Jeanine Acevedo

Share your military spouse story:
I have worn multiple hats in my military life. I am a mom of two amazing kids, so I'm also a cook, a teacher, a housemaid and counselor, and a chauffeur. I also advocate empowering women and others with chronic illnesses like myself. Throughout the years, I have volunteered my time to the Pikes Peak Young Marines Program, a sea turtle nesting program, the United Service Organization (USO), the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Auxiliary, and my husband's Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) for his unit. I have also volunteered my photography services to Deployed Love on Fort Carson in the past. Before becoming a military spouse, I was in law enforcement. I have always had the need to help others. Unfortunately, I became disabled due to numerous chronic illnesses I was diagnosed with. Being medically disabled, I have had a strong will to give back to the community in any way possible. The last few years have been nothing but adventurous, to say the least. We, as a family, have endured multiple deployments and new assignments. Transitioning from the Marine Corps to the US Army has been an enormous change, but we love every moment of it. One would say, "Home is where the Army sends us."

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
Since becoming a military spouse, I have occupied several leadership roles within the military and the local community. I am currently serving as the SFRG advisor and key contact. As a key contact, I am responsible for providing fellow military spouses within our unit with resources and pointing them toward different helping agencies. I have also taken a couple classes with ACS, Army Community Service. I have been certified in being an ACS instructor. I can also teach numerous courses that the ACS offers to the military community. Lastly, I have been certified to be a part of the CARE team. The CARE team is a group of volunteers that offer temporary, short-term care to the families of deceased or wounded soldiers until the survivor's support structure is in place.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Between all of the organizations combined, I have approximately over 560 volunteer hours. I have received multiple awards, including the Fort Carson Volunteer of the Quarter and Public Service Commendation Medal. I also just received the community service award from the Marine Corps League. I have helped build the SFRG for my husbands unit. Additionally, I represent the military spouse and family community through social media and in person through word of mouth.

Describe how you support your community:
My support for the community varies in multiple ways. As military spouses and moms, we forget the importance of who we are as individuals. I use many tools, and words of wisdom to help empower these spouses, whether for weight loss, self-love, or help with the military. I have lost over 140 lbs myself. I use my weight loss journey to help inspire others too! I believe we need our community of fellow military spouses to support and uplift one another. I also have volunteered my time with the pike's peak young marine program. The Young Marines is a national youth program for boys and girls, ages 8 through high school graduation, focused on leadership, citizenship through community service, self-discipline, and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for all the military, spouses, and families. Whether it is verbally giving words of wisdom or just helping a fellow neighbor on post. As humans, we tend to forget that we are never alone. A simple gesture for a fellow military spouse goes a long way.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I use social media platforms to help support military families. I post a lot of local opportunities, upcoming events, and upcoming food giveaways. As a mom, I use social media more often than checking emails. Therefore, I do believe in using your social media platforms to get any message across to the community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I want to spread self-love to military families. I firmly believe in having a love for yourself before being able to love others properly. I will continue to reach out to families through social media to provide any needed resources. With that being said, I hope to increase resources to benefit the community. Overall, I would use this title to help my military family and community.