Cindy Clogston

Share your military spouse story:
I am a Coast Guard spouse of 12 years. During that time, my husband and I have had a few moves and our fair share of deployments, but the five years we spent stationed on Kodiak Island were by far the most transformative. It was remote, isolated, and challenging, but it taught me more about resilience than I could have ever imagined. Living in such a small, close-knit community, where everyone looks out for each other, really opened my eyes to the power of connection. I learned that no matter how far away you are from family or friends, you can always find support if you build a network of people who care. My experience there pushed me to think more about how I could give back to others. I’ve always felt a calling to help people, and I used my time on Kodiak during the pandemic to pursue my Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. My husband got orders to Bahrain for a year, so I threw myself into my studies and leaned hard into the community I built for myself on our beautiful island. In pursing my MSW, I knew I wanted to serve our active duty and veteran community in a mental health capacity. I wanted to help those who have sacrificed so much for their country find the help they need when it’s hardest. Upon completion of my degree and a PCS to Virginia, I was able to start working as a clinician at a Substance Use Residential Treatment facility that had recently started a military and veteran program. This opened my eyes even more to the needs of our service members and veterans and strengthened my commitment to help

Share an example of your leadership experience within the military community:
Served as Ombudsman for PATFORSWA while my husband was stationed in Bahrain. Currently serving as kne of the Ombudsmen for Sector New York.

Describe your involvement in the military community:
While stationed on Kodiak, I was a member of the Coast Guard Spouses Association of Kodiak. I served one term as Board Secretary and also served as the Chair of Grants & Scholatships for 3 years

Describe how you support your community:
I support my community by trying to be a resource for other spouses. Whether it's taking a new spouse under my wing or including them in my hobbies and activities. My biggest goal is to show them that while this life has its many challenges, they don't have to navigate it alone.

What do you advocate for? Why?
I will forver advicate for mental health within the military community and will never stop working tonhelp break down the barriers to seeking or receiving help. I will work tirelessly to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families receive the support, resources, and care they need. I advicate for creating an environment where mental health is just as valued as physical health, and where reaching out for help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

How have you spread the message of your platform/advocacy?
I spread my message by being open and honest about my own mental health struggles. I share what has helped me get through the challenges this life constantly throws at you and emphasize the importance of finding joy even in the smallest of things.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I hope to be an advocate for change, community, and resiliency.