Robin Kennedy

Share your military spouse story:
As a proud Marine spouse of 7.5 years, my journey began unexpectedly. Though I always admired service members, I never saw myself marrying one. God intervened when my husband discussed enlisting. We prayed about it, and I have happily and proudly supported him every step of the way. Through boot camp, I sent daily letters, and during infantry training, I flew multiple times to spend holidays together. He received orders, and we moved to 29 Palms. This place brought field ops, combat deployments, and many holidays apart, yet we thrived thanks to the unbelievable community there. Here, we also had our oldest two sons. In our time there, I focused on motherhood, volunteering, and building bonds. Our people there became, and still are, our family. COVID added a new layer of challenge, an ominous, indefinite deployment extension, but we, as a family readiness team, adapted with virtual support. Our move to Parris Island marked a new chapter, where we completed our family with two more boys. Yes, that’s right, we have four boys! It is wild and wonderful. Here I've embraced leadership roles, pursued higher education in mental health counseling, and now aim further to support the military community through my upcoming doctoral studies. It's an honor to stand by my husband's side while pursuing my own passions, a testament to the strength and unity of military spouses. Over the years, I have added to the amazing ladies who have stood by my side. I do not know what I would do without them. That is what makes military spouses so special. Our resilience, understanding, and love. We will climb any mountain put in front of us, persevere, adapt, and overcome. I always say that God may give us more than we can handle, but he won’t give us more than he can handle. And with Him and each other, military spouses have proven for generations that we will make it through anything.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
My leadership journey within the military community includes several facets that are important to me and that have molded me into who I am today. I've been deeply involved as a volunteer and family readiness assistant for my husband's battalions, organizing events to build camaraderie and support families during deployments. When COVID-19 prevented in-person gatherings, I helped adapt strategies to maintain community virtually. I served as a board member for the Christian Women's Fellowship and have led several Bible Studies. After COVID disrupted the family readiness program, I helped rebuild it to meet evolving needs. Responding to community tragedies, I organized a mental health pop-up and led a spouse mental health group, emphasizing solidarity. Currently, I'm contributing to the creation of a nonprofit where I will chair the initiative aiming to bridge the gap between military and mental health services, leveraging my experiences to make a lasting impact.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I am deeply committed to supporting and serving those around me. I serve in the family readiness program for my husband's battalion. I prioritize building a support system and promoting a family atmosphere within the battalion. Additionally, my role as a board member of the Parris Island Spouses Club allows me to contribute to the cohesion and well-being of military spouses through organized events and networking opportunities. Furthermore, as an intern providing mental health therapy to active-duty personnel and spouses, I am committed to offering vital support and resources during their times of need. Even as I prepare to graduate with my master's degree in August, I am unwavering in my commitment to my community. I plan to continue my support while pursuing a doctorate focused on the mental health of those within the military community. I aim to make a lasting and meaningful impact on the well-being of those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Describe how you support your community:
My dedication to supporting my community runs deep. My primary focus is on empowering and uplifting those around me. I firmly believe in the power of community and actively engage in organizations that promote its development, recognizing that a strong sense of community fosters support and resilience among its members. Whether through volunteering or participating in community events, I strive to build connections and foster a sense of belonging for everyone. I am dedicated to offering mental health support and providing a safe space for those who may be struggling. As mentioned, I am participating in the establishment of a nonprofit organization, where I will serve as the chair for the segment dedicated to the military community. By offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on, I aim to reassure others that they are never alone in their journey through life, fostering a culture of compassion and support within our community.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I passionately advocate for the promotion of mental health awareness in the military community. Mental health challenges are prevalent among our community due to the unique stressors associated with military life. The stigma surrounding mental health issues within the military culture often acts as a barrier to seeking help, leading to underreporting and untreated conditions. I seek to humanize the conversation surrounding mental health and challenge misconceptions. Advocating for mental health awareness in our community is essential for promoting the well-being of service members and their families. By increasing awareness, challenging stigma, and promoting this resilience, we can create a culture of support and understanding where individuals feel empowered to seek help and prioritize their mental health. As an advocate for mental health awareness, I am committed to continuing my efforts to ensure that every member of the military community receives the care and support they deserve.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I have dedicated myself to spreading mental health awareness throughout the military community, utilizing various platforms, including social media and face-to-face conversations. Through consistent engagement and advocacy, I have strived to illuminate the significance of mental health support and its transformative impact on the military community. Moreover, in my interactions within my community, I have actively engaged in conversations about the importance of mental health aid and awareness. Whether connecting with fellow military spouses, or service members, I have seized every opportunity to highlight the benefits of prioritizing mental well-being and seeking professional support when needed. Through these efforts, I have endeavored to create a culture of compassion and understanding surrounding mental health within the military community. I am committed to continuing my advocacy work to ensure that others feel supported and empowered on their journey toward mental wellness.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
This title would provide a significant platform to advocate for better mental health support within military families. I can use it to raise awareness by educating families about the importance of mental health care and breaking down stigmas surrounding seeking mental health aid. I can offer support and resources to military spouses and families who may be struggling themselves or supporting a loved one who is. I would love to partner with existing organizations and initiatives that focus on mental health within our communities to amplify the impact and reach a wider audience. By working together, we can pool resources and expertise to make a greater difference. As MSOY I plan to lead by example so my openness and vulnerability can inspire others to do the same. This would grant me a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of military families and contribute to positive change in how mental health is perceived and addressed within the military community.