Bridgette Ellis

Share your military spouse story:
Becoming a military spouse 16 years ago was a leap into a world I could never have fully imagined. Over the years, my husband’s career has taken us through 5 moves, 4 deployments, and countless TDYs. Each experience has brought unique challenges, but also incredible growth for our family. When my husband deployed for the first time, I felt the weight of loneliness and uncertainty. I was newly married and far from family. But over time, I realized that connection and resilience were my greatest tools. I built relationships within our community, finding strength in shared experiences with other spouses. For a couple of years, our daughters attended public school, but we ultimately chose to homeschool. This decision wasn’t solely due to the unpredictability of military life but also stemmed from significant changes in the school systems, the demands of our children’s sports schedules, and a desire to have more control over their education. It’s been one of my greatest joys to guide their learning while instilling values of adaptability, kindness, and strength. As an introvert, I’ve often been reluctant to step into the spotlight, but I’ve learned the power of simply showing up. Whether organizing meals for families in need, encouraging spouses to get involved in squadron and wing activities, or being a listening ear for someone struggling, I’ve made it my mission to serve and uplift those around me. Recently, I re-entered the workforce part-time, adding yet another layer to my role as a homeschool mom, military spouse, and friend. While the juggling act can be overwhelming, I approach each day with gratitude and determination. Through it all, I’ve come to see that being a military spouse is more than enduring—it’s thriving in the face of challenges, creating community wherever you go, and finding joy in the journey. My story is one of quiet strength and steadfast service, and I hope it inspires others to embrace their own unique path with courage and grace.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
During a transition to a non-operational squadron, I faced the challenge of fostering a sense of family within an environment that felt disconnected compared to our previous assignments. I initiated efforts to bring spouses together through encouraging participation in monthly spouse socials, squadron events, and wing activities. Recognizing the unique dynamics of the squadron, I worked with leadership to create family-friendly events that bridged the gap between spouses and active-duty members. This effort is still a work in progress, but through consistent outreach, I’ve emphasized the importance of community support and motivated spouses to take an active role in squadron life. By fostering relationships and empowering others to contribute, I’ve helped begin transforming the squadron into a supportive network, demonstrating the power of leadership in building a unified military community.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
As a long-time member of the military community, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting others through active involvement. I’ve served as a Key Spouse in the past and currently contribute as a Key Spouse Mentor, guiding new spouses and fostering connection. I’m committed to supporting families during challenging times by providing meals, sending encouraging texts, and consistently showing up to social events to build camaraderie. Every year, I participate in the cookie drive for airmen in the dorms and support Angel Tree families, instilling the value of giving back in our daughters, who eagerly join these efforts. Encouraging their participation in activities like these has helped them develop a deep appreciation for community service. Through these actions, I strive to make a positive impact on the military community and ensure that every family feels supported and valued.

Describe how you support your community:
Supporting my community has always been about creating inclusive opportunities and fostering connections. As a homeschooling mom, I work to encourage and assist other military families exploring this path. Each year, I host at least one homeschool unit study in our on-base neighborhood, providing a space for learning and camaraderie among families. I also make myself available to answer questions, share resources, and guide families toward accurate information about homeschooling requirements in our current state and beyond. By pointing families to helpful websites, local groups, and experienced mentors, I strive to ensure they feel confident and supported in their homeschooling journey. My goal is to create an inclusive environment where every family can succeed and thrive, whether through homeschooling or other community activities. These efforts reflect my passion for building a strong, connected military community where everyone feels valued and empowered.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for creating strong, supportive, and inclusive military communities, particularly by fostering connections among spouses and families. The unpredictable nature of military life—through moves, deployments, and transitions—can be isolating, but I believe that resilience and strength come from building relationships within our community. By encouraging active involvement in squadron and wing activities, organizing family-friendly events, and supporting one another during challenging times, I aim to create spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. Additionally, I advocate for supporting military families who choose alternative education paths, like homeschooling. Homeschooling has allowed our family more control over our children’s education and flexibility in managing our busy military life. By sharing resources, offering guidance, and creating opportunities for families to connect, I strive to help others feel confident and supported as they explore homeschooling.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
As an introvert, spreading the message of my advocacy requires me to step outside of my comfort zone. I rely on a combination of social media, personal connections, and word of mouth to reach others. In our squadron's spouse groups, I share resources, event updates, and encourage participation in community activities, which allows me to connect with a larger audience. Despite my natural inclination to avoid the spotlight, I make a conscious effort to speak with people in person, whether at squadron events or in one-on-one conversations, to personally engage and spread the message. I also use personal texts or calls to offer support or share information, helping to create more direct, meaningful connections. While it’s not always easy for me, stepping outside my comfort zone to connect with others has allowed me to make a positive impact on our community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
If honored with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title, I would use the platform to strengthen military communities by encouraging spouses to get involved, support one another, and create inclusive opportunities. I hope to raise awareness about the challenges military families face, especially those choosing alternative education paths like homeschooling, and ensure they have the resources they need. My goal is to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones and build networks of support, empowering military families to thrive wherever they are stationed.