get my hands on and go out myself and get involve with the community, Volunteering at different locations across the military installations allows me to do this. I like to go out and talk to people and listen to their stories, ideas or opinions about being a military spouse, many times I have found myself learning much from them. I take this knowledge and are able share these messages with other spouses because that's the beauty about volunteering, you get to meet so many people and can pass down the information.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I feel that my biggest accomplishment would be the opportunity to continue helping the military community and fellow military spouses by sharing my story, my knowledge, my experience and hope that I can at least help change someone's life for the better. I would love to share that much is possible even in times when feel lost or lonely because we constantly move a lot. Just to be able to help someone experience what I have and that life in the military could be great and utilizing our resources that are provided can help us achieve great things. Thank you for the opportunity