Chrissy Daniel

Share your military spouse story:
In 1992, I met my husband during our junior year of high school, and in 1996, he enlisted in the Coast Guard. Married six months later, we navigated almost two years of cutter deployments before he attended A School in Elizabeth City, NC, shifting his career from sea to air. Our journey took us from the scenic landscapes of Alaska to the warmth of south Alabama, ultimately bringing us full circle back to our beloved Elizabeth City. Along the way, we became parents to two remarkable children, with whom I had the privilege of homeschooling for 17 years. Our eldest has recently graduated from college and is forging a path in her chosen career, while our youngest is set to pursue a future in aviation at our local university. As a military spouse of 26 years, my personal development has been incredible. Despite being an introvert, I've recognized the essential need for a supportive community. Relocations pushed me out of my comfort zone, immersing myself in local communities and involving my children in activities to build a sense of belonging. In Alaska, I was Treasurer and later President of the CG Spouses Club. Currently, as the Ombudsman for the Air Station and ATTC in Elizabeth City, I facilitate communication between commands and military families. These roles have taught valuable life lessons, highlighting the worth of my military spouse experience. Serving on the board of a local homeschool group, I help Coast Guard families access information and networking opportunities. Overseeing a homeschooling co-op serving around 300 children each semester, I support military families by enhancing their children's educational opportunities. My military spouse story is one of dedication, adaptation, and personal development. I am grateful for the trials and opportunities in my life because they have helped develop me into the resilient, tenacious, and community-oriented person I am today.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
As a military spouse, I've held leadership positions from Treasurer and President of the Coast Guard Spouses' Club in Alaska to my current role as Ombudsman for the Air Station and ATTC in Elizabeth City. I provide support to Coast Guard families, acknowledging the unique challenges military families face. To address these challenges, I actively connect with and assist fellow spouses. I attend All Hands meetings and Coast Guard functions to create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable, fostering a true sense of community even away from the familiarity of "home." Recognizing that each family's needs are unique, I collaborate with local representatives for programs like Work-Life, Chaplain, Tricare, MWR, and CGMA to share their resources and support. Through leadership and devotion, I strive to make a lasting difference, ensuring no spouse or family member feels unsupported.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
My involvement in the military community took time to develop. After our first big PCS, I joined the spouses club as Treasurer and later President, fostering inclusivity for enlisted spouses. We collaborated on projects, including an annual quilt auction, supporting scholarships, and Coast Guard needs. In 2019, during the government shutdown, I volunteered at the CPOA pop-up food pantry, actively seeking donations and providing support to Coast Guard members in need. Recognizing the absence of an Ombudsman at our Air Station, I stepped up, acquiring knowledge about available programs and resources. In 2022, amidst the Covid pandemic challenges, I co-organized a Welcome Aboard Expo, integrating newly arrived members into the community. Remaining as the Air Station Ombudsman after my husband transferred, I took on the role at ATTC as well. Giving back to our Coast Guard community brings immense satisfaction, as the Coast Guard has provided our family with a remarkable life.

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community through my dedication to serving on the Albemarle Homeschool Support League's board. Within our group, I organize and run a thriving co-op that serves nearly 300 students per semester, providing them with an enriching educational experience. After homeschooling my children for 17 years, it became my passion. Through my involvement in the homeschooling community, I am able to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can thrive. Not only have I helped local families in their homeschooling journey, but I have assisted many military families as well. Homeschooling gives children stability in an ever-changing military family lifestyle. I firmly believe that by investing in the education and support of our children, we can empower them to succeed in their future endeavors.

What do you advocate for? Why?
As an ombudsman, I advocate for military families, highlighting their unique needs and challenges. I firmly believe in the importance of providing support, resources, and assistance to ensure the well-being and quality of life for our military families. I work to ensure decision-makers recognize the sacrifices made by military families and their impact on daily life. I advocate for tailored programs and services such as healthcare, mental health support, education, and employment resources. Raising awareness and understanding of the military lifestyle within both the civilian community and the military community itself. This includes educating the civilian population about the challenges military families face and fostering a culture of support and appreciation. Being a military spouse, I have experienced firsthand the importance of support. I aim to contribute to a caring and appreciative environment that values and assists military families.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I've promoted my platform through social media, email, and in-person engagements, sharing information, resources, and personal experiences highlighting the challenges military families face and the need for support. Beyond online advocacy, I've actively addressed specific issues in our area. Personally navigating a medical issue due to a Tricare-doctor's office disconnect, I engaged Health Benefits Advisors and patient relations at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and sought help from our local Congressman's Veterans Affairs representative. Sharing these challenges with officials and policymakers, I aim to raise awareness and work towards positive change for military families.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I am passionate about raising education awareness and also advocating for accessible health services for military families in our area. To achieve this, I firmly believe in engaging in meaningful conversations with military spouses, collecting data on our unique experiences, and utilizing this data to drive discussions with organizations and military leadership. By advocating for accessible health services and emphasizing the importance of addressing logistical barriers such as rising costs and limited childcare, we can ensure that military spouses receive the care they deserve. In turn, this allows them to provide the crucial support necessary for active duty members to fulfill their duties effectively and protect our nation. By advocating for accessible healthcare and addressing the challenges that impede easy access to services, we can support military families in leading healthier, happier lives while remaining fully committed to serving our country.