Cynthia Giesecke

Share your military spouse story:
For the past few years, my life has been a journey through uncelebrated moments, devoid of accolades or titles, primarily centered around a profound focus—my family. From homeschooling my daughter for four years, culminating in her 2020 graduation amidst the chaos of Covid, to the fall of that year when my mother was diagnosed with Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer, life presented challenges at every turn. Amidst these trials, a twelfth Permanent Change of Station (PCS) loomed, necessitating my support for my father through a second hip surgery. As my mother, after a brief remission, faced the unwelcome return of cancer, I became a long-distance caregiver, grappling with the complexities of life's unpredictable twists. In the midst of personal struggles, my mother selflessly encouraged my pursuit of employment. A year-long journey with three interviews led to a job, but on December 25, 2023, my mother lost her valiant battle. Amidst the tumult of grief, an unexpected turn of events brought news of my nomination for the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year program. Accepting this nomination became a poignant dilemma until fate intervened through Amanda Rangel, a fellow military spouse I met during a military spouse conference. In sharing vulnerabilities, Amanda mirrored my struggles, providing an opportunity to reciprocate the support I received from my mother. Together, we navigated resources, certifications, and community involvement, with Amanda showcasing resilience by joining the board of the Greater Washington Area Coast Guard Spouses' Club. The spotlight rightfully belongs to Amanda, her story embodying perseverance in the face of life's relentless curveballs. My presence here is to convey a message of hope—a transcendence of adversities. No matter the curveballs, life's seasons unfold in God's timing, and I stand as a testament to the enduring truth that, ultimately, everything will be okay.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
In my two decades as a military spouse, I've embraced diverse leadership roles, finding profound fulfillment as a mentor to fellow spouses. An impactful incident occurred when my daughter, observing a struggling mother during COVID, took initiative. Mirroring principles she gleaned from me, she reached out to the teacher, connected with the distressed mother, and ensured my involvement. Walking into the Navy spouse's home, uncertainty loomed. Yet, upholding my belief that leaders answer the call, I provided assistance. This experience reinforced the importance of readiness to extend support amid uncertainty. Through this, I've exemplified my dedication to service, imparting compassion and leadership values to my daughter. Leaders, when summoned, leave an indelible mark, transcending moments and inspiring others through example.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
In the margins of my full-time job, I dedicate spare moments to the heart of service and community betterment. As President of the Belvoir Spouses’ Club, I collaborate with selfless leaders, profoundly impacting our community. My commitment expands to a broader scale as a board member at Secure Families Initiative and co-chair of the Hispanic Collective Voices group. Devoting five years to Hiring Our Heroes, stepping away from the lead role at the National Capital Region Military Spouse Professional Network, is a testament to my belief in community-driven transformative change. Volunteering, beyond time donation, is an investment in our shared future. Navigating roles, my purpose is clear—to catalyze positive change, foster collaboration, and amplify voices often unheard. Volunteering is a commitment to impactful change—one shared experience, one empowered individual, and one strengthened community at a time.

Describe how you support your community:
In life's unfolding tapestry, the future remains uncertain. In this moment, I earnestly invite you to join me in a meaningful venture—This mission, close to my heart, revolves around the love of building community. Creating spaces for military spouses to find hope and recognize their immeasurable value is not merely a goal but a calling. In this pursuit, we contribute to the well-being of individuals, our community, neighbors, and nation. While I may have lost my mother's physical vote, I've gained something profound—your vote and support. Together, we can make a difference, impacting not only the outcome of a vote but also the lives of military spouses deserving recognition, appreciation, and the belief that they have much to contribute. Join me, not just as a supporter but as a vital participant in fostering hope, value, and community strength. Your vote and support, beyond words, are treasures on this shared path, and I am grateful to have you by my side.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I passionately advocate for the celebration of voices—each unique narrative, perspective, and experience that contributes to the rich tapestry of our community. In my advocacy, I strive to amplify the voices of military spouses, ensuring that their stories, challenges, and triumphs are not only heard but celebrated. I believe in fostering an inclusive environment where every voice, regardless of background or circumstance, is valued and acknowledged. Through initiatives, collaborations, and community-building efforts, I aim to create spaces that empower individuals to share their stories, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. By championing the celebration of voices, I aspire to inspire a collective understanding that diversity is our strength and that every individual has something meaningful to contribute to the narrative of our community and nation.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
As President of the Belvoir Spouses’ Club, I've actively promoted the celebration of voices. Through events and collaborations, I've cultivated an environment where diverse perspectives are not just acknowledged but celebrated. My roles as a board member at Secure Families Initiative and co-chairing the Hispanic Collective Voices group allowed me to shape initiatives that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring unique voices in the military community are recognized on a broader scale. Beyond formal roles, I've emphasized storytelling as a powerful tool for empowerment in my voluntary work as a mentor. By sharing personal experiences, I've fostered an atmosphere where diverse voices are embraced. This advocacy extends beyond organizations, influencing how I engage with the community. Whether through events, online platforms, or one-on-one conversations, I consistently convey that every voice is valuable and deserves recognition.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
With the AFI MSOY title, my primary goal is to amplify the voices of military spouses. I aim to showcase their diverse stories, resilience, strength, and contributions. Advocating for increased support and resources for military families is crucial, emphasizing community building and empowerment. Fostering unity among spouses, I encourage collaboration and insights sharing. The AFI MSOY title will be a catalyst for broader outreach. Engaging with organizations, policymakers, and the public, I'll raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by military families. As a visible representative, I hope to influence positive changes for their well-being and opportunities. I aspire to inspire and motivate military spouses to embrace leadership roles. Through mentorship, storytelling, and collaborative initiatives, I aim to create an environment where every spouse feels empowered and valued, equipped to make a meaningful impact.