Sara Roberts

Share your military spouse story:
I first met my husband through text message after a mutual friend gave me his number. An unconventional and funny start to a relationship that I wouldn’t have thought would bring me to the life I live today. We have been together for 14 years now. In that time I have held the home front during 4 deployments. Kept thing’s somewhat running smoothly during countless TDYs and drill weekends. We now have 2 beautiful children that live this crazy military life with us. In my time as a military spouse I’ve encountered many ups and downs, but I have been so blessed to have amazing support around me that understood each of those life struggles that were made even more interesting by the intricacies that military life brings into the mix. Thanks to military life I have also met some of the most amazing people, had some of the best experiences of my life and been able to give back in so many ways.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
Through out our marriage I have served as a MSAN Reserve Spouse Mentor, Key Spouse, Giving Tuesday Military Ambassador and Military Marriage Day Ambassador. I have also volunteered with Operation Homefront. Currently I am a USO volunteer and help with our local Coffee Connections along with other special events. These events helps bring spouses together and meet new people and find support systems they may have never had. I also am honored to be an Ambassador for Stronghold Food Pantry and have been able to work with Monica and her team to bring food to many families in my local area.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I love to build new connections and friendships especially within the military community. I’m a big fan of anything one on one or small groups where I can get to know a little bit about a person. Coffee Connections have given me a great opportunity in building some wonderful relationships and helping to find other areas that I can be involved in. This past year I’ve also been able to help out with Operation Homefront’s holiday meal event in our local area. Along with helping with our wing’s School supply drive and delivered school supplies to our geographically separated unit in Georgia. While making connections to amazing organizations within our community I enjoy sharing those resources with military families around me.

Describe how you support your community:
Honestly I support my community how ever I can in that moment. Every season and phase of life is different and can bring new and different challenges. I continually share any information or resources I find with those around me. From being a meal when someone is sick, checking in on a friend whose family is going through a difficult time, or doing the bigger things such as wing or community events I am always looking for ways to support and serve military families around me.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for true support our military families and for everyone to feel like they have the ability to make a difference in their community. For our members and spouses to be able to speak up about things they’re facing in life with out embarrassment or concern about how it could affect their career. My hope is that one day our leaders will listen to those around them about their concerns and the needs of our military families. I also advocate for more resources for military families facing food insecurity and other financial struggles. Life is easier not only when you feel supported, but when you aren’t worried about basic life necessities.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I’ve been able to share information about resources, and events with our wing First Sergeants and Family Readiness. I also share things through local Facebook groups and connections with other military families in my area.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I hope to use the Military Spouse of the Year title to better support military families. My hope is to bring more food resources to our local area for our member and families to be able to utilize without fear of embarrassment. To better support military spouses and help them feel included, heard and to know that their voices truly matter.