Courtney Ann Travaglini

Share your military spouse story:
Over the past nine years, my life as a military spouse has been a whirlwind of challenges and fulfillment. When my husband decided to join the military after college to provide our family with better opportunities, I felt an immense sense of pride in his selfless decision. His dedication motivated me to continuously strive for personal growth and success, aiming to make him as proud of me as I was of him. Throughout this journey, we've navigated through three PCS moves, one deployment, and welcomed two beautiful children. Simultaneously, I pursued and earned a college degree, discovering strengths and resilience within myself that I never knew existed. In this process, I developed a profound compassion for improving the lives of military families, becoming an advocate for those who often can't speak up for themselves. Wearing multiple hats, I juggle various roles—from being a devoted mom and supportive wife to serving as a key spouse, engaging in community initiatives like the Parent Advisory Board and Childcare Coalition in Los Angeles. I'm also involved as the secretary of Jocelyn's, and as a team captain for Operation Homefront. My full-time role at the Military and Family Readiness Center, where I manage the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), allows me to assist members and their families in preparing for civilian life after their service. This diverse involvement has not only broadened my understanding of military life but has also instilled a passion for advocating for those in need, particularly within the Los Angeles community. Since arriving in Los Angeles, I've realized my true calling lies in advocating for the underrepresented, using my platform to amplify the voices of military spouses and families facing various challenges. Contributing to the greater mission of improving lives within the military community fills my heart and soul, making each endeavor worthwhile.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
As a team captain for Operation Homefront, I was able to support in making a difference in the lives of families. During the first event, we assisted 150 families by providing essential items significantly alleviating hunger and ensuring their basic needs were met. The second event we helped 85 families by offering $75 gift cards for holiday meals. We also provided toys for stocking stuffers, offering a bit of extra assistance to families. Beyond Operation Homefront, I've also been involved in spreading the legacy of Jocelyn Ducharme, a 3-year-old military child who tragically lost her battle with brain cancer. Through the nonprofit, we've been sending art kits to other children fighting cancer. Being part of these initiatives has been emotionally challenging yet incredibly rewarding. It's an honor to contribute to causes that bring comfort and joy to families facing tough times, and to honor the memory of those, who have left an indelible mark on our hearts and our community.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
My involvement in the military community has been multifaceted, starting with my role at the M&FRC. Initially, I ran the front desk, contributing to the seamless functioning of 18 programs. Recently, I transitioned into the TAP role, where I assist military members as they prepare for the next steps. Working at the M&FRC has given me invaluable insights into the vast array of resources available to military families. This knowledge has helped me become a better key spouse and has positioned me as a key contact, someone families reach out to when they have questions or need guidance. By embodying the M&FRC commitment "from the cradle to the grave," I strive to be a helpful and supportive presence for military families at every stage of their journey. This dedication to constant learning and support has proven to be a tremendous asset in fostering a sense of community and solidarity within the military families I interact with.

Describe how you support your community:
Working at the M&FRC has been a fulfilling experience, allowing me to actively support and engage with the military community. I've had the privilege of interacting with families from diverse backgrounds, providing them with valuable resources. This has not only broadened my understanding but also enabled me to be a better spouse, a more effective key spouse, and a supportive friend within the community. I'm also actively involved in the Childcare Coalition on base. I contribute to advocating, educating, and supporting military families, ensuring they and their leadership understand their benefits surrounding childcare. Our team collaborates to brief senior leaders on childcare issues, both within military programs and local schools, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the difficulties faced by military families. These experiences allow me to contribute to the well-being and resilience of the military community on various fronts, fostering a sense of unity and support.

What do you advocate for? Why?
My commitment to the Air Force Family Forever program has been deeply rooted in my desire to support and uplift military families facing various challenges. I've had the privilege of organizing two family luncheons, providing support to families, offering compassion, guidance, and resources during their difficult times. While working this program, I've come to recognize the need for improved mental health support within the community. The stark reality of the mental health crisis affecting our military members and their dependents has become increasingly evident. This realization has ignited a passionate drive within me to advocate for better mental health options for military families. I've actively engaged with leadership and the local community, shedding light on prevalent trends, stressors, and the dire need for enhanced mental health resources for these families.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Over the past nine years as a military spouse, my commitment to advocating, educating, and promoting the well-being of military families has been a central focus of my efforts. I've actively sought opportunities to share the experiences, challenges, and accomplishments of military spouses/families on various platforms. Being invited to speak on behalf of these families has allowed me to shed light on their stories, bringing attention to both the issues they face and their notable achievements. I've represented military spouses at information fairs, where I've engaged with the community to provide insights into the unique aspects of military life. Participating in the quarterly commander coffee discussions enabled me to directly address concerns and share perspectives with leadership, fostering a better understanding of the current challenges. Through these varied engagements, I've strived to be a voice for families, contributing to a broader awareness of their experiences and needs.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Given the opportunity, I am eager to use the AFI Military Spouse of the Year Title to continue to advocate for better mental health options for military families. Recognizing the critical role, it can play in safeguarding the mental well-being of our military community. Advocating for improved mental health resources has been a catalyst for me, reminding me of a program I conceptualized during my college years aimed at preventing suicide among military dependents. The passion I feel for advocating on behalf of these families and the urgency to address mental health concerns within the military community are driving forces in my life. It's a cause that resonates deeply with me, and I'm dedicated to contributing to creating a healthier, more supportive environment for our military families.