Shana Warsky

Share your military spouse story:
My journey as a military spouse began in 2008 in Savannah, Georgia. I was a full-time college student attending what was then known as Armstrong Atlantic State University. I was a year into my college career when I met my husband, whom at the time was two years into his tour at Air Station Savannah. The story of how we met still blows my mind, but in short, he was my answered prayer. Funny enough, our first date was attending a friend's wedding and the rest was history. We had our daughter in our first year of marriage and, shortly after, put in our picks for the upcoming transfer season. I was extremely unfamiliar with military life and did not know what to expect. I grew up in a small town living in the same house my entire life, so when we found out we were PCSing from Savannah to Juneau, Alaska, my heart dropped. I was nervous to say the least. Once we got to Juneau, this small town Georgia girl had to figure out how to reestablish herself in a new place as a new spouse and a new mother. It was extremely difficult the first couple of years, but I found both the Coast Guard and local community to be incredibly welcoming. I always tell others that moving to Juneau was the best thing that ever happened to us as we were so far from family and had to truly rely on each other. That experience made our marriage stronger in the end. We are now coming up on our 15-year anniversary, and we have two beautiful children. Over the years, some of my favorite memories include time spent with other Coast Guard spouses. It wasn't until PCSing to Elizabeth City, our current duty station, that I joined my first Spouses Club and was elected to participate on the board. I am also very involved in my children's schools and our church. I have been PTO Secretary for going on three years and also co-lead our high school girls youth group. I am a huge advocate for getting involved in the community and for helping create a welcoming space for military spouses. It truly takes a village.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
When we PCS’d to Elizabeth City, NC the Summer of 2021, I was introduced to the local Coast Guard Spouses Club. This was the first opportunity I have had in the last 15 years to join a spouses club. After experiencing what it was all about, I decided to run for Board Secretary. I was elated when I found out I was elected! I love being a part of an organization that supports our local military spouses. What a blessing it is for the community! I have served on the Board since May of 2023 and will be transitioning out in May of this year. I have learned a lot during my experience as a member and as a board member. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve!

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I love the adventure of moving every three to four years. I love it because I get to meet new people and make new friends in each place we live. Meeting other spouses is always a bonus for me. I always make a point to make connections right away, whether that includes joining a Bunco group, meeting spouses for coffee, or attending functions on base. We love attending the Christmas family events and other events put on by the base. The Coast Guard community is very tight knit, so it’s always a joy to be a part of that community.

Describe how you support your community:
In my previous response, I mentioned how I enjoy making new friends in every new place we live. I also love diving right into the community. I have volunteered at my children’s schools, been a part of their schools’ PTO, volunteered at our church, and served on the board for a local Mothers of Preschoolers group. I have supported my community in different ways over the last 15 years. Every season of life brings new opportunities. Here in Elizabeth City, I have served on the PTO as Secretary for the past three years, I am heavily involved in my children’s schools, I volunteer at our church as often as I can, and I also co-lead our church’s High School girls’ youth group. All of the ways I serve our community bring me absolute joy. It truly fills my cup and warms my heart.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for getting involved and making a difference in your community. I see every new duty station as an opportunity to get involved. I am grateful for communities being so warm and welcoming to Coast Guard families, and I truly believe in showing how appreciative we are. I am also a big advocate for giving more than you take, and by having an “arrows out” mindset that is easily accomplished. Having an “arrows out” mindset means thinking of others before yourself, or ultimately being selfless. Selflessness, humility, and authenticity are three characteristics that I try to exemplify in my day to day. Having a heart for the local community is something I hope every military spouse strives to cultivate.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I spread my message through various platforms. I share my passion for my community via social media, volunteering at my children’s schools, through my time in church and bible studies, during my time serving on the spouses club, through mom groups, via my spouse, and just by being an example to my amazing kids. I practice having gratitude and sharing my heart with those I have the privilege of knowing in the community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
Receiving a nomination is quite the honor in itself. I was absolutely blown away when I received the initial email. I came from very humble beginnings and never saw myself receiving such an opportunity. If I earn the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I hope to bring awareness to how big of an impact military spouses can make in their community. I also want to express how much of a blessing it is to be able to be able to contribute in the many ways mentioned above. When you can bring kindness, joy, and all of the unique gifts and abilities you have to offer to your local community, you WILL make a positive difference and bring about change. Don’t hold anything back. YOU have so much to offer!