Candice Carter

Share your military spouse story:
“Do you know my uncle?” Those were the first words out of my mouth when a cute boy with a buzz cut told me he was in the Army. This was also his first clue that I knew nothing about the military, including its size. Despite my lack of military knowledge, we were married one year later and off to what I thought would be our grand adventure. If you define adventure as back-to-back deployments, then this accurately describes our first four years together. After just one month of marriage, he left for a year-long deployment, leaving me to navigate military life alone. Just months after his return, and one month after discovering I was pregnant, I learned he would deploy again the following year. This wasn’t what I had in mind when I said, “I do.” I was isolated geographically and emotionally, but that is when I saw something meaningful emerge from the uncertainty. It started when a neighbor sent a text to ask if I needed anything from the store. Then, again when a friend offered to babysit while I ran errands. It revealed itself even more when a unit spouse, who barely knew me, showed up at my door with a meal when I was sick. Each day, I saw ordinary people choosing to show up for each other, and I realized this would shape my journey as a military spouse. Through these experiences, I saw the power of community in action. Military spouses, ordinary people with extraordinary selflessness, turned isolation into belonging. They showed me what it means to show up for each other, and I wanted to be like them. Inspired by those women, I have spent my years as a military spouse serving in volunteer, community, and leadership roles to support, advocate, and, most importantly, show up for others. Fifteen years, three continents, and multiple communities later, I’ve learned this: the strongest communities don’t just happen, they are built piece by piece through connection, compassion, and service to others. This belief continues to shape my military spouse journey today.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
As the Wiesbaden Area Representative for Americans Working Around the Globe (AWAG), I am dedicated to empowering the military community through growth opportunities. I organize seminars that provide military spouses and community members direct access to experts on personal and professional topics, offering networking opportunities that foster growth and community. At a recent seminar, I collaborated with nine subject-matter experts to deliver workshops on financial planning, employment readiness, and team building. This event brought together almost 100 participants from the community. In addition to sourcing dynamic speakers and securing sponsorships, I focus on addressing the unique challenges military spouses face by living abroad, such as career progression gaps and isolation. By organizing these events, I create valuable opportunities for spouses to connect with local resources and networks, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
With over six years of experience as a Senior Advisor to Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs), I collaborate with Soldiers, Families, and command teams to foster connections and address community needs. I help organize events like holiday celebrations, organizational days, and formal functions to boost morale and camaraderie. Additionally, I prioritize advocating for military families by attending town hall meetings and community events to promote connection to resources and community support, facilitate crisis response, and ensure families feel supported. In the past year, I have also served as an Official in the European Forces Swimming League, a Cub Scout Leader, an active member of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), a PTO volunteer, a member of the Wiesbaden Community Spouses Club, and a Sunday School teacher, further contributing to the strength of our military community.

Describe how you support your community:
Supporting a community means much more than holding volunteer or leadership roles. I have always hosted gatherings, organized events, and planned activities where people feel they have a place to go. While I am a very active volunteer, my most significant contribution to the community is serving as a connector. I love engaging with Soldiers, Spouses, and family members whenever I can. Whether it is connecting a new spouse to resources, encouraging a Soldier to volunteer, or hosting a holiday party for new and old friends, I cherish every opportunity to help build a strong, united community. Additionally, I also participated in the Army Family Action Plan conference to bring awareness to quality-of-life issues within our military community. This platform allowed me to advocate for meaningful changes that enhance the lives of Soldiers and their families. At the heart of my efforts is a steadfast belief in the power of community.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for a thriving military community by ensuring families feel supported, connected, and empowered. Frequent relocations and separations, especially when living abroad, can isolate families, so I work to provide meaningful support that boosts their confidence in navigating military life. By connecting families to essential resources and networks, I help bridge support gaps and create opportunities for growth, addressing the unique challenges they face and strengthening their overall well-being. When families are supported and connected, they’re better equipped to handle the demands of military life, improving resilience and morale throughout the community. For me, advocacy is about creating opportunities that lead to a more cohesive and thriving military community.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
Participating, being present, and engaging with military spouses is the most effective way to spread my message and make meaningful connections. By actively listening and connecting with individuals, I can better understand their needs and advocate for solutions that enhance our military community. As the Wiesbaden Area Representative for Americans Working Around the Globe (AWAG), I use my position to raise awareness of community events, networking opportunities, and resources for personal and professional development. By organizing seminars and facilitating discussions, I create environments where military spouses and families feel empowered and supported. As the host of the AWAG seminars, I've had many opportunities to share insights on personal and professional growth and building strong community connections. These opportunities allow me to engage directly with military spouses and leaders, amplifying my message and promoting positive change within our community.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
As a military spouse, I aspire to inspire others to engage actively in their communities. I believe that each one of us possesses the power to make a significant impact, not only through large-scale initiatives but also through small, everyday acts of kindness and support. These seemingly minor gestures, whether it’s welcoming a new family to the neighborhood, sharing helpful resources, or simply being there to listen, can create a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community. I encourage military spouses to recognize the importance of their contributions and understand that their efforts create a lasting legacy. By fostering connection, resilience, and belonging, we not only enhance the lives of those around us but also carry on a tradition of support that affects military communities far beyond our immediate reach. Together, we build networks of care and support that continue to expand, linking one military community to another and ensuring that no one ever feels alone.