Lauren Jerden-Myers

Share your military spouse story:
My military spouse story started out ordinarily enough. 2009. Boy meets girl. Married and starting a family within two years. I was a young woman, barely 23 with two kids and a husband who was constantly gone for one thing or another. Supposedly there was a community of women in my same situation. My tribe. But where were they? I grew up hearing so many stories from my parents and theirs too, about this lifestyle and how wonderful it was to meet and make your own "family" with people from all over the world- many of whom they kept in touch with into adulthood. I wanted that. I craved it. My service member didn't lean in to any of the events on post and dissuaded me, too. Military life was lonely. It wasn't anything like I had imagined. It was my grandmother (Mimi), a navy wife of 20+ years and mother of five, who would push me to seek out different support groups, attend USO events etc. So, I did. I put myself out there. I met new people and made lifelong friends. I volunteered. I hosted. I attended barbecues even when my spouse wouldn't. After ten years, my marriage ended and despite no longer being a service members spouse, I continued to be involved in the community and of course, the friendships remained. In 2021, at a military sponsored event, I met the love of my life - a career soldier with a servants heart. Together, we are raising our SIX children with a passion for serving others and a love for our military community. My life as a military spouse today is so rewarding and truly "fills my cup". My husband and I share a passion for helping our service men and women find success, in and out of the military. I love helping young families find their "tribe". I never want anyone to feel as lonely as I did all those years ago. The community is there - they want to help and support spouses- and I am happy to help make that connection for people who might not otherwise find it. We truly believe the military community is one big family.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I consider myself to be the unofficial sponsor of the Fort Carson PCS. I've written PCS guides with lots of great info regarding schools, the city, things to do, discounts, and info about Fort Carson. I truly just love helping families get settled in and acquainted with their new "home". My leadership experience would best be described as "trial by fire". I don't always know the answer but I'm always willing to find out! In reaching out for answers for others, I've made so many great connections and find new ways to giveback. In the last two years alone, my husband and I have volunteered our time for many events on and off post such as the Batallion trunk or treat and even making an appearance as the Easter Bunny himself during the Agape Easter event. These holiday events are always special to us because holidays tend to be the time of year when military families can really feel the ache of missing home. It's nice to give our time on these days and make families smile.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I am actively involved in Operation Homefront in Colorado Springs providing programs and resources to military families. This year we were able to provide backpacks full of school supplies to 350 military families + sending bags of supplies to a special needs classroom in the Fountain-Fort Carson school district! I was also lucky enough to be a part of the Star Spangled Baby Shower, which provides lots amazing gifts to expectant mothers who are active duty and dependents, many of whom were alone with deployed spouses and having their first child. This year will be the second annual retention fair/job fair on Fort Carson! Last year, my husband and I pulled together dozens of on and off post opportunities for soldiers and their spouses. As soldiers transition to a new duty station or even out of the Army altogether, it can be scary and uncertain times. This event showcased career and education opportunities available to soldiers. It was a fun day of learning with food and giveaways!

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by identifying needs and then troubleshooting to meet said need. Most of these "gaps" are easily filled and have been done at other installations. It's just a matter of bringing awareness, gathering sponsors, and putting it into action! I have found that the towns surrounding military bases usually have so much respect and admiration for these families and are willing to help any way possible. In 2020, I, along with coworkers, set out to pay off one families Christmas "layaway" at the PX- it turned into about 12 families who had their Christmas list completely paid for by an anonymous party. We had so many donations from amazing members of the community- most of whom weren't affiliated with the military at all. I hold a real estate license in Colorado and have been blessed to be able to rebate over $400,000 to service members moving to the area pursuing off post housing, most of whom are able to do so with zero dollars from their own pocket.

What do you advocate for? Why?
Safe and secure housing! Many duty stations do not have enough housing available, thus sending service members and their families into the neighboring communities to search for homes. Too often, these young families are priced out of the market or unable to qualify based on income and/or rental history. This is unacceptable. An 18 year old man can fight for his country but can't get an exception regarding rental history? I have personally known families to live in hotels for months, putting them into extreme debt and stress, some even resorting to living in their cars. Likewise, privatized housing on many installations is subpar. In 2021, Fort Carsons privatized housing through Balfour Beatty was found to be hosting substandard living conditions including issues like rodents, mold, flooding, and families left without heat for days. The selfless men and women of the Army should not be left to worry about safe and adequate housing when arriving at a new duty station.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Just talk to people! I talk to anyone who will listen. You may be surprised who is willing to join your fight! I have found that people love to help and get involved, sometimes they just don't know where to start. I ask hard questions and seek answers. I've spoken in front of hundreds of people, written papers, and done numerous podcasts on the topic of housing military life from the perspective of a spouse. I love sharing my story and experiences- the good, the bad, and everything in between. Social media gets a bad "rap" but how else can we reach thousands of people at once, all over the world? Let's use that for good! For change! "You were given this mountain to show it can be moved"

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I would hope to bring further awareness to the issues facing young military families, housing scarcity being a big one. Better housing and more of it. Grants for service members facing extended hotel time. Reduced and/or waived application fees and deposits for service members and their families pursuing off post rentals. They volunteer to serve, and we should all be supportive of that in any way we can! I would also use my voice to reach the spouse who has no tribe. The one who is alone and cursing this lifestyle... I want to tell them it doesn't have to be lonely! It can be so incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. And where better to find your people than a city with thousands of people from all around the world? They are looking for your friendship. And I want to help facilitate these friendships and build these support systems- for everyone!