Christina Wall

Share your military spouse story:
My husband I met in 2018 while he was stationed at McChord Air Force Base. Our journey began with an 8-month courtship before he departed for a year-long tour in the desert. During his absence, I navigated the new life we were building from afar—eagerly awaiting every phone call or text, counting down the days until we could be together again, and sending countless cheesy and adorably decorated care packages his way. Halfway through his tour we got married, marking the start of a whirlwind adventure while also blending our family of 7! Three months before his remote tour ended, he finally found out where we’d be heading… and it turned out to be right back to McChord! I burst into tears! He was exactly who I needed by my side, reassuring me with the perfect words: “It’s going to be perfect—we’ll get to spend time as a married couple right where we fell in love.” He has an incredible way of calming my anxieties and reminding me that everything will be okay. In our 5 ½ years of marriage, we’ve packed in so many experiences that it feels like we’ve been together for decades! In 2021 we PCSed to Kadena Air Base, and I couldn’t have been more excited. I fell in love with the island and the incredible community there. Adjusting to a new environment always takes time, but once I found my footing, I immersed myself in giving back—to the squadron, the wing, and the tiny island that became our home. After two years at Kadena, we PCSed to Ramstein Air Base, where life has been a blend of everyday family dynamics and new opportunities. I rejoined the workforce which has been a significant milestone for me. In my current role with USO Western Europe, I’ve had the privilege of making an impact not only on local military members and their families but also across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. This chapter of my life has been both exciting and deeply rewarding, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to make meaningful contributions to the community.

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
I have embraced opportunities to lead and serve within the military community. While stationed at Kadena Air Base, I held board positions with the Okinawa Enlisted Spouses' Club (OESC) and also sat in as a representative of OESC at the American Welfare and Works Association (AWWA) board meetings. Witnessing the profound impact that these organizations can have on the lives of military families was inspiring, and being an active part of that work is something I will cherish forever. At Ramstein Air Base, I have taken my passion for service to a larger scale with my work with the USO. I’ve had the opportunity to visit remote locations and bases where resources and support for military families are limited. Collaborating with these communities to bring much-needed assistance has been a deeply rewarding experience. The joy and relief on the faces of service members and their families when they realize they are not forgotten is something that will always stay with me.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
I have taken it upon myself to bring a sense of "home" to our service members and their families by cooking and baking whenever I can. It’s something I love to do, and sharing those meals and treats feels like a small but meaningful way to show care and support. At Ramstein, I’ve found creative ways to support morale, like maintaining the "Morale Tree" in my husband’s previous office. From themed decorations for each season to festive holiday displays, it has been a fun and simple way to bring a bit of joy to their demanding workdays. With the USO, I’ve expanded my reach and discovered new ways to support the military community. I’ve worked on projects that deliver resources, provide support, and foster a sense of connection for service members and their families, even in remote or underserved locations. Knowing that these efforts make a tangible difference in their lives has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey.

Describe how you support your community:
I am a people person. My goal is to make everyone feel welcome, loved, and confident that they can come to me with anything they may be facing. For military spouses, being far from home can be challenging, but we become each other's families—the ones we turn to in times of need. In my nomination, it was said that I do not know a stranger, and it’s true. I can have a conversation and make a new friend with anyone at any time. I get that from my mom—she has always had a way of making friends wherever she's at. We would always have to stop and talk to someone in a store or at a restaurant growing up and it would drive us crazy. Now that I see that same trait in myself, I am so thankful to have inherited it from her. Supporting those around you on a personal level is, in my view, the most impactful way to uplift the community. These connections create a ripple effect, fostering resilience and strength within the military family and leaving a lasting legacy of care and compassion.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I advocate for fostering connections and building community. In the unique and often challenging world of military life, these connections are vital. Bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging can make all the difference in navigating the uncertainties and transitions that come with this lifestyle. I want to bridging the gaps in support that often exist within our military community. These gaps can leave people feeling isolated or overlooked, but we can all work together to close them. Sometimes, it’s as simple as offering a smile, saying "hello," or extending a small gesture of kindness. Other times, it’s about taking larger, deliberate actions to ensure that resources and support systems reach those who need them. I believe that building a strong, connected community isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. This sense of unity and shared purpose is what turns challenges into opportunities and ensures that no one has to face this journey alone.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I actively spread the message of my advocacy by encouraging others to get involved in Spouses’ Clubs and volunteer opportunities with various organizations. These groups are invaluable for building the connections our military community needs to thrive, and they provide easy and accessible ways for individuals to find support and camaraderie. I also prioritize maintaining relationships through social media and other digital platforms, allowing me to stay connected with family, friends, and fellow military spouses around the world. Even from thousands of miles away, these connections are everything. They serve as a lifeline during both the good times and the challenging ones, providing understanding and support from people who truly “get it.” Military spouses share a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of this lifestyle. By fostering these connections and encouraging others to do the same, I hope to help strengthen our community, ensuring no one feels alone.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
With the AFI Military Spouse of the Year title, I hope to amplify the importance of connection and community within the military world. Military life can be isolating, but it doesn't have to be. I want to use this platform to highlight the resources and opportunities that exist and to create new ones where they are lacking. By collaborating with organizations, leadership, and communities, I hope to address the unique challenges military families face and advocate for stronger support systems that make life easier for everyone in our military family. Most importantly, I want to show others that one person can make a difference. Whether through a smile, a conversation, or a meaningful act of service, every connection we build strengthens our community. With this title, I hope to leave a legacy of resilience, kindness, and unity that inspires others to step up and support one another, no matter where the military journey takes them.