Ariana Gadwa

Share your military spouse story:
Like many great millennial love stories, ours began behind a computer screen. True to military tradition, we were engaged after just six months of dating and married a little over a year later. We are now proud parents of two wonderful boys and a spirited dog. Recently, we celebrated our first milestone of ten years of marriage, though deployment has delayed our celebration. I may not fit the typical image associated with the title "Military Spouse of the Year." My resume isn’t filled with notable achievements, but I believe I offer a reflection of the diverse experiences many military spouses face. I have been the new spouse navigating military life, the independent wife focused on my career, and the stay-at-home mom managing solo parenting during deployments. As a content creator, I have spent years sharing the realities of my life as a military spouse and mother, aiming to create a safe space for military spouses and mothers alike. My journey has resonated with thousands, who have followed my highs—like my spouse's promotions and our adventures abroad—as well as our lows, including long deployments, my baby's COVID diagnosis at three months old while my husband was away, and my struggles to cope during challenging times. I have shared my traumatic birth experience and the complexities of navigating a foreign hospital, as well as the difficulties of reintegration after deployments and managing health challenges while living with an autoimmune disease. Through these experiences, I have connected with many in our community on various levels. By sharing my unfiltered life, I hope to inspire and support others. Receiving nominations from viewers who feel moved or helped by my content has been the most rewarding aspect of this journey.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
An example of my leadership within the military community is my role as a key spouse. While stationed in Italy, I took on multiple responsibilities within our program, serving as a vital communication link between the commander and families. I coordinated meals for families in our squadron, managed our social media page, and contributed to various initiatives. I have also helped create and write welcome packets for incoming families at our current duty station and played a role in revitalizing the key spouse program here. Currently, I am working with leadership to enhance support for airmen, families, and the overall community at our base and squadron.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I actively engage with the military community through various avenues, whether by participating in base programs or connecting with others to strengthen our community. I prioritize attending playgroups, meet-ups, squadron events, and base functions to foster relationships and build our support network. In addition to these activities, I am involved in Military Christian groups, such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel), where I take on leadership roles, including overseeing the hospitality program for both organizations. Through my content creation on social media, I connect with thousands of military spouses worldwide, ensuring that anyone seeking community support has access to it.

Describe how you support your community:
Supporting the military community involves fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Content creation serves as an important tool for connecting with military spouses from diverse backgrounds, regardless of age, race, employment status, or rank. It is essential to convey that everyone has a place in this community and can rely on support, understanding, and a willingness to listen. Being a military spouse encompasses more than just a list of accomplishments; it is vital to represent a broad spectrum of experiences. Ensuring that no one feels unworthy of recognition or appreciation, regardless of formal accolades, is important. The sacrifices and growth that come with this lifestyle are shared collectively, making the sense of community vital. By embodying this spirit of togetherness, the aim is to contribute to a supportive environment that values every individual’s journey within the military community.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for authenticity in sharing the experiences of military life, especially in an era where social media often presents curated highlights that can lead to comparison and feelings of inadequacy. It’s important for people to see the full spectrum of this lifestyle, which includes both its incredible opportunities and its challenges. By representing the realities of military life, I aim to highlight the unique aspects that come with it while also acknowledging the difficulties that many face. This balanced perspective can help create a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and its impact on individuals and families. Personally, I have experienced both dreams coming true and significant challenges, and these experiences have shaped who I am today. Embracing both the highs and lows allows for a more comprehensive view of the military community and fosters a sense of connection among its members.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Through my social media platforms, in person discussions with members of my community, speeches, podcast interviews.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I aspire to continue representing the everyday military spouse and to be a symbol of what is possible within this community. My goal is to show that anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve significant things. I want to serve as an inspiration for those who may feel like underdogs, demonstrating that their voices and contributions are valuable and impactful. By sharing diverse experiences and perspectives, I hope to encourage others to embrace their unique journeys and recognize their potential within the military community.