Cassandra Kidd

Share your military spouse story:
As a Director of Business Development working with children with autism and an active participant in military spouse support networks, I’ve discovered that adaptability, connection, and support are the cornerstones of thriving in military life. My journey as a military spouse began five years ago at a pre-deployment BBQ, where I met my wife. What started as a friendship quickly grew into a partnership built on love, trust, and shared values. Over the years, we’ve navigated challenges like three assignments, two promotions, and extended separations due to TDYs. Through it all, we’ve remained a united team. During my wife’s demanding USAF Weapons School training, I sent care packages and surprise food deliveries, and we stayed in touch daily, whether it be through quick texts or long conversations. These small gestures strengthened our bond and reminded us that no matter the distance, we’re always in this together. In my remote career, I’ve stayed socially connected through the Key Support Liaison Program, building relationships with other military families and fostering a sense of community. These connections remind me that helping others is at the heart of what it means to serve. Our family dynamic is unique and constantly evolving. As a blended family with one child living out of state, managing time together can be challenging. We’ve learned to make each visit with her meaningful, celebrating moments that create lasting memories. Our approach to family is rooted in respect, flexibility, and unconditional love, embracing the distinct challenges that come with blending lives. Through every challenge and triumph, my wife and I have built a resilient partnership. Together, we embrace the unpredictable nature of military life, support our blended family, and find joy in the little moments that make it all worthwhile.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
As the sole Key Support Liaison for the 328th Weapons Squadron, I serve as the primary contact for families of cadre members and students, ensuring they have the resources and support they need. I lead efforts to connect geographically separated spouses and families, fostering a sense of community despite the distance. I’ve organized events like trunk-or-treats, spouse dinners, and craft nights to bring families together and strengthen bonds. Additionally, I was honored to speak at the Delta 1 Leadership Conference, where I shared strategies for supporting geographically separated families and highlighted how we thrive through the Space Force core value of Connection. Through these efforts, I’ve demonstrated leadership by building a strong support network and fostering unity within our community, ensuring that families and service members feel valued, connected, and supported.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I am dedicated to supporting the military community both on and off the installation. Working closely with children with autism has given me insight into the unique challenges many military families face, especially when navigating resources and support systems. I prioritize assisting others by sharing knowledge, offering insurance guidance, and connecting families with valuable resources. At unit open houses, I serve as a welcoming face for families, helping them navigate the complexities of military life. I also maintain connections with spouses from previous units, offering a listening ear, answering questions, and providing support as needed. Through active involvement in both current and past military communities, I strive to ensure families feel informed, connected, and supported throughout their military journeys.

Describe how you support your community:
I strive to foster a sense of belonging and support for every military spouse. I believe in the power of community, where everyone’s experiences are valued, and no one faces the challenges of military life alone. My mission is to create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. I’ve organized a squadron diaper drive for new families, hosted a triple baby shower for expecting families, and hand-crafted personalized gifts for each household. Additionally, I’ve set up meal trains and coordinated one-on-one check-ins with spouses who need extra support. As the manager of our squadron’s Facebook page for spouses, significant others, and servicemembers, I ensure families stay informed about events and news. Through these efforts, I aim to strengthen connections, offer meaningful resources, and ensure every spouse has the support they need to thrive in military life.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for building genuine connections and support systems across all military branches, recognizing that spouses and families serve alongside their service members. Strong networks of support empower spouses to thrive both personally and professionally, making it easier to navigate the unique challenges of military life. Creating inclusive spaces where all spouses feel valued, regardless of branch or background, allows them to share resources, experiences, and encouragement. These connections not only strengthen individual families but also enhance the morale, resilience, and overall well-being of the military community. By fostering these networks, we ensure that spouses feel supported and empowered, benefiting the entire military family.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I share my advocacy for military families and community connection through various platforms, ensuring the message reaches a broad audience. I actively manage our squadron’s spouse Facebook page, using it to share resources, promote events, and tell personal stories that highlight the importance of support and connection. I’ve also spoken at the Delta 1 leadership conference, offering insights on building strong support systems for spouses and families. Additionally, I collaborate with local military spouse groups to organize events that foster networking and create opportunities for spouses to connect. Through these efforts, I promote inclusivity and community-building, encouraging military families to form meaningful relationships and advocate for one another.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I am deeply honored by the nomination as AFI Military Spouse of the Year and hope to use this platform to amplify the voices of military spouses and advocate for strong, supportive communities across all branches. My goal is to inspire others to connect, collaborate, and build networks that empower spouses and families to thrive despite the challenges of military life. By sharing resources, stories, and best practices, I aim to foster a culture of inclusivity and mutual support. Additionally, I will advocate for policies that enhance the lives of military families, focusing on career development, education, and mental health. Ultimately, I strive to ensure military spouses are recognized, valued, and supported, encouraging them to embrace opportunities and navigate military life with confidence and resilience.