Amy Tiemeyer

Share your military spouse story:
I have been an Air Force Spouse for just over 10 years, as a veteran and community member I am interested in ensuring the spouses are supported and included whenever possible. Because, I am a Army and Navy reserve veteran I am aware of how important your spouse can be. I initially was introduced to the Air Force way of life through my employment and because I fell in love with how the Air Force treated their Airmen, I talked my spouse into enlisting. He had served in the Marine Corps honorably and I shared I felt the Air Force would be different because he was already in shape and it would give him leadership opportunities de doesn't get as a truck driver. He took my advice and enlisted. He has loved every minute of it. I have loved seeing him grow and develop as a leader.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I am the recipient of the Civilian Hall of Fame for JBLM, for my obsession with volunteering. Civilian Hall of Fame for the state of WA for service to veterans and their families, Air Force Associations medal of Merit and the 6th regions award from the Association of the US Army for volunteer service. I have written a book Stories of a Volunteeraholic and I speak at confrences about volunteerism.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
Currently I am a part of the JBLM civilian Hall of Fame, I am a key spouse with my husbands unit 36th APS , I am the program facilitator for the Seattle chapter of MVP- Merging Vets and Players, and the Regional Lead for the Travis Manion Foundation. I am also connected with VSO's in the PNW area.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
I support my community through service and connection. Where I can serve I do when I can connect I do that too. I never want to be a gate keeper, I always want to be a connector. I have a ton of experience however I love new voices and perspectives.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
I advocate for normalizing mental heath and I would like to elevate the veteran spouse. As a veteran spouse I don't feel seen. As a peer to peer registered counselor I feel there is a tremedous amount we can do to reduce PTS and suicide. Spouses have such a tremedous ability to help if we give them the tools and pathways. When the conversation is just superficial the outcomes are the same. If we can normalize and give depth to the conversation then our outcomes can be changed.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I also have a podcast "Helping the Brave" we talk transition and services to the military. I created a sign up sheet for the spouses in my husbands reserve unit that included have you served, as well as how would you like to be contacted.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Part of me wants to say I have no idea. I love being even more of a team player for my wonderful spouse and a better advocate for his unit. I promise to use the opportunities to further and better communicate the beauty of service to our nation, healing and inclusion within the military family as well as strengthening the military spouse community. I was raised strong and although I have been underestimated often I know being a military spouse is a badge of honor I wear proudly.