Brittany Meeks

Share your military spouse story:
I met my husband in college, knowing that enlisting in the military was his next step after graduation. At the time, I never imagined I could be with someone in the military. But a decade later, I’m the proud spouse of a United States Marine, and I had no idea what an incredible journey I was about to embark on. The Marine Corps quickly changed the plans we had, and we eventually found ourselves at 2nd Maintenance Battalion at Camp Lejeune. There, a seasoned Marine Corps spouse took me under her wing, showing me the strength and rewards of this lifestyle. She treated me like family, and I knew I wanted to offer the same support to others as I navigated this path. In 2019, my husband commissioned, and we moved to Quantico, VA, for The Basic School (TBS). I’d learned so much by then, and I was eager to share my knowledge with new spouses. Once back in the fleet, I became involved in the Family Readiness Program. I believe in the power of community, so I strive to surround myself with like-minded spouses as we navigate military life together. I also attended the Camp Lejeune Leadership Seminar, where I found my place as a small group facilitator and volunteer coordinator. These roles allowed me to connect with and encourage others in their leadership journeys within their homes and communities. I’m grateful to the Marine Corps for connecting me with so many amazing spouses and friends all over the world. While military life can be isolating at times, I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be lonely. If we bloom where we’re planted, it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact and grow in new communities. The military spouse community has been a constant source of strength, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I became actively involved in the Family Readiness Program as a Family Readiness Assistant, attending Command Team Meetings and working closely with the DRC to understand the needs of Marines and their families. I helped plan events and create opportunities for spouses to connect. Later that year, when my husband deployed, I used what I had learned to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for spouses navigating deployment alongside me. I never shy away from offering small acts of kindness, like buying someone a cup of coffee or hosting a last-minute Thanksgiving Dinner when others might spend the day alone, ensuring that no one feels isolated.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
Before discovering the FRP and CLLS, I volunteered with Joyful Heart Deliveries on Camp Lejeune. We provided a free delivery service for Marines and Sailors in the barracks, helping families send packages, mail, and baked goods to their loved ones. This opportunity allowed me to connect with military families from across the country. In 2023, I attended the Camp Lejeune Leadership Seminar, energized by like-minded spouses on the same servant leadership journey. Inspired, I joined the Administrative Team as Volunteer Coordinator and served as a Small Group Facilitator for the next three seminars, supporting spouses in their leadership development. Later that year, when my husband deployed, I used what I had learned to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for spouses navigating deployment alongside me.

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by offering a helping hand whenever possible. Whether through volunteering with organizations like CLLS or planning events that bring spouses together, I work to create connections and foster a sense of belonging. I believe knowledge is power, so I make it a priority to connect spouses with the resources available to them. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll find one or connect them with someone who does, ensuring no one feels alone in navigating military life. At our current duty station, The Marine Corps has brought us to The Citadel, where I’m fortunate to support our future Marine Officers, helping them recognize the importance of family involvement.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for the young spouse who has left everything they know to support their service member. The military life can be lonely, isolating, and overwhelming, especially for those new to it. The constant moves, deployments, and challenges of adapting to unfamiliar environments can feel like an endless struggle. I aim to be a voice of encouragement for these spouses, reminding them that it's okay to struggle and that they are not alone. I hope to help them embrace the difficult moments, or "the suck," and encourage them to find the joy that is often hidden in the chaos. Through connection, support, and shared experiences, I want to empower them to see the strength in themselves and the beauty in the military community, even when times are tough.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I encourage people to get involved and invest in their community. Whether it's through volunteering, attending events, or simply reaching out to others, I believe that the greatest return comes when we invest in those around us. The military spouse community is a great place to start, as it's built on connection and shared experience. By being active and engaged, we can create a network of support for one another, and through those connections, find strength in the face of challenges. I hope to lead by example—by practicing what I preach—so that others feel empowered to step forward and make a difference. I also make a point of encouraging others to embrace the opportunities they have to connect, because it's through these relationships that we truly grow as individuals and as a community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I truly hope to show how beautiful and fulfilling this life can be. As military spouses, we have the unique opportunity to support and love those who defend our nation. While this life is undoubtedly challenging, it also offers immense rewards, and I believe we have the power to shape our experiences by leaning into the community around us. Over time, I feel that many of us have become disconnected, isolating ourselves and making the already difficult aspects of military life—deployments, TDYs, training—feel even harder. I want to change that narrative and show that by fostering real, meaningful connections with one another, we can find strength, resilience, and joy in the journey. If I am fortunate enough to earn the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® title, my goal is to inspire others to embrace the beauty of this lifestyle, build lasting connections, and find the same fulfillment and joy that I’ve found in being a military spouse.