Alice Silver

Share your military spouse story:
As a Coast Guard spouse for 16 years and a proud mother of two, I’ve navigated the challenges of military life by having many roles in our household scheduler, personal taxi, housekeeper, chef, and emotional support. The constant moves, with their inevitable goodbyes and fresh starts, have helped me become adaptable and resilient, while also teaching me the importance of building deep, lifelong friendships wherever we go. I’ve learned to embrace the opportunity to get involved in our military community, knowing that every new duty station is an opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways. Whether it’s being a shoulder to lean on during a deployment, stepping in to support fellow spouses, or offering a helping hand when life gets tough, I am always ready to serve my fellow military families. Volunteering with organizations like Operation Homefront has been a key part of my journey. I’ve had the privilege of creating and executing events that directly benefit military families, strengthening the bonds within our community. From organizing outreach programs to simply being there for someone in need, I’ve committed myself to making a positive impact on the lives of those around me. For me, it’s not just about surviving military life—it’s about thriving, connecting, and lifting others up along the way. Whether it's offering my time, my resources, or just being a listening ear, I am always ready to show up, to support, and to make a difference.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
With my leadership experiences I believe that leadership is not just about formal titles but about the difference you can make in the lives of others. Whether it’s something as simple as offering a shoulder to lean on, dropping off a baked good to brighten someone’s day, or being the emergency contact at school, I strive to be the steady. My leadership role has also extended to more formal capacities. As the Secretary for the Coast Guard Spouses Club, I helped facilitate initiatives that brought families together. Volunteering with Operation Homefront, I’ve worked to support and organize events and programs that directly benefit military families and give a sense of community. In addition , I’ve worked closely with military housing to enhance the living experience for families. Whether it’s organizing events to bring communities together or finding new ways to improve everyday life, I am committed to our military community. For me, leadership is about action and empathy.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
My involvement in the community has been driven by commitment to making a meaningful impact, while also navigating our own challenges. These experiences have shaped my ability to adapt, lead, and connect with others in powerful ways. I’ve always believed that the strength of the military community lies in its people, and I’ve dedicated myself to being an active and supportive presence in that community. Whether it's offering a listening ear to fellow spouses during deployments, helping families transition during moves, or simply being there when someone needs a hand, I strive to make a difference in the lives of those around me. Beyond just volunteering, I’ve worked to cultivate lasting relationships wherever we are stationed. I’ve found that these connections, built on shared experiences and mutual support, are what make this lifestyle meaningful. Through all of this, my mission remains the same: to be an active force for good and to offer support where it's needed.

Describe how you support your community:
Throughout my time as a Coast Guard spouse, I’ve always believed in the power of supporting and advocating for my military community. Whether through small gestures of kindness or taking on leadership roles, I dedicate myself to making difference. I understand the importance of being a reliable presence, whether that’s being a shoulder to lean on, providing an emergency contact for schools, or simply offering support during tough times. I’ve also stepped up in times of crisis to ensure that the voices of military families are heard. During the government shutdown, I took part in news interviews, using the platform to speak out on behalf of military families who were impacted by the uncertainty. I fought for families to be paid and made sure our struggles didn’t go unnoticed. For me, supporting my military community goes beyond just being involved, it’s about being the voice of others, advocating for their needs.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for the people who are afraid to use their voice, for the unheard, and for those who can’t speak out on their own. As a military spouse, I understand the challenges families face. My mission is to ensure that everyone, no matter who they are, feels seen and heard. In my leadership roles, I’ve always strived to be the voice for those who feel like they have none. Whether it’s speaking up for families who are facing financial uncertainty during a government shutdown or bringing attention to the everyday struggles that military families experience, I’ve made it my priority to amplify their concerns. I believe that no one should have to suffer in silence or feel like their needs don’t matter. I advocate for better support systems, improved living conditions, and greater recognition of the sacrifices military families make. For me, advocacy isn’t just about speaking up in moments of crisis; it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels empowered

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I’ve spread this message of advocacy by consistently leading by example. In every community I’ve been a part of, I’ve made it a priority to be there when called upon building trust and help foster an environment where others feel comfortable. My leadership roles have given me the platform to advocate on a broader scale. One of the most significant ways I’ve spread the message of advocacy was during the government shutdown when I took part in news interviews to speak out on behalf of military families who were affected. By using that platform to amplify their struggles, I brought much-needed attention to the financial uncertainty many families were facing. Through these efforts, I showed that advocacy can take many forms. Ultimately, I’ve spread the message of advocacy by consistently standing up for those who need it most. My commitment to making a difference is fueled by a belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and respected.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If given the honor of the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, my goal is to further amplify the voices of military families and continue advocating for those who often feel unheard or unable to speak up. I’ve spent the last 16 years as a Coast Guard spouse dedicated to making a difference in my community, and with this title, I would have a greater platform to create even more positive change. I would use the recognition to continue spreading the message of advocacy. I want to ensure that the struggles and concerns of military families are not only heard but addressed. I am passionate about making sure no one has to suffer in silence, and the MSOY title would allow me to further advocate for those who feel like they don’t have a voice. I’d also like to use this opportunity to build on the relationships I’ve formed within the military community. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to create a strong, supportive network of families who can rely on each other.