Typhany Lovdahl

Share your military spouse story:
I’m an Air Force spouse of over 16 years, mother, friend, and what I like to call “professional” Volunteer. As a mom of four, I feel this taught me the patience needed to concur all aspects of military life. I fell in love with my husband as kids, and our respect and love for each other has continued to grow over our marriage. I can truly say I married my best friend. Welcoming our four children completed our family and we constantly look forward to the next new adventure adding memories as we go. As a military spouse I knew moving around so often could limit my work opportunities, so I majored in business. I believed that would cover so many different roads that could be explored while moving across countries. Then I found that my passion and love came when I volunteered! I was hooked, and advocating for our military spouses and families is something I truly can say fills my soul. I believe our military spouses are the most underutilized asset the military has. Once they figure it out and tap into the amazing things they have to offer, the SKY is the limit! From being a private organization President, Key Spouse/Mentor, Program leader, and Advocate for military families I can say I have had many hats to wear. This of course doesn’t include the titles I hold at home, because MOM is the one who manages the household! Through deployments, TDYs, and special duty assignments I have tried to remain a true volunteer to be ready and prepared where ever the need is! Spouses learn to Pivot and reframe to get through every new obstacle that comes about. Currently we are about to embark on another deployment, and call MacDill AFB home.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
Having the opportunity to be the program lead for the New Spouse Orientation at Lackland AFB Basic military training was a highlight of my military spouse career. When my spouse graduated basic training, I was not given anything in the way of information or mentorship. I say, "we were all thrown in the deep end without a floaty" and had to pave our own way. Helping bring this program back to life after COVID was essential for new military spouses. Attending weekly Basic Military Training Graduations to brief all new military spouses on what it means to be a military spouse, providing resources and information on what to expect when becoming a new military family, and connecting them with military partnering agencies. Managing, training, recruiting and partnering with volunteers and resource partners, lead to helping brief designated visitors on how successful the program was. The program is recognized as an Air Force Best Practice. I received an MTI spouse of the year nomination.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
At our current location I am working and volunteering with… The Bautista Project has allowed me to advocate for the military community facing food insecurity in our area. It’s a topic that’s not always addressed or even acknowledged, but we offer a food pantry in the base chapel, and a service-to-service drive through food distribution for our families. We also focus on our homeless veterans in the Tampa area. Getting them back on their feet and making sure they get the resources they need to succeed. Blue Star Families has given me the opportunity to reach so many military families, through providing free tickets and events for them to take advantage of, to helping off set cost during the Holiday with our Nourish the service events. I also continue my Key Spouse duties at MacDill AFB. Over 12 years with the program and I intend to continue creating new and fun ways to bring the families together, while aiding in the everyday struggle's military families endure.

Describe how you support your community:
I always support my community everywhere! Each military base and location may present a unique and specific set of challenges. For example, here the cost of living is high, and our military families have added expenses from driving 45 minutes or more to work (because that is how far affordable housing is), while also needing to pay for tolls. This puts a financial burden on our younger enlisted families. Being a part of organizations that focus on offsetting the cost of food and events for these families is something that is easy to get behind and I love volunteering with. Connecting with the families one on one and getting their feedback on events and programs they want to see, helps me bring it back to leadership. This way we can reframe and shift to fit what the community and families need! Handing out food to our local homeless community is something I also find makes a big difference! Making people smile and taking the time to acknowledge them is sometimes all someone needs.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for our families! I do what I do for our families. I am 100% behind them, here to help where and when I can. Advocating for our military families and their needs is essential. Being able to take all the feedback and suggestions to leadership and Military and Family Readiness, allows us to tailor programs to what the demand is. Taking the time to go to trainings each quarter and having resource partners come and brief on updates and changes to programs, allows me to take back updated and current information for our families. I have found some families/spouses may be uncomfortable talking with those in uniform or they are scared their needs will not be herd or addressed. Being the person, they know will speak up for them continues the relationship between families and those who can help lead the way to aid them in their concerns/needs.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I am a full-time volunteer, and I attend base and local events to mingle and get to know our families. I get my message out by not only advocating for the families, participating in trainings, but also by briefing on the issues seen across families. Taking the data to leadership and partners that can help spread the word even further. Creating events for families to participate in where they get to hear about all the upcoming news, events and mingle with other families. Making sure everyone is included no matter what! We are not labeled as a joint base here in Tampa, but our base serves so many branches, and ALL our families deserve someone who will push the bonds and make sure their voices are herd. Sharing information through email, and social media helps makes sure those who can’t come or participate in person, still receive the information and resources provided.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I hope to embrace to topic of food insecurity for our military families. It's not something that is always brought up, but it is a problem. I don’t believe any of our families should have to worry about not having money to provide their families with a healthy meal. The stigma around the topic, does put off some from seeking help. I think making it known that everyone struggles at times, and its ok to ask for help will help reach those scared to seek the help needed. I also think helping our families find a sense of community wherever they go is important. I tell spouses who maybe had a bad experience in on place to try again elsewhere. Just because it was not great one location, doesn’t mean it won’t be the best thing at another. never be scared to put yourself out there! I attended the Military Spouse Advocacy Leadership Development course end of 2023 and I think the wonderful lessons learned can be applied to further helping in our military community!