Danielle Alford

Share your military spouse story:
As an Air Force spouse for 11 years, I juggle roles as a mother to two spunky girls and a chunky English Bulldog. My upbringing cultivated a volunteer spirit, engaging with organizations like CASA and participating in home school groups and soccer camps during my teenage years. Born and raised as an identical twin in Oklahoma, the Air Force lifestyle tested my resilience, transitioning from a life with a constant best friend to forming new friendships every couple of years. I met my husband during college at the University of Tulsa, where our story unfolded much like a scene from a romantic comedy: he, the band geek, and I, the soccer star. The rest, as they say, is history. Despite earning my stripes as a four-year soccer team letterman and pursuing a semi-professional career with Oklahoma City FC, physical toll led to my official retirement, feeling like an 80-year-old in a young person's body. Post-college, I pursued a master's degree with my twin as my husband completed ROTC. Our first assignment after pilot training took us overseas to Japan for 5 exciting years. Adjusting from a small town to the vibrant culture of Japan was overwhelming, but I embraced the experience fully. From language classes to volunteering with the Red Cross, my journey included joining the welcome committee and guiding new families through the nuances of life in Japan. Recognizing the isolation of spouses overseas, I became a Key Spouse, contributing to the welcome committee and guiding newcomers through Japan's intricacies. Introducing them to shrine sales, organizing running nights, and attending festivals created lasting connections, fostering a sense of unity. In my current role as an Outreach Assistant with Military OneSource, I support families facing PCS transitions, deployments, and resource allocation. Enthusiastic about the future, my commitment remains unwavering, ready to embrace each challenge with full dedication, always prepared to dive in headfirst.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
As a Key Spouse, I led the community through an 85% manpower turnover during the squadron transition to the C-130J model. I represented the base in the SECDEF Round Table, addressing overseas spouse concerns with Mrs. Esper. Specifically chosen to engage with Mrs. Karen Pence, I discussed challenges faced by Yokota community spouses. In 2020, I received the Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award. Utilizing my master's in Healthcare Administration, I served as Hospital Chairman at Red Cross, saving over $101,000 in 2017. I initiated programs, including the Hospital Volunteer and Dental Assistant Programs, a Vet Clinic MOU, and a Healing Garden. Selected for the Patient and Family Participation Council, I enhanced patient care at the 374th Medical Group. Returning to the US, I joined the Military Spouse Leadership Development Program, acquiring micro-certifications and a Leadership Certificate from Harvard. I now contribute these skills to community initiatives at Little Rock Air Force Base.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
In Little Rock, my advocacy led to legislative changes, granting military families first choice in schools. Participating in town halls for The Reform Alliance, I engaged private schools, ensuring awareness of policies. My Book Club jump fostered deep friendships, transcending differences. As a Key Spouse, I aid newcomers, coordinating meal trains and supporting families facing challenges. Having experienced late-night calls for hospital visits, I value the tight-knit military community where support is unwavering. Jumping in may feel awkward at first, but shared challenges forge lasting connections even after a decade.

Describe how you support your community:
I thoroughly enjoy my role at Military OneSource, where my passion lies in assisting families and military members in understanding their available resources. I actively participate in various events such as PHA (Periodic Health Assessments), Yellow Ribbon events, Deployed Family Dinners, and info booths at base Career Fairs. During these events, I provide briefings to the military community on how to effectively utilize resources for themselves and their families. Above all, my goal is to encourage families not just to survive but to live and thrive. I advocate for the proactive use of resources, emphasizing that they should not be reserved for challenging times alone but also leveraged during times of prosperity to enhance overall well-being. In every interaction, my aim is to be a source of encouragement.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for spouses who seek knowledge and understanding amidst the chaos. I advocate for families who feel isolated and lack support. Through the Military Spouse Advocacy Network, I have experienced a community that nurtures our entrepreneurial aspirations and endeavors, supporting our professional and emotional growth. My aim is not merely to help spouses stay afloat but to empower them to thrive and surpass their perceived limitations. I aspire to be the spouse you can rely on to advocate for you regardless of the challenges you face.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
In my role as a key spouse and volunteer liaison, I am tasked with disseminating crucial information to spouses through various channels, including social media, emails, texts, and Zoom calls. This involves sharing details about topics such as active shooter drills, refugee donations bins, Non-Combative Evacuation Preparedness drills, resiliency trainings, safety exercises, Hail and Farewells for squadron members, and more.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Securing the AFI Military Spouse of the Year Title, my aim is to serve as an advocate for Military Families facing challenges, especially those who may not know where to seek assistance. Leveraging my experience as an Outreach Assistant, I extend support to families associated with the National Guard and Reserve, who lack access to a military installation and require advocacy due to their unique circumstances. Addressing the needs of those without a designated support system is crucial. I aim to offer assistance to those who may have lost the enthusiasm for the opportunities that military life can provide. With the AFI Military Spouse of the Year Title, I aspire to amplify my impact, extending my reach beyond previous boundaries to make a more significant difference.